JQJO — Your world, one story at a time · Page 956

Washington — President Donald Trump and several Democratic representatives clashed during Tuesday night's State of the Union when Trump called for restored Department of Homeland Security funding and said the government's first duty is to protect American citizens, not illegal aliens. Some Democrats remained seated; Reps. Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib publicly shouted at the president, with Omar appearing to reference a fatal federal immigration operation in Minnesota. Republicans in the chamber cheered and chanted; Speaker Mike Johnson later said he considered ejecting members for their conduct and intensified debate over immigration policy. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Washington — Representative Al Green (D-Tex.) was escorted from the House chamber Tuesday after he stood and held a sign reading "BLACK PEOPLE AREN'T APES" as Donald Trump entered to deliver the State of the Union. Speaker Mike Johnson cited decorum rules and directed the Sergeant at Arms to remove Green when he refused to lower the sign and continued shouting. The protest referenced a Truth Social video posted earlier in February that depicted former President Barack and Michelle Obama with superimposed ape imagery; the White House removed it after bipartisan criticism. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Washington — President Donald Trump delivered a record one-hour, 47-minute State of the Union on Tuesday, declaring a "turnaround for the ages" and touting economic growth, border security, and strength while appealing to voters ahead of crucial midterm elections. Republicans repeatedly stood and applauded; Democrats largely remained seated and at times heckled. Trump warned about Iran's missile ambitions but said his preference was diplomacy as U.S. naval and air forces massed in the region. The address contained few new policy initiatives and avoided several contentious domestic topics, prompting critical responses from Democratic officials. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Highlandville, Mo. — Two Christian County sheriff’s deputies were killed after a traffic stop escalated Monday, and a suspect later engaged officers in a shootout during a multi-agency manhunt early Tuesday. Authorities identified Richard Dean Bird as the suspect; he was killed by law enforcement. Two other deputies were wounded and underwent surgery, reported stable. Agencies involved included local deputies, Missouri State Highway Patrol, U.S. Marshals, FBI, and ATF; a Blue Alert had been issued during the search. Investigations and interagency debriefs continued this week. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Washington, Democrats selected Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger to deliver their response to President Donald Trump's State of the Union on Tuesday night, elevating an affordability-focused message that she used to win the Virginia governorship last November. Spanberger has emphasized lowering costs for housing, health care, energy and groceries, and signed multiple proposed state constitutional amendments on Feb. 6 addressing reproductive freedom, same-sex marriage and voting rights. The party hopes the rebuttal will sharpen contrasts with the administration on economic and immigration policy ahead of the midterm elections. Local ballot measures are included. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

WASHINGTON — U.S. military forces boarded a third sanctioned oil tanker in the Indian Ocean Tuesday after tracking the vessel from the Caribbean Sea, Pentagon said. U.S. Southern Command said forces conducted a right-of-visit, maritime interdiction and boarding of the tanker Bertha, flagged to the Cook Islands and listed under U.S. sanctions tied to Iran by Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control. Pentagon video shows helicopters approaching the ship. Officials said the move targets illicit oil shipments connected to Venezuela and follows a quarantine of sanctioned tankers ordered by President Trump in December. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump delivered a 108‑minute State of the Union address Tuesday, outlining economic, immigration, crime, energy and national security priorities. He touted economic gains, lower gasoline prices in some states and tougher immigration policies while criticizing a Supreme Court ruling that struck down his global tariffs. Independent fact‑checks and polls cited by news organizations noted slower job growth in 2025, mixed GDP figures, modest after‑tax income gains and persistent inflationary pressures. Reporters documented claims that required context or correction during and after the speech. Independent outlets corroborated many specific claims. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Birmingham — Weather services across the Southeast warned that a warming trend will precede a frontal system bringing rain, gusty winds and isolated thunderstorms Thursday into early Friday. Forecasts Tuesday and Wednesday call for temperatures rising from the 40s and 50s into the 60s, with weekend highs near 70. Stations declared First Alert Weather Days for Thursday because of potential heavy rain, strong gusts and isolated severe storms; forecasters cited model guidance and instability but do not expect a major outbreak. Rainfall estimates range from 0.25 to one inch, with localized higher totals. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Washington, the House of Representatives failed this week to advance the bipartisan ROTOR Act, a measure aimed at expanding ADS‑B In collision-avoidance requirements after the Jan. 29, 2025 midair collision that killed 67 people near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. The Senate unanimously approved the bill in December, and supporters including victims' families, pilot unions, and the NTSB urged passage. The Pentagon withdrew support citing budgetary and operational security concerns the day before the House vote, which fell 264-133 and did not meet the two-thirds threshold under expedited rules in Washington, D.C. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Washington — The Supreme Court struck down emergency tariffs President Trump imposed, finding he exceeded his authority. After Friday's ruling, the White House announced a temporary 10% global tariff that took effect Tuesday and lasts 150 days unless Congress extends it. Trump said he may raise the rate to 15% and keep exclusions for sector probes and USMCA goods. Sector-specific tariffs on steel and autos remain. The decision prompted legal questions about refunds and business uncertainty, and Trump criticized the justices during his State of the Union, and markets sought guidance urgently. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.