Death toll rises to 16 as tornadoes, flash floods decimate South and Midwest
At least 16 people are dead since severe weather systems ripped through parts of the U.S. South and Midwest this week. Ten of those deaths come from Tennessee, seven were the result of tornadoes and three –– including a 9-year-old boy –– came from flooding.
As of Sunday, tornado warnings are in effect in Alabama and Mississippi, while flash flood warnings were issued in Kentucky, Mississippi and Tennessee.
The severe weather could disrupt supply chains that run through a shipping corridor in Louisville, Kentucky and Memphis.
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At least 16 people are dead following severe weather systems that have torn through parts of the U.S. South and Midwest this week. Tornadoes and flash floods are expected to continue decimating areas in Alabama, Mississippi, Kentucky and Tennessee, exacerbating an already lethal situation.
The deaths include 10 in Tennessee, while seven were the result of tornadoes. Meanwhile, a 57-year-old man in Missouri, as well as a 9-year-old boy and a 74-year-old in Kentucky died due to flooding.
Tornado, flash flood warnings remain in effect
As of Sunday, April 6, tornado warnings are in effect in Alabama and Mississippi. Flash flood warnings have been issued in Kentucky, Mississippi and Tennessee.
Emergencies have been called from Texas to Ohio, due to swelling waterways that saw even more torrential rain and flash flooding Saturday, April 5. According to the National Weather Service (NWS), dozens of areas across multiple states will reach a “major flood stage,” affecting structures, roads, bridges and other critical infrastructure.
On Saturday, Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg said he “expect[s] this to be one of the top 10 flooding events” in the city’s history, after the Ohio River swelled 5 feet following 24 hours of torrential rains. That river is expected to continue to rise.
Flights have also been severely disrupted, with 521 cancellations and more than 6,400 delays, both domestic and international, on Saturday. Early Sunday, another 74 had been canceled, along with 478 delays.
The week in review
More than a foot of rain has washed over parts of Kentucky and more than 8 inches have fallen in parts of Arkansas and Missouri since Wednesday, April 2.
Likewise, on Friday, April 4, at least two tornadoes ripped through Missouri and Arkansas, throwing debris at least 25,000 feet into the air. Arkansas’ emergency management office said tornadoes, wind, hail and flash flooding caused damage in 22 counties.
Trump levies ‘reciprocal’ tariffs on more than 180 nations
President Donald Trump unveils his list of reciprocal tariffs, provoking mixed reactions from lawmakers in Washington, D.C. And the National Weather Service issues a tornado emergency as severe weather sweeps through southern states. These stories and more highlight your Unbiased Updates for Thursday, April 3, 2025.
Trump reveals list of countries hit with ‘reciprocal’ tariffs
President Donald Trump officially revealed his list of “reciprocal” tariffs against over 180 countries and territories worldwide on Wednesday, April 2.
The White House posted charts on social media showing all the countries impacted by his new tariffs. The charts illustrate how much the Trump administration claimed countries “charged” the U.S. in tariffs, “including currency manipulation and trade barriers.”
In most cases, the new tariffs are approximately half of what the Trump administration indicated that each country has “charged” and is currently charging the U.S.
Lesotho, an enclave of South Africa, will experience the highest duties of any location on the list at 50%. The enclave primarily exports clothing, diamonds and wool to the U.S.
However, imposing large tariffs leads to a considerable global impact.
As of Thursday morning, April 3, stock futures remain down. It signals that the Dow and S&P 500 might tumble when trading begins.
Straight Arrow News political correspondent Ray Bogan explains why Democrats aren’t the only ones seeking answers in the wake of Trump’s “Liberation Day” here.
Four Republicans oppose Trump’s tariffs on Canada
A group of Senate Republicans diverged from their party to pass a resolution blocking Trump’s tariffs on Canadian products. The Senate voted 51 to 48 in favor of a Democratic-led measure to revoke Trump’s Canadian tariffs.
Sens. Susan Collins of Maine, Rand Paul and Mitch McConnell of Kentucky and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska joined all 47 Democrats in supporting the measure.
“This is a tax, plain and simple. Taxes should not be enacted by one person,” Paul said. “So I will vote today to end the emergency. I will vote today to try to reclaim the power of taxation, the power of the tariff, to where the constitution designated it should properly be, and that is in Congress.”
While the resolution is not expected to progress in the House, it represents a significant break within the Republican Party.
In a Truth Social post, Trump even tried to pressure the four GOP senators. He told them to get on board the Republican bandwagon and penalize Canada for allowing large amounts of fentanyl to be sold in the U.S.
Tornadoes and severe storms rip through Midwest, South
Tornadoes and storms ripped through parts of the South and Midwest on Wednesday, April 2, killing at least one person and injuring more than a dozen others.
The severe weather downed power lines and trees, ripped roofs off homes and sent debris thousands of feet into the air.
The National Weather Service issued dozens of tornado and severe thunderstorm warnings in several states. Arkansas saw some of the worst storms.
Numerous active Tornado and Severe Thunderstorm warnings at 7:47pm EDT. This is a very serious severe weather event, and if you are in a watch right now, it is imperative that you identify your safe place NOW in case a warning is issued for your area. pic.twitter.com/NzUk4w8adZ
Forecasters predict more severe weather in the coming days. They warned of life-threatening flash flooding in the South and Midwest. The storms continue to gain strength as they head east.
The NWS warned that the storm system poses a risk of “significant, life-threatening flash flooding” through Saturday, April 5.
Judge dismisses corruption charges against New York City Mayor Eric Adams
Judge Daniel Ho said that dismissing the case was the only practical outcome. He added that the Justice Department’s rationale for seeking to have the charges thrown out was “troubling.”
The Trump administration sought to have the case dismissed so that the Democratic mayor could assist Trump in his crackdown on illegal immigration in New York.
The judge also ruled that prosecutors cannot refile the charges after the upcoming mayoral election in November 2025.
He stated that leaving that door open would “create the unavoidable perception that the mayor’s freedom depends on his ability to carry out the immigration enforcement priorities of the administration.”
Rumors have surfaced that Adams may now run for re-election as an independent rather than a Democrat.
Former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo is expected to win the Democratic primary in June 2025.
Straight Arrow News reporter Lauren Taylor provides an in-depth look at the legal saga here.
Update: Since publishing this story, New York City Mayor Eric Adams has confirmed he is running again, but this time as an Independent.
FDA reports reduced inspections of food and drugs due to layoffs
Fewer food and drug inspections will be conducted at the Food and Drug Administration due to support staff layoffs by the Trump administration, according to a few top officials.
Two unnamed federal officials informed CBS News that the Trump administration laid off approximately 170 employees from the FDA’s Office of Inspections and Investigation.
One official said the office must now collaborate with the FDA’s drug, device and food centers to assess workload for the remainder of the year.
Another official said the agency will need to reduce routine “surveillance inspections” in favor of more pressing needs. This includes inspections of companies that the agency has warned about safety risks or follow-up visits to ensure that drug manufacturers and food producers rectify previous violations.
The Department of Health and Human Services stated that the layoffs, ordered by HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, will not impact FDA inspectors.
Defending World Series champion Dodgers off to historic start
The defending world champions of baseball are off to a scorching hot start. The Los Angeles Dodgers remain undefeated this season, boasting a record of 8-0.
As of Tuesday, April 1, the Los Angeles Dodgers are the first World Series champions to start a season 7-0 since the 1933 Yankees. On Wednesday, April 2, the team maintained their winning streak against the Atlantic Braves with a walk-off home run, triumphing 6-5.
More than a dozen killed as severe weather continues deadly path
More than a dozen people are dead after severe weather, including suspected tornadoes, hit the South and Midwest early Saturday morning. Officials confirmed at least 10 deaths in Missouri, three in Arkansas and three in Texas due to a dust storm-related car crash.
The National Weather Service issued tornado watches for about 2 million people on Saturday, with a high-risk outlook for Alabama and Mississippi and a moderate risk for western Georgia and the Florida Panhandle.
Experts advise having multiple ways to receive severe weather alerts and finding a safe interior part of the house to take shelter during storms.
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More than a dozen are dead after an outbreak of severe weather hit the South and Midwest late Friday night, March 14, into early Saturday morning, March 15. Meteorologists warn there is another round of significantly severe weather set for Saturday evening.
How many were killed?
Officials in Missouri confirmed at least 12 were killed by suspected tornadoes and severe weather across four counties. Two of those deaths were caused by a suspected tornado that touched down in Bakersfield, Missouri.
AP Images
Three others were killed in Arkansas due to the severe storms, according to the Arkansas Department of Public Safety. Twenty-nine others were injured in the state.
In the Texas Panhandle, a dust storm formed from the same storm system caused car crashes that killed eight others. One vehicle wreck included a 38-car pileup, according to NBC News.
On Saturday night, officials in Alabama said two people were killed after a suspected tornado touched down in a small town. Officials said one man was killed in his workshop where he and his wife were hiding out the storms. The man’s wife was not injured.
A woman who was reported missing Saturday evening was found dead at about 4 a.m. Sunday, March 16. She was discovered almost a mile away from her trailer, which was destroyed.
How long are the severe weather alerts in effect?
The National Weather Service issued tornado watches for about 2 million people on Saturday. Meteorologists said that an “outbreak” of long-tracked tornadoes and severe thunderstorms is expected through Saturday night for much of the south.
⚠️Outbreak of tornadoes and severe thunderstorms expected over parts of the Deep South and Tennessee Valley Today into Tonight (March 15).
* LOCATIONS… Alabama Mississippi Louisiana Western Georgia Southern Tennessee The Florida Panhandle… pic.twitter.com/408PjKlIqg
The NWS in Birmingham, Alabama, issued a rare “high-risk” level five outlook for large swaths of Alabama and Mississippi. Other southern areas, like western Georgia and the Florida Panhandle, are under “moderate risk” of severe weather outbreaks.
“The most dangerous tornado threat should begin across eastern Louisiana and Mississippi during the late morning to afternoon, spread across Alabama late today into the evening, and reach western parts of the Florida Panhandle and Georgia tonight,” the National Weather Service said.
How many are without power?
According to USA Today, nearly 200,000 people were without power on Saturday morning. Officials said suspected tornadoes and strong winds took down thousands of power cables, causing the outages.
These are the numbers by state:
Missouri: 124,481
Illinois: 42,350
Indiana: 35,988
Arkansas: 14,138
Tennessee: 13,958
How to prepare for severe weather?
Experts say to have at least two ways to be notified of severe weather. Many use their phones for updates, others use weather radios. Some experts warn against relying solely on severe weather sirens. Often, they are older technology and prone to breaking down.
Meteorologists say people should find an interior part of the first floor or basement level of a house to hide in. This room could be a hallway, bathroom or closet. For more protection, people can get under something sturdy, like a heavy table or workbench.
At least 2 dead after winter storms bring tornadoes, blizzard conditions to US
A major winter storm system rolled through sections of the U.S., killing at least two people Tuesday, March 4. The severe weather included dust storms in the Southwest and blizzard conditions in the Midwest.
Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves confirmed two deaths in the state in a post to X.
FlightAware.com reported that airlines canceled more than 500 flights nationwide due to the severe weather.
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A major winter storm system rolled through sections of the U.S. on Tuesday, March 4, killing at least two people. The severe weather appeared in different forms depending on the location as dust storms moved through the Southwest and blizzard conditions took over the Midwest.
A reported tornado touched down in Irving, Texas, with winds of up to 110 miles per hour. Other reported tornadoes struck in Oklahoma, Louisiana and Nebraska.
Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves confirmed two deaths in the state in a post to X. According to local reports, one person died from a falling power line and a driver was killed when a tree fell on his car.
Storm damage left hundreds of thousands of people without power in several states, including more than 178,000 in Texas. The Lone Star State also saw wildfires ignite due to the mix of high winds, low humidity and dry vegetation.
Regarding the blizzard conditions, several school districts closed campuses Wednesday, March 5, in southern Minnesota, where meteorologists expect at least 5 to 11 inches to fall, along with wind gusts of over 50 mph.
FlightAware.com reported that airlines canceled more than 500 flights nationwide due to the severe weather. Airports in Dallas canceled the most flights.
The severe weather also caused New Orleans to alter some Mardi Gras events on Fat Tuesday. Officials shortened parades and rescheduled other celebrations.
Trump vows to keep reshaping America in congressional address
Proclaiming “America is back,” President Donald Trump delivers an address to Congress where he touted his crackdown on illegal immigration, imposing tariffs and cutting government spending. And deadly storms, from tornadoes in the deep south to blizzard conditions in the midwest, a late winter barrage batters major parts of the country. These stories and more highlight your Unbiased Updates for Wednesday, March 5, 2025.
Trump vows to keep reshaping America in congressional address
In the longest joint address to Congress in history, President Donald Trump vowed to take “swift and unrelenting action” to reshape American policy. Trump emphasized his administration’s efforts to lower illegal border crossings, boost energy production and reduce government waste.
Trump focused on social issues, including banning transgender athletes from women’s and girls’ sports and ending diversity, equity and inclusion programs in the military.
The president also addressed the recent election, calling it a mandate from the American people to pass his agenda. He touched on tariffs, the border, cutting government fraud and waste, and lowering energy costs to help reduce inflation.
Within minutes, Trump declared that the momentum, spirit and confidence of America is back and that the country is on the verge of a comeback.
Democrats objected, and Rep. Al Green, D-Texas, interrupted the proceedings. After several warnings, Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., asked the sergeant-at-arms to remove Green from the chamber.
Johnson reminded lawmakers to follow proper decorum, and there were no other major disruptions following Green’s removal.
Straight Arrow news reporter Lauren Taylor has more highlights from Trump’s historic speech here.
Sen. Elissa Slotkin delivers Democratic response to Trump address
While they may not be as overt as Green, Democrats last night found other ways to oppose Trump’s administration. Many Democratic women wore bright pink as a show of defiance.
New Mexico’s Rep. Teresa Leger Fernández—who leads the Democratic Women’s Caucus—told Time magazine that the color represents “our protest of Trump’s policies, which are negatively impacting women and families.”
Slotkin emphasized the dissatisfaction among Americans with the economy, stating that Trump’s policies are not effectively addressing the issues.
“Americans made it clear that prices are too high and that the government needs to be more responsive to their needs,” Slotkin said. “America wants change, but there’s a responsible way to make change and a reckless way.”
“President Trump is trying to deliver an unprecedented giveaway to his billionaire friends. He’s on the hunt to find trillions of dollars to pass along to the wealthiest in America and to do that, he is going to make you pay in every part of your life. Grocery and home prices are going up, not down, and he hasn’t laid out a credible plan to deal with either of those. His tariffs on allies like Canada will raise prices on energy, lumber and cars and start a trade war that will hurt manufacturing and farmers. Your premiums and prescriptions will cost more because the math on his proposals doesn’t work without going after your health care.”
Sen. Elissa Slotkin, D-Mich.
When it came to immigration, Slotkin struck a more moderate tone, acknowledging Americans have told pollsters they’re concerned about record illegal border crossings in recent years.
She said, “Every country deserves to know who and what is coming across its border. Period. Democrats and republicans should all be for that, but securing the border without actually fixing our broken immigration system is dealing with the symptom and not the disease.”
Slotkin also addressed the controversial role of Elon Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency.
“Is there anyone in America who is comfortable with him and his gang of 20-year-olds using their own computer servers to poke through your tax returns, your health information and your bank accounts? No oversight, no protections against cyberattacks, no guardrails on what they do with your private data.”
The Michigan senator ended the response by advocating for “engaged citizens and principled leaders.”
Ukraine willing to sign minerals deal, negotiate peace with Russia
During his address, Trump also expressed appreciation for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who is reportedly willing to sign a minerals deal with the U.S. and come to the negotiating table under Trump’s leadership to end the war with Russia.
Trump told Congress that the Ukrainian leader made the declaration in a letter to him on Tuesday.
Earlier in the day, Zelenskyy also posted on X, stating that Ukraine is ready to sign the deal and enter peace talks with Russia.
I would like to reiterate Ukraine’s commitment to peace.
None of us wants an endless war. Ukraine is ready to come to the negotiating table as soon as possible to bring lasting peace closer. Nobody wants peace more than Ukrainians. My team and I stand ready to work under…
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) March 4, 2025
He also labeled the contentious Oval Office meeting with Trump and Vice President JD Vance, which aired on national TV last week, as “regrettable.”
The minerals deal was on hold since that tense exchange.
Pentagon: DOGE found millions in funds to cut
As Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency continues its quest to reduce government spending, the Pentagon said DOGE has found tens of millions of dollars being wasted within the Department of Defense.
This comes as the Trump administration has released a list of several hundred federal buildings it plans to close or sell, including the FBI headquarters and the main Department of Justice building, stating they are “not core to government operations.”
It also comes as multiple news outlets reported that the Trump administration is drafting plans to cut the Internal Revenue Service’s workforce by half.
Sources familiar with the situation indicated it will be accomplished through a combination of layoffs, attrition and voluntary buyouts.
At least 2 killed after winter storms swept across US
According to reports, a tornado touched down in Irving, Texas, on Tuesday morning, March 4, with winds of up to 110 miles per hour.
It was part of a major winter storm system that swept through sections of the U.S. on Tuesday, bringing dust storms to the Southwest and blizzard conditions to the Midwest.
Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves confirmed at least two deaths in the state due to the severe weather.
According to local reports, one person died as a result of a fallen power line, and another was killed when a tree fell on a car.
The severe weather also prompted officials in New Orleans to adjust some Mardi Gras events on Fat Tuesday.
Bald eagle nest cam goes viral as America anticipates third hatchling
Live camera footage of a bald eagle nest in Southern California has gone viral this week.
The California nonprofit Friends of Big Bear Valley has shared two 24/7 live streams of a bald eagle nest in the San Bernardino Mountains.
The nest is home to Jackie and Shadow, a pair of bald eagles that gained worldwide popularity in 2023 when the camera showed the couple with two eggs.
However, those eggs failed to hatch at the time.
But now, three years later, Jackie and Shadow have two new babies to care for, with a third on the way.
Congress to certify Trump’s win; Biden issues warning to ‘not forget’ riots
Congress prepares to re-affirm President-elect Donald Trump as the next president of the United States on the fourth anniversary of the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol riots. And after a weekend of blizzard-like conditions in the Plains and Midwest, a major winter storm aims for the East Coast. These stories and more highlight your Unbiased Updates for Monday, Jan. 6, 2025.
Congress to certify Trump’s win; Biden issues warning to ‘not forget’ Jan. 6 riots
Senators and members of the House of Representatives will gather to tally the electoral votes of all 50 states and Washington, D.C., confirming Trump will be the 47th president of the United States.
Speaking to Fox News on Sunday, Jan. 5, House Speaker Mike Johnson said a major winter storm heading toward the area would not prevent the congressional joint session from counting the electoral votes.
Monday’s joint session comes four years after the certification of votes affirming President Joe Biden’s 2020 victory. Biden’s certification turned into chaos when rioters stormed the Capitol, looking to prevent then-Vice President Mike Pence from presiding over the certification. Many rioters insisted the election was stolen from Trump.
This year, Vice President Kamala Harris will oversee the electoral count of the election she lost and declare Trump the winner. Harris already conceded the race to Trump after he won 312 electoral college votes, surpassing the 270 needed to win the presidency. Harris won 226 votes.
Following the 2021 Capitol attack, Congress passed the Electoral Count Reform Act of 2022. This act clarified that the vice president does not have the power to determine, accept, reject or adjudicate the vote results.
On Sunday, Biden spoke to new Democratic members of Congress about the events that unfolded in 2021 and the importance of the date.
“Tomorrow’s Jan. 6; we gather to certify the results of a free and fair presidential election and ensure a peaceful transfer of power,” Biden said. “It’s a day that [for] most of our history we took for granted, the sixth, but I hope we never take it for granted again.”
Biden wrote an op-ed in The Washington Post on Sunday. In it, he told Americans that while some may no longer want to mention what happened four years ago, it cannot be forgotten.
“We should be proud that our democracy withstood this assault. And we should be glad we will not see such a shameful attack again this year…” he wrote. “The election will be certified peacefully. I have invited the incoming president to the White House on the morning of Jan. 20, and I will be present for his inauguration that afternoon. But on this day, we cannot forget.”
Monday’s proceedings are the last official opportunity for any member of Congress to object to the electoral votes. Following the certification, Trump will be sworn into office on Jan. 20 for his second term. He vowed to pardon those convicted in connection with the Jan. 6 riots.
Biden signs Social Security Fairness Act into law
Biden signed the Social Security Fairness Act into law Sunday. It’s expected to be one of the last major pieces of legislation of his term.
Today, I signed legislation expanding Social Security benefits for millions of teachers, firefighters, nurses, police officers, other public employees, and their spouses and survivors.
The law repeals a rule that limited certain public sector job retirees who collect pensions — such as firefighters, teachers, postal workers and police officers — from also claiming social security benefits.
The new law also eliminates limits on the benefits that surviving spouses can receive after they die.
The Senate passed the bill in December after the House approved it in November with overwhelming bipartisan support.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to resign this week: Reports
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is expected to announce his resignation as early as Monday, according to multiple news outlets. It comes as his party, the Liberal Party, is set to hold its national caucus meeting on Wednesday, Jan. 8.
Last month, Trudeau’s finance minister, Chrystia Freeland, publicly announced her resignation in a letter criticizing the prime minister. Since then, calls for his resignation have grown publicly and privately within his own party.
This is just the latest in a series of recent political struggles for the prime minister. In September, Trudeau faced a no-confidence vote in parliament, which later failed.
Trudeau and Trump have been locked in a public back-and-forth over tariffs with Trump threatening to put a 25% levy on Canadian imports.
Details emerge about New Orleans suspect’s actions in weeks before attack
More details emerged about the man authorities said killed 14 people and injured dozens more when he drove a rented truck into a crowd of revelers in New Orleans on New Year’s Day.
The FBI said Sunday the attacker, Shamsud-Din Jabbar, visited the city twice in the weeks leading up to the deadly act of terrorism and recorded video of the area using Meta Smart Glasses.
The glasses allow users to record video hands-free and can also livestream on Meta platforms. Investigators said Jabbar wore the glasses to capture video while he rode a bicycle through the city’s French Quarter. He reportedly wore the glasses during the attack on Bourbon Street but was not livestreaming.
Authorities also believe Jabbar set fire to a short-term rental house in New Orleans where investigators found bomb-making material. They said he planted two bombs in the French Quarter before the truck attack but neither detonated.
Jabbar was killed after opening fire on responding police officers.
Millions of Americans under blizzard alerts as winter storm moves east
A major winter storm will continue to move through the Mid-Atlantic region today, followed by dangerously cold temperatures spreading across the central and eastern U.S. pic.twitter.com/sogRlbC6Y9
Major cities like Washington, D.C., Baltimore and Philadelphia are preparing for snowy and icy conditions Monday and into Tuesday, Jan. 7. Meanwhile, parts of Virginia are expecting 5 to 12 inches of snow.
Impacts of this weather system could also be felt in the South, with severe thunderstorms capable of producing tornadoes and damaging winds expected to hit Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and other southern states Monday night.
2025 Golden Globes crown best in movies, television
The 2025 Golden Globes rolled out the red carpet Sunday night for the best and brightest stars of film and television — but only a select few walked away with awards.
In the movie categories, the big winners were the films “Emilia Pérez” and “The Brutalist.” “Emilia Pérez” won four awards, including best musical or comedy. “The Brutalist” took home best drama and two other awards.
Over on the TV side of things, “Shōgun” topped the competition with four awards, including Best TV Drama. “Hacks” won Best TV Series – Musical or Comedy.
It was an especially memorable night for actress Demi Moore, who won her first acting award. She won the Golden Globe for Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy for her role as an aging Hollywood star who undergoes a cloning procedure in “The Substance.”
Biden, Trump, former US presidents pay tribute to Carter
Tributes are pouring in for former President Jimmy Carter, who passed away in Plains, Georgia, at 100 years old Sunday. And 179 people are dead after a plane crash in South Korea. These stories and more highlight your Unbiased Updates for Monday, Dec. 30, 2024.
Former President Jimmy Carter dies at 100
Former President Jimmy Carter, the peanut farmer from Plains, Georgia, who served as the 39th president of the United States and the longest-lived president in American history, died Sunday, Dec. 29, at 100 years old.
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The Carter Center, a nonprofit organization founded by the former president and his wife, said there will be public observances in Atlanta and Washington, D.C., followed by a private interment in Plains, Georgia. President Joe Biden issued a proclamation Sunday evening declaring Jan. 9 a National Day of Mourning.
Biden, Trump, former US presidents pay tribute to Carter
Over six decades, Jill and I had the honor of calling Jimmy Carter a dear friend.
But, what’s extraordinary about Jimmy Carter, though, is that millions of people throughout America and the world who never met him thought of him as a dear friend as well. pic.twitter.com/irknhZ6CJY
Tributes from around the world poured in after the news of Carter’s death hit Sunday afternoon. Biden, President-elect Donald Trump and other former presidents were among those who paid tribute to Carter.
Biden delivered remarks in a live broadcast Sunday evening, calling Carter a “remarkable leader” and a “dear friend.”
“What I find extraordinary about Jimmy Carter, though, is that millions of people all around the world, all over the world, feel they lost a friend as well, even though they never met him, and that’s because Jimmy Carter lived a life measured not by words but by his deeds. Just look at his life, his life’s work. He worked to eradicate disease, not just at home, but around the world. He forged peace, he advanced civil rights, human rights, promoted free and fair elections around the world. He built housing for the homeless with his own hands, and his compassion and moral clarity lifted people up and changed lives and saved lives all over the globe. We may never see his like again. You know, we can all do well to try to be a little more like Jimmy Carter.”
President Joe Biden
Trump released a statement saying, “The challenges Jimmy faced as president came at a pivotal time for our country and he did everything in his power to improve the lives of all Americans. For that, we all owe him a debt of gratitude.”
Former President Bill Clinton also issued a statement, saying, “From his commitment to civil rights as a state senator and governor of Georgia; to his efforts as president to protect our natural resources in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, make energy conservation a national priority, return the Panama Canal to Panama, and secure peace between Egypt and Israel at Camp David; to his post-presidential efforts at the Carter Center supporting honest elections, advancing peace, combating disease, and promoting democracy; to his and Rosalynn’s devotion and hard work at habitat for humanity—he worked tirelessly for a better, fairer world.”
Former President George W. Bush called Carter a man of “deeply held convictions.” Bush added, “His efforts to leave behind a better world didn’t end with the presidency. His work with Habitat for Humanity and the Carter Center set an example of service that will inspire Americans for generations.”
Former President Barack Obama highlighted Carter’s single term as president, saying, he “believed some things were more important than reelection — things like integrity, respect, and compassion.” Obama added, “Jimmy Carter believed, as deeply as he believed anything, that we are all created in God’s image.”
179 killed, 2 survive plane crash at South Korean airport
More details emerged from a fiery plane crash in South Korea that left 179 people dead in one of the country’s worst aviation disasters. It happened Sunday at Muan International Airport, 180 miles south of Seoul.
The jetliner skid off the runway into a concrete fence and burst into flames after its landing gear possibly failed to deploy. Only two people survived. South Korean officials said the survivors were crew members and did not appear to have any life-threatening injuries.
Not long before the crash, the control tower issued a warning about birds and gave the crew permission to land in a different area. The pilot reported a bird strike, but the exact cause of the crash has not yet been determined. Officials said the crew also sent out a distress signal shortly before the crash.
South Korean transportation officials said it could take months to figure out exactly what happened.
The plane that crash-landed was a Boeing 737-800, marking the latest incident involving the company. Boeing’s 737-800 is in a different class than its 737 Max jets, which were involved in fatal crashes in 2018 and 2019.
At least 4 killed by storms that spawned tornadoes across the Southern US
A least four people are dead after a storm system tore across the Southern U.S. over the weekend. National Weather Service meteorologists received dozens of reports of tornado damage across Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Georgia. Crews are conducting surveys to assess the damage.
The NWS confirmed at least five tornadoes hit near Houston, Texas, on Saturday, Dec. 28, killing one woman and destroying or damaging dozens of homes. A man in North Carolina died in what a state trooper described as a “freak accident” after a tree fell on the pickup truck he was driving.
The storms also killed two people in Mississippi, while at least 10 other people were injured across the state.
2 men found dead after failing to return from Sasquatch search
Two Oregon men were found dead in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest in southwestern Washington on Saturday after they disappeared last week while searching for Sasquatch. Sasquatch, also known as “Bigfoot,” is a mythical creature said to inhabit forests in North America.
A relative reported the men missing Christmas Day after they failed to return from their search.
Authorities said the men appear to have died from exposure and were not prepared for the “brutally cold weather”. They have only been identified as a 37-year-old and a 59-year-old from Portland.
‘Mufasa,’ ‘Sonic’ battle for top spot at holiday box office
It was a battle at the box office over the holiday weekend between a fast-moving hedgehog and a brave lion. In the end, Disney’s “Mufasa: The Lion King” overtook Sony’s “Sonic the Hedgehog 3” on the Christmas box office leaderboard.
The “Lion King” prequel edged out the “Sonic” sequel over the five-day stretch, bringing in nearly $64 million. “Sonic” garnered just under $60 million.
However, according to traditional weekend box office numbers, it was “Sonic” that came out on top $38 million to $37 million.
South Korean parliament votes to impeach acting president
The political turmoil involving key U.S. ally South Korea deepens as its acting president is impeached. And severe weather could disrupt plans for millions on one of the busiest travel weekends of the year. These stories and more highlight your Unbiased Updates for Friday, Dec. 27, 2024.
South Korean parliament votes to impeach acting president
Han, South Korea’s number two official, has been leading the country since the opposition-controlled National Assembly moved to get rid of Yoon. The assembly voted Friday to approve the impeachment motion against Han 192-0, with current governing party lawmakers boycotting the vote.
Meanwhile, two lawyers from Yoon’s legal team appeared before the constitutional court on Yoon’s behalf as hearings into his impeachment begin. The court has 180 days to decide whether to reinstate Yoon or remove him from office.
South Korea is a key ally of the United States. The U.S. has nearly 30,000 troops stationed there. Any new government would have to deal with President-elect Donald Trump come January. Trump has previously stated that South Korea should pay as much as $10 billion to have American troops there.
Israeli airstrikes hit Yemen airport where WHO chief was boarding plane
A new round of Israeli airstrikes in Yemen targeted the Houthi rebel-held capital of Sanaa and multiple ports Thursday, Dec. 26. The World Health Organization’s director-general said the bombardment happened not far from where he was about to board a flight, injuring a crew member with the U.N. Humanitarian Air Service.
Our mission to negotiate the release of @UN staff detainees and to assess the health and humanitarian situation in #Yemen concluded today. We continue to call for the detainees' immediate release.
As we were about to board our flight from Sana’a, about two hours ago, the airport… pic.twitter.com/riZayWHkvf
At least three people were later reported killed and dozens injured in the airport strike.
A U.S. spokesperson said U.N. team members have since left the airport and are “safe and sound” in Sanaa. The injured crew member was getting treatment at a hospital.
The Israeli army told the Associated Press it was not aware that the WHO chief or delegation was at the location in Yemen.
Meanwhile, in Gaza, Israeli strikes left 20 people dead, including five Palestinian journalists, according to the territory’s health ministry. The Israeli military claimed they were militants posing as reporters.
Russian anti-aircraft system may have struck Azerbaijan passenger plane
Early indications point to a Russian anti-aircraft system as the cause of a deadly Azerbaijan Airlines passenger plane crash in Kazakhstan on Wednesday, Dec. 25, a U.S. official told multiple outlets. There are reports that the Russian system used a surface-to-air missile to hit the flight before it crashed near the city of Aktau, killing 38 of the 67 people on board.
A commission has been set up to investigate the crash, including representatives from Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan and Russia. However, Russian and Azerbaijani investigators will not be allowed to conduct their own forensics investigations, according to Kazakh state media.
The flight was en route, from Azerbaijan’s capital of Baku to the Russian city of Grozny when it was diverted. Russian state media said the diversion was because of fog. The plane crash landed while attempting to make an emergency landing in Kazakhstan.
Some aviation experts have pointed to holes in the underside of the plane as evidence of shrapnel and that the plane appeared to have been shot down.
Judge rules ‘Diddy’ and Jay-Z rape accuser can remain anonymous
A New York judge has ruled a woman who is accusing music moguls Sean “Diddy” Combs and Jay-Z, whose real name is Shawn Carter, of raping her when she was 13 can stay anonymous for now.
Judge says woman accusing Jay-Z, Sean 'Diddy' Combs of raping her at age 13 can proceed anonymously https://t.co/GwuLF7l5N0
In her decision, Judge Analisa Torres reserved the right to revisit the decision at a future date if the case moves forward, which would help defense lawyers prepare for trial. Torres also cited “substantial interest” from the public.
Severe weather threatens to disrupt post-Christmas travel
Friday is the start of one of the busiest travel weekends of the year and severe weather will likely throw a wrench in many people’s plans. Storms across the western and southern U.S. are threatening delays for millions of passengers, especially Saturday, Dec. 28.
Here are some key messages regarding the severe weather threat this Saturday (12/28). pic.twitter.com/BmzmpznyeE
The National Weather Service said another round of severe thunderstorms is expected to hit the deep south Saturday with strong tornadoes, damaging winds and large hail from Louisiana to Alabama. Meanwhile, a series of Pacific storm systems will continue to impact the west, bringing strong winds, low-elevation rain and heavy mountain snow.
Americans get lottery fever as Mega Millions jackpot hits $1.15 billion
While lottery officials say the odds of winning any Mega Millions prize are 1 in 24, chances of hitting the jackpot are 1 in 302.5 million. However, come April, the chances will go up — along with ticket prices.
Right now, Mega Millions is $2 per ticket, but that cost will jump to $5 in April. Lottery officials insist the price hike will lead to improved jackpot odds along with more frequent giant prizes and even bigger payouts.
Multiple tornadoes rip through Oklahoma City area, thousands without power
At least 11 people suffered injuries, and dozens of homes were damaged or destroyed after multiple tornadoes struck the Oklahoma City area on Sunday, Nov. 3. Authorities continued to assess the destruction on Sunday as rescue operations remained underway.
Officials issued tornado warnings early Sunday, including one for the University of Oklahoma’s Norman campus. One of the tornadoes touched down in Oklahoma City, where most of the injuries occurred. Local hospitals treated people for non-life-threatening injuries, according to authorities.
The Oklahoma City Fire Department rescued two adults trapped in an overturned mobile home and several others stranded in their cars due to flash flooding.
City officials reported that 39 structures were destroyed, 43 sustained major damage and 54 had minor damage. Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt declared a state of emergency for six counties as damage assessments continued.
Meteorologists with the National Weather Service said six to 12 tornadoes likely touched down in the area over four hours, starting around 11 p.m. Saturday.
Besides tornadoes, Oklahoma City also faced flash flooding and large hail.
Officials confirmed a tornado in southeast Oklahoma City had reached EF3 classification, with wind speeds reaching up to 165 miles per hour.
In the nearby town of Harrah, Oklahoma, officials reported significant damage. Some residents had to take shelter in a local casino.
The National Weather Service warned residents to stay alert since more storms could impact the Oklahoma City area.
Gov. Stitt reminded residents that Red Cross shelters are open and state resources are available to help those in need. The state emergency center remains activated.
For those concerned about voting access, Stitt assured that polling stations would be open on Election Day and that power would be restored as soon as possible to support voting.
At least 15 dead, 2.6 million without power after Hurricane Milton
The death toll from Hurricane Milton rises as millions are left without power in the storm’s aftermath. And one person is killed and 12 others rescued after a disaster during a tour of a Colorado mine. These stories and more highlight your Unbiased Updates for Friday, Oct. 11, 2024.
At least 8 dead, 2.6 million without power after Hurricane Milton
At least 15 people are dead (that number has risen since Unbiased Updates was recorded Friday morning, Oct. 11), and 2.6 million homes and businesses remain without power as Florida begins to pick up the pieces after Hurricane Milton roared across the state. It was the second devastating storm to batter the Sunshine State in less than two weeks.
Now a post-tropical cyclone, Milton is expected to continue to weaken over the next few days.
While Milton made landfall on Florida’s west coast near Sarasota, most of the deaths reported have been in the eastern part of the state, where dozens of tornadoes have been reported. While the storm did not prove to be the worst-case scenario, rescuers have been very busy pulling and dragging hundreds of people from flooded areas to safety.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and President Joe Biden have both said in this case, warnings came early and often, spurring tens of thousands of people to evacuate and saving countless lives.
Still, the cleanup and recovery processes are expected to take weeks, if not months — especially in the areas that were also hit by Hurricane Helene just 13 days before Milton barreled in.
1 dead, 12 rescued after elevator malfunction at Colorado gold mine
In Colorado, 12 people are now safe after getting trapped at the bottom of a gold mine for six hours Thursday, Oct. 10. One person died after the elevator at the Mollie Kathleen Mine, a popular tourist attraction, experienced a mechanical problem 500 feet below the earth’s surface.
The 12 adults had access to water and were able to communicate with authorities via radio while trapped. As that group was stuck, rescuers were able to get to 11 other people who were riding the elevator and get them to safety.
The local sheriff said it is not yet known what caused the malfunction. An investigation is underway.
The incident happened during the final week of Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine‘s tourist season before it shuts down for the winter.
Chemical leak at Houston oil refinery kills 2, injures dozens more
Two people are dead and 35 more are injured after a chemical leak involving hydrogen sulfide, a potentially toxic gas, at an oil refinery in Deer Park, Texas — near Houston. Officials said a group was working on a flange Thursday when some kind of accident happened, and gas started leaking.
Emergency officials urged residents in the area to shelter in place after the incident, but this morning, that’s since been lifted after air monitoring showed no signs hazardous chemicals had gotten into the air.
Trump talks economic plan in Detroit; Obama rallies for Harris in PA
With just 25 days until Americans head to the polls, voters in two battleground states heard from two former presidents on Thursday. Republican nominee former President Donald Trump spoke to supporters in Detroit, Michigan while former President Barack Obama – stumped for Democratic nominee Vice President Kamala Harris in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
While delivering his economic address to the Detroit Economic Club, Trump spoke about his goal to revive the auto industry and bring a “rebirth” to Detroit. He then turned to international companies and his plan for them to open facilities in America.
“So, here is the deal that I will be offering to the world to companies outside of our world — big companies, powerful companies that have become powerful because we were stupid, we were stupid, we allowed them to come and raid and rape our country,” Trump said. “That’s what they did. ‘Oh, he used the word rape.’ That’s right, I used the word. They raped our country. The United States will give you the lowest taxes, the lowest energy cost, we have more liquid gold under our feet than any other country in the world and it’s the best…But only if you make your products here in America. In other words, you get all of these assets, but you have to make your product here in America and you have to hire American workers.”
“Kamala is as prepared for the job as any nominee for president has ever been,” Obama said. “That’s who Kamala is.”
He added, “I’m sorry gentlemen; I’ve noticed this especially with some men who seem to think Trump’s behavior of bullying and of putting people down is a sign of strength. I am here to tell you, that is not what real strength is. Real strength is about working hard and carrying a heavy load without complaining and telling the truth even when it’s inconvenient. Real strength is about helping people who need it and standing up for those who can’t always stand up for themselves. That is what we should want for our daughters and for our sons and that is what I want to see in a president for the United States of America.”
Hezbollah official escapes during deadly Israeli strikes in Lebanon
Lebanese authorities say Israeli airstrikes targeting Hezbollah in Beirut killed 22 people and injured 117 others. Sources told Reuters a senior Hezbollah official, targeted by Israeli forces during the Thursday night strikes, was able to survive.
Israel has not commented on the attack.
The United Nations said its personnel is facing increasing danger in Lebanon as two U.N. peacekeepers were injured after an Israeli tank fired at a watchtower at its main headquarters in the southern portion of the country. Israel issued a statement on that incident, saying its military operated “next to” the U.N.’s base and had instructed U.N. officials to remain in protected spaces before its troops opened fire.
Hezbollah operates from within and near civilian areas in southern Lebanon, including areas near @UNIFIL_ posts.
The IDF is operating in southern Lebanon and maintains routine communication with UNIFIL.
IDF troops operated in the area of Naqoura, next to a UNIFIL base.…
The peacekeepers were said to be in good condition after being treated for their injuries.
Sports leagues come together to combat hate in America
In a sign of true sportsmanship, eight American sports leagues have come together to back a new campaign targeting hate in the U.S. It is an idea from New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft and his foundation to combat antisemitism.
The initiative brought together the heads of the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHK, NASCAR and others to come up with plans to curb hate of any kind in the country. The sports leaders are spending $50 million to get the word out.
The campaign, titled “Timeout Against Hate,” launched during Thursday night football on Oct. 10, with a commercial featuring legendary figures and current-day athletes from all sports speaking out against hate.
