A ship carrying 200 tons of aid approached the coast of Gaza on a mission to inaugurate a sea route from Cyprus to help alleviate the humanitarian crisis in the enclave five months into the war between Israel and Hamas.

The ship is operated by the Spanish aid group ‘Open Arms’.

Severe storms with probable tornadoes tore through several central U.S. states, damaging homes and businesses and killing at least three people, with more bodies likely to be discovered, authorities said.

Thursday night’s storms left trails of destruction and injuries or deaths in Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana and Arkansas. tornadoes were also suspected in Illinois and Missouri.

Saint Paul residents are looking forward to the annual St. Patrick’s Day parade that will be held tomorrow at noon, in downtown St. Paul. This tradition began in 1967 and aims to celebrate St. Paul’s Irish heritage that resides throughout the city to this day. It is put on by the St. Patrick’s Association.

The parade starts at Rice Park and ends at Mears Park.

Marty Fischer can be reached at fisc6793@stthomas.edu.