U.S. Senator Ted Cruz flew into a storm of criticism on Thursday over a holiday jaunt he took to the Mexican resort city of Cancun while his home state of Texas grappled with a deadly deep freeze, This report produced by Yahaira Jacquez.
[EDITORS NOTE: RE-SENDING TO CLARIFY THAT THE SENATOR'S COMMENTS WERE MADE VIA A STATEMENT, NOT TO REPORTERS.] As millions of Texans struggled through a deadly deep freeze, U.S. Senator Ted Cruz flew to the Mexican resort city of Cancun with his family.
The 50-year-old Republican lawmaker confirmed the trip on Thursday but cut it short after his travels were reported... Reuters snapped this picture of Cruz leaving Mexico.
In a statement Cruz said, "With school cancelled for the week, our girls asked to take a trip with friends...Wanting to be a good dad, I flew down with them last night and am flying back this afternoon.
My staff and I are in constant communication with state and local leaders to get to the bottom of what happened in Texas." Cruz, viewed as a potential presidential candidate in 2024, faced calls to resign after photos on social media emerged showing him in an airport line, in a passenger lounge, aboard an airliner and departing an airport in Mexico.
The scandal came as millions of Texans remained paralyzed by power and water outages after a winter storm and freezing temperatures hampered efforts to restore full power.
So far, nearly two dozen deaths have been attributed to the cold snap.
Some in Houston found shelter at the Gallery Furniture store, which had opened its doors as a warming center.
Meanwhile in Austin, a Target saw empty shelves and long lines as shoppers stocked up on food.
With 2.7 million Texas households on Thursday still without heat, leaders warned of a domino effect on infrastructure as the lack of power cut off water supplies, strained the ability of hospitals to treat COVID-19 patients and isolated vulnerable communities with frozen roads still impassable.
5 Super Tuesday , Takeaways.
Biden dominated, but not at
the American Samoa caucus, Jason Palmer was the victor,
taking two delegates from Biden. .
Still, a viable contender has yet to emerge.
Haley falls short, While the former governor of South Carolina
did take Vermont, the gap between her
and Trump elsewhere was too large.
Haley falls short, While the former governor of South Carolina
did take Vermont, the gap between her
and Trump elsewhere was too large.
North Carolina's race for governor
could mirror Biden vs. Trump, Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson, who Trump once referred
to as "better than Martin Luther King," is one
of the country's most polarizing candidates.
Democrats are likely to push hard for Attorney General Josh Stein, painting Robinson as an extremist on certain issues along the way. .
Former NFL linebacker
Rep. Colin Allred wins in Texas, He can now skip facing off with
Sen. Roland Gutierrez again and focus on
beating Sen. Ted Cruz in the general election.
Former NFL linebacker
Rep. Colin Allred wins in Texas, He can now skip facing off with
Sen. Roland Gutierrez again and focus on
beating Sen. Ted Cruz in the general election.
After trying four times, Joe Biden wins Iowa, The state has rejected Biden for decades
but was stripped of its leadoff role,
voting with everyone else.
Biden won easily since it was not a caucus,
but rather a primary, and he was already
an incumbent president, AP reports. .
A Trump-Biden rematch is all but guaranteed. .
A Trump-Biden rematch is all but guaranteed.
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:30Published
A 911 outage swept across several US states, including South Dakota, Nevada, and parts of Nebraska, causing concern over emergency services accessibility. Las Vegas valley was also affected, prompting swift action from the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department to confirm service restoration.
#911outage #911outageemergencyalert #911outagestoday #911telephoneoutageemergency #911telephoneoutage #JoeBiden #US #Worldnews #Oneindia #Oneindianews
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These US Cities, Have the Highest Populations of, Millionaires.
According to a report by Henley & Partners,
the United States remains the top country in the
world for private wealth creation and accumulation.
Quartz reports that the U.S. accounts
for about 32% of global liquid investable
wealth, valued at approximately $67 trillion.
Here are some of the cities
with the largest populations of
millionaires, according to the report.
Austin, This Texas city had the biggest explosion
in millionaire growth in the U.S. over the past
ten years, reaching 32,700 by the end of 2023. .
Miami, This Florida city is home to
35,300 millionaires and 15 billionaires,
including Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos.
Boston, While having just eight billionaires,
the fewest of any other city on the list,
this New England city is home to , 42,900 millionaires.
Seattle, This Washington State city is the home of
some of the largest corporations in the U.S.,
including Amazon and Microsoft. It's also
home to 54,200 millionaires and 11 billionaires. .
Chicago, Approximately 120,500 millionaires
live in this Midwestern metropolis. .
Los Angeles, The second-most populous city in the U.S. has about, 212,100 millionaires and 43 billionaires.
San Francisco, The tech hub of the U.S. boasts the most
billionaires with a whopping 68, as well as
the second-most millionaires with 305,700. .
New York, The city with the most high
net worth individuals has about , 349,500 millionaires
and 60 billionaires
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
House of Robb, the immersive pop-up featuring tastings, brand activations and live discussions from 'Robb Report,' returned to SXSW for the 2024 festival in Austin. The Hollywood Reporter hosted a conversation with Suzy Batiz, the CEO and founder of Pourri. The chat, titled "From Disaster to Triumph, Making Change That Matters," hit on a wide range of topics, including Batiz's upbringing, her decision to create Poo-Pourri and her concept of an "alive idea."
Credit: The Hollywood Reporter Duration: 35:31Published
Artists and Speakers Boycott SXSW , in Protest of Military and Defense Industry Sponsorships.
As the war between Israel and Hamas rages on,
dozens have canceled their South by Southwest appearances to protest event sponsorships from defense companies
and the U.S. Army, CNN reports. .
As the war between Israel and Hamas rages on,
dozens have canceled their South by Southwest appearances to protest event sponsorships from defense companies
and the U.S. Army, CNN reports. .
The protest is meant to show solidarity
with Palestinians in Gaza.
The protest is meant to show solidarity
with Palestinians in Gaza.
A music festival should not include
war profiteers. I refuse to be
complicit in this and withdraw
my art and labor in protest, Singer-songwriter Ella Williams, via Instagram.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott took to social
media to respond to the protest.
Bye. Donât come back, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, via X.
We are proud of the
U.S. military in Texas. If you
donât like it, donât come here, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, via X.
However, SXSW "does not agree" with Abbott's approach, CNN reports. .
We fully respect the decision
these artists made to exercise
their right to free speech, SXSW organizers, via statement.
The defense industry has historically
been a proving ground for many of
the systems we rely on today. , SXSW organizers, via statement.
These institutions are often leaders in emerging technologies, and we believe itâs better to understand how their approach will impact our lives. , SXSW organizers, via statement.
The Armyâs sponsorship is part of
our commitment to bring forward
ideas that shape our world, SXSW organizers, via statement.
The annual Austin, Texas,
festival lasts until March 16
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:30Published
Supreme Court Pauses , Implementation of Immigration Law in Texas.
On March 4, the Supreme Court temporarily stopped the state from enforcing a law that gives Texas the authority to arrest and detain those it suspects to be illegal immigrants. .
The administrative hold, issued by Justice
Samuel Alito, will keep the law from going
into effect until March 13, CNN reports. .
It was previously scheduled
to go into effect on March 10.
An emergency application was filed by
immigration groups and the White House
in an attempt to block the law. .
According to the Justice Department, the law would "profoundly" impact the parameters that have "existed between the United States and the States in the context of immigration for almost 150 years.".
Immigration advocates say that Senate Bill 4 will increase instances of racial profiling, detentions and attempted deportations. .
A federal judge in Austin blocked Texas
from implementing the law last week. .
If allowed to proceed, SB 4 could open the door to each state passing its own version of immigration laws, Judge David Alan Ezra, via statement.
CNN reports that "Latinos represent
40% of the population" in Texas.
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
These Are the 2024 Sweet 16 , March Madness Teams.
These Are the 2024 Sweet 16 , March Madness Teams.
64 NCAA Division I teams have been cut
down to the Sweet 16, CBS News reports. .
The teams that will advance in the
March Madness tournament are:.
North Carolina Tar Heels
Iowa State Cyclones
NC State Wolfpack
Gonzaga Bulldogs.
North Carolina Tar Heels
Iowa State Cyclones
NC State Wolfpack
Gonzaga Bulldogs.
North Carolina Tar Heels
Iowa State Cyclones
NC State Wolfpack
Gonzaga Bulldogs.
North Carolina Tar Heels
Iowa State Cyclones
NC State Wolfpack
Gonzaga Bulldogs.
Arizona Wildcats
Illinois Fighting Illini
Tennessee Volunteers
Purdue Boilermakers.
Arizona Wildcats
Illinois Fighting Illini
Tennessee Volunteers
Purdue Boilermakers.
Arizona Wildcats
Illinois Fighting Illini
Tennessee Volunteers
Purdue Boilermakers.
Arizona Wildcats
Illinois Fighting Illini
Tennessee Volunteers
Purdue Boilermakers.
Marquette Golden Eagles
Creighton Bluejays
Duke Blue Devils
Clemson Tigers.
Marquette Golden Eagles
Creighton Bluejays
Duke Blue Devils
Clemson Tigers.
Marquette Golden Eagles
Creighton Bluejays
Duke Blue Devils
Clemson Tigers.
Marquette Golden Eagles
Creighton Bluejays
Duke Blue Devils
Clemson Tigers.
Alabama Crimson Tide
San Diego State Aztecs
Houston Cougars
University of Connecticut Huskies.
Alabama Crimson Tide
San Diego State Aztecs
Houston Cougars
University of Connecticut Huskies.
Alabama Crimson Tide
San Diego State Aztecs
Houston Cougars
University of Connecticut Huskies.
Alabama Crimson Tide
San Diego State Aztecs
Houston Cougars
University of Connecticut Huskies.
Four teams remain in
each regional bracket.
Four teams remain in
each regional bracket.
In the East:, No. 1 seed Connecticut vs. No. 5 San Diego State
No. 2 seed Iowa State vs. No. 3 seed Illinois.
In the East:, No. 1 seed Connecticut vs. No. 5 San Diego State
No. 2 seed Iowa State vs. No. 3 seed Illinois.
In the East:, No. 1 seed Connecticut vs. No. 5 San Diego State
No. 2 seed Iowa State vs. No. 3 seed Illinois.
In the East:, No. 1 seed Connecticut vs. No. 5 San Diego State
No. 2 seed Iowa State vs. No. 3 seed Illinois.
In the West:, No. 1 seed North Carolina vs. No. 4 seed Alabama
No. 2 seed Arizona vs. No. 6 seed Clemson.
In the West:, No. 1 seed North Carolina vs. No. 4 seed Alabama
No. 2 seed Arizona vs. No. 6 seed Clemson.
In the West:, No. 1 seed North Carolina vs. No. 4 seed Alabama
No. 2 seed Arizona vs. No. 6 seed Clemson.
In the West:, No. 1 seed North Carolina vs. No. 4 seed Alabama
No. 2 seed Arizona vs. No. 6 seed Clemson.
In the South:, No. 1 Houston vs. No. 4 Duke
No. 2. seed Marquette vs. No. 11 seed NC State.
In the South:, No. 1 Houston vs. No. 4 Duke
No. 2. seed Marquette vs. No. 11 seed NC State.
In the South:, No. 1 Houston vs. No. 4 Duke
No. 2. seed Marquette vs. No. 11 seed NC State.
In the South:, No. 1 Houston vs. No. 4 Duke
No. 2. seed Marquette vs. No. 11 seed NC State.
In the Midwest:, No. 1 seed Purdue vs. No. 5 seed Gonzaga
No. 2 seed Tennessee vs. No. 3 seed Creighton.
In the Midwest:, No. 1 seed Purdue vs. No. 5 seed Gonzaga
No. 2 seed Tennessee vs. No. 3 seed Creighton.
In the Midwest:, No. 1 seed Purdue vs. No. 5 seed Gonzaga
No. 2 seed Tennessee vs. No. 3 seed Creighton.
In the Midwest:, No. 1 seed Purdue vs. No. 5 seed Gonzaga
No. 2 seed Tennessee vs. No. 3 seed Creighton.
Sweet 16 games will take
place from March 28-31
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
Another Mid-Flight , Boeing Incident Occurs, Amid Increased Scrutiny.
On March 4, a United Airlines Boeing 737
flight was forced to make an emergency
landing after bursting into flames mid-air. .
'The Independent' reports that the
plane's engine exploded shortly after
taking off from Fort Meyers, Florida. .
The Houston-bound flight was forced
to make an emergency landing
just moments after taking off. .
No injuries were
linked to the incident.
According to United Airlines, , "the flight landed safely, and the
passengers deplaned normally.".
The airline added that it, "arranged for a new aircraft to take
our customers to their destination.".
'The Independent' reports that the cause
of the accident is currently under investigation
by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). .
In January, Boeing came under increased
scrutiny after a door panel on a 737 Max 9
blew off in the middle of an Alaska Airlines flight.
In January, Boeing came under increased
scrutiny after a door panel on a 737 Max 9
blew off in the middle of an Alaska Airlines flight.
Following the incident, in which several passengers were injured,
all Boeing 737 Max 9s were grounded, and investigations were
opened by the FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board.
Boeing must commit to real and
profound improvements. Making
foundational change will require
a sustained effort from Boeingâs
leadership, and we are going
to hold them accountable
every step of the way, Mike Whitaker, FAA administrator, via 'The Independent'
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
Tennessee Passes Bill , Allowing Teachers to Carry Guns.
The Tennessee House of Representatives passed the bill by a vote of 68-28 on April 23, CBS News reports.
The legislation would grant some teachers
and staff the right to carry concealed
handguns at public schools.
The bill will now be sent to Republican
Gov. Bill Lee to either sign or veto. .
If signed into law, the legislation would represent the largest expansion of gun access in Tennessee since the deadly shooting at
The Covenant School in Nashville last year.
Teachers and staff carrying guns would only be known to administrators and police.
Teachers and staff carrying guns would only be known to administrators and police.
Other teachers and students' parents
would not be privy to the information. .
If a school worker wants to carry a handgun, they'd have to have a "permit and written authorization from the school's principal and local law enforcement," CBS News reports. .
If a school worker wants to carry a handgun, they'd have to have a "permit and written authorization from the school's principal and local law enforcement," CBS News reports. .
School districts would need
to grant permission as well.
A background check and 40 hours of training would also be mandatory.
However, school staff would be prohibited from carrying their guns during events at stadiums, gymnasiums or auditoriums. .
Protesters shouted
"Blood on your hands" after
the bill was passed by the
House on April 23
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:30Published
Senate Passes $95 Billion , Foreign Aid Package.
On April 23, the U.S. Senate voted
79-18 to approve foreign aid for Ukraine,
Israel and Taiwan, 'The Guardian' reports. .
Today the Senate sends a unified
message to the entire world:
America will always defend
democracy in its hour of need, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, via statement.
Make no mistake, America will deliver
on its promise to act like a leader on the
world stage, to hold the line against
autocratic thugs like Vladimir Putin. , Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, via statement.
The package includes $60.8 billion for Ukraine,
$26.3 billion for Israel and $8.1 billion for Taiwan.
The package includes $60.8 billion for Ukraine,
$26.3 billion for Israel and $8.1 billion for Taiwan.
The package includes $60.8 billion for Ukraine,
$26.3 billion for Israel and $8.1 billion for Taiwan.
A provision to ban TikTok
after the election if ByteDance refuses
to sell the platform is also included.
The legislation will now head to President Biden, who told Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on
April 23 that he will "move quickly" to provide aid.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer praised House Speaker Mike Johnson, .
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer praised House Speaker Mike Johnson, .
with whom he worked "hand in hand and shoulder to shoulder to get this bill done.".
A lot of people inside and
outside the Congress wanted this
package to fail. But today those in
Congress who stand on the side of
democracy are winning the day, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, via statement.
Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell also issued a statement.
Todayâs action is overdue, but our work
does not end here. Trust in American
resolve is not rebuilt overnight. Expanding
and restocking the arsenal of democracy
doesnât just happen by magic, Senate Majority Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, via statement
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
Title IX Regulations Add Protections , for Transgender Students.
Title IX prohibits "sex-based discrimination at government-funded schools," 'The Hill' reports. .
On April 19, the Biden administration revealed the last of its changes to the federal civil rights law. .
The new regulations expand how sex discrimination is defined, now including
sexual orientation and gender identity. .
These final regulations build on the
legacy of Title IX by clarifying that
all our nationâs students can access
schools that are safe, welcoming,
and respect their rights. , Education Secretary Miguel Cardona, via statement.
The update also reinstates "protections for student survivors of sexual assault and harassment" which were changed under President Trump, 'The Hill' reports.
Catherine Lhamon, the Education Departmentâs assistant secretary for civil rights, .
says the new rules will help schools
respond to "all sex discrimination,
not limited to sexual harassment.".
Biden's final changes to Title IX
are sure to be condemned by Republicans
who view transgender protections as failing
to protect cisgender women and girls.
The new changes will take effect Aug. 1.
The Biden administration has not yet finalized an additional rule pertaining to sports eligibility. .
Since 2021, 24 states have passed laws prohibiting transgender student-athletes from playing on
sports teams that align with their gender identity
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
House Republican leaders have lambasted President Joe Biden for his perceived inaction in enforcing existing measures against Iran. Representative Steve Scalise, the No. 2 House Republican, voiced concerns over the administration's policies allegedly facilitating Iran's oil sales, which fund terrorism. The Biden administration faces mounting pressure to deter future attacks without exacerbating regional tensions or antagonising China, a major buyer of Iranian oil.
#Biden #BidenSanctions #BidenIraq #AlSudani #BidenGaffee #USnews #Politics #IsraelIran #IranAttacksIsrael #Worldnews #Oneindia #Oneindianews
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Biden Cancels Over $7 Billion in Student Debt , for More Than 277,000 Borrowers.
On April 12, President Joe Biden said that over 277,000 borrowers in more than
40 states will have $7.4 billion in student
loan debt wiped out, 'The Hill' reports. .
To date, the Biden administration has canceled $153 billion in student loan debt. .
From day one of my administration,
I promised to fight to ensure higher
education is a ticket to the middle class,
not a barrier to opportunity. , President Joe Biden, via statement.
I will never stop working to cancel
student debt â no matter how
many times Republican elected
officials try to stop us, President Joe Biden, via statement.
'The Hill' reports that Biden's loan forgiveness has largely been aimed at helping
"public service workers, those on IDR plans," .
people who've been defrauded by educational institutions and those with disabilities. .
Republican Rep. Virginia Foxx, chair of the House Education Committee, issued a statement in response to Biden's actions. .
The administration is tone deaf.
Thereâs no other way to put it, Rep. Virginia Foxx, chair of the House Education Committee, via statement.
We know that instead of doing its
job the administration focused
time, energy, and resources on
its illegal student loan scheme. , Rep. Virginia Foxx, chair of the House Education Committee, via statement.
And that has been frustrating, especially
since it has jeopardized the academic
journey of millions of students, Rep. Virginia Foxx, chair of the House Education Committee, via statement.
But what is absolutely maddening is
that the administration is STILL not
doing its job and instead focusing on
its student loan shenanigans. , Rep. Virginia Foxx, chair of the House Education Committee, via statement.
White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said, , âWe know what Republicans are going to do; we canât
stop them from that. But itâs also not going to stop the president from acting and taking action, like he is today.â
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:30Published
China Sets Aggressive, Economic Growth , Target for 2024.
Associated Press reports that China has
said it aims to achieve 5% economic growth
in 2024, despite facing many challenges.
Premier Li Qiang outlined plans to boost
China's economy while addressing the annual
session of the National People's Congress.
Premier Li Qiang outlined plans to boost
China's economy while addressing the annual
session of the National People's Congress.
The plan includes increased spending on
developing advanced technology, fortifying
the military and other longstanding goals.
According to Li, the Chineses government
would continue with a "pro-active fiscal
policy and prudent monetary policy.â.
The plan looks to boost growth by issuing
long-term bonds over several years,
beginning with about $139 billion in 2024.
Those bonds would be used to
implement "major national strategies"
and boost security "in key areas.".
The plans also include a "new development model"
aimed at easing a prolonged real estate slump
by building government-subsidized housing.
The foundation for Chinaâs sustained
economic recovery is not yet stable,
with insufficient effective demand,
overcapacity in some industries,
weak social expectations, and still
many risks and hidden dangers, Li Qiang, Chinese Premier, via Associated Press.
The foundation for Chinaâs sustained
economic recovery is not yet stable,
with insufficient effective demand,
overcapacity in some industries,
weak social expectations, and still
many risks and hidden dangers, Li Qiang, Chinese Premier, via Associated Press.
According to a draft budget, an additional
$231 billion would be set aside for defense
spending, representing a 7.2% increase from 2023. .
According to a draft budget, an additional
$231 billion would be set aside for defense
spending, representing a 7.2% increase from 2023. .
The underlying trend of economic
recovery and long-term growth
remains unchanged and will not
change. So we must be more confident
and more assured of ourselves, Li Qiang, Chinese Premier, via Associated Press
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
Senator Ted Cruz says much was made of his trip to Cancun because the media is suffering from âTrump withdrawal.â Veuerâs Elizabeth Keatinge has more.
Texas Sen. Ted Cruz was bombarded with negative press after he was spotted on social media hopping on a flight to Cancun with his family amid a devastating winter storm and subsequent power grid..