March 2021

Storms move eastward, leave trail of damage in Deep South

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP) — Storms that left splintered homes and broken trees across Alabama and Mississippi moved into Georgia and Florida on Thursday, rousing residents with early morning warnings as forecasters said the threat of dangerous weather would move up the south Atlantic seaboard.

Sheriff: Fishermen help solve 1993 cold case

(AP) - An angler’s sonar image has helped solve a 28-year-old missing persons case involving the sister of a former CNN news anchor.

Divers retrieved the remains of Kara Enid Vaughn, 40, on Monday, the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office said in Facebook posts Tuesday and Wednesday. Vaughn, sister of former Headline News anchor Lyn Vaughn, had been reported missing Nov. 3, 1993, the sheriff’s office said.

Despite setbacks, House set to OK Dems’ immigration bills

WASHINGTON (AP) — Democrats seemed poised to claim victory Thursday in the House’s first votes this year on immigration, but moving legislation on the divisive issue all the way through Congress is an uphill fight.

With the blessing of President Joe Biden, the House was set to vote on one bill clearing a path for over 2 million young “Dreamer” immigrants and others to gain legal status and a chance for citizenship. A second measure would do the same for around 1 million immigrant farm workers. Both seemed certain to pass.

Bye Alpha, Eta: Greek alphabet ditched for hurricane names

(AP) - With named storms coming earlier and more often in warmer waters, the Atlantic hurricane season is going through some changes with meteorologists ditching the Greek alphabet during busy years.

But the Atlantic hurricane season will start this year on June 1 as traditionally scheduled, despite meteorologists discussing the idea of moving it to May 15.

UK: Shortfall in vaccine deliveries will delay jabs

LONDON (AP) — British health authorities say COVID-19 vaccinations for people under age 50 may be delayed for up to a month amid a shortfall in supply, partly due to reduced deliveries from the Serum Institute of India.

Troubled US-China ties face new test in Alaska meeting

WASHINGTON (AP) — The United States and China will face a new test in their increasingly troubled relations when top officials from both countries meet in Alaska on Thursday.

Ties between the world’s two largest economies have been torn for years, and the Biden administration has yet to signal it’s ready or willing to back down on the hardline stances taken under President Donald Trump. Nor has China signaled it’s prepared to ease the pressure it has brought to bear.

Thus, the stage is set for a contentious first face-to-face meeting, and no agreements are expected.

Putin cites ills in US society after Biden’s killer remark

MOSCOW (AP) — President Vladimir Putin responded Thursday to President Joe Biden’s description of him as a killer by citing America’s past and present troubles, from slavery and the slaughter of Native Americans to racial injustice.

Biden was asked in an interview this week whether he thought Putin was a killer, and he replied, “I do,” a remark that prompted Russia to recall its ambassador in Washington for consultations and warn about further retaliation.

Chauvin jury grows despite $27M settlement to Floyd family

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Concern appears to be fading that a massive settlement for George Floyd’s family will derail the trial of a former police officer accused in his death, with most potential jurors saying they avoided news of the settlement or could set it aside.

Two jurors seated before news of the city’s $27 million settlement broke last week were dismissed Wednesday after being re-questioned by Hennepin County Judge Peter Cahill, but five others were retained and two were added later in the day.

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Treasury says state tax cuts OK if separated from virus aid

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — Responding to concerns from state officials, the U.S. Treasury Department said Wednesday that states can cut taxes without penalty under a new federal pandemic relief law — so long as they use their own funds to offset those cuts.