News Wrap: Chaotic weather system delays U.S. travelers

Amna Nawaz:

In the day's other headlines: More than half of the country is experiencing some form of rough weather today. Blizzards, extreme winds or unexpected heat disrupted life from the Northeast to the Hawaiian Islands.

William Brangham has the details.

William Brangham:

It was March madness of a different kind today, as this chaotic weather system delayed tens of thousands of travelers nationwide. It's an extra layer of stress for airports, where TSA agents who are missing paychecks are already calling out from work during this partial shutdown.

James Keller, Traveler:

Watching the storm move across the country, it's gained a lot of power for sure.

William Brangham:

James Keller was trying to make it home from North Carolina to New York today.

James Keller:

We talked about running a car, but the reality is, we're just chasing the storm up the entire East Coast.

William Brangham:

The D.C. metro area was at the center of a long stretch of the East Coast on alert today from an intense storm that threatened winds above 75 miles an hour and potential tornadoes. The area most at risk covered South Carolina up to Maryland. The storm is expected to pass before Tuesday, but will leave a bitter chill in its wake.

Windchills below freezing are expected across the Southeast tomorrow. And the Upper Midwest is still digging out from a major dumping of snow over the weekend. Parts of Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan were buried under nearly two feet, with some still falling today.

While parts of northern Illinois were under a blizzard warning last night, thunderstorms flooded Chicago streets.

Man:

We have some major damage to South Kihei Road.

William Brangham:

An ocean away, Maui's streets were similarly drenched from a separate storm. The National Weather Service said the Hawaiian island was deluged by more than 23 inches of rain, almost two feet of water on Saturday. Flooding was also reported on the Big Island and Oahu.

But then a hot summer came early to Southern California.

Daniela Uriosteigui, Riverside, California, Resident:

I mean, it's a little weird, a little different.

William Brangham:

Long Beach is usually in the upper 60s and low 70s this time of year, but a heat wave set a record of 92 degrees last Thursday.

Connie Patterson, Long Beach, California, Resident:

I'm doing pretty good. I just keep the windows and fans on.

William Brangham:

For the "PBS News Hour," I'm William Brangham.

Amna Nawaz:

Also today, a federal judge in Massachusetts temporarily blocked federal health officials from overhauling the nation's vaccine policies. It's a major blow to the Trump administration's broader health agenda.

The judge sided with major medical associations in finding that Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. likely violated federal procedures in revamping an important vaccine advisory committee. He put on hold decisions made by that board, including which vaccines children get and when. The government is expected to appeal.

But the president of the American Academy of Pediatrics celebrated today's ruling, calling it -- quote -- "an historic and welcome outcome for children, communities, and pediatricians everywhere."

President Trump announced that his chief of staff, Susie Wiles, has been diagnosed with early stage breast cancer. In a social media post, Trump said "Her prognosis is excellent and that she will continue doing the job she loves and does so well while undergoing treatment."

Shortly after that post, Wiles received a warm welcome at a White House event wearing a pink blazer, a color associated with breast cancer awareness. The announcement comes at a pivotal time for the Trump White House as it manages the war with Iran and prepares for the upcoming midterm elections.

At that same event, President Trump revealed a separate diagnosis, this time for Florida Congressman Neal Dunn, saying he had a terminal diagnosis due to a heart problem. Trump described how he intervened in Dunn's medical care, which led to this moment with House Speaker Mike Johnson.

Rep. Mike Johnson (R-LA):

Congressman Dunn is a real champion and a patriot because he's still coming to work. And if others got this diagnosis, they would be apt to go home and retire.

President Donald Trump:

What was the diagnosis?

Rep. Mike Johnson:

It was -- I mean, I think it was a terminal diagnosis.

President Donald Trump:

He would be dead by June.

Rep. Mike Johnson:

OK, that wasn't public, but yes, OK.

Amna Nawaz:

Both Johnson and Trump went on to say that, since treatment, Dunn is acting as though he has -- quote -- "a new lease on life."

Earlier this year, the congressman said he would not seek reelection amid rumors over the severity of his condition, though he does plan to see out his current term.

The Kennedy Center board voted today to close the Washington, D.C., art space for a two-year renovation project. The center's trustees, who were handpicked by President Trump, agreed that the work will begin after this year's July 4 celebrations. The renovation plan has drawn criticism from Democrats and has been contested in court.

The board also voted to install Matt Floca as the new executive director. He replaces Richard Grenell, a close Trump ally who had overseen a tumultuous year, with Trump's name added to the center and a number of artist cancellations and staff departures.

In Cuba, officials are investigating a -- quote -- "complete disconnection" of the country's electrical system, leaving its 11 million residents without power. It's the country's second blackout this month, with officials blaming the ongoing U.S. energy blockade for adding pressure to Cuba's already strained energy sector.

On Friday, President Miguel Diaz-Canel said the island had not received oil shipments in more than three months, but he added that officials have entered talks with the U.S. with the goal of ending the crisis.

There are reports today that the first in a series of meetings took place this weekend between Hamas and envoys from President Trump's Board of Peace. That comes as hospital officials in Gaza say that Israeli airstrikes killed at least 12 people yesterday, including two children and a pregnant woman. Israel's military says it was responding to an earlier incident when a Hamas militant opened fire on Israeli troops.

All this comes as a sandstorm swept through refugee camps in Southern and Central Gaza over the weekend, only adding to the misery for the displaced Palestinians living there.

Ibrahim Jarghoun, Displaced Palestinian (through interpreter):

Two years of war and we are in the third year. It's unbearable. We are tired. Look at us with compassion, with kindness. Have mercy on us. What is happening is unjust. Enough already.

Amna Nawaz:

Separately, Israel announced it will reopen Gaza's Rafah Crossing with Egypt starting Wednesday after a more-than-two-week closure. Since it opened earlier this year, a limited number of patients have been allowed outside Gaza for treatment, but Gaza's Health Ministry says thousands more need to be evacuated.

On Wall Street today, stocks posted solid gains to start the week, despite those ongoing worries about oil prices. The Dow Jones industrial average added nearly 400 points on the day. The Nasdaq rose almost 270 points, or more than 1 percent. The S&P 500 posted its biggest gain in five weeks.

And after nearly three decades of nominations, filmmaker Paul Thomas Anderson finally has an Oscar.

Nicole Kidman, Actress:

The Oscar goes to "One Battle After Another."

(Cheering)

Amna Nawaz:

His movie "One Battle After Another" took home six awards last night, including best picture and best director. The top acting prizes went to Jessie Buckley, who played the grieving wife of William Shakespeare in "Hamnet," and Michael B. Jordan for his portrayal of twin mobsters in "Sinners."

The blues-infused horror movie also won for best cinematography, a historic win for Autumn Durald Arkapaw.

Autumn Durald Arkapaw, Cinematographer:

I really want all the women in the room to stand up, because I feel like I don't get here without you guys.

(Cheering)

Amna Nawaz:

She became the first woman to ever win that category and the first person of color.