JQJO — Your world, one story at a time · Page 950

Washington — President Donald Trump said Tuesday he ordered U.S. forces to join Israel's strike on Iran, asserting he acted to pre-empt an Iranian attack. Pentagon briefers told Congress on Sunday they lacked intelligence of an imminent Iranian strike, while Secretary Marco Rubio suggested Washington acted after learning of an Israeli operation. Trump told reporters in the Oval Office, during a meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, that Iran's military was 'knocked out' and he posted similar claims on Truth Social. Democratic lawmakers, including Senator Elizabeth Warren, criticized the strikes this week. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

WASHINGTON, President Donald Trump on Tuesday threatened to sever all United States trade with Spain after Madrid declined to allow U.S. forces to use jointly operated bases for strikes against Iran. He told German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and reporters that he instructed Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to cut off dealings and floated embargoes, linking the dispute to Spain’s NATO spending shortfall. Spanish officials said bases must operate under international law and noted the EU handles trade negotiations. U.S. exports to Spain totaled about $26 billion in 2025. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research. Official statements and data cited.

United States. NOAA this week added a Conditional Intensity alert to Storm Prediction Center outlooks to call out days when storms may become exceptionally intense. Local forecast offices issued watches and warnings: Cincinnati warned of heavy rain and Flood Watches Wednesday; Dallas and Lubbock forecast severe storms with hail and damaging winds Wednesday–Friday; Springfield recorded heavy rain March 3 and faces potential storms March 6. Forecasters urged preparedness and avoiding flooded roadways. Emergency messaging and local warnings will guide public response. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Dallas — Texas voters held primary elections Tuesday to select party nominees for U.S. Senate, governor and state offices, with incumbent Republican Sen. John Cornyn facing challengers Ken Paxton and Rep. Wesley Hunt. Republican leaders supported President Trump's strikes on Iran, while Democrats contested the Senate primary between Rep. Jasmine Crockett and Rep. James Talarico. Early voting showed stronger Democratic turnout, and heavy advertising—reported at more than $128 million—marked the Senate contest. National and local reporting noted potential runoffs if no candidate secures a majority and highlighted security developments tied to U.S.-Iran hostilities. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Washington, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem testified Tuesday before the Senate Judiciary Committee in her first congressional appearance since two Minneapolis protesters were shot and killed during federal immigration operations. Senators questioned Noem about the deployment of masked federal agents, stalled funding for her department, and concern over operations after recent U.S. strikes on Iran and a Texas bar shooting. She is scheduled to appear before the House Judiciary Committee Wednesday as Democrats press for accountability and reforms while the administration defends mass deportation policies. Lawmakers debated oversight, liberties, and funding priorities. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

United States — Meteorologists reported a widespread early March warm-up that pushed temperatures above seasonal averages across the Southeast, Midwest, Mid-Atlantic and Great Lakes this week. Warm fronts and upper-level ridging allowed Gulf moisture and milder air to override cold ground temperatures, producing patchy to dense fog Tuesday–Wednesday and prompting reduced visibility advisories in metro areas. Forecasts warned midweek highs ranging from the 40s to the 80s by region, with isolated showers and thunderstorms possible later as fronts progress. Agencies and local news used surface observations, model guidance and National Weather Service products. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

RAIFORD, Fla. — Florida executed Billy Leon Kearse on Tuesday evening after state courts upheld his conviction for the 1991 killing of Fort Pierce Police Officer Danny Parrish. Kearse, 53, received a three-drug lethal injection and was pronounced dead at 6:24 p.m. The Florida Supreme Court denied his final appeal earlier the same day; Kearse had been resentenced to death in 1997 after procedural issues in the original penalty phase. He apologized before the execution, and Parrish’s widow said she found peace. The state carried out its third execution of the year. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Raleigh, N.C. Voters completed primaries this week, producing former Gov. Roy Cooper and ex-RNC chair Michael Whatley as major-party Senate nominees. Both easily won crowded primary fields and secured nominations on Tuesday. Whatley emphasized crime and obtained endorsements from regional sheriffs' offices and police organizations; Cooper captured Democratic unity. The contests occurred amid heightened national security tensions after U.S. and Israel actions against Iran, which influenced public attention. The general election will contest the seat vacated by Sen. Thom Tillis and could affect Senate control and campaign fundraising ahead of November. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Washington, President Donald Trump met German Chancellor Friedrich Merz at the White House on Tuesday for scheduled bilateral talks focusing on Iran, trade, Ukraine and transatlantic security cooperation. The leaders held a formal greeting, an Oval Office meeting and a closed-door lunch covered by the White House press pool, according to the presidential schedule. German officials emphasized defense spending and strategic coordination with European partners, and U.S. officials raised Iran and tariff concerns amid recent strikes and international tensions. Meetings continued with other cabinet members and policy discussions later in the day. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Washington, U.S. Supreme Court on Monday granted emergency appeal allowing California schools to notify parents if students identify as transgender without consent, temporarily blocking a state law that prohibited automatic parental notifications. The decision followed lawsuits from teachers and two sets of Catholic parents represented by the Thomas More Society, and it reinstated a lower-court order while litigation continues. Advocates for student privacy warned of potential harm to vulnerable students, while supporters hailed a protection of parental rights. The case will proceed through lower courts as parties present evidence and constitutional arguments. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.