Senate Republicans passed nearly $70 billion in immigration enforcement funding after an 18-hour overnight vote. The bill now heads to the House as lawmakers continue to clash over a proposed $1.8 billion fund for people claiming political targeting by the government.
News Mash
The Senate passed a $70 billion bill to fund ICE and the Border Patrol through the end of President Donald Trump’s term. The measure advanced without limits on a disputed $1.776 billion settlement fund that drew bipartisan objections.
The United States sanctioned Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel, his wife and relatives of Raúl Castro as Washington intensifies pressure on Havana. The measures come as Cuba faces severe blackouts, food and medicine shortages, and rising tensions with the Trump administration.
Actor James Handy, known for roles in “Top Gun: Maverick,” “Jumanji” and numerous television series, was stabbed to death Wednesday in Los Angeles, police said. Michael Gledhill, the son of Handy’s girlfriend, was arrested on suspicion of murder.
Graham Platner rejected new allegations about his past treatment of women as politically motivated, days before Maine Democrats choose a Senate nominee. The controversy has intensified Democratic concerns about the race against Republican Sen. Susan Collins.
President Trump plans to attend Game 3 of the NBA Finals at Madison Square Garden as the Knicks host the Spurs. The visit is expected to bring heightened security to the Midtown arena above Penn Station.
The House approved new Ukraine aid and Russia sanctions after Democrats and a small group of Republicans used a discharge petition to bypass GOP leaders. The measure now faces an uncertain path in the Senate and would need President Donald Trump’s signature to become law.
Japanese police, volunteers, dogs and helicopters are searching for James “Weston” Higginbotham, a 20-year-old Auburn University student who disappeared near Kyoto while on vacation with his family. Severe weather and deep mud have hampered the search, but his family says there is still hope.