Thursday's Headlines: ‘A horrific, horrific day’: At least 17 killed in Florida school shooting

For shooting suspect, a life of guns, depression and trouble; Bipartisan group reaches deal on immigration, fulfilling some Trump demands; Jacob Zuma is out, but will things...

Democracy Dies in Darkness     The morning's most important stories, selected by Post editors   'The most horrible day anyone can imagine': Seventeen killed as gunman terrorizes Florida school The violence at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla., was among the nation's deadliest school shootings. The suspect, who had been expelled from the school, was identified as Nikolas Cruz, 19. He carried an AR-15 rifle, police said, and was taken into custody after a brief manhunt. Authorities looking for a motive found social media postings that "are very, very disturbing," Broward County Sheriff Scott Israel said. By Lori Rozsa, Moriah Balingit, William Wan and Mark Berman  •  Read more » For shooting suspect, a life of guns, depression and trouble Nikolas Cruz had reportedly been fighting depression both before and after his adoptive mother died in November, and he had a fascination with guns, those who know him say. An Instagram account that appeared to belong to Cruz showed several photos of guns, with one picture depicting at least six rifles and handguns laid out on a bed with the caption "arsenal." By William Wan, David Weingrad and Fred Barbash  •   Read more »   Bipartisan group reaches deal on immigration, fulfilling some Trump demands The self-dubbed "Common Sense Caucus" of bipartisan senators circulated the legislation Wednesday. But a senior administration official denounced the bill, calling it a "giant amnesty" that did nothing to secure the border, and vowed the White House would strongly lobby against it Thursday. By Ed O'Keefe, David Nakamura and Mike DeBonis  •   Read more »   Today's WorldView | Analysis Jacob Zuma is out, but will things actually get better in South Africa? After more than two decades of ANC rule, South Africans' dreams of post-apartheid equality have given way to the grinding realities of one of the most unequal societies on the planet. By Ishaan Tharoor  •   Read more »   White House counsel walks a fine line protecting, mollifying Trump Donald McGahn's central role in White House controversies, and his failure to shape events to the president's wishes, have led to ongoing tensions with Trump and left him increasingly isolated in the West Wing. By Josh Dawsey, Rosalind S. Helderman and Matt Zapotosky  •   Read more »   'This isn't a handout or a luxury to me — we would literally not survive without benefits' About 90 million low-income Americans rely on Medicaid, housing subsidies or food stamps. Families depending on those programs fear how they may be affected by President Trump's proposed cuts to the safety net. By Caitlin Dewey and Tracy Jan  •   Read more »   ADVERTISEMENT Opinions   Sarah Huckabee Sanders is at a loss for words on Rob Porter. I am here for her. By Dana Milbank  •   Read more »   A groundswell for sanity By E.J. Dionne Jr.  •   Read more »   Government unions are in deep trouble. And they have themselves to blame. By Charles Lane  •   Read more »   Four steps to fight foreign interference in U.S. elections By Mike Rogers and Rick Ledgett  •   Read more »   'I can't do it, Wolf': CNN analyst breaks down over Fla. school shooting By Erik Wemple  •   Read more »   This is a test for Mitch McConnell. Let's see how he does. By Editorial Board  •   Read more » ADVERTISEMENT More News   Doctors find neurological damage to Americans who served in Cuba U.S. diplomats in Havana "appeared to have sustained injury to widespread brain networks" there, according to physicians who evaluated them for the State Department. But the doctors could not find a definitive cause. By Karen DeYoung  •  Read more »     Trump lawyer's claim about payment to Stormy Daniels reenergizes strange saga If President Trump and others had hoped the story about an alleged affair with the adult-film star might die down, the admission by attorney Michael Cohen that he "facilitated" a payment of $130,000 to Daniels shortly before the 2016 election guaranteed that the drama will roll on. By Mark Berman  •   Read more »   Bannon, House intelligence panel head for subpoena showdown Committee members are urging leaders to issue a contempt citation for Stephen K. Bannon if he refuses to answer their questions during an interview expected Thursday — their second attempt to compel President Trump's former strategist to testify in recent weeks. By Karoun Demirjian  •   Read more »   EPA chief has unusual waiver to fly in first or business class The agency cited security reasons for Scott Pruitt's costly travel arrangements, a practice that sets him apart both from his predecessors and other current Cabinet members. Officials declined to explain why Pruitt warrants special status. By Brady Dennis and Juliet Eilperin  •   Read more »   Trump urges Republicans to consider a 25-cent hike in the gas tax Trump proposed raising the idea in a closed-door meeting with lawmakers. GOP lawmakers disagree over whether the tax is needed for upgrades to roads and bridges. By Heather Long  •   Read more »   Mikaela Shiffrin begins her assault on the slopes, taking gold in women's giant slalom After windy conditions delayed her ambitious — and perhaps historic — Olympic schedule, the American finally stepped into a pair of skis Thursday and gave the screaming crowd at Yongpyong Alpine Centre the sizzling performance they'd hoped for, capturing her first gold medal of the Games. By Rick Maese  •   Read more »   For U.S. and Canada women's hockey, even meaningless games mean everything The Canadians held on for a 2-1 victory Thursday. The rivals could meet again — for the Olympic gold medal. By Chelsea Janes  •   Read more »         Share Today's Headlines:    Twitter     Facebook Trouble reading? Click here to view in your browser. You received this email because you signed up for Today's Headlines or because it is included in your subscription. For additional free newsletters or to manage your newsletters, click here. We respect your privacy. 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