2/29: Prime Time with John Dickerson

The research group OCEARCH has tracked Contender, a nearly 14-foot great white shark, as he migrates north along the Atlantic coast, recently pinging just 22 miles off Cape Hatteras, North Carolina. This migration is typical for the species, which seeks cooler waters rich in prey during the summer months, and tracking his movements provides valuable data for understanding and protecting white sharks in the Northwest Atlantic. More Context

Eric Tennant, diagnosed with stage 4 bile duct cancer in 2023, faced health insurer denials for a crucial noninvasive treatment called histotripsy, despite his oncologist's approval. The Tennant family's struggle highlights the complicated appeals process and increasing insurance denials amid a healthcare system that often prioritizes profit over patient care. More Context

A federal judge approved a $2.3 million settlement for a class action lawsuit against Trinity Teen Solutions, a now-defunct program for troubled teens in Wyoming, which faced allegations of forced labor, including humiliating punishments for non-compliance. The settlement covers over 250 former residents from 2010 to 2022, though some plaintiffs express dissatisfaction due to a nondisparagement clause and the lack of an admission of wrongdoing by the ranch. More Context

Stock markets globally fell and oil prices surged following Israel's military strikes on Iran, targeting nuclear facilities and military figures. The S&P 500 futures dropped 1.1%, while U.S. crude oil prices rose 7.3% to $72.91 per barrel; analysts warn that increased energy costs could hinder U.S. inflation progress, despite no immediate impact on Iranian oil exports. More Context

A Maryland mother, Darrian Randle, has been charged with murdering her 3-year-old daughter, Nola Dinkins, after falsely reporting her kidnapping, leading to an Amber Alert. Randle admitted to lying to divert attention from her boyfriend, Cedrick Antoine Britten, who has also been arrested as an accessory to the murder; human remains consistent with a child were found, pending identification. More Context

Democratic Senator Alex Padilla was forcibly removed and handcuffed during a press conference by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem in Los Angeles, prompting widespread condemnation from both Democrats and some Republicans. Padilla attempted to ask questions regarding immigration enforcement amid ongoing protests, leading to accusations of "disrespectful political theatre" from the Trump administration, while he argued that such actions against a senator highlight broader issues of authority and dissent. More Context