With the war in Iran intensifying debate over U.S. policy and influence in Washington, AIPAC — the most prominent pro-Israel advocacy group in the country — is drawing renewed attention, criticism, and confusion. And as primary election results begin to offer a real-world test of its political influence, here’s a closer look at how the group actually operates.
With the war in Iran intensifying debate over U.S. policy and influence in Washington, AIPAC — the most prominent pro-Israel advocacy group in the country — is drawing renewed attention, criticism, and confusion. And as primary election results begin to offer a real-world test of its political influence, here’s a closer look at how the group actually operates.
A top U.S. counterterrorism official resigned Tuesday over the war with Iran, marking the first major departure inside the Trump administration tied to the conflict and showing the divide in MAGA world between the isolationists and the more hawkish wing.
President Trump said Monday that “numerous countries have told me they’re on the way” to help open the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow waterway near Iran where roughly one-fifth of the world’s traded oil flows.
Cuban officials reported an island-wide blackout on Monday, leaving the country of roughly 11 million residents without power. Prolonged blackouts and food shortages sparked a rarely seen protest at the Communist Party headquarters in Morón on Saturday, according to Cuban state media.
Mo News
Small Business Directory
Shop small and support local, independently-owned businesses this holiday season.
Join Mo News Premium to submit your business to be included.
Speed Read
Wednesday, March 18
⏳ THE SPEED READ
🚨NATION
FULL HEARING: Trump’s Homeland nominee Sen. Markwayne Mullin testifies in Senate confirmation hearing (MO NEWS)
Intel chief Tulsi Gabbard says Iran’s regime remains “in tact, but largely degraded,” tried to recover from nuclear damage in June (MO NEWS)
Iconic labor leader Cesar Chavez accused of decades of sexual abuse as annual celebrations are canceled nationwide (CNN)
TSA official warns some airports could shut down if officers’ sick calls climb: “A serious situation” (CBS)
🇮🇷 IRAN WAR
Iranian intelligence minister killed in precision airstrike, while US military targets missile sites (FOX)
Iran launches deadly missile attacks on Israel, Gulf states as war spirals (CBS)
Israel strikes and destroys building in heart of Beirut (BBC)
About 90 ships cross the Strait of Hormuz as Iran exports millions of barrels of oil despite the war (AP)
U.S. eases Venezuela oil sanctions as Trump seeks to boost oil supply during Iran war (NBC)
🌎 AROUND THE WORLD
Afghanistan accuses Pakistan of killing hundreds in Kabul hospital strike (FOX)
Ukraine strings nets over cities as killer drones turn streets into war zones (NPR)
Stunning ruling overturns Senegal’s Africa Cup of Nations win as Morocco declared champions (NBC)
Ancient skeleton unearthed in France is latest to be found sitting upright (GUARDIAN)
📱BUSINESS, SCIENCE & TECH
Fed keeps rates on hold, signals one rate cut as Iran war stokes uncertainty (AXIOS)
China’s ‘AI tigers’ see shares surge after Nvidia CEO touts OpenClaw as ‘next ChatGPT’ (CNBC)
New Disney CEO Josh D’Amaro officially takes the reins from Bob Iger (FOX)
Arizona files landmark criminal charges against prediction market Kalshi (CNN)
🎬 SPORTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Oscars ratings hit 17.9 million viewers, down 9% from last year and lowest since 2022 (VARIETY)
Zendaya’s new ring fuels notion that she and Tom Holland are married (AP)
WNBA, players’ union agree to new collective bargaining agreement (USA TODAY)
Star-studded Team USA again comes up short in World Baseball Classic final loss (ESPN)
