10 Minute Drill

On today’s episode of the 10 Minute Drill, we break down the biggest political and national security stories driving the news cycle.

First, tensions with Iran continue to escalate as President Trump deploys additional U.S. warships to protect the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical energy chokepoints. As the U.S. moves to safeguard global shipping lanes, divisions within NATO are emerging, with Germany signaling the conflict is “not our war.” We discuss what this means for the alliance and why the media continues to struggle to accurately explain the stakes of the conflict.

Next, the political showdown over the Department of Homeland Security shutdown intensifies. Members of the media are increasingly pressing Democrats about their votes to keep DHS unfunded, even after recent security concerns. We break down the confrontation on Capitol Hill, including viral moments involving Cory Booker, Elissa Slotkin, and John Cornyn handing out lunch to TSA workers caught in the middle of the funding fight.

Then we examine a disturbing story out of Fairfax County, Virginia, where a 19-year-old illegal immigrant has been charged after multiple girls reported being groped in school hallways for months. Prosecutors say the alleged assaults continued throughout the school year before the suspect was arrested. Parents are demanding answers about why school officials failed to stop the behavior sooner and why Virginia’s sanctuary policies may prevent cooperation with ICE, which has issued a detainer.

We also discuss a Wall Street Journal editorial arguing that America’s current ability to confront Iran is largely the result of Trump’s energy independence strategy, which transformed the United States into the world’s largest exporter of natural gas and a net exporter of petroleum. That shift, the editorial argues, has dramatically reduced the leverage of energy-producing adversaries.

Finally, Texas Democrat James Talarico says the quiet part out loud, admitting he might have communicated some of his past statements differently — while confirming his underlying views remain unchanged.

All that and more in today’s 10 Minute Drill.

New episodes break down the biggest stories in U.S. politics, national security, energy policy, immigration, and the media — in just ten minutes.

0:00 - Intro

0:39 - Iran & NATO Allies

2:53 - Dem Shutdown Backlash

4:23 - Sen. Cornyn Airport Showdown

6:01 - Illegal Groping in VA

8:42 - Trump’s Energy Triumph

11:04 - Radical James Talarico

It’s a special Monday Rundown on the 10 Minute Drill, breaking down the biggest political, national security, and policy stories shaping the week ahead.

In this episode we cover the fallout from two major terror attacks inside the United States, the growing pressure on Democrats over the ongoing Department of Homeland Security shutdown, rising Iran tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, and the escalating political fight over gas prices and energy policy.

We also examine how Hollywood and the Oscars are being pushed into political activism, the Senate debate over the SAVE Act and election integrity, and another troubling Virginia sanctuary policy case involving an illegal immigrant accused of violent crimes in a high school.

Terror Attacks in America A deadly shooting at Old Dominion University involving a naturalized U.S. citizen previously convicted of terrorism-related charges — and questions about why the suspect was not deported after his conviction. Plus, a synagogue attack in Michigan where armed security stopped a suspect who rammed a vehicle into the building and opened fire.

DHS Shutdown Fallout Democrats face growing scrutiny from the media and lawmakers as the Department of Homeland Security shutdown continues. Airline CEOs warn that failure to fund TSA and aviation security could disrupt air travel nationwide.

Iran and the Strait of Hormuz International tensions rise as warships from multiple countries move into the region and President Trump calls on China to help ensure the Strait remains open — a critical chokepoint for global oil supplies.

Watch Cuba President Trump signals that major developments involving Cuba may be coming soon, raising questions about the next phase of U.S. policy toward the island.

The Energy Blame Game Democrats blame global conflict for rising gas prices, but critics argue domestic policy — including refinery shutdowns and state energy regulations — is driving higher costs.

SAVE Act Senate Debate Lawmakers begin debate over the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act, which would require proof of citizenship to vote in federal elections — setting up a major political fight in Congress.

Another Virginia Sanctuary Story A disturbing case in Fairfax County schools raises new questions about local sanctuary policies after an illegal immigrant accused of attacking multiple students was nearly released from jail despite an ICE detainer.

Plus


Congress cancels House votes due to severe weather


Media pressure campaign around the Oscars and political activism


The key stories and political battles to watch this week

Time Stamps:

0:00 - Intro 

0:37 - Oscar night

2:12 - Terror attacks

3:53 - Media turns on Democrats over shutdown

6:10 - Strait of Hormuz latest 

7:04 - Previewing the SAVE Act in the Senate

8:58 - Democrats try to shift blame for energy issues on Iran

10:50 - Another terrible sanctuary outcome in Virginia 

The 10 Minute Drill delivers fast, fact-packed analysis of the biggest stories in politics, national security, and public policy — all in about ten minutes.

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The Strait of Hormuz is back in the headlines after ships were struck and the U.S. Navy destroyed multiple boats suspected of deploying sea mines — raising serious questions about Iran, global shipping, and the role of American energy in national security.

On today’s episode of the 10 Minute Drill, we break down why oil and gas production isn’t just about prices at the pump — it’s about national security. While tensions rise in the Middle East, Chuck Schumer is demanding a release from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve and blaming Donald Trump for high gas prices — despite previously bragging about blocking efforts to refill the SPR when oil prices were far lower.

We also look at the growing fallout from the DHS shutdown, with reports that hundreds of TSA officers have already quit and call-outs at airports are surging nationwide. Meanwhile, Democrats appear to have walked away from negotiations — leaving travelers and federal workers caught in the middle.

Plus, more evidence that high-tax policies are driving people and companies out of blue states. Exxon is leaving New Jersey, Chevron has already exited California, and Starbucks is shifting operations away from Washington — as taxpayers increasingly question why they should hand over more money to governments plagued by waste, fraud, and abuse.

And the fraud stories keep piling up. An Indiana doctor allegedly billed Medicaid $29 million to treat just 84 children in the booming autism therapy industry. California is facing growing hospice fraud scandals. And in Washington, D.C., officials requested $4 million for broadband expansion — only for investigators to discover that not a single address actually needed it.

We also discuss the growing controversy surrounding the National Academy of Sciences, after Republican attorneys general demanded the Trump administration reconsider federal funding over concerns about political activism in taxpayer-funded climate guidance.

Finally, political intrigue returns to the Biden world. Dr. Jill Biden is releasing a new memoir, promising to tell the untold story behind Joe Biden’s exit from the race — while Kamala Harris previously accused the Bidens of being selfish for pushing him to run again. With both figures now heading out on book tours, the behind-the-scenes drama may just be getting started.

All that and more in today’s 10 Minute Drill.

0:00 - Intro

0:34 - Energy Security

3:31 - TSA Shutdown

5:22 - Blue State Taxes

7:10 - Broadband Fraud

11:52 - NAS Climate Science

13:15 - Kamala vs. Dr. Jill

On the March 11 episode of the 10 Minute Drill, we break down the biggest political stories of the day — from the escalating military campaign against Iran to a disturbing terrorism plot in New York and major gun legislation moving in Virginia.

The Trump administration says operations against Iran are already ahead of schedule, with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth warning that the latest round of strikes would be the most intense day of bombing yet. At the same time, missile launches from Iran appear to be declining, oil prices have stabilized, and reports are circulating that Mojtaba Khamenei may be emerging as Iran’s next Supreme Leader as the regime scrambles to respond.

Meanwhile, terrorism fallout in New York continues after suspects allegedly inspired by ISIS were accused of plotting an attack authorities say could have rivaled the Boston Marathon bombing. Political reactions have been chaotic, with critics blasting New York leadership for attempting to spread blame rather than confront the threat directly.

In Virginia, four major gun control bills are heading to the governor’s desk. The legislation includes new restrictions on commonly owned firearms, limits on magazines over 10 rounds, and provisions allowing activists to sue gun manufacturers for crimes committed by criminals — all while lawmakers move to reduce mandatory minimum sentences and eliminate cash bail.

We also look at the two-year anniversary of the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse in Maryland. Despite major promises and national political attention, not a single foot of the replacement bridge has been constructed, the budget has ballooned, and the projected reopening date has already slipped to 2030.

Plus, a growing controversy involving Jennifer Siebel Newsom, the wife of California Governor Gavin Newsom. Reports show her nonprofit paid her roughly $300,000 a year, far above comparable organizations, while her documentaries were simultaneously promoted in state education guidelines and shown in public school classrooms.

And finally, Texas Democrat James Talarico continues making headlines with viral comments on Christianity, climate change, and gender politics.

All that and more in today’s 10 Minute Drill.

0:00 - Intro

0:40 - Latest from Iran

1:40 - Fallout from NYC terror attempt

3:12 - Virginia’s Gun Grabs

7:09 - Francis Scott Key Bridge 2 Year

8:30 - Jennifer Newsom’s Scandal

11:59 - Talarico’s Takes

Today on the 10 Minute Drill, we start by honoring six American service members during a dignified transfer ceremony.

Then we turn to the latest developments in the Iran conflict, where officials say Iran’s navy has been rendered largely combat ineffective and retaliatory ballistic missile attacks have dropped dramatically. We discuss what that means for the Strait of Hormuz, global oil prices, and volatile financial markets, along with reactions from military veterans and national security leaders.

Next, we break down the fallout from the DHS shutdown, which is already triggering flight delays and security concerns at U.S. airports, even as bomb threats in Kansas City and Nashville highlight the risks of disrupting homeland security operations.

We also cover a potential terror attack in New York City, after the NYPD confirmed a device thrown in Manhattan was a real improvised explosive device capable of causing serious injury or death. Investigators are now examining whether the suspects were inspired by ISIS and looking into possible international connections.

On the political front, we examine the escalating fight over Virginia’s congressional redistricting, including accusations of extreme gerrymandering, controversial ballot language, and maps critics say dramatically reshape the state’s political landscape.

We also dive into chaos inside the Democratic Party, as donors and operatives question new DNC chair Ken Martin’s leadership and reporting suggests Kamala Harris may still be positioning herself for a 2028 presidential run.

Finally, we look at Gavin Newsom’s latest idea—a $19 million taxpayer-funded campaign promoting California to counter what his administration calls “misinformation,” raising questions about politics, priorities, and a potential presidential bid.

All that and more in today’s 10 Minute Drill.

Time Stamps: 

0:00 - Intro

0:32 - Trump honors 6 fallen heroes from Iran conflict 

0:51 - Iran update at 9 days 

3:23 - shutdown trouble gets real 

4:44 - media, Zohran downplay terror in NYC 

7:57 - Virginia gerrymander - Spanberger’s flip flop

9:01 - Virginia gerrymander - Fairfax County dominance

9:56 - Virginia gerrymander - Meet corrupt Dan Helmer 

10:56 - Virginia gerrymander - lying in a ballot question 

11:40 - Democrats in some trouble / return of Kamala

13:35 - Gavin Newsom’s Zoolander Problem