3 Things To Know Today

1 US Orders Americans Out Of Iraq Amid Iranian Tensions

The United States has ordered all personnel out of Iraq. The announcement by the State Department comes a day after the Defense Department warned about the possible threat to Americans in Iraq from Iranian-backed forces as tensions rise between Washington and Tehran. The order to leave says that the U.S. has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in Iraq. A statement issued advised those affected to "depart by commercial transportation as soon as possible." And while the nature of any threat hasn't been detailed, last week that Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has noted concerns of an "imminent" nature. In the meantime, American officials reportedly believe that Iran encouraged Sunday's attacks on four oil tankers in the Persian Gulf. As we told you before. two Saudi tankers, a Norwegian tanker and a UAE fuel barge were sabotaged by militants in the Strait of Hormuz.

2 Trump Set To Unveil Immigration Reform Plan Today

President Trump is set to unveil a White House immigration reform plan today – during an afternoon event has been scheduled in the Rose Garden. The White House hasn't revealed any specifics, but a statement says Trump will talk about modernizing the nation's immigration system "for a stronger America." Trump has long-complained that the U.S. has some of the worst immigration laws in the world. Senior White House adviser (and first son-in-law) Jared Kushner has reportedly spent weeks crafting the plan. What can we expect? Word is, the plan would move the U.S. from a family-based immigration system to a system based on skills and employment opportunities. The plan is expected to include a call for continued construction of a massive border wall – and it’ll reportedly be financed, in part, by new fees on trade that would be collected at the border. There’s also a civics test. "They don't need to be Shakespeare," one official tells NBC News. “But they should have the ability to navigate the law.”

3 Alabama Governor Signs Strict Abortion Bill

If you’ve been raped or a victim of incest and get pregnant? Too bad – at least, that’s the case in Alabama, where Governor Kay Ivey has signed the strictest abortion ban in the country into law. The law makes nearly all abortions illegal except in cases where the mother's life is in danger. The state Senate passed the bill Tuesday night and rejected an amendment that would've given exceptions for rape and incest. In signing the bill, Governor Ivey, who is a Republican, said the bill is a "powerful testament to Alabamians' deeply held belief that every life is precious." Signing aside, Ivey has noted that because of the Roe v. Wade U.S. Supreme Court decision, the law may be unenforceable. But that’s kind of the point – as the bill's authors have said they crafted the law to challenge the 1973 decision that granted abortion rights to women in hopes of overturning it. Speaking of overturning, opponents of the new law - which is set to go into effect in six months - are already heading to court to stop it.


Sponsored Content

Sponsored Content

News Radio 1200 WOAI Podcasts

See All