Two dead after collision at LaGuardia Airport
While landing at LaGuardia Airport in New York, an Air Canada jet with more than 70 passengers aboard collided with a fire truck late Sunday. According to The Associated Press, the collision caused the cockpit to be severed, thrusting a flight attendant far from the site. The flight attendant survived, but the pilot and copilot were killed.
The fire truck was crossing the tarmac with permission to check on a plane that had suspended takeoff. About 40 of the passengers on the plane and two people from the fire truck were transported to hospitals.
Sean Duffy, transportation secretary, argued LaGuardia suffers from a shortage of controllers, having 33 while the desire is to have over 37, the AP reported. The crash site's runway will likely be closed for days as an investigation into the incident is pending.
Tuesday, March 24
Senate confirms new head of Homeland Security
The Senate confirmed Markwayne Mullin as the new Secretary of Homeland Security after Kristi Noem's termination, according to the AP. The Republican senator from Oklahoma was hired as the administration faces backlash for immigration enforcement and deportation initiatives.
Mullin is taking over the position while airports across the country face long lines as Department of Homeland Security funding continues to lapse since Feb. 14. The funding lapse has meant many Transportation Security Administration agents are calling out as opposed to working without pay, the AP reported.
Mullin has not been a key voice in immigration policy and was likely chosen due to his staunch loyalty to President Donald Trump. He will have to first tackle the routine funding that has been halted, due to a push from Democrats demanding tighter restrictions on immigration officials.
Wednesday, March 25
US to deploy 1,000 troops to Middle East
According to the AP, the U.S. is expected to deploy about 1,000 troops to the Middle East within the next few days. The troops are from the 82nd Airborne Division, the Army’s emergency response force.
Those troops will be the latest deployment in the war with Iran, and follow the thousands of Marines being sent to the region via Navy ships, the AP reported. The soldiers in the 82nd Airborne Division are specifically trained to parachute into contested areas to secure important airfields or territories.
The Trump administration announced there are talks currently with Iran to end the war, while Iran denied those statements, according to the AP.
Thursday, March 26
Trump promises midterm wins, warning signs disagree
Trump has promised the GOP will see larger majorities in Congress following the upcoming midterm elections, even while political signs are showing otherwise. Trump is arguing big wins in the war with Iran, but Americans are not happy with high gas prices, long airport security wait times and high costs of living.
According to the AP, the most recent sign of trouble for Republicans is Democrat Emily Gregory, a politician who won a special election in Florida's legislative district that includes Trump’s own Mar-a-Lago estate.
Trump, however, maintained his beliefs at the National Republican Congressional Committee’s fundraising dinner on Wednesday night. He argues the current economy is a blip and will be temporary, the AP reported.
Friday, March 27
Trump signs executive order relieving TSA, not DHS
Trump signed an executive order on Friday relieving TSA employees following the lapse in funding. The order comes after TSA lines have been extremely long, according to the AP.
The action by Trump’s administration eases TSA issues, but it does not fully address the Department of Homeland Security shutdown. On Sunday, the Homeland Security shutdown will reach 44 days, surpassing the most recent government shutdown.
Senators approved a bill to fund much of the Homeland Security budget, but Republicans were disappointed due to the lack of funding for ICE and Border Patrol, the AP reported.
Sunday, March 29
Pakistan to host US-Iran talks
Pakistan announced it will host diplomatic talks between the U.S. and Iran, but it is unclear whether the talks will be direct and indirect, according to the AP. Pakistan assumes the role as they hold close ties with both Washington and Tehran.
Iran’s parliament speaker, Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, dismissed the talks after 2,500 U.S. Marines were deployed in the Middle East. Qalibaf said Iranian forces were waiting for their arrival so they could “set them on fire,” the AP reported.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced Israel will widen the invasion of Lebanon. Iranian officials rejected the U.S.-proposed framework and are against negotiating under pressure. Tehran drafted its own five-point proposal last week, according to the AP.
