From the Wire

Group: Israel Upped Settlement Work During TalksIsrael increased settlement work four-fold during the latest round of peace talks, pushing forward with construction of nearly 14,000 new homes in the West Bank and east Jerusalem, a watchdog group said Tuesday.
9 Deaths Reported in Southern Storms, Number Could RiseJACKSON, Miss. (AP) — At least nine deaths are being reported from severe storms blowing through the South, but the toll could rise.
Gov. Bryant Mobilizes National Guard to Lee and Winston CountiesJACKSON, Miss. (AP) — Mississippi Gov. Phil Bryant has mobilized the National Guard to help with relief efforts in Lee and Winston counties after Monday's tornadoes.
Tornado Hits Winston Medical Center; UMMC RespondsLOUISVILLE, Miss. (AP) — A spokesman for the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson says a tornado has damaged the Winston Medical Center in Louisville. Jack Mazurak says it knocked down two walls, damaged a third and caused a …
Injuries Confirmed in Multiple Mississippi Tornadoes, Storms Headed EastThe state health department says injuries have been confirmed from Monday's tornadoes in the Tupelo area and in Winston County farther south.
Election-Year Senate Vote Nears on Minimum WageWin or lose—and they'll probably lose—Democrats hope this week's Senate showdown over raising the federal minimum wage reaps them benefits in November's congressional elections.
New U.S. Sanctions on Russian Officials, CompaniesThe United States levied new sanctions Monday on seven Russian government officials, as well as 17 companies with links to Vladimir Putin's close associates, as the Obama administration seeks to pressure the Russian leader to deescalate the crisis in Ukraine.
Air Search for Missing Malaysian Plane Called OffThe aerial search for the missing Malaysia Airlines jet was called off Monday, and the underwater hunt will be expanded to include a vast swath of ocean floor that may take at least eight months to thoroughly search, Australian officials …
Death Row Inmate Denied Post-Conviction AppealThe Mississippi Supreme Court has denied the post-conviction arguments of death row inmate Eric Moffett.
Hearing Delayed on Mississippi Power Kemper CostsUpcoming hearings on whether Mississippi Power Co. should be able to get customers to pay for its Kemper County power plant have been postponed.
Obama: May Be Time for More North Korea SanctionsIn a display of unity against North Korea's provocations, President Barack Obama and South Korean President Park Geun-hye warned Pyongyang on Friday that it could face tougher sanctions if it follows through with threats to launch a fourth nuclear test.
Mississippi Business Owners Push Back on 'Religious Freedom' LawIn conservative Mississippi, some business owners who support equal treatment for gays and lesbians are pushing back against a new law that bans government from limiting the free practice of religion.
Russia's Lavrov: West Plotting to Control UkraineAccusing the West of plotting to control Ukraine, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov declared Friday that the pro-Russia insurgents in eastern Ukraine will only lay down their arms if the Ukrainian government clears out the Maidan protest camp in Kiev.
Baltic States Lead Push to Cut Russia Gas RelianceThe Baltic nations, which still have fresh memories of domination by Moscow during the Cold War, have been among the swiftest countries in Europe to act to reduce dependence on Russian energy resources.
UMMC to Merge Some Functions with Rehab HospitalThe University of Mississippi Medical Center will merge some functions with the neighboring Methodist Rehabilitation Center under an agreement approved Thursday by higher education officials.