Headline News from The Associated Press
AP Headline News - Feb 29 2024 13:00 (EST)
(dramatic music) - Ateem News, I'm Kaya Hanjuanhi. President Biden and former President Trump are at the border today at separate locations. And House Speaker Mike Johnson says, this presents a stark contrast. - One president was building a wall, President Trump. He was cracking down on those trying to cross the border illegally. He was supporting our CBP agents. He used his executive authority to stop illegal immigration. And the current President Biden, he's doing exactly the opposite of all those things. He stopped construction on the wall. He halted deportations. He ceded operational control to the cartels and the traffickers. And he did everything he could to incentivize, incentivize illegal immigration. - California Democrat Pete Aguilar added in speaking to reporters that Congress and the GOP should act. - House Republicans have no right to say they are focused on solutions when they're the ones who are creating an issue and walking away from solutions and walking away from bipartisanship. - The Pentagon's chief is on the defensive as lawmakers confront him over his secret hospital stay. The AP's Sager McGonney. - Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin admits the Pentagon screwed up by going days without telling the White House he was hospitalized last month. But at a house hearing, Austin was adamant. - There was never any lapse in authorities or in command and control. At all times, either I or the deputy secretary was in a position to conduct the duties of my office. - Austin says the Pentagon's made changes to improve the notification process if he has to transfer duties again. But Republicans like Jim Banks say it's troubling that it took three days for the commander in chief to find out his defense chief was off the job. - Either the president is that aloof or you are irrelevant. Which one is it, Mr. Secretary? - Austin says neither is true. Sager McGonney, Washington. - The Texas smoke house fire has grown to become the largest wildfire in the state's history. This is AP News. A new AP North Pole shows fractures along party lines over aid to Ukraine. - 27% of Americans surveyed say the US is spending too little versus 70% who say we're spending too much or just the right amount. Among Democrats, 44% say the US is spending too little on military aid for Ukraine and that's up from 14% in November. Among Republicans, 55% say the US is spending too much. Only 14% say the US is spending too little. Jeffrey Jackson, a Republican from Granbury, Texas, tells the AP the US government needs to take care of our own people and then worry about the rest of the world later. Nevertheless, half of US adults say it's highly important for the US to focus on stopping Russia from gaining more territory in Ukraine and a majority including Republicans support the spirit of Article 5 of the NATO military alliance and say they would favor deploying US troops to defend a NATO ally if it were attacked by Russian forces. - Jennifer King, Washington. - I'm Haya Punjwani, AP News. - Hello, Saver. Whether you're saving for that trip to the tropics or saving for an emergency, now is the time to take advantage of Wells Fargo's savings options. Wells Fargo offers savings accounts that can help you save towards your goals. So, what are you saving for? Visit a Wells Fargo branch or Wells Fargo.com/save to open a savings account today. Wells Fargo Bank, NA member FDIC. - Fargo, the new virtual assistant from Wells Fargo makes banking faster and easier. Like this. - Fargo, what's my checking account routing number? - And this. - Fargo, turn off my debit card. - And this. - Fargo, what did I spend on groceries last month? - And that's just the beginning. Do you, Fargo? You can. In the Wells Fargo mobile app, learn more at Wells Fargo.com/GetFargo. Terms and conditions apply. Your mobile carrier's availability and message and data rates may apply. Wells Fargo Bank, NA member FDIC. - Verbo Vacation Homes come with 24/7 live support. So if you ever need anything, you can reach a real person in about a minute. Because if it's 4 a.m. and you need assistance, the last thing you wanna do is wait to talk to a robot. - Hey, how can I help? - After all, live support is an amenity every vacation home should have. - Verbo, private vacation rentals for you and your people.