Houthis and Iranian university welcome expelled US students to join ranks
Protests across U.S. college campuses have captured the attention of many, including universities in Iran and Yemen. Now, those universities are reaching out to students and professors who may have been expelled over their activism.
“Students and even professors who have been expelled or threatened with expulsion can continue their studies in Shiraz University and I think that other universities in Shiraz and Fars province are prepared to do the same,” Iran’s Shiraz University President Mohammad Moreno said on Wednesday, May 1.
Houthi-ran Sanaa University in Yemen said the students could continue their education there, too. Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi militia, which has disrupted global shipping with attacks in support of Palestinians, welcome expelled students to join them as well.
In another show of support for college protesters, Palestinians in the Gaza Strip expressed gratitude, with demonstrators putting up thank-you notes directed at several American universities.
“It is wonderful,” said Abu Yusuf Al-Habeel, a displaced Palestinian. “We thank all the students at American universities who stood in solidarity with the Palestinian people in their cause.”
While some have commended the protesters’ efforts, Gilan Erdan, Israel’s ambassador to the United Nations went the other way during a speech on Wednesday at the U.N. General Assembly.
Erdan characterized college protests against the war in Gaza as “the murderous cries of the pro-Palestinian mobs.” He also described the protests as “Nazi-like behavior.” In addition, he accused the U.N. of spreading “anti-Israel vitriol” and said the organization’s “days were numbered.”
US sends head of Central Command to Israel as Iranian threat grows
The head of U.S. Central Command, Gen. Michael Kurilla, reportedly arrived in Israel Thursday, April 11, to prepare for a possible attack by Iran. Intelligence reports indicated an attack by Iran or Iranian proxy groups could be “imminent,” U.S. officials said on Wednesday.
Iran blamed Israel for an airstrike on an Iranian embassy building in Syria during the week of April 1. The attack killed three senior Iranian military commanders. Iranian leaders vowed revenge against Israel in response.
American officials claimed the U.S. was not involved in the attack. They also said Israel did not tell U.S. intelligence officials about any planned strikes in Damascus, Syria.
President Joe Biden reiterated the United States’ commitment to Israel’s security.
“As I told Prime Minister Netanyahu, our commitment to Israel’s security against these threats from Iran and proxies is ironclad,” Biden said. “We say it again, ironclad. We’re going to do all we can to protect Israel’s security.”
Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei responded to the strike in a post on X.
“[Israel] should be punished, and it will be punished,” Khamenei wrote.
It’s unclear if Iran will use its own military forces to directly strike an Israeli target, or if one of Iran’s proxy groups will carry out an attack.
Tehran avoided a direct confrontation with Israel or its forces since Israel’s war in Gaza started.
U.S. officials said they are concerned an Iranian attack could escalate the war in the Middle East and cause a broader conflict. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also vowed revenge on any attack against Israel.
“We established a simple principle: whoever hurts us, we hurt him,” Netanyahu said. “We are preparing to meet the security needs of the State of Israel both in defense and in attack. I and the people of Israel trust you, and may we all have great success.”
More than 1,200 Israelis died since the attack on a small Israeli village on Oct. 7. The Palestinian Health Authority, run by Hamas, said more than 33,000 Palestinians died since Israel retaliated against Hamas.
Do the Houthis really have hypersonic missiles now?
Russia’s state-owned RIA Novosti news agency reported the Houthi militants in Yemen are now in possession of hypersonic missiles. The report said the Houthis’ missile forces successfully tested a missile capable of reaching speeds of up to Mach 8 and runs on solid fuel.
“Oh, good! The Houthis may have hypersonic missiles now! That should help ease tensions in the Middle East,” said no one. Before going further with this story, know that most of the details are coming from Russia, Iran and the Houthis. So take a lot of this with a grain of salt.
The Houthis “intend to begin manufacturing [the missiles] for use during attacks in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, as well as against targets in Israel.” The report cited an unidentified official but provided no evidence for the claim.
When the news first broke, there was talk the Houthis themselves had developed the weapons, which seems unlikely given they have neither the technical ability nor industrial infrastructure to develop such devices.
However Iran may have hypersonic missiles. The missile is called the “Fattah,” which is Farsi for “conqueror.” The Iranian regime launched a PR campaign around it last year; complete with artistic billboards saying the missile flies faster than 5,100 meters per second, or right around 11,500 miles per hour. That is fast enough to reach Israel in just 400 seconds.
That’s what Iran said the Fattah can do. However, Sabrina Singh, the Pentagon’s spokesperson, said there is no indication the Iranian regime even has hypersonic capabilities.
But that doesn’t mean Iran isn’t trying to develop them and use the Red Sea as a testing ground.
Commanders from the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps are fighting shoulder to shoulder with the Houthis in Yemen. There is a well-established smuggling pipeline of weapons from Iran going to Yemen and the Houthis.
Multiple shipments were seized in just the last few months alone, including one cache of items that included components for Iranian-made underwater drones. So, while it’s unclear whether Iran’s Fattah missile really is hypersonic, it is possible the Houthis at least have them and are getting ready to use them.
The Houthis started hinting about “surprises” in store for their at-sea battles weeks ago, and the Houthis’ leader said the group was going to start attacking ships trying to sail around Africa. That’s another prospect which seems unlikely given their location in Yemen. However, it could be possible if Iran supplies the Houthis with boats — like the ones they just sent Venezuela.
The one thing that is clear is that the Houthis are not being deterred by the numerous air strikes from the U.S. and U.K., however accurate they may be.
Abdul Malik al-Houthi, the leader of the militant group, said his fighters “continue to expand the effectiveness and scope of our operations to areas and locations the enemy never expects.”
He said his soldiers would also prevent ships “connected to the Israeli enemy even crossing the Indian Ocean.”
Alabama enacts IVF protections following Supreme Court decision
Alabama’s Governor has signed a bill into law aimed at protecting IVF patients and hospitals from prosecution following a near-three week pause in treatments. And—why New York is deploying hundreds of National Guard members to city subways. These stories and more highlight The Morning Rundown for Thursday, March 7, 2024.
Alabama enacts IVF protections following Supreme Court embryo decision
Alabama Governor Kay Ivey enacted legislation safeguarding in vitro fertilization (IVF) practices, following a controversial state Supreme Court decision that classified frozen embryos as children. This landmark ruling had previously led hospitals to suspend IVF treatments, fearing potential criminal prosecution.
Get up to speed on the stories leading the day every weekday morning. Get The Morning RundownTM newsletter straight to your inbox!
The legislation, which was expedited through the state legislature and signed by the governor late Wednesday, comes in response to urgent calls for the state to address the implications of the Supreme Court’s decision. This decision had permitted couples to pursue wrongful death lawsuits if their frozen embryos were mishandled and destroyed at fertility clinics.
I have signed SB159, the IVF protections legislation, after it received overwhelming support from the Alabama Legislature. #alpolitics
— Governor Kay Ivey (@GovernorKayIvey) March 7, 2024
Under the new law, fertility patients, doctors, and hospitals are provided with legal protections, ensuring they “cannot be held criminally responsible if an embryo is destroyed.” Furthermore, the legislation stipulates that any civil damages awarded in such cases will be limited to the cost of one IVF cycle.
Following this significant development, some clinics in Alabama have announced that IVF treatments, which had been halted for two weeks, might resume as soon as today or Friday.
President Biden to deliver State of the Union address
President Joe Biden is slated to deliver his annual State of the Union address to the nation tonight, before a joint session of Congress this evening. The address is anticipated to cover key issues such as the economy, immigration, and the ongoing foreign conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza.
In tonight’s speech, Biden is expected to present his argument for re-election, leveraging one of his largest audiences ahead of the general election in November. The address follows closely on the heels of Super Tuesday, which has seemingly paved the way for a potential rematch between Biden and Trump in the upcoming presidential race.
Viewers can tune in to watch the State of the Union, which begins at 9 p.m. Eastern Time.
Armorer on ‘Rust’ movie set found guilty of involuntary manslaughter
Following the verdict, Gutierrez-Reed’s attorney announced plans to appeal the decision. Baldwin, who has consistently denied pulling the trigger in the fatal accident, is slated to stand trial in July and has entered a plea of not guilty.
Three people killed in first fatal Houthi attack on ships in the Red Sea
U.S. officials have reported a deadly attack by Iranian-backed Houthi rebels on a commercial ship in the Gulf of Aden, marking a significant escalation in regional tensions. The missile strike on a cargo ship resulted in the deaths of three crew members, the first fatalities in a series of Houthi assaults on shipping in the Red Sea.
The strike targeted the Barbados-flagged, Liberian-owned True Confidence, escalating tensions along a vital maritime route crucial for global shipping. Despite ongoing U.S. airstrikes against the Houthis, their aggressive actions persist, including the recent commandeering of a $50 million Kuwaiti crude oil cargo for Chevron Corp.
The U.S. Central Command reported the ship was hit by an anti-ship ballistic missile from Yemen, causing significant damage and injuring another four crew members.
Houthi military spokesman Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree stated the attacks aim to lift the “siege on the Palestinian people in Gaza.”
National Guard deployed to New York City subways to combat crime
In an effort to enhance passenger safety, a combined force of one thousand National Guardsmen and state police will be stationed throughout the subway network. These security personnel will focus on monitoring the city’s busiest stations and will conduct bag checks to search for weapons.
Addressing the recent violence, Governor Hochul stated, “These brazen, heinous attacks on our subway system will not be tolerated. So today, in the wake of these latest attacks, I’m unveiling a five-point plan to rid our subways of people who commit crimes and protect all New Yorkers.”
Oakland Athletics unveil new Las Vegas stadium designs
The Oakland Athletics are set to dramatically alter the Las Vegas skyline with their new $1.5 billion stadium, drawing inspiration from the iconic Sydney Opera House. The team and their design partners revealed plans for the ambitious project this week, signaling a new era for the city and the franchise.
Together with @BIG_Architects and @HNTBCorp, we have unveiled the design for our new ballpark project in Las Vegas on the Tropicana site. BIG will serve as the design lead and HNTB as the sports/hospitality designer and architect of record.
Scheduled to replace the 67-year-old Tropicana Las Vegas by 2028, the 33,000-seat domed stadium will boast an outfield glass window offering panoramic views of the Strip, alongside the installation of the largest video board in Major League Baseball, measuring 18,000 square feet.
A’s owner John Fisher highlighted the decision to incorporate a non-retractable roof, emphasizing the stadium’s versatility for hosting a wide range of events throughout the year. The project’s hefty $1.5 billion price tag includes $380 million in public financing, with construction slated to begin next year.
First fatalities reported in Houthi shipping attacks in Red Sea
Yemen’s Houthi rebels launched a missile attack on a commercial ship in the Gulf of Aden, resulting in the death of two crew members. The attack on the Barbados-flagged bulk carrier, True Confidence, marked the first fatal Houthi strike amid Israel’s conflict with Hamas in the Gaza Strip.
The attack exacerbated the conflict along a vital maritime route linking Asia, the Middle East and Europe, causing disruptions in global shipping. Despite ongoing U.S. airstrikes initiated in January, the Houthis have persisted in their assaults since November.
Iran also announced its intent to seize a $50 million cargo of Kuwaiti crude oil belonging to American energy firm Chevron Corp. This announcement follows the seizure of a tanker by Iran nearly a year ago.
Reports suggest that the attack on the True Confidence occurred after the vessel was hailed over the radio by individuals claiming to be the Yemeni military. This tactic, consistent with the Houthis’ previous actions in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, raises suspicions of their intentions to commandeer vessels.
According to two U.S. officials speaking on condition of anonymity, the anti-ship ballistic missile attack resulted in the deaths of two crew members and left six others injured. The State Department condemned the attack, highlighting the disregard for innocent civilians caught in the crossfire.
The full extent of damage to the Liberian-owned ship remains unclear, as the crew was forced to abandon the vessel and deploy lifeboats. Both U.S. and Indian naval forces assisted in rescue efforts.
In a prerecorded message, Houthi military spokesman Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree claimed responsibility for the attack, stating that their missile fire engulfed the vessel in flames. The rebels assert that their attacks will persist until the “siege on the Palestinian people in Gaza is lifted.”
The motive behind the Houthis’ targeting of the True Confidence remains uncertain. The vessel was previously owned by Oaktree Capital Management, a Los Angeles-based fund.
Amidst these developments, a separate Houthi assault targeted the USS Carney, an Arleigh Burke-class destroyer involved in the American campaign against the rebels. The Carney successfully intercepted bomb-carrying drones and an anti-ship ballistic missile.
“We mourn the loss of our two Naval Special Warfare warriors, and we will forever honor their sacrifice and example. Our prayers are with the SEALs’ families, friends, the U.S. Navy, and the entire Special Operations community during this time,” said General Michael Erik Kurilla, USCENTCOM Commander.
CENTCOM Status Update on Missing U.S. Navy Seals
We regret to announce that after a 10-day exhaustive search, our two missing U.S. Navy SEALs have not been located and their status has been changed to deceased. The search and rescue operation for the two Navy SEALs reported… pic.twitter.com/OAMbn1mwK8
In a press release announcing the charges, Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco said the flow of weapons from Iran to Houthi rebel forces in Yemen threatens Americans and partners in the region.
“Two Navy SEALs tragically lost their lives in the operation that thwarted the defendants charged today from allegedly smuggling Iranian-made weapons that the Houthis could have used to target American forces and threaten freedom of navigation and a vital artery for commerce,” Monaco said.
President Biden meets with Alexei Navalny’s family ahead of major sanctions on Russia: The Morning Rundown, Feb. 23, 2024
President Biden meets with the family of late Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny as the U.S. prepares to impose hundreds of sanctions on Russia. And AT&T reveals what was behind the massive outage that left thousands without phone service. These stories and more highlight The Morning Rundown for Friday, Feb. 23, 2024.
Get up to speed on the stories leading the day every weekday morning. Get The Morning RundownTM newsletter straight to your inbox!
President Biden meets with Alexei Navalny’s family ahead of major sanctions on Russia
On Friday, Feb. 23, the United States is expected to announce more than 500 sanctions against Russia, just a day shy of the second anniversary of its invasion of Ukraine on Feb. 24, 2022. The sanctions are also in response to the Kremlin’s role in the death of opposition leader Alexei Navalny. On Thursday, Feb. 22, President Joe Biden met with Navalny’s widow, Yulia Navalnaya, and the couple’s daughter in California.
Aleksey Navalny was a fearless advocate for his beliefs who died unbroken by the tyranny he opposed. He fought corruption, inspired millions and never wavered in his insistence on free expression, the rule of law, and a Russia that is accountable to the people and not a dictator.…
“This morning, I had the honor of meeting with Alexei Navalny’s wife and daughter,” Biden told reporters after the meeting. “As to state the obvious, he was a man of incredible courage. And it’s amazing how his wife and daughter are emulating that. We’re going to be announcing the sanctions against [Russian President Vladimir] Putin, who was responsible for his death.”
U.S. officials said some of the sanctions will target those directly involved in Navalny’s death. Reports say many of the sanctions will be aimed at Russia’s defense sector.
4 charged in connection to raid of boat where 2 Navy SEALs died
Four foreign nationals have been charged in connection to a U.S. raid last month that resulted in two Navy SEALs losing their lives. According to the Justice Department, the four men, all with Pakistani identification on them, were allegedly transporting Iranian-made weapons on Jan. 11 when the Navy intercepted their small, unflagged vessel in the Arabian Sea near the coast of Somalia.
U.S. officials said one of the SEALs slipped into the water while boarding the vessel, and the other jumped in to try to save him. Both were declared dead ten days later after an extensive search. In a press release announcing the charges, Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco said the flow of weapons from Iran to Houthi rebel forces in Yemen threatens Americans and partners in the region.
CENTCOM Status Update on Missing U.S. Navy Seals
We regret to announce that after a 10-day exhaustive search, our two missing U.S. Navy SEALs have not been located and their status has been changed to deceased. The search and rescue operation for the two Navy SEALs reported… pic.twitter.com/OAMbn1mwK8
“Two Navy SEALs tragically lost their lives in the operation that thwarted the defendants charged today from allegedly smuggling Iranian-made weapons that the Houthis could have used to target American forces and threaten freedom of navigation and a vital artery for commerce,” Monaco said.
Prosecutors have dismissed Trump’s immunity claim as “frivolous,” stating the alleged conduct occurred after he left the White House. They also accuse him of actively obstructing government efforts to recover the documents. In June, Trump pleaded not guilty to 40 criminal counts. His trial is set to start in May.
Thousands of AT&T customers affected by major cellular outage Thursday
Calls, texts, and even 911 calls were not going through for AT&T customers in a major cellular outage that swept across cities, including San Francisco, on Thursday, Feb. 22. During the confusion, emergency services in some cities reported being overrun with calls of people testing whether they had service or not.
We are aware of an issue impacting AT&T wireless customers from making and receiving any phone calls (including to 911).
We are actively engaged and monitoring this.
The San Francisco 911 center is still operational.
“Please do not do this. If you can successfully place a non-emergency call to another number via your cell service then your 911 service will also work,” Massachusetts State Police said in a post on X.
The cellular company reported some customer outages mid-morning; by noon, some turned into 58,000 incidents being reported, according to a CNBC report. AT&T said it restored service to all affected customers on Thursday afternoon, Feb. 22.
Many 911 centers in the state are getting flooded w/ calls from people trying to see if 911 works from their cell phone. Please do not do this. If you can successfully place a non-emergency call to another number via your cell service then your 911 service will also work. #outage
But with the increasing threats of cyberattacks, everyone is wondering what happened. In a statement on the company’s website, AT&T said not to worry; the outage was not the result of a cyberattack; instead, it was caused by “the application and execution of an incorrect process used,” as the company said it was trying to expand its network.
Vice cutting hundreds of jobs, no longer publishing content to website
The changes came less than a year after Vice filed for bankruptcy and was then sold for $350 million to a group of lenders. Vice’s CEO said the digital outlet will now look to partner with established companies to distribute its content while emphasizing its social channels.
Odysseus becomes first U.S. spacecraft to land on the moon in over 50 years
“All stations, this is mission director on IM-1,” Mission Director Tim Crain said. “We’re evaluating how we can refine that signal and dial in the pointing for Odysseus. What we can confirm without a doubt is our equipment is on the surface of the moon, and we are transmitting. So congratulations IM team. We’ll see how much more we can get from that.”
Today, for the first time in half a century, America has returned to the Moon 🇺🇸.
On the eighth day of a quarter-million-mile voyage, @Int_Machines aced the landing of a lifetime.
The spacecraft Odysseus became the first moonlander launched by a private company to make the 239-thousand-mile trip successfully.
“What an outstanding effort,” Intuitive Machines CEO Stephen Altemus said. “I know this was a nail-biter, but we are on the surface, and we are transmitting. And welcome to the moon.”
Though, as expected, mission control initially lost contact with the spacecraft as it descended, Intuitive Machines was then able to detect a faint signal later confirming Odysseus was upright and starting to send back data. The team is now working to receive the first images from the moon.
NASA, which paid the company $118 million to deliver several experiments, hailed the landing a major achievement as it looks once again to send astronauts to the moon later in the 2020s.
The Houthis have a new weapon to use in their attacks on ships in the Red Sea; Iranian-made uncrewed underwater vessels (UUVs). Basically, drone torpedoes.
U.S. Central Command, which oversees U.S. military operations in the region, said U.S. naval forces took out the submersible threat, along with three cruise missiles and a suicide drone on Feb. 17.
Downing cruise missiles and one-way drones is standard fare for U.S. and U.K. sailors in the Red Sea nowadays. However, according to CENTCOM, this is the first time the Houthis have used an underwater drone. Iran, on the other hand, has been honing its skills in the arena for years.
In addition to a couple of mini submarines, Iran’s navy has some larger subs capable of launching cruise missiles. However, the Iranian navy is much smaller than the U.S. fleet, and it relies more on unconventional tactics to try and affect the battlespace, like unmanned or uncrewed vehicles.
Whether those vehicles fly, float, drive, or dive, Iran makes them. In a video previously released by Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps, sailors demonstrated the use of a torpedo-shaped uncrewed submersible. The UUV moved slower than other torpedoes but is said to have a longer range. Some models appear to be guided by a wire, similar to the TOW missiles used by Bradley infantry fighting vehicles.
CENTCOM didn’t elaborate on what type of UUV the Houthis used, but there’s little doubt it was supplied by Iran. Maritime expert H I Sutton said based on his analysis of images which show a seized weapons shipment from Iran to Yemen, many of the components needed to make the Iranian UUV were included in the shipment.
And it’s not like the Houthis have any ability to design or deploy these weapons on their own. Without Iranian backing, the Houthis would have no power to speak of. So, the use of UUVs in the Red Sea is just the latest example that Iran is stepping up attacks against U.S. personnel.
There are now multiple reports that both IRGC commanders and leaders from Hezbollah are on the ground in Yemen, fighting shoulder to shoulder with the Houthi militants.
While the presence of Iranian troops isn’t having Tehran’s desired effect against naval vessels, commercial shipping vessels are much less prepared for the onslaught. The continued attacks on ships in the Red Sea and surrounding waters are driving up costs for all sorts of things. Global oil prices are hovering around three-month highs and will likely go up even more.
In potentially the biggest victory so far for the Houthis, a Belize-flagged cargo ship called the Rubymar was hit by a Houthi missile off the coast of Yemen. The ship, which is registered in the U.K., was packed with fertilizer. So, the crew abandoned it quickly.
A Houthi spokesman said the Rubymar sank, and while there was no immediate confirmation of its fate, the British government confirmed it was taking on water.
There’s a silver lining to the attacks in the Red Sea
The British warship HMS Diamond is returning home after playing an integral role in Operation Prosperity Guardian. The Royal Navy already has another ship in the Red Sea to take its place.
The U.K.’s Ministry of Defence said the Diamond joined the operation in December, and since then has maintained a near constant presence in the “high threat area” of the Red Sea; defending international shipping lanes from attacks launched by Iranian-backed Houthi militants.
On three separate occasions, the ship and its crew came under direct fire from Houthi drones, but the Diamond is a Type-45 Destroyer. So, it’s not really a surprise it successfully took out all nine threats with its Sea Viper missile system.
Since leaving its home port in November, the HMS Diamond sailed almost 20,000 nautical miles while on patrol. That’s almost enough to circumnavigate the globe. And the ship’s Wildcat helicopter has flown more than 53 hours of sorties over the Red Sea and Aulf of Aden, making its crew the busiest in the Royal Navy.
But the Diamond is slated for a maintenance upgrade and needs to resupply. So, it’s time for the HMS Richmond to take over its defensive duties in the Red Sea, and for its crew to gain some more real-world experience of its own.
The Richmond is a frigate, so it’s a little smaller than the Diamond. However, it carries the Royal Navy’s advanced Sea Ceptor missile system, which can defend about 500 square miles of ocean.
The U.S. Navy also has destroyers in the Red Sea. Five have been named as taking part in direct action against the Houthis: the USS Carney, the USS Thomas Hudner, the USS Mason, the USS Laboon and the USS Gravely. The USS Eisenhower aircraft carrier is also in the region, launching F-35s and F-15 Strike Eagles against the Houthis as well.
And while it’s safe to say both the U.S. and British navies want the Houthis to stop attacking ships, there is a bit of a silver lining to all the at-sea action: it’s great experience for those crews.
Both the U.S. and U.K. navies are known for their high level of training, which keeps sailors battle ready and deployable. But nothing takes the place of real-world experience, and since December, American and British sailors have been getting plenty of it.
And in the next few years, that could prove useful in other parts of the globe. There’s no guarantee Russia won’t expand its war in Ukraine to other European nations, like the Baltics, where naval assets would be needed.
And if China tries to take Taiwan, which is what almost every country in the Pacific is preparing for, then the Chinese navy will play a big role in that operation. However, the Chinese navy is not battle tested. China’s command structure of dividing authority on a ship between a military officer and a political officer has never been proven in combat.
In the Red Sea, however, American and British sailors are showing their skills on a near daily basis. That efficiency of operation and wealth of experience spread across multiple crews cannot be overlooked. Not by Beijing. Not by Moscow, and certainly not by Tehran, which is financing the Houthi attacks in the first place.
US launches strikes against Iranian-backed targets 3 days in a row: The Morning Rundown, Feb. 5, 2024
The United States launches strikes against Iranian-backed targets in the Middle East three days in a row. And more than 100 people are dead after devastating wildfires tear through Chile. These stories and more highlight The Morning Rundown for Monday, Feb. 5, 2024.
U.S. launches strikes against Iran-linked groups in Middle East
Beginning this past Friday, Feb. 2, the U.S. launched a series of strikes against Iranian-backed groups in the Middle East for three days in a row. U.S. and Britain forces targeted Houthi Rebels in Yemen on Saturday, Feb. 3, striking facilities, missile systems and air defense systems as the U.S. continues to send a message for the group’s attacks on ships in the Red Sea.
The Houthis vowed to respond to the U.S.-led strikes in Yemen. Shortly after their statement was released, the U.S. launched another attack, destroying a cruise missile on Sunday, Feb. 4, that was said to be posing “an imminent threat to U.S. Navy ships.”
The strikes against the Houthis came hours after the U.S. carried out airstrikes against Iranian-backed forces in Syria and Iraq, including those responsible for the deadly attack in Jordan that killed three U.S. troops.
The strikes were aimed at more than 85 targets including command and control operations and other facilities.
“This was the beginning of a response. There will be more steps. Some of those steps will be seen, some may not be seen. But there will be more action taken to respond to the tragic death of the three brave service members,” White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan told ABC News’ “This Week.” “And we cannot rule out there will be further attacks from Iranian-backed militia in Iraq and Syria or from the Houthis.”
Get up to speed on the stories leading the day every weekday morning. Get The Morning RundownTM straight to your inbox!
Senators reveal $118 billion bill for border security, Ukraine aid
A bipartisan group of senators unveiled a $118 billion package on Sunday, Feb. 5, that includes changes to America’s border policies while providing additional aid for Ukraine, Israel and other U.S. allies. The 370-page bill includes $60 billion for Ukraine, $14 billion for Israel, and $10 billion in humanitarian aid — including for people in Gaza and the West Bank.
As for immigration reform, the bill includes approximately $20 billion for border security.
The bill calls for a mandated border shutdown should the daily average of migrant crossings reach 5,000. The bill also ends the practice known as “catch and release,” where migrants caught crossing the border illegally are released into the U.S. while they wait for their asylum application to be processed.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said the Senate would begin the process of moving forward with the legislation this week, but the bill is already facing opposition.
Just hours after the release of the bill’s text, House Speaker Mike Johnson said bill is “worse than expected,” adding if the bill reaches the House, it will be “dead on arrival.”
At least 112 killed in wildfires in Chile
At least 112 people are dead and hundreds remain missing after wildfires broke out in coastal cities in central Chile popular with tourists. The wildfires are believed to be the deadliest in the country’s history.
Chilean President Gabriel Boric says the death toll could rise as rescuers work to locate survivors in damaged homes.
The fires started on Friday, Feb. 2, but high winds along with high temperatures are making it difficult to get the flames under control.
Local officials are investigating whether the fires were intentionally set.
Boric declared two days of national mourning.
“All of Chile is suffering,” Boric said. “But we will stand up once again.”
California bracing for heavy rain, dangerous flooding & mudslides
California is bracing for what could be days of heavy rains and potentially life-threatening flash flooding and mudslides as a severe storm system moved in Sunday, Feb. 4.
Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency in eight counties, including Los Angeles, San Diego and San Bernardino.
Nearly one million people in the state were without power at one point on Sunday. Classes at several universities are canceled.
In Northern California, snow is expected to bring whiteout conditions. The heavy rain is expected to continue in Southern California through Tuesday, Feb. 6.
New Jersey to host 2026 World Cup final
With more than two years to go, FIFA made it official — the 2026 World Cup final will be held at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. FIFA released the tournament’s schedule on Sunday, Feb. 4.
The U.S. will be hosting its first men’s World Cup since 1994. It will be sharing the hosting duties this time around with Mexico and Canada.
The 104-game tournament will feature 48 teams playing across 16 host cities. The opening match will take place on June 11, 2026, in Mexico City. The final in East Rutherford, New Jersey is set for July 19, 2026.
Taylor Swift makes music history at the Grammys
Taylor Swift has made music history once again. This time she did it at the Grammy Awards on Sunday night.
Swift won Album of the Year for “Midnights.” It was the fourth time the “Anti-Hero” singer won the category, which is the most of any artist in Grammy history.
Swift also won Best Pop Vocal Album earlier in the night, when she announced during her acceptance speech a new album would be released in April.