JQJO — Your world, one story at a time · Page 952

Washington. Congress will vote this week after the United States and Israel launched a joint military operation against Iran, killing Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and dozens of senior officials. Lawmakers from both parties are divided, with Democrats demanding the president seek congressional authorization and some Republicans defending the strikes as necessary. At least three U.S. service members died, and leaders warned casualties may rise. The measures include proposed resolutions to restrict further military action without congressional approval. Debates referenced prior intelligence assessments, legal obligations under the Constitution, and global implications. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

United States — A total lunar eclipse reddened the Moon early Tuesday, March 3, 2026, with totality beginning in Eastern time zones at about 6:04 a.m. local time. Observers across North and Central America saw varying visibility: western U.S. experienced the full eclipse, while eastern regions faced moonset and sunrise that limited viewing. Central Florida and Palm Beach County reported totality lasting 45 minutes before moonset near sunrise. Cloud cover and horizon obstructions reduced chances in the Carolinas and parts of Connecticut. Scientists explained the red color as atmospheric scattering of sunlight. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research today.

Washington, D.C. — Rep. Jim Baird’s office announced Sunday that his wife, Danise Baird, died from complications related to injuries sustained in a Jan. 5 car crash in Washington that hospitalized both. The statement said the couple, married 59 years with three children, built a life centered on faith, family and service. Rep. Baird was released from hospital the day after the collision; his wife remained hospitalized for about a week. The congressman’s office and family members posted statements and public officials issued condolences. Baird filed re-election paperwork in February after the crash. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Washington — President Donald Trump said Sunday that U.S. forces destroyed and sank nine Iranian naval ships and damaged Iran’s naval headquarters after joint strikes with Israel. U.S. Central Command reported overnight air operations involving B-2 bombers and said an Iranian Jamaran-class corvette was struck at the start of Operation Epic Fury. State agencies reported explosions in Tehran and other cities and cited Iranian casualties and injuries; SANA and QNA reported strikes and military casualties. The U.S. and Israel continued operations into a second day as reports and official statements emerged this week. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Washington — U.S. Central Command said on Sunday that three U.S. service members were killed and five were seriously wounded in Operation Epic Fury, the campaign of coordinated U.S. and Israeli strikes, supported by international partners, against Iran that began Saturday. CENTCOM posted at 9:30 a.m. ET that several others sustained minor shrapnel injuries and concussions and were being returned to duty, and it withheld names pending next-of-kin notifications. Iranian forces responded with missiles and drones across the region, and several media reports described attacks on U.S. facilities and the Abraham Lincoln carrier. Based on 7 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Washington — U.S. and Israeli forces struck targets in Iran on Saturday, killing Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, officials said. Across the United States and worldwide, Iranian diaspora communities reported celebrations, cautious hope, and concern for relatives still in Iran. Exiled claimant Reza Pahlavi called for nightly protests, urged regime officials to surrender, and praised U.S. action in interviews and opinion pieces. Local reporters documented public gatherings in St. Louis and elsewhere, and agencies cited Pahlavi’s statements on social media and television. Governments and monitors continue to verify details and civilian impact. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Austin, Texas, authorities say a gunman opened fire early Sunday at Buford’s Backyard Beer Garden on Sixth Street, killing three people and wounding 14. Police and EMS arrived within about a minute of a 1:59 a.m. call; officers exchanged fire with the suspect and fatally shot him. Three victims were pronounced dead at the scene, and 14 were taken to hospitals, three in critical condition. The FBI and its Joint Terrorism Task Force joined the investigation to examine a potential terrorism nexus, and investigators immediately and thoroughly searched the suspect’s vehicle for evidence. Based on 11 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Washington, The Supreme Court heard arguments Monday in United States v. Hemani, challenging a 1968 federal statute that bars unlawful drug users from possessing firearms. The Trump administration urged revival after a federal appeals court ruled the law impermissible, while the Justice Department also defended it. Justices questioned whether marijuana users are dangerous and whether to rule narrowly or broadly. The case stems from a 2022 FBI search of Ali Danial Hemani’s home and notes a June 2024 conviction and pardon of Hunter Biden. The court’s decision could reshape federal gun restrictions. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Washington U.S. and Israeli forces launched coordinated airstrikes early Saturday on Iran, killing Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and striking multiple military and command sites rapidly across the country. Tehran's state media confirmed Khamenei's death and announced national mourning. U.S. officials named the operation "Operation Epic Fury" and described targets including IRGC command centers, air defenses, and missile and drone launch sites. President Donald Trump publicly hailed the outcome on social media and in interviews. The strikes occurred amid stalled indirect nuclear talks and prompted regional exchanges, local protests, and international concern. Based on 11 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Washington — The United States struck Iranian targets on Saturday in Operation Epic Fury, deploying B-2 stealth bombers with 2,000-pound bombs, Tomahawk cruise missiles, F-18 and F-35 fighters, and one-way suicide drones modeled on Iran’s Shahed designs. U.S. Central Command released photographs and confirmed first combat use of LUCAS drones. Reuters reported the Pentagon used Anthropic’s Claude artificial intelligence services during the operation, though officials did not detail how those tools were applied. Spektreworks and the Pentagon did not respond to requests for comment. Additional official statements and damage assessments remain pending currently. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.