China's military conducted extensive air and naval activities near Taiwan, prompting the island's defense ministry to activate an emergency response center. Taiwanese officials described the activities as training, while China reiterated its stance against Taiwanese independence and foreign collaboration. The increased military presence followed Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te's recent visits to Hawaii and Guam.
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Republican Randy Fine won the special election for Florida's sixth congressional district, securing a key win for the GOP and President Trump. Despite being outfunded by Democrat Josh Weil, Fine prevailed in the conservative district. Fine's victory maintains the Republican majority in the House as he prepares to transition from the Florida state legislature to Washington.
A federal judge has refused to halt the destruction of old or unnecessary classified documents at the US agency for international development (USAID). Despite concerns over the near-dismantling of USAID by the Trump administration, the judge found no link to ongoing court battles. The agency is significantly reducing staff and ceasing most foreign development programs.
A destructive tornado has ravaged Lake City, Arkansas, prompting a state of emergency. The storm, which displayed a hook echo radar signature, threatens the mid-south and lower Ohio valley with severe weather, including flash flooding and strong tornadoes. At least one fatality has been reported.
An American Airlines regional jet collided with a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter near Washington, D.C., resulting in the deaths of all 64 individuals onboard. The crash occurred in tightly controlled airspace, leading to an NTSB investigation into communication records and staffing levels at the air traffic control tower.
The Trump administration plans to block $510 million in federal contracts and grants to Brown University due to alleged anti-semitism on campuses. Brown received $184 million in federal grants last year and could face significant impacts if funding is cut. University officials reaffirm commitment to academic freedom and potential legal action.
Special counsel David Weiss defended the impartiality of his investigation into Hunter Biden, rejecting US President Joe Biden's claims of unfair treatment. Weiss emphasized that the gun and tax charges were based on factual investigations and not influenced by Hunter's surname. He criticized the president's use of a pardon to attack the Justice Department.
The process of repatriating illegally residing Afghan nationals in Pakistan continues, with over 800,000 individuals repatriated by March 20. The government has set a March 31 deadline for departure and assured humane treatment, with food and healthcare arrangements in place for returnees. Legal actions will follow after the deadline.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said on Thursday France's position on potential extending Paris's nuclear umbrella to European partners was "very promising" as he spoke before a key leaders' summit in Brussels. "This readiness of France, this is something very promising," Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk told reporters in Brussels, "We have to treat this proposal seriously."
As Vivek Ramaswamy posted photos from Superbowl Sunday, social media users asked him why he was there if he did not like American culture. In December, Ramaswamy made a long rant about US culture blaming it for nor producing top engineering talents owing to it misplaced focus on mediocrity and not on excellence, he said -- to the ire of many Republicans.
The White House accused Hamas on Friday of making "entirely impractical" demands and stalling on a deal to release a US-Israeli hostage in exchange for an extension of the Gaza ceasefire. Hamas said earlier on Friday it was ready to free an Israeli-American hostage and the remains of four others, after the Palestinian militants and Israel resumed indirect Gaza ceasefire negotiations.