Trump tests executive power. And, hundreds killed in Israeli airstrikes on Gaza

 here to get it delivered to your inbox, and listen to the Up First podcast for all the news you need to start your day.

Israel launched surprise overnight airstrikes in Gaza early Tuesday, killing over 410 people and injuring hundreds more, according to Gaza health officials. The strikes are the most intense violence since a ceasefire began in January between Israel and Hamas. The first phase of the ceasefire ended on March 1.

A federal judge is requesting a sworn declaration from the Justice Department by noon today explaining its actions in deportations over the weekend. The judge wants details on how planes carrying alleged Venezuelan gang members were flown from the U.S. to El Salvador despite a judge’s orders to turn the planes around. Yesterday’s hearing saw a heated debate about when the orders were issued and whether they had to be in writing to restrain government action.

Department of Government Efficiency members got into the U.S. Institute of Peace yesterday after attempting several times to install new leadership. The takeover comes as George Moose, who had been running the institute, was fired along with most of the board members last week.

March Madness starts today, and many may hope to win big money through bets placed on the outcomes of the games. The American Gaming Association estimates that Americans will legally gamble about $3.1 billion on the men’s and women’s tournaments. This is about $400 million more than last year. A big driver of the increase is the popularity of sports betting apps. But with this comes the increased risk of developing gambling addictions. Jonathan Cohen, author of the forthcoming book Losing Big: America’s Reckless Bet on Sports Gambling, spoke with Morning Edition‘s Leila Fadel about the effects of sports betting and what safeguards can be implemented. Listen to what he had to say here.

Living Better is a special series about what it takes to stay healthy in America.

Suzanne Nuyen.