At least 26 dead in massive US storm after Kansas reports 8 fatalities
At least 26 people have been killed in a monster storm sweeping across much of the U.S. Kansas authorities said eight people died in a highway pileup caused by a dust storm Friday. But as of Saturday evening, Missouri still led the nation in fatalities. Authorities say the state was pounded by scattered twisters overnight that resulted in at least 12 deaths. Arkansas and Texas each saw three weather-related fatalities. High winds and dry conditions also raised the risk of wildfires. In Oklahoma, nearly 300 homes were damaged or destroyed. The Storm Prediction Center designated the day as “high risk” for severe weather, especially in the Deep South.
Trump invokes 18th century law to speed deportations, judge stalls it hours later
WASHINGTON (AP) — A federal judge barred the Trump administration Saturday from carrying out deportations under a sweeping 18th century law that the president invoked just hours earlier to speed removal of Venezuelan gang members from the United States. U.S. District Judge James E. Boasberg said he needed to issue his order immediately because the government already was flying migrants it claimed were newly deportable under Trump’s proclamation to be incarcerated in El Salvador and Honduras. Earlier, Trump claimed the Tren de Aragua gang was invading the United States and invoked the Alien Enemies Act of 1798, a sweeping wartime authority.
Trump orders strikes on Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen and issues new warning
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — The Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen say a series of airstrikes have hit the capital, Sanaa, on Saturday evening. U.S. President Donald Trump, in a social media post, says he ordered the airstrikes. The Houthis say 13 civilians have been killed. The airstrikes come a few days after the Houthis said they would resume attacks on Israeli vessels sailing in waters off Yemen in response to Israel’s blockade on Gaza. There have been no Houthi attacks reported since then. Images circulating online show plumes of black smoke over the area of the Sanaa airport complex, which includes a sprawling military facility.
Trump signs order to gut staff at Voice of America and other US-funded media organizations
President Donald Trump is ordering his administration to gut Voice of America and other pro-democracy media organizations run by the U.S. government. Trump issued an order Friday night to reduce costs at the U.S. Agency for Global Media and six other obscure federal agencies to the lowest amount possible. That was followed by staff at Voice of America being put on leave and grants being pulled at Radio Free Asia and other government-backed outlets Saturday morning. Michael Abramowitz, VOA's director, said "virtually” the entire 1300-person staff for VOA was put on leave.
Hamas says it will only release American-Israeli hostage if ceasefire deal is implemented
CAIRO (AP) — Hamas says it will only release an American-Israeli and the bodies of four other hostages if Israel implements their ceasefire agreement. The militant group calls it an “exceptional deal” aimed at getting the truce back on track. Meanwhile, Israeli airstrikes on Saturday killed nine people in Gaza including local journalists. A senior Hamas official says long-delayed talks over the ceasefire’s second phase would need to begin the day of the hostage release and last no longer than 50 days. Israel also would need to stop barring the entry of humanitarian aid, which was cut off two weeks ago.
The Alien Enemies Act: What to know about a 1798 law that Trump has invoked for deportations
President Donald Trump has invoked the Alien Enemies Act for the first time since World War II, granting himself sweeping powers under a centuries-old law to deport people associated with a Venezuelan gang. Hours after his Saturday proclamation, a federal judge halted deportations under the order. The Alien Enemies Act allows non-citizens to be deported without being given the opportunity to go before an immigration or federal court judge. Applying it to a gang is a new and untested argument. Trump has long warned about foreign gangs, though only a tiny percentage of the people in the U.S. illegally are criminals.
Trump signs a bill funding the government for 6 months, avoiding a shutdown
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump has signed into law legislation funding the government through the end of September. His signature Saturday ends the threat of a partial government shutdown and caps off a struggle in Congress that deeply divided Democrats. The bill largely keeps government funding at levels set during Joe Biden’s presidency, though with changes. It trims non-defense spending by about $13 billion from the previous year and increases defense spending by about $6 billion. The Senate cleared the legislation on Friday in a 54-46 party line vote, with Democrats helping advance it despite problems with the bill.
US prepares to deport about 300 alleged gang members to El Salvador
WASHINGTON (AP) — El Salvador is agreeing to accept from the United States about 300 alleged members of a Venezuelan gang for one year. The deal will cost $6 million, or about $20,000 per migrant who is sent from the U.S. to Central America. The transfer is one of the first under a deal between President Donald Trump's administration and El Salvador to house migrants from the United States. El Salvador's president, Nayib Bukele, has cracked down on gang violence in his small country, sometimes while ignoring due process and basic rights. Bukele is a strong supporter of Trump.
Here's what you need to know about St. Patrick's Day
NEW YORK (AP) — If it’s March, and it’s green, it must be St. Patrick’s Day. The day honoring the patron saint of Ireland is a global celebration of Irish heritage. And nowhere is that more so than in the United States, where parades take place in cities around the country and all kinds of foods and drinks are given an emerald hue. It was among Irish American communities that the day became the celebration it is, from its roots as a religious observance in Ireland. In America, it was about putting down roots and claiming a piece of the country’s calendar.
With Trump's zigzag actions on trade, March came in like a lion and won't be going out like a lamb
WASHINGTON (AP) — On the U.S. trade front, March came in like a lion and won't be going out like a lamb. President Donald Trump has set in motion a tariff spree that expands or changes by the hour. Trump has announced punishing tariffs against allies and adversaries alike, selectively pausing some and imposing others. Late in the week, he warned he’ll tax European wine and spirits 200% if the EU doesn’t drop a 50% tariff on U.S. whiskey. His ultimate stated goal is to revive American manufacturing and win compromises. So far, he’s spurred fears about slower growth and higher inflation that are dragging down the stock market and consumer confidence.
