Your Morning: Texas asks court to decide if state ‘went too far’ with border law

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.

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 > 

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 >

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 >