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‘Maybe Texas went too far’ with immigration law, state’s attorney tells court

Latest development: The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals heard arguments Wednesday over the constitutionality of the controversial Texas immigration law and considered whether to allow the state to enforce the measure. Texas’ attorney at the hearing said it’s possible legislators went “too far” in crafting the law, but insisted it does not interfere with federal immigration enforcement. Full Report >

Senate Bill 4: The legislation would allow any Texas law enforcement officer to arrest those suspected of entering the country illegally. What to know >

Political fight: Republicans argue SB4 is a necessary tool to help law enforcement because the federal government is failing to enforce immigration law. Democrats say it interferes with the federal government’s authority and hurts international relations.

Ohio train derailment: Documents show EPA chose not to declare emergency

New findings: Documents obtained by NewsNation show the Environmental Protection Agency, despite having the legal authority to do so, decided not to declare a public health emergency following a train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio. Full report > 

Closer look: The EPA made the decision not to declare a public health emergency Feb. 20, 2023, less than three weeks after the burning of the tanker cars and after they had already found dioxins at the site of the burn. Derailment aftermath >

The problem: Residents have been diagnosed with vinyl chloride in their blood and complained of respiratory issues. No government agency, including the EPA and CDC, has tested residents’ health. Residents speak out > 

Trade school leads to more success than
4-year college: Contractor

What’s happening: Blue-collar jobs are making their return as Gen Zers graduate high school and opt against four-year institutions. Trending >

Education Data Initiative: College enrollment peaked in 2010 and declined nearly 10% over the last 14 years. Some of the biggest reasons include rising tuition and student loan debt. Read more >

Inspiring a new generation: Chris Henderson, a 23-year-old electrical contractor, said the increase in demand for blue-collar trades influenced him to leave college and attend trade school instead. “There have been more job opportunities, and less kids have been pursuing the blue-collar trade,” he told NewsNation. “So, I saw this as an opportunity, because there is great financial success now in 2024 with blue-collar trades.” Full interview >

Death row inmate Michael Smith: I pray my family will fight

Who is Michael Smith: The inmate was convicted of two separate 2002 murders in Oklahoma City. He is scheduled to be executed Thursday at the Oklahoma State Penitentiary. Smith’s case >
 
Exclusive: In an interview with NewsNation’s Brian Entin, Smith said he fervently hopes his family will continue to fight to prove his innocence. However, prosecutors have said the evidence against Smith is overwhelming. Full interview > 

Public opinion is shifting: Half of Americans say the death penalty is administered unfairly, according to the findings of a November Gallup poll. That’s compared to 47% who said the practices are fair. Still, a plurality of voters say the death penalty isn’t used enough. Additional data >

 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!

• A court hearing will be held for the Lockerbie bombing suspect who has been charged in connection to the destruction of an aircraft resulting in death. 

• NATO marks the 75th anniversary of the signing of the North Atlantic Treaty.

• Jury selection continues for the third day in Chad Daybell’s trial.

NEWS ACROSS AMERICA

Three Sheetz gas station locations in Greensboro, North Carolina, now have K-9 units — a move some say they aren’t surprised by. Full report >

A group of House Republicans have proposed a measure to rename Washington Dulles International Airport in northern Virginia after former President Donald Trump. More on the bill > 

Two people are facing charges for allegedly hoarding dozens of live and deceased animals in and outside Las Vegas. Latest on the investigation > 

A plane was forced to make an emergency landing in New Mexico after a passenger tried opening a door midflight. Video released > 

The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation says that “there was evidence to indicate foul play” in the missing case of two Kansas moms. Latest on their disappearance >

San Diego man to run across America for Parkinson’s

A 60-year-old San Diego man will run cross country to raise awareness for Parkinson’s disease after his father died from the disease and his wife was diagnosed last year. Watch interview >

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