View online.

Hamas hostage says life in captivity was like ‘Russian roulette’

Mom taken by Hamas: With no sense of time and water hard to come by, a Chicago-area mom whom Hamas abducted during its Oct. 7 attack on Israel said each day in captivity was like a game of Russian roulette: “You don’t know if you’re going to be dead or alive.” Judith Raanan, 59, and her daughter Natalie, 18, were taken hostage by Hamas when the militant group ambushed the Nahal Oz kibbutz where they were staying. Raanan and her daughter were the first hostages to be released by Hamas after the Oct. 7 attack. Watch Raanan’s interview on “Elizabeth Vargas Reports” >

Exclusive: Boeing whistleblower’s friend questions suicide assertion

What’s going on: Bob Ketchum, a friend of the Boeing whistleblower who was found dead outside a South Carolina hotel, is questioning the details surrounding John Barnett’s apparent suicide amid testimony about safety concerns in a lawsuit against his former employee. “Do we really believe this? Was there a setup? We don’t know,” Ketchum said during a Thursday appearance on NewsNation’s “Banfield.” Barnett’s death comes as Boeing’s quality and safety standards face scrutiny following several notable incidents, including a door plug blowing off a Boeing 737 Max jetliner midair. Watch the “Banfield” report >

Judge rejects Trump bid to throw out classified documents case

What happened: A federal judge declined former President Donald Trump’s request to throw out his classified documents criminal case stemming from boxes of records found at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate. U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon said while the Trump team raised “various arguments warranting serious consideration,” a dismissal wasn’t merited. Latest on the ruling >
 
In another Trump case: New York prosecutors said Thursday they are open to delaying the start of Trump’s hush-money trial by a month to give Trump’s legal team time to review evidence, but they would fight any longer delay suggested by the defense. Trump’s lawyers want a 90-day delay. The judge overseeing the case didn’t immediately issue a ruling. What to know >

Developing: Fulton County Superior Court Judge Scott McAfee told a Georgia news outlet he will rule Friday on whether to disqualify Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis in Trump’s election interference case. Latest >

Ohio police confirm at least 2 dead in fierce storm that damaged homes and businesses in 3 states

What to know: Authorities in Ohio confirmed at least two deaths after a strong storm system unleashed suspected twisters that tore through homes and businesses in parts of Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana on Thursday. The latest >

What comes next in US effort to ban TikTok?

TikTok: The U.S. House approved a plan Wednesday that could lead to a nationwide ban of TikTok. The proposal would ban the app in the U.S. unless it divests from its China-based owner as lawmakers express concern over national security threats. While the measure passed the House, there’s still a long road ahead before it’s potentially implemented. Full breakdown >
 
What happens now: The bill heads to the Senate. The chamber could put the ban up for a vote next week. If the TikTok ban ends up on President Joe Biden’s desk, he’s indicated he would sign it. But it could face legal challenges, since Montana’s ban on the app was blocked in November by a federal judge who called it unconstitutional. Attorney weighs in on the possible ban >
 
Why is TikTok a concern for Congress?: Both the FBI and the Federal Communications Commission have warned TikTok owner ByteDance could share user data — such as browsing history, location and biometric identifiers — with China’s authoritarian government. TikTok said it has never done that and wouldn’t do so if asked. The U.S. government also hasn’t provided evidence of that happening. Why one lawmaker thinks someone other than China should own TikTok >

James Crumbley, father of Michigan school shooter, guilty of manslaughter

The latest: James Crumbley, the father of Michigan school shooter Ethan Crumbley, was found guilty Thursday of involuntary manslaughter. The verdict means James Crumbley has joined his wife Jennifer Crumbley as being held responsible for the killing of four students at Oxford High School in 2021. What to know >

 WHAT WE’RE WATCHING 👀

We’re keeping an eye on these topics today. Make sure you tune in to our latest coverage and share your thoughts with us on social media!

• President Joe Biden hosts Irish Taoiseach Leo Varadkar as part of a visit to mark St. Patrick’s Day.
• A court hearing is scheduled for Nima Momeni, charged with murder in the death of Cash App founder Bob Lee.
• United Nations Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine launches its comprehensive report.
• Vice President Kamala Harris convenes a discussion on cannabis policy with rapper Fat Joe, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear and those who have received pardons from the administration’s executive action on marijuana offenses.
  

NEWS ACROSS AMERICA

A federal court has upheld the Texas law requiring health clinics to tell parents if girls under 18 obtain contraception, and sees no conflict with a federal law mandating confidentiality. Full report >
 
The search continues in Nashville for missing Mizzou student Riley Strain. What we know >
 
The city of Flint, Michigan, has been found in contempt of court for missing deadlines related to water line replacements in the wake of the city’s 2014 water crisis. Latest on the ruling >
 
A Las Vegas mother filed a lawsuit Wednesday against the owner of Snapchat, alleging the social media product contributed to her 20 year-old daughter’s fentanyl overdose death. More about the lawsuit >
 
Parents of University of California, Berkeley students launched a pilot program to track safety and security around campus, where parents said a higher number of crimes are committed against college students. What to know about the program >
 
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation seized an 11-foot, 750-pound alligator that had “numerous health-related issues” from a home in Hamburg. Photo >
 
Thousands of bobbleheads intended for a free giveaway to fans have been stolen, according to the Pittsburgh Penguins. What the team says >

North Carolina girl with ‘childhood dementia’ becomes social media star

Sadie Haywood’s family had one goal when they launched their Instagram page several years ago: raise awareness about a disease most people have never heard of, Sanfilippo syndrome. Now, the second grader has managed to build a robust and growing social media following. Read more >

Find a good news story each day in NewsNation’s Your Morning newsletter! Subscribe >