In our news wrap Thursday, the Senate voted to withhold their own pay during future government shutdowns, the CDC says 41 people are currently being monitored for hantavirus in the U.S., rare protests have broken out in Cuba over fuel shortages and crippling blackouts and soul legend Clarence Carter has died.
Amna Nawaz:
On Capitol Hill, the Senate unanimously passed a measure to withhold their own pay during future government shutdowns.
Man:
All in favor, say aye.
Members:
Aye.
Man:
All opposed say no. The ayes appear to have it.
Amna Nawaz:
The resolution passed by voice vote and would block senators from getting paid whenever a shutdown affects one or more agencies. But like federal employees, they would get back pay once the government reopens.
Its sponsor, Republican Senator John Kennedy, says the measure is about, as he put it, putting our money where our mouth is. It’s set to take effect after the midterms and does not apply to members of the House.
The CDC says that 41 people are currently monitored for hantavirus in the United States. They include passengers from the cruise ship at the center of the outbreak, who have been repatriated, plus those who left the ship before the outbreak was identified, and others who may have been exposed to someone with the disease while traveling.
The WHO says there are 11 hantavirus cases around the world, including three people who died. But the CDC says there are no confirmed cases in the U.S. and the risk to the public remains low.
In the U.K., pressure ratcheted up further on Prime Minister Keir Starmer today after his health secretary announced he’s quitting. Wes Streeting is the first Cabinet member to step down and is widely expected to make a bid for Starmer’s job. He was seen at 10 Downing Street yesterday as speculation swirled about his future.
Two others, including a former deputy prime minister, have also positioned themselves to possibly challenge Starmer. The embattled leader faces mounting pressure from within his party after heavy losses in last week’s local elections, though he has vowed to stay on.
In Cuba, rare protests have broken out over fuel shortages and crippling blackouts made worse by the Trump administration’s energy blockade. Hundreds marched in the streets of the capital of Havana overnight, banging pots, burning trash and shouting, “Turn on the lights.”
Earlier in the day, Cuba’s energy minister said that emergency oil reserves sent by Russia had — quote — “run out.” Many in Havana are going without power for up to 22 hours a day. In January, President Trump threatened tariffs on any country trying to send oil to Cuba, as he seeks to oust the country’s leadership.
The U.S. and Cuba said today that CIA Director John Ratcliffe visited the country to meet officials there. A CIA official confirms to the “News Hour” that Ratcliffe delivered a message from President Trump that the U.S. is prepared to engage with Cuba, but only if it makes — quote — “fundamental changes.”
Russia is stepping up its attacks on Ukraine just days after Russian President Vladimir Putin signaled the war could wind down soon. Ukraine’s air defense systems tried to knock down Russian projectiles above Kyiv overnight, but, as dawn broke, the destruction was clear.
This apartment building was leveled, killing at least nine people and wounding dozens of others. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says Russia fired more than 1,500 drones on Ukraine since early Wednesday. Officials say it’s the largest two-day aerial assault since the war began.
FBI Director Kash Patel reportedly took what’s being called a VIP snorkel session at the USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor last summer. That’s according to government e-mails obtained by the Associated Press, which says the FBI had not previously disclosed his visit.
The ship sank during the 1941 attack by Japanese forces and currently entombs more than 900 sailors and Marines. It’s considered one of the nation’s most hallowed sites, and snorkeling and diving are largely off-limits.
But an FBI official said tours are routine and that Patel had been invited by the commanding general for what’s being described as a — quote — “historical tour to honor heroes who died on the USS Arizona.”
On Wall Street today, stocks posted solid gains thanks to some strong corporate earnings. The Dow Jones industrial average climbed back above the 50,000-point level today. The Nasdaq added more than 230 points to hit a new record. The S&P 500 also ended firmly higher.
And Beyonce, Taylor Swift and Chaka Khan are among the artists whose works are being added to the National Recording Registry. Beyonce’s “Single Ladies” is one of 25 selections by the Library of Congress for what’s also known as the National Playlist. Taylor Swift’s album “1989,” Weezer’s self-titled debut album, and “Turn! Turn! Turn!” by The Byrds were also chosen.
The recordings span seven decades of music and were selected for their — quote — “cultural, historical or aesthetic importance to the nation’s recorded sound heritage.”
And soul legend Clarence Carter has died. Carter was an R&B mainstay in the 1960s and early ’70s with hits like “Patches,” “Slip Away,” and the risque holiday favorite “Back Door Santa.” The Alabama native grew up blind, but gravitated to the guitar at an early age. He was known for his rich voice, bluesy guitar, and bawdy sense of humor.
Carter’s being remembered today as a towering figure in soul and blues. Clarence Carter was 90 years old.
