Parkland shooting: Remembering Parkland shooting, Valentine's Day.

Controversial border security plan heads to House vote

The House will vote Thursday on a border security bill designed to prevent another government shutdown, a day after President Donald Trump signaled he is willing to sign the deal while seeking other sources of money for his border wall. The measure contains $1.375 billion for a border barrier, much less than the $5.7 billion Trump wanted. Trump initially said “I’m not happy” about the bill, but later tweeted a more positive tone and said he expects the plan “will be hooked up with lots of money from other sources.” He did not specify where that money might come from. Democrats have vowed to sue or otherwise prevent Trump from using other money for his wall. Here’s a look at what’s in the bill.

Parkland shooting, one year later: Where key figures are now

One year ago today, authorities say Nikolas Cruz walked into the freshman building at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, with a bag containing a semiautomatic rifle. The ensuing numbers were excruciating: six minutes of shooting, more than 100 rounds fired, 17 students and staff killed and 17 wounded. The shooting forever altered the lives of the survivors. Some students, such as the now-famous David Hogg, Emma Gonzalez, Jaclyn Corin and Alex Wind, began the “Never Again MSD” gun-control movement and organized the National School Walkout and the March for Our Lives. Meanwhile, some public officials, such as school resource officer Scot Peterson and Sheriff Scott Israel, were harshly criticized. Here is an update on some of the people thrust into the spotlight by the tragedy.

Senate expected to confirm Barr to be new attorney general

The Senate is expected to confirm William Barr on Thursday as the third attorney general of President Donald Trump’s administration. Barr will take over despite concerns from some Democrats about how he planned to oversee special counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election.  He asserted during his confirmation hearing that he won’t halt the probe or fire Mueller “without good cause.” But Barr refused to say how much of Mueller’s confidential report to the attorney general would be passed along to Congress. Barr, who previously served as attorney general for President George H.W. Bush, will take over for acting attorney general Matthew Whitaker.    

Washington to honor John Dingell, longest-serving congressman

John Dingell Jr., who served longer in Congress than anyone else in history, will be honored with a service in the nation’s capital Thursday. Dingell, who died last Thursdayat the age of 92, stepped down in early 2015 after representing Michigan in the House more than 59 years. Vice President Joe Biden eulogized Dingell in a service Tuesdayin Dearborn, Michigan. Former President Bill Clinton, House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer of Maryland and former House Speaker John Boehner are expected to speak at the service Thursday. A veteran of World War II, Dingell is expected to be interred at Arlington National Cemetery.

Roses are red, violets are blue. It’s Valentine’s Day! Here’s what you should do

Thursday is Valentine’s Day, a celebration of romantic love in many parts of the world. Although the holiday’s origins as St. Valentine’s Day are somewhat murky (and bloody), nowadays it is generally marked by sweethearts giving each other cards and giving gifts of flowers, candy and other goodies. Of course, nice things cost money, honey; here’s how the cost of the average Valentine’s Day date has increased over the years. But you don’t need to break the bank – there are plenty of deals and freebies.