Religious violence has intensified in Nigeria as Islamic extremist groups launched deadly assaults on Christian communities during Palm Sunday celebrations. The coordinated strikes claimed multiple lives across two separate incidents in the West African nation.
For many years, Christian populations in Nigeria have faced systematic persecution from radical Islamic organizations, with casualty figures reaching into the tens of thousands over the past several decades. The latest wave of violence occurred during one of Christianity’s most sacred observances.
The international community has taken notice of the escalating crisis, with former President Trump spearheading diplomatic initiatives to pressure Nigerian leadership into confronting the terrorist threat. Recent military interventions have included aerial bombardments targeting extremist compounds and training facilities.
Legal experts are noting that the current Supreme Court appears committed to establishing robust protections for religious liberty as one of its defining characteristics. The justices this week delivered an overwhelming 8-to-1 decision that overturned a Colorado statute prohibiting counselors from providing services aimed at helping young people move away from LGBT lifestyles.
According to legal observers, this Colorado ruling represents just the most recent example of the high court’s unusual commitment to safeguarding faith-based rights in a nation that continues to become more secular. What makes these decisions particularly noteworthy is that liberal-leaning justices frequently vote alongside their conservative colleagues, creating substantial majorities in favor of religious freedom protections.
In a surprising editorial position, The Washington Post has come to the defense of a Finnish parliamentary member who faced legal penalties for referencing biblical scripture regarding homosexuality. The newspaper, traditionally known for its progressive editorial stance, sharply criticized Finland’s highest court for what it views as an infringement on religious liberty.
Finnish lawmaker Pavi Rassanen received a financial penalty from the country’s supreme court after publicly quoting biblical passages about homosexuality. The Post condemned this ruling in strong terms, describing it as “a farce” and stating that “It’s not a crime to publish unpopular religious views.”
The editorial concluded by encouraging American citizens to appreciate and protect their First Amendment freedoms, suggesting the Finnish case serves as a cautionary example of what can happen when free speech protections are weakened.
Kansas legislators have enacted new protections for pro-life pregnancy centers after successfully overturning Democratic Governor Laura Kelly’s veto with substantial bipartisan support.
The legislation prohibits state and local government entities from mandating that pro-life clinics provide abortion services, distribute abortion medications, offer abortion counseling, make abortion referrals, or engage in any form of abortion advocacy. The override vote passed by significant margins in both chambers of the Kansas legislature.
Republican lawmakers have criticized Governor Kelly, claiming she supports women’s choice only when that choice does not involve carrying a pregnancy to term. The governor had initially blocked the measure before the legislative override made it law.
THE HAGUE, Netherlands — Three judges have determined that the chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court may return to his position after finding that a United Nations probe into sexual misconduct allegations was inconclusive, according to documents obtained by The Associated Press.
The ultimate decision regarding British attorney Karim Khan’s future now rests with the Assembly of States Parties, which oversees the court. On Wednesday, this governing body voted to continue their investigation while dealing with an unprecedented situation that has created turmoil among court personnel and external political pressure.
Khan voluntarily stepped aside in May 2025 while awaiting results from a U.N. Office of Internal Oversight Service probe into sexual misconduct claims, which he has consistently rejected.
The United Nations inquiry concluded there was evidence that Khan engaged in “nonconsensual sexual contact with (the aide) in his office, at his private residence, and whilst on mission,” according to their report.
Through his legal team on Wednesday, Khan told AP that he “firmly maintains that he did not engage in any inappropriate conduct toward the complainant, whether sexual or otherwise.”
His attorneys further stated that Khan “categorially denies both any nonconsensual sexual conduct and the existence of any consensual sexual relationship.”
The ICC has refused to provide comment on the matter.
The judicial panel, chosen by the assembly to conduct a legal review of the UN probe, determined last month that the investigation lacked sufficient conclusive evidence. However, the judges indicated they were obligated to reach a decision, concluding that the findings “do not establish misconduct or breach of duty under the relevant legal framework,” according to their 85-page evaluation.
“The resolution of a number of disputes, which remains outstanding, would be necessary before a proper characterisation of the facts can be made,” the judges stated after examining over 5,000 pages of documentation.
The judicial panel criticized the UN investigators for failing to “indicate which witnesses’ testimony they found credible” and noted they “did not resolve narrative inconsistencies.”
The United Nations team was responsible for conducting the investigation but not for determining whether Khan’s actions constituted misconduct. The three-judge panel was required to apply the criminal standard of “beyond a reasonable doubt,” and their recommendation is non-binding on the assembly.
This situation marks uncharted territory for the ICC, forcing the Assembly of States Parties to continuously develop new procedures to handle the circumstances.
Khan’s legal representatives emphasized Thursday that the judicial panel unanimously concluded the UN investigation failed to establish any wrongdoing or violation of duties. They also highlighted that the UN probe did not reach a final misconduct determination and that their findings needed legal interpretation.
In October 2024, an Associated Press investigation disclosed that Khan was confronting internal sexual misconduct accusations.
Whistleblower documentation reviewed by AP alleged that Khan spotted the woman working in a different ICC division and transferred her to his office. She subsequently became a frequent companion on official travel, the records indicated.
During one overseas trip, Khan allegedly requested she lie down with him on a hotel bed before “sexually touching her,” according to the documents. Later that evening, he reportedly came to her room at 3 a.m. and knocked persistently for 10 minutes.
Additional alleged inappropriate behavior described in the documents included securing his office door and placing his hand in her pocket. He also reportedly made multiple requests for her to join him on vacation.
Two colleagues reported the alleged misconduct to the court’s oversight body in May 2024. The inquiry was terminated after five days when the woman decided against filing an official complaint due to concerns about potential retaliation, AP previously reported.
The situation has significantly impacted the woman at the center of the allegations. The UN investigation noted that she was placed under suicide watch at one point.
“I have been left with little dignity and no privacy,” she stated in an interview. The Associated Press typically does not identify individuals who report sexual misconduct.
A group of employees from the prosecutor’s office sent a letter Wednesday to the Assembly of States Parties, voicing serious concerns about Khan’s possible return.
The document, reviewed by AP, stated the group believed the UN investigation was “incompatible with continued confidence in the prosecutor’s leadership.”
One senior employee indicated “people are deeply afraid” of potential retaliation, while three other prosecutor’s office staff members shared similar sentiments. All requested anonymity as they lacked authorization to speak with media.
The UN investigators’ report stated that before taking leave, Khan was accused of engaging in “retaliatory in nature” behavior toward two staff members who supported the alleged victim.
The original investigation occurred shortly before Khan requested arrest warrants against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu regarding actions in Gaza. In November 2024, a three-judge panel approved those charges.
Subsequently, U.S. President Donald Trump imposed sanctions on 11 ICC personnel, including Khan, for pursuing these investigations. Court officials and prosecutors had their banking privileges revoked and U.S. visas canceled.
These sanctions have severely affected the court’s operations and employee morale.
False claims about the death of Jonathan, a 193-year-old tortoise recognized as the planet’s oldest living land creature, spread across social media this week in what officials are calling an elaborate hoax.
The ancient Seychelles giant tortoise continues to move about — though at his characteristic leisurely pace — on St. Helena island, where he has lived for more than a century.
“It was a hoax,” stated Anne Dillon, the island’s communications director, when speaking with The Associated Press on Thursday. “I can just assure you that he is very much alive.”
False information about Jonathan’s passing began circulating widely on Wednesday across various social platforms.
A fake social media profile, pretending to represent Joe Hollins, a veterinarian who has previously cared for the ancient reptile on the remote Atlantic island located between Africa and Brazil, posted emotional news of the supposed death. The fraudulent message described Jonathan as a “gentle giant” that had “outlived empires, wars, and generations of humans.”
The deceptive post garnered close to 2 million views by Thursday, with most responses expressing grief and sympathy.
However, Hollins clarified on Facebook that he maintains no presence on X and warned of criminal intent behind the false announcement.
“There is a hoax — not even an April Fool — going around,” Hollins explained in his post. “The hoaxer is asking for crypto donations. It’s a con.”
According to Guinness World Records, Jonathan holds the distinction of being both the oldest living land creature and the oldest tortoise in recorded history. Experts estimate he was approximately 50 years old when he arrived at St. Helena in 1882.
Government officials from St. Helena provided a photograph captured Thursday showing Jonathan wandering around the governor’s official residence grounds. The island gained historical significance as Napoleon Bonaparte’s final place of exile after his military defeat at Waterloo in 1815. The former French emperor passed away there in 1821, roughly a decade before Jonathan is thought to have begun his remarkably extended existence.
Russian officials announced Thursday their intention to dispatch another oil tanker to Cuba, as the Caribbean island struggles with a deepening energy crisis that has left millions without reliable power.
Energy Minister Sergei Tsivilyov made the declaration during an energy conference in Kazan, Russia, just two days following the arrival of the sanctioned vessel Anatoly Kolodkin at Cuba’s Matanzas port. That delivery brought 730,000 barrels of crude oil to the island, representing the first such shipment in three months and providing enough fuel to meet Cuba’s diesel needs for approximately nine to ten days, according to energy analysts.
Speaking at the forum, Tsivilyov characterized Cuba’s situation as dire. “Cuba is in a total blockade, it’s been cut off. Whose shipment of oil made it? A Russian vessel broke through the blockade. A second one is being loaded right now, we will not leave Cubans alone in trouble,” the minister stated.
The oil deliveries occur against a backdrop of escalating tensions, as President Donald Trump issued threats in late January regarding potential tariffs against nations providing petroleum products to Cuba. However, Trump recently indicated a more dismissive stance toward the Russian shipments, suggesting they would have minimal impact on Cuba’s government stability.
“Cuba’s finished,” Trump remarked to reporters during his return flight to Washington on Sunday. “They have a bad regime. They have very bad and corrupt leadership and whether or not they get a boat of oil, it’s not going to matter.”
The island nation’s energy infrastructure has been severely strained, as Cuba can only meet approximately 40% of its fuel requirements through domestic production, making it heavily dependent on foreign oil imports to maintain its deteriorating electrical grid.
Venezuela, previously a key supplier of petroleum to Cuba, ceased its shipments following U.S. actions against the South American nation and the arrest of its leadership. Mexico similarly discontinued its oil exports to Cuba after receiving tariff warnings from the Trump administration.
These supply disruptions have intensified Cuba’s economic and energy difficulties, resulting in widespread power outages, reductions in government food distribution programs, and critical shortages of clean water and medical supplies that disproportionately affect the island’s most vulnerable populations.
Federal Bureau of Investigation agents have traveled to Cuba this week to conduct an independent examination of a deadly February incident involving an American-flagged speedboat that resulted in five fatalities.
The shooting took place on February 25 when Cuban Border Patrol forces engaged with occupants of the vessel, which Cuban authorities claim was attempting to infiltrate the island. Ten individuals were aboard the speedboat during the confrontation, with five others sustaining injuries in the gunfire exchange. Cuban officials have characterized the incident as a terrorist operation conducted by Cuban expatriates residing in the United States.
A U.S. diplomatic source familiar with the investigation confirmed to The Associated Press on Thursday that the FBI technical team arrived Tuesday to begin their comprehensive review. The official, speaking anonymously due to lack of authorization for public comment, declined to specify the number of agents involved or the expected duration of their stay in Cuba.
Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel had previously indicated in March his expectation that FBI personnel would visit the island to assist with the investigation.
According to Cuban military officials, their forces detected the speedboat carrying ten men and military gear in waters north of Cuba. They maintain that those aboard the vessel initiated the gunfire, prompting soldiers to respond defensively. Four individuals died immediately in the exchange, while a fifth succumbed to wounds later. Six others were injured, including one crew member from the Cuban military vessel.
The surviving individuals now face terrorism charges that could result in life imprisonment.
This incident occurred during a period of elevated tensions between the two nations.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio previously stated that the group was not conducting a U.S. government operation and indicated that American officials would work to confirm the details provided by Cuban authorities.
Following the shooting, senior officials from Cuba’s Interior Ministry and Revolutionary Armed Forces publicly presented military equipment confiscated from the speedboat and acknowledged communication with the U.S. Coast Guard regarding the incident.
The confiscated materials included high-powered rifles, handguns, military uniforms, boots, protective helmets, specialized food rations, an electric generator, satellite communication equipment, and more than 12,000 rounds of ammunition.
HARRISBURG, Pa. — A federal immigration judge has blocked the deportation of an Indian citizen who spent more than 40 years behind bars before his murder conviction was thrown out, opening the door for his possible freedom.
The ruling came Thursday following a four-hour proceeding where Subramanyam Vedam maintained his innocence in the 1980 fatal shooting of Thomas Kinser while facing questioning from a Department of Homeland Security attorney. Vedam joined Wednesday’s hearing via video link from the Moshannon Valley Processing Center in Philipsburg, Pennsylvania.
“I was young and stupid and did a lot of dumb things back then,” Vedam testified. Federal authorities are seeking to remove the 64-year-old to India, a country he departed as an infant in 1962.
U.S. Immigration Judge Adam Panopoulos determined that Vedam had demonstrated genuine rehabilitation and posed no threat to community safety. The judge highlighted Vedam’s work helping fellow prisoners learn to read and his strong family connections, including nieces who have never experienced him as a free person.
Vedam “has grown as a person” and “began to dedicate himself to enriching other people’s lives and ultimately his own through academic study and enrichment,” Panopoulos stated Thursday.
However, a DHS attorney noted that deportation remains possible due to separate drug distribution convictions.
Born in Mumbai, Vedam, nicknamed Subu, arrived in America at 9 months old. He was raised in State College, Pennsylvania, where his father taught physics. As a lawful permanent resident, he was close to obtaining U.S. citizenship when authorities arrested him.
The Department of Homeland Security has 30 days to file an appeal. Vedam’s legal team plans to request his release on bond.
Defense attorney Ava Benach said Vedam wishes to reside with family in Sacramento, California, and has received acceptance into Oregon State University’s doctoral program in applied anthropology.
In late 2023, State College prosecutors chose not to pursue a new trial after a Centre County judge found that crucial ballistics evidence had been withheld during Vedam’s original proceedings. ICE officers detained Vedam in October just as he was about to be released.
Vedam informed Panopoulos that he rejected plea agreements during his initial trial and that prosecutors presented similar deals during his second trial. Both cases resulted in first-degree murder convictions.
“I never stopped saying I was innocent of this charge,” Vedam declared to the judge. He has remained incarcerated since March 31, 1982.
Vedam and Kinser had attended high school together and were both 19 when Kinser vanished. Kinser was last observed alive after driving Vedam to purchase drugs in December 1980. Authorities discovered Kinser’s vehicle outside his State College residence, and hikers found his body in a remote sinkhole more than nine months later. He had suffered a gunshot wound to the head. The weapon was never recovered.
Initially arrested on drug-related charges, Vedam was later charged and found guilty of Kinser’s killing.
Trial jurors learned that Vedam had bought a stolen .25-caliber weapon and bullets around Kinser’s disappearance but were not told that an FBI analysis indicated Kinser’s wound was too small for ammunition of that caliber.
In an October 2 statement explaining his decision against retrial, Centre County District Attorney Bernie Cantorna described it as “a compelling circumstantial case” but acknowledged that a third trial would be challenging due to the elapsed time. Cantorna referenced “the reality that 44 years is a sufficient sentence for a murder committed by someone who was nineteen years old.”
The prosecutor observed that Vedam had first denied buying or possessing a .25-caliber firearm, then claimed during his second trial that he acquired the gun after Kinser’s disappearance. Cantorna also noted that the FBI connected “distinguishing marks” on a bullet shell found near Kinser’s remains to a casing from where the gun dealer said Vedam had tested the weapon.
Although exonerated in Kinser’s death, Vedam’s no-contest pleas to LSD distribution charges still threaten his immigration status. During Wednesday’s proceeding, DHS attorney Tammy Dusharm questioned Vedam about additional arrests, including drunk driving and theft charges.
Dusharm argued to the judge that Vedam should not remain in the United States, given that he “was using and dealing drugs, driving under the influence, committing theft-related offenses.” She also challenged Vedam’s claims that he sold LSD only occasionally.
“I find it fairly incredible that it would appear that every single time he sold drugs, he did so to an undercover officer,” Dusharm remarked.
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Tehran launched additional missile strikes against Israel and neighboring Gulf nations Thursday, showcasing Iran’s persistent capability to attack regional targets despite President Donald Trump’s assertions that the Iranian threat has been virtually eliminated.
Tehran’s assaults on Gulf nations combined with its control over the Strait of Hormuz have severely disrupted global energy markets, creating impacts that extend well beyond Middle Eastern borders. This disruption has become Iran’s most significant strategic weapon in the ongoing conflict. Britain organized a conference call with approximately three dozen nations Thursday to discuss strategies for reopening the vital shipping lane after hostilities conclude.
Trump has maintained that the waterway could be seized through military force — though he stated America should not bear that responsibility alone. During Wednesday evening’s national address, he urged nations dependent on Hormuz oil shipments to “build some delayed courage” and proceed to “take it.”
Prior to the February 28 launch of U.S. and Israeli military operations against Iran, the strategic waterway remained accessible to commercial traffic, with one-fifth of globally traded oil passing through its waters.
Tehran responded with defiance to Trump’s Wednesday speech, during which the American leader declared U.S. military operations had been so effective that “one of the most powerful countries” is “really no longer a threat.”
Iranian military spokesperson Lt. Col. Ebrahim Zolfaghari stated Thursday that Tehran retains concealed weapons stockpiles, ammunition reserves, and manufacturing capabilities. He characterized facilities hit by U.S. attacks as “insignificant.”
Moments before Trump’s address — during which he declared U.S. “core strategic objectives are nearing completion” — explosions echoed through Dubai as defensive systems engaged an Iranian missile assault.
Within thirty minutes of the president’s speech conclusion, Israeli forces reported intercepting incoming projectiles. Warning sirens activated in Bahrain, headquarters of the U.S. Navy’s 5th Fleet, immediately following Trump’s remarks.
Thursday saw continued strikes throughout Iran, with explosions reported across multiple urban centers.
In Lebanon — where Iran-supported Hezbollah fighters are battling Israeli ground forces — an Israeli attack claimed four lives in the southern region, according to the Health Ministry.
Combat casualties have reached over 1,900 deaths in Iran compared to 19 reported fatalities in Israel. More than two dozen people have perished in Gulf states and the occupied West Bank, while 13 American military personnel have been killed.
Lebanese casualties exceed 1,200 deaths with over one million people displaced. Ten Israeli soldiers have also died in Lebanese operations.
Iranian strikes on roughly two dozen merchant vessels, plus threats of additional attacks, have virtually halted all commercial navigation through the waterway linking the Persian Gulf to international waters.
Since March 1, strait traffic has plummeted 94% compared to the previous year’s corresponding period, according to Lloyds List Intelligence maritime data. The firm confirmed two vessels paid transit fees, while others received passage based on agreements between Iran and their flag nations.
Saudi Arabia redirected approximately one billion barrels of oil away from the Strait of Hormuz during March, maritime analytics firm Kpler reported, while Iraq announced Thursday it had begun trucking petroleum through Syria to bypass the strait.
The 35 nations participating in Thursday’s discussions, including all G7 industrialized democracies except America, plus the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain, endorsed a declaration last month demanding Iran cease blocking the waterway.
Thursday’s negotiations centered on political and diplomatic solutions, though British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper indicated military planners from multiple countries would also develop security measures for post-conflict operations, including potential mine removal and commercial shipping “reassurance” efforts.
No nation appears prepared to forcibly reopen the strait during active hostilities. French President Emmanuel Macron, speaking during a South Korean visit, described military action to secure the waterway as “unrealistic.”
However, concerns persist that Iran might continue restricting waterway access even after U.S. and Israeli attacks conclude.
The international coalition concept mirrors the “coalition of the willing” led by Britain and France to support Ukrainian security during potential ceasefire negotiations. This effort partly demonstrates to Washington that European nations are assuming greater responsibility for regional security amid Trump’s frequent criticism.
The conflict continues driving oil and natural gas prices upward, destabilizing financial markets, increasing gasoline costs, and threatening to make various commodities, including food products, more expensive.
Thursday trading saw Brent crude, the global benchmark, rise again to approximately $109 per barrel, representing a 50% increase from February 28 when Israeli and American operations began.
While oil and gas typically transiting the strait primarily serves Asian markets, only Japan and South Korea from that region participated in Thursday’s strait discussions. Jet fuel supply disruptions have also affected global aviation travel.
The University of Delaware has another reason to celebrate as one of its distinguished faculty members receives conference-wide recognition.
Conference USA officials announced Thursday that Dr. Nancy Jordan has been selected as the university’s honoree for the 2026 Faculty Achievement Award. Jordan holds the position of Dean Family Endowed Chair of Education and serves as a professor within UD’s School of Education & Human Development.
The prestigious conference award recognizes outstanding academic contributions and excellence in higher education across member institutions. Jordan’s selection represents the University of Delaware in this year’s faculty honors program.
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — Four astronauts aboard NASA’s historic moon mission have successfully resolved a bathroom emergency that threatened to complicate their journey to lunar orbit.
The waste management system aboard the Artemis II spacecraft stopped functioning shortly after the crew entered orbit on Wednesday night. Ground controllers walked astronaut Christina Koch through repair procedures, and she managed to restore the toilet to working order during an overnight troubleshooting session.
The crew is also dealing with unexpectedly chilly conditions inside their Orion spacecraft, where temperatures have dropped to 65 degrees Fahrenheit. The four-person team has been searching through their luggage for warmer clothing while ground teams work to increase the cabin temperature.
The mission includes three American astronauts and one Canadian crew member who are scheduled to break free from Earth’s orbit Thursday evening and head toward the moon for a flyby mission. This will mark the first time since the final Apollo mission in 1972 that NASA has sent humans on a trajectory toward the moon.
During their current Earth orbit phase, the astronauts are enjoying spectacular views of their home planet from thousands of miles above. Koch reported to ground controllers that the crew can clearly see entire continental coastlines and even the South Pole, where she previously worked at a research facility.
“It is just absolutely phenomenal,” Koch communicated to Mission Control, drawing on her experience from her year-long assignment at an Antarctic research station before becoming a NASA astronaut.
The mission is scheduled to conclude with an ocean landing in the Pacific on April 10. NASA officials are relying on this test flight to validate the entire Artemis program and pave the way for a crewed moon landing planned for 2028. The toilet system may require modifications before that future mission takes place.
The spacecraft’s single bathroom facility is built into the floor area and includes a door and curtain for privacy. The system is based on an experimental toilet design that was sent to the International Space Station in 2020, though that version saw minimal use and has been non-functional for several years.
This waste management system, officially called the universal waste management system, operates using air suction rather than water and gravity to handle waste removal, similar to previous space toilets. The design includes improvements specifically intended to better serve female astronauts.
Before Koch successfully repaired the toilet, the crew had to use a backup system consisting of bags and funnels for urination.
The six remaining Apollo astronauts who are still alive would likely agree that any functioning toilet, even a problematic one, is preferable to no toilet at all.
The Apollo spacecraft were too compact to include bathroom facilities, forcing the all-male crews to depend on bag systems throughout their lunar missions. These Apollo-era bags were later repurposed during space shuttle missions as emergency backups when the shuttle’s toilet malfunctioned.
Municipal wastewater workers in Rehoboth Beach report a growing problem with grease-related sewer line obstructions throughout the community. These clogs prevent sewage from flowing properly through the municipal system, potentially causing backflow issues, reducing system capacity, and sometimes resulting in overflows into low-lying areas, manholes, or adjacent properties. The blockages also damage infrastructure and force costly emergency response calls for city maintenance teams. Officials emphasize that these obstructions can be completely avoided through appropriate grease handling practices.
Guidelines for Restaurants and Food Service Businesses:
• Maintain grease interceptors on a consistent maintenance schedule • Clean grease traps before grease and debris reach 75% capacity • Maintain detailed records of grease trap cleaning and maintenance as mandated • Use appropriate, leak-resistant containers for grease storage with secondary containment when necessary • Prevent grease from entering floor drains and storm drains when washing hood filters, mats, or cooking equipment • Avoid washing kitchen equipment or mats in public streets • Never dispose of mop water or grease waste into storm drainage systems or roadways
Guidelines for Homeowners:
• Remember that even small quantities accumulate over time and contribute to blockages • Never dispose of grease, cooking oils, or fats down kitchen drains; allow them to solidify and dispose of them in sealed containers with regular trash
Upcoming Inspections
The city’s annual restaurant inspection program for 2026 is scheduled from April 1 through May 15. Code Enforcement personnel will conduct compliance permit inspections for establishments with alcohol licenses, while Wastewater department staff will examine grease management practices. Inspectors will review maintenance procedures and pump-out documentation to ensure proper compliance. Each inspection is expected to be completed quickly.
During Agricultural Literacy Week from March 15-21, 2026, Delaware Farm Bureau Foundation volunteers made their way to elementary classrooms throughout the state, sharing stories about farming and encouraging students to learn about food production. The educational initiative aimed to help young people understand agriculture’s connection to their daily lives.
The volunteers featured “Kenna, the Produce Princess: The Crown of Confidence,” authored by Delaware farmer and writer Katey Jo Evans. The tale chronicles Kenna’s farm experiences and county fair journey, teaching children about determination and self-belief. The Foundation provided each participating classroom with a complimentary copy of this agricultural-themed story that builds confidence while educating students about farming.
More than 10 schools across Delaware welcomed these volunteers, who shared the story with multiple classrooms and motivated children to explore agriculture, pose questions, and pursue their aspirations.
Rebecca Fabi, an educator at Clayton Intermediate School in Clayton, praised the program’s impact. “My students were actively engaged in the agriculture stories and real-world examples that Mrs. Urian brought to life,” Fabi stated. “My students were participating in conversations about each of the books she shared and were eager to hear more.”
The classroom visits align with the Delaware Farm Bureau Foundation’s broader goal of increasing public knowledge and appreciation for the state’s agricultural sector and locally-grown food. Throughout the year, the Foundation conducts educational programs teaching children about farming practices, nutritious eating habits, and food source awareness.
Those interested in learning more about the Delaware Farm Bureau Foundation can visit www.defb.org/foundation/. Schools or youth organizations seeking classroom presentations can reach out to DEFB Executive Director Joseph Poppiti at [email protected] or by calling 302-697-3183.
Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen and his actress wife Hailee Steinfeld have become first-time parents with the birth of their daughter.
The announcement came Thursday through Steinfeld’s personal newsletter, though the couple chose not to reveal when the baby was born or share her name.
“We’re feeling incredibly grateful and blessed and savouring these early moments. Thank you so much for the love and well wishes,” Steinfeld wrote. “Love, Hailee and Josh.”
The actress recently received praise for her performance in the film “Sinners.” She and Allen tied the knot in May of last year and revealed they were expecting their first baby through the same newsletter back in December.
Allen, who claimed the 2024 NFL MVP award, underwent surgery following Buffalo’s overtime defeat to Denver in the AFC divisional playoffs. The quarterback broke a bone in his foot during a Week 16 matchup and had been wearing a protective boot, which he no longer needs. He’s anticipated to be fully recovered when the Bills begin their offseason training program.
The Bills organization celebrated the news by sharing an image of Allen flashing a thumbs-up with the caption: “Girl dad.”
NEW YORK (AP) — With “The Super Mario Galaxy Movie” hitting cinema screens nationwide, theaters are rolling out themed activity areas, special merchandise containers, and character appearances to attract what Hollywood considers its most valuable audience segment: children and families.
Universal Pictures projects the animated sequel will earn $186 million in domestic revenue through its five-day opening weekend, with global earnings reaching approximately $350 million. These numbers would establish it as 2026’s top-performing film, exceeding other youth-targeted successes including Pixar’s “Hoppers” at $297 million globally and Amazon MGM’s “Project Hail Mary” at $300.8 million worldwide.
This phenomenon represents the peak of an ongoing shift rather than a new development. According to Comscore data, 2024 marked the first time in decades that PG-rated productions generated more domestic revenue than any other classification, totaling $3.18 billion in ticket sales. Five of the year’s six highest-earning films globally carried PG ratings: “Inside Out 2,” “Moana 2,” “Despicable Me 4,” “Wicked,” and “Mufasa: The Lion King.”
The previous year showed similar patterns, with PG-rated features collecting $2.96 billion, surpassing the traditionally dominant PG-13 category. Global box office leaders included “Ne Zha 2,” “Zootopia 2,” “Lilo & Stitch,” “A Minecraft Movie,” and the PG-13 but family-appealing “Avatar: Fire and Ash.”
The entertainment industry has faced significant challenges recently. Corporate consolidations, including Paramount Skydance’s proposed acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, have intensified concerns within an already uncertain business environment. Although 2026 ticket sales show improvement, they remain over 20% below pre-pandemic figures. AMC, the country’s largest theater chain, announced in February its continued closure of underperforming locations.
Despite widespread concerns about cinema’s future viability, tomorrow’s moviegoers — today’s children — are attending screenings in record numbers.
“There’s a recognition that this is an increasingly important group of movie fans and we’re doing everything we can to make sure their experience is wonderful,” says Michael O’Leary, president and chief executive of Cinema United, the trade group for theater owners.
Generation Alpha, comprising children aged 12 and under, could represent cinema’s greatest opportunity. Research conducted last year by the National Research Group revealed that no demographic expressed stronger preference for theatrical viewing over home entertainment than Gen Alpha.
“We’re emboldened by some of the research that indicates younger folks are the fastest growing demographic of people going to the movies,” O’Leary says. “We’re very much focused on the fact that we have to build the next generation of movie fans.”
The original “Super Mario Movie” from 2023, produced through Universal’s partnership with Nintendo and Illumination Entertainment, earned $1.36 billion worldwide. Industry analysts expect the sequel to approach similar figures, contributing to an expanding collection of billion-dollar family entertainment properties. Disney’s “Zootopia 2” recently achieved $1.87 billion globally, setting a new record for animated Hollywood productions.
A generation raised with mobile devices, tablets, and streaming platforms is now driving today’s most successful theatrical releases.
“What’s been true for a long time and is maybe even truer today: Families want to be out,” says Jim Orr, distribution chief for Universal, which recently extended its exclusive theatrical window from three weekends to five. “They want to do things. They want to make memories.”
“No one talks about: Remember that great time when we sat on the couch?”
The upcoming year promises even greater focus on young audiences, with 26 wide-release PG productions scheduled for 2026, compared to 24 in 2025 and 18 in 2024.
Summer schedules feature family-oriented releases almost weekly, including anticipated blockbusters “Toy Story 5” (June 19), “Minions & Monsters” (July 1), and live-action “Moana” (July 10). While ratings remain pending, “The Mandalorian and Grogu” (May 22), “Supergirl” (June 26), and “Spider-Man: Brand New Day” (July 31) will all court younger demographics.
This surge in PG content follows several years when family productions primarily debuted on streaming platforms during the pandemic, raising concerns about permanent industry changes.
“The family film has literally come back from near-extinction,” says Paul Dergarabedian, head of marketplace trends for Comscore. “The one genre that really took a major hit with the pandemic was the family film.”
Children increasingly represent a crucial theater demographic: frequent moviegoers who attend six or more films annually. This trend extends beyond elementary ages — 41% of Generation Z moviegoers attended at least six screenings last year according to NRG, rising from 31% two years prior.
Film enthusiasts concerned about theaters becoming entertainment complexes may find little comfort in franchise-driven, youth-oriented blockbusters’ dominance. Mid-budget adult productions appear less frequently, while dramas and comedies struggle to draw audiences. Family entertainment’s expanded cinema presence partly reflects declining adult attendance.
While older audiences prove harder to entice from home viewing, families demonstrate greater enthusiasm for theatrical experiences. Despite increased ticket prices and abundant streaming options, the appeal of leaving home remains strong for these demographics.
“In many instances, they’re going to the theater to get away from all of the other screens that inhabit their lives,” says O’Leary. “When I was a kid, you went to the movies, in part, to escape from something. So it’s a new variation on that old theme.”
Dergarabedian now refers to PG as “the new PG-13.” Where moderately adult-oriented films once anchored multiplexes, PG-rated productions now command that central position.
“The kids that are going to the movies today are going to take their kids tomorrow,” Dergarabedian says. “As long as people keep making kids, the future of the movie theater experience is assured.”
NEW YORK — Tesla reported increased vehicle deliveries during the first quarter, signaling potential recovery following a challenging year marked by consumer boycotts related to CEO Elon Musk’s political positions, though the numbers didn’t meet Wall Street projections.
The electric vehicle manufacturer announced Thursday that deliveries climbed 6% to reach 358,023 units, representing the company’s first year-over-year quarterly growth in three years. This uptick comes after a difficult period of declining sales attributed to an outdated product lineup and customer pushback against Musk’s conservative political commentary.
However, questions remain about how robust this recovery truly is.
The March quarter deliveries came in 6% below the 381,000 vehicles that Wall Street analysts had forecast, based on FactSet research data. The numbers also remained significantly below Tesla’s first-quarter peak from 2023, when the company delivered 423,000 vehicles — nearly 20% higher than current levels.
During that earlier period, Tesla held the distinction of being the world’s largest electric vehicle manufacturer, a position it maintained until late last year when Chinese competitor BYD overtook the company.
Tesla shares declined 3% to $369 in early trading following the announcement.
Lower-priced variants of Tesla’s Model X and Model 3, launched in late 2023, may have contributed to the improved delivery numbers. Specific information about models priced under $40,000 wasn’t disclosed but could be revealed when Tesla announces quarterly financial results on April 22.
Wall Street expects Tesla to report approximately 25 cents per share in net income — roughly double the prior year — on revenues of $23 billion, according to FactSet projections.
While Tesla stock has declined alongside broader market trends this year, it remains 30% higher than twelve months ago.
The company’s valuation continues to reach extraordinary levels, with shares trading at 181 times projected earnings compared to 22 times for the overall stock market.
This premium valuation reflects Musk’s successful messaging to investors about shifting focus from traditional vehicle sales toward the company’s potential dominance in autonomous robotaxis and Tesla’s Optimus humanoid robots for industrial and residential applications.
Meanwhile, before that futuristic vision materializes, competitors from Europe and China continue capturing market share. Chinese manufacturer BYD recently disclosed producing 2.26 million electric vehicles in the previous year, surpassing Tesla’s 1.64 million units to claim the global leadership position.
KAMPALA, Uganda — Authorities in Uganda report that four young children lost their lives Thursday when an armed assailant launched a deadly assault at a nursery school in the nation’s capital.
According to the Daily Monitor newspaper, the perpetrator infiltrated the Gaba Early Childhood Development Program by posing as a parent seeking entry. After initially speaking with school administration staff, the man went outside and secured the facility’s entrance before launching his attack on the students.
Law enforcement officials confirmed in their statement that the suspect “brutally stabbed and killed four juveniles” during the rampage.
Television coverage from local station NTV captured heartbreaking scenes of distraught parents at the scene. Authorities were forced to discharge warning shots to control an enraged mob that had assembled outside the educational facility, with some attempting to take vigilante justice against the alleged perpetrator.
Police spokesman Kituuma Rusoke confirmed to The Associated Press that officers have the suspect in custody. Rusoke stated that investigators have not yet determined what drove the individual to carry out the attack. He noted that such violent incidents targeting children are uncommon in Kampala, which houses approximately 3 million residents.
ASSEN, Netherlands — Dutch law enforcement officials have successfully retrieved an invaluable 2,500-year-old golden helmet from Romania that was taken from a Netherlands museum earlier this year, authorities revealed Thursday.
During a press briefing in the eastern Dutch city of Assen, prosecutors displayed the recovered Cotofenesti helmet, a treasured artifact from Romania’s ancient Dacia civilization, while surrounded by heavily armed officers wearing masks.
“We are incredibly pleased,” Corien Fahner of the prosecution service told reporters. “It has been a roller-coaster. Especially for Romania, but also for employees of the Drents Museum.”
The ancient artifact was being exhibited at the small museum in January 2025 during the final weekend of a six-month display when criminals broke into the facility and stole it along with three golden armbands.
Concerns arose that the helmet might have been destroyed for its gold content since its distinctive appearance and notoriety would have made selling it nearly impossible.
Authorities also retrieved two of the three stolen armbands as part of negotiations with three suspects who were apprehended shortly after the crime. These individuals will face trial beginning in April.
Fahner indicated that efforts to locate the final missing armband will continue.
The helmet sustained some damage during its time away from the museum.
“The helmet is slightly dented, but there will be no permanent damage,” Drents Museum director Robert van Langh said during the news conference. “The armbands are in perfect condition.”
The criminals employed a makeshift explosive device and sledgehammer to force entry into the museum. Surveillance footage released by police following the incident showed three individuals prying open a museum entrance with a large crowbar before an explosion occurred.
The crime created diplomatic tensions between the Netherlands and Romania.
Romanian Justice Minister Radu Marinescu last year called the incident a “crime against our state” and said recovering the artifacts “is an absolute priority.”
DENPASAR, Indonesia — For the second straight day, Indonesian officials have postponed sending alleged Scottish crime leader Steven Lyons back to Spain, as law enforcement continues investigating his suspected criminal associates who may still be in Bali.
The 45-year-old Lyons, whom authorities describe as a high-ranking member of an international criminal organization, was supposed to depart for Spain Thursday evening through Doha after his transfer was already pushed back once without any public explanation.
Officials brought Lyons back from the airport to Bali police headquarters, according to Husnan Handano, who speaks for the island’s immigration department. Handano would not elaborate on the decision, calling the matter too “sensitive” to discuss. Media outlets in the region suggested the most recent postponement stems from an active police probe.
Immigration authorities apprehended Lyons on Saturday when he landed from Singapore, after Indonesia’s border control system flagged him following an Interpol Red Notice that Spain had requested. These international alerts ask law enforcement worldwide to arrest suspects for potential extradition.
Bugie Kurniawan, who leads Bali’s immigration office, revealed that Lyons arrived with two traveling partners who authorities believe remain on the island, even though Lyons claimed he was traveling solo. Kurniawan explained that Spanish Interpol officials have identified these individuals as part of the same criminal organization, though no arrest warrants or Red Notices exist for them.
Both immigration and police officials previously indicated this marked Lyons’ second visit to Bali, leading investigators to suspect he was evaluating Indonesia’s illegal drug trade opportunities. Bali Police spokesperson Ary Sandi would not discuss details of the ongoing investigation.
Law enforcement alleges Lyons heads the Lyons criminal family, operating from Scotland while being pursued by both Spanish and British authorities. Spanish officials have sought his arrest for approximately two years following a homicide that occurred there in 2024.
Bali Police Chief Daniel Adityajaya confirmed that Lyons’ capture resulted from collaborative investigative work between Indonesian, Spanish and Scottish law enforcement agencies.
Investigators claim Lyons controlled an international criminal enterprise based in Scotland that managed drug smuggling operations between Spain and the United Kingdom. Officials also believe his organization cleaned illegal proceeds through fake businesses throughout Europe and the Middle East, including operations in Spain, Scotland, England, Dubai, Qatar, Bahrain and Turkey.
Before Lyons’ Bali arrest, Scottish and Spanish police conducted simultaneous raids connected to their investigation, leading to several additional arrests. More suspects were also taken into custody in Turkey, the Netherlands and the United Arab Emirates.
Scottish news outlets have documented that Lyons escaped a Glasgow shooting in 2006 that claimed his cousin’s life, subsequently relocating to Spain before ultimately establishing residence in Dubai. In the previous year, his brother and another associate were fatally shot in what officials characterized as a suspected organized crime attack at a coastal bar in Fuengirola, in southern Spain.
DENVER — A Colorado appeals court determined Thursday that a former county clerk who was found guilty in an election fraud scheme must receive a new sentence.
Tina Peters, who previously served as Mesa County’s clerk, is currently incarcerated for nine years following her conviction on state charges. She was found guilty of facilitating an unauthorized computer specialist’s access to her county’s voting system during a 2021 software maintenance procedure. Images and footage showing classified voting system passwords were subsequently shared on social platforms and a conservative news site.
The Colorado Court of Appeals panel determined that the sentencing judge made an error by factoring in Peters’ ongoing advocacy of election fraud theories during her 2024 sentencing hearing. The appeals court has returned the matter to a trial court for new sentencing proceedings.
Peters has gained significant support within election conspiracy circles, with President Donald Trump applying pressure on Colorado officials to secure her freedom.
During her original sentencing before Judge Matthew Barrett, Peters showed no remorse and maintained that her actions were motivated by a desire to expose what she perceived as electoral fraud for the public benefit. Barrett strongly criticized her, labeling her a “charlatan” who had exploited her official role to “peddle snake oil.”
Peters held the clerk position in Mesa County, located in Colorado’s western region, and was convicted by a jury in this Republican-leaning area that has historically favored Trump.
Trump has warned of implementing “harsh measures” against Colorado if the state refuses to release Peters. Last February, Trump claimed Colorado was “suffering a big price” for its refusal to free her.
Democratic Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser has characterized the Trump administration’s actions as conducting a “revenge campaign” by restricting federal funding and terminating federal programs due to the state’s stance on Peters.
The Justice Department became involved in Peters’ release efforts during her state appeal process. Federal prison officials attempted to transfer Peters to a federal facility. When these attempts were unsuccessful, Trump issued a pardon for Peters, though Colorado officials say this symbolic gesture doesn’t affect her state-level convictions.
However, Democratic Governor Jared Polis indicated in January that he might consider clemency for Peters, describing her sentence as “unusual and harsh” for someone with no prior criminal record convicted of non-violent offenses.
Peters faced conviction on multiple charges: three counts of attempting to influence a public servant, plus individual counts of conspiracy to commit criminal impersonation, first-degree official misconduct, violation of duty, and failure to comply with secretary of state requirements.
Peters’ defense team acknowledged that she used a local resident’s security credentials, falsely claiming to employ him, which allowed an associate of MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell to duplicate the Dominion Voting Systems election server during routine 2021 software maintenance.
Her attorneys argued that Peters’ motivation was solely to safeguard election records and investigate potential unauthorized system access during ballot processing. They maintained she never intended for the information to become public.
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — The crew aboard NASA’s Artemis II mission can breathe a sigh of relief after successfully fixing a critical onboard system malfunction. The spacecraft’s bathroom facilities are now operational following an overnight repair effort.
Shortly after the four-person crew entered orbit Wednesday night, their waste management system stopped functioning properly. Ground controllers walked astronaut Christina Koch through a series of repair procedures, and she managed to restore the system to working order.
However, the crew faces another challenge as temperatures inside the Orion spacecraft have dropped to a chilly 65 degrees Fahrenheit. The astronauts have been searching through their luggage for warmer clothing while ground teams work to increase the cabin temperature.
The crew consisting of three American astronauts and one Canadian is scheduled to break free from Earth’s orbit Thursday evening, beginning their journey toward the moon. This maneuver will mark NASA’s first lunar trajectory since the final Apollo mission over five decades ago.
During their current orbital phase, the crew is enjoying spectacular views of Earth from their high-altitude vantage point. Koch reported to ground control that they can observe entire continental coastlines and even spot the South Pole region, where she previously worked at a research facility.
“It is just absolutely phenomenal,” Koch communicated to Mission Control, drawing on her experience from a year-long stint at an Antarctic research station before becoming a NASA astronaut.
The mission is scheduled to conclude with an ocean landing in the Pacific on April 10. NASA officials view this test flight as crucial for advancing the broader Artemis program, which aims to return astronauts to the lunar surface by 2028. Engineers may need to modify the toilet design based on this mission’s experience.
The spacecraft’s single restroom facility is positioned in the floor area and includes a door and privacy curtain. This system is based on an experimental unit that was sent to the International Space Station in 2020, though that particular toilet saw minimal use and has been non-functional for several years.
The waste management system, officially called the universal waste management system, operates using air suction rather than water and gravity to handle waste disposal, similar to previous space toilet designs. The system was specifically engineered to better serve female crew members.
Before Koch successfully repaired the toilet, the crew had to use a temporary bag and funnel arrangement for basic needs during the overnight period.
Even a problematic toilet system represents a significant improvement over past space missions, according to the six remaining Apollo astronauts still alive today.
The original Apollo spacecraft lacked sufficient space for proper bathroom facilities, forcing the all-male crews to depend on bag systems throughout their lunar expeditions. These Apollo-era bags were later repurposed during space shuttle missions as backup options when the shuttle’s toilet experienced problems.
Energy company BP announced Thursday the appointment of Carol Howle to the position of deputy chief executive, placing her in charge of the firm’s comprehensive strategic review and portfolio assessment.
The promotion comes as Howle transitions from her role as interim chief executive, which she held until Meg O’Neill assumed the company’s top position on Wednesday. Along with her new deputy CEO duties, Howle will resume her previous responsibilities leading BP’s supply, trading and shipping operations.
The British energy giant is implementing a significant strategic transformation after returning its focus to oil and gas operations last year, abandoning a previous unsuccessful venture into renewable energy investments.
As part of this restructuring, BP has eliminated billions in funding for planned renewable projects and committed to selling $20 billion worth of assets before 2027 while working to decrease both debt obligations and operational expenses. The company’s net debt dropped from $26 billion to $22 billion during the final quarter of last year, with BP maintaining its goal of reaching between $14 billion and $18 billion by the end of 2027.
Company Chairman Albert Manifold, who assumed his position in October following Murray Auchincloss’s unexpected departure as CEO in December, has indicated that BP possesses certain assets that could hold greater worth for other organizations.
According to O’Neill’s statement, Howle will guide the development of long-range strategic planning extending beyond BP’s 2027 objectives. The company’s strategy and sustainability division will report directly to Howle, who brings 25 years of experience within BP to her new role.
O’Neill represents a historic appointment as BP’s first externally recruited CEO in more than 100 years and marks the first time a woman has led one of the world’s five largest oil companies.
This deputy CEO position is not unprecedented for BP, as Lamar McKay previously held the same role beginning in 2016 during Bob Dudley’s tenure as chief executive.
WARSAW – Polish authorities have launched a formal investigation following a bombing incident that left one of their UN peacekeeping soldiers injured in Lebanon last month, according to Warsaw’s District Prosecutor’s Office announced Thursday.
An unknown assailant detonated an improvised explosive device along the path of a Polish military convoy on March 29 in the town of Bint Jubayl, prosecutors revealed in their official statement. The armored Humvee’s protective features prevented the attack from causing more severe damage, officials noted.
The targeted soldier sustained facial and head wounds from the explosion, according to the prosecutor’s office.
The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon, known as UNIFIL, has maintained operations in the region since its initial deployment in 1978, continuing its mission throughout multiple conflicts. During the 2024 war, UNIFIL positions faced repeated attacks.
St. Louis Cardinals shortstop Masyn Winn escaped without major harm after being involved in a solo vehicle accident Wednesday evening following his team’s victory over the New York Mets.
The 24-year-old player was driving alone on Interstate 64 near Busch Stadium when his car struck a slick section of roadway, team officials reported.
The incident happened just hours after Winn delivered the decisive hit that secured a 2-1 victory for the Cardinals against New York in an 11-inning contest.
According to a team statement, Winn received immediate assistance from local law enforcement officers along with Cardinals security personnel and medical staff. He was transported to a local medical facility for evaluation.
“Masyn … was attended to by local police and Cardinals security and medical staff. He was examined at a nearby hospital and suffered no serious injuries,” the Cardinals said in a statement. “We are grateful that he is OK, and thank the first responders in our community who helped Masyn.”
The Cardinals have Thursday off before beginning a six-game series of away games starting Friday in Detroit.
So far this season, Winn has recorded a .160 batting average through six games, collecting four hits in 25 at-bats along with two doubles, one RBI and one stolen base.
Selected in the second round of the 2020 draft, the recent Gold Glove Award recipient has maintained a .250 career batting average with 26 home runs and 121 RBIs across 322 games since joining the major leagues in 2023.
Motorists should expect delays on southbound Route 1 today as construction crews have closed the right turn lane in the Rehoboth Beach area.
The Delaware Department of Transportation reports the lane closure affects the stretch of highway between Cart Branch Circle and Market Street (Route 16). Officials say the closure is necessary for ongoing construction work in the area.
The right turn lane is expected to reopen at 3 PM this afternoon. Drivers are advised to allow extra travel time and use caution when passing through the work zone.
WARSAW – Polish prosecutors announced Thursday they will soon bring three men to trial on sabotage charges connected to a series of fires in Poland and neighboring Baltic countries that authorities believe were orchestrated by Russia.
The charges stem from what Polish officials describe as a Russian “hybrid war” campaign designed to undermine nations supporting Ukraine in its conflict with Russia. This alleged campaign has included both arson incidents and cyber warfare targeting Poland and its allies.
Russian officials have consistently rejected any claims of involvement in these activities.
Prosecutors revealed the upcoming trial will focus on three defendants linked to multiple fire incidents, though they did not specify when proceedings will commence.
The accused include a Belarusian man, identified under Polish privacy regulations only as Stepan K, who faces charges for igniting a fire at an OBI retail location in Warsaw during April 2024.
Two Ukrainian nationals, Daniil B and Oleksandr H, are charged with starting a blaze at an IKEA facility in Vilnius. Additionally, Daniil B faces accusations of plotting to burn down an IKEA store in Riga and filming the destruction of Marywilska 44, one of Warsaw’s largest shopping complexes.
National Prosecutor’s Office spokesperson Przemyslaw Nowak acknowledged significant gaps remain in the investigation.
“The direct perpetrator of the arson attack on the hall at 44 Marywilska Street has not yet been identified as well as the direct ordering party for this arson,” Nowak stated.
“The investigation into this criminal group of arsonists is still ongoing and this does not mean the end of this case,” he continued.
Each of the three primary defendants could receive life imprisonment if convicted.
Nowak also noted that two additional individuals connected to the same organization have been charged with lesser offenses.
This case follows previous convictions, as a Polish court sentenced three other Ukrainians last year for their participation in the same series of fires across Poland and the Baltic region.
Newly released satellite imagery shows Ukrainian drone strikes have destroyed nearly half of the storage infrastructure at Primorsk, a critical Russian oil export facility on the Baltic Sea, according to data analyzed Thursday.
The attacks represent an escalation in Ukraine’s campaign targeting Russian energy infrastructure, with the heaviest bombardments hitting Baltic Sea ports since the conflict began over four years ago.
Commercial satellite data from U.S. intelligence firm Vantor revealed extensive damage to Primorsk’s storage capabilities by late March. At least eight massive storage tanks, each holding 50,000 cubic meters, sustained significant damage in the strikes.
Industry analysts indicate the destruction represents roughly 40% of the facility’s total storage capacity, potentially forcing major reductions in export operations. The damaged infrastructure plays a crucial role in the port’s logistics operations and directly affects oil shipment capabilities.
Primorsk normally processes approximately 1 million barrels daily, representing nearly 1% of worldwide oil supply. Russian pipeline operator Transneft data shows the main depot houses 14 crude oil storage tanks and four diesel storage facilities.
Industry sources report that two of the eight severely damaged tanks were specifically used for diesel fuel operations. Transneft, which oversees port operations, has not responded to requests for comment.
The nearby Ust-Luga port also faced repeated bombardments throughout March, forcing multiple suspensions of loading operations. Russian regional officials confirmed strikes occurred on March 22, 25, 27, 29, and 31.
Satellite analysis indicates eight petroleum storage tanks at Ust-Luga Oil terminal, each with 30,000 cubic meter capacity, were damaged by fires. This represents approximately 25% of that facility’s total storage infrastructure.
The imagery also revealed damage to several dock facilities at the ports.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov has denounced the bombardments as “terrorist attacks,” stating Russia is implementing measures to safeguard critical infrastructure facilities.
At one point during March, approximately 40% of Russia’s oil export operations were offline due to the attacks, pipeline closures in Ukraine, and seizure of Russian-affiliated tanker vessels.
MOSCOW – Russian officials announced Thursday they will formally request the United States and Israel guarantee a temporary halt to hostilities while Moscow withdraws additional personnel from Iran’s Bushehr nuclear facility, according to RIA news agency reports.
Alexei Likhachev, who leads Russia’s state nuclear energy corporation Rosatom, stated that Moscow will coordinate evacuation routes with both Israeli and American authorities. “The travel routes will be communicated to the relevant authorities in Israel and the United States, and we will use all channels to request strict adherence to the ceasefire during the convoy’s movement,” Likhachev told RIA.
The Russian nuclear chief indicated that what he described as a “final wave of evacuation” is provisionally set for the coming week and would involve roughly 200 individuals. Russia originally constructed the Iranian nuclear facility at Bushehr, and Rosatom personnel have remained on-site to continue work on additional reactor units under development.
WASHINGTON — The Department of Homeland Security funding crisis appears destined to continue into next week as House lawmakers consider adopting a Senate proposal they had earlier turned down, which would provide money for most agency operations while excluding immigration enforcement divisions.
The standoff entered its 48th day Thursday without any breakthrough, as both congressional chambers held brief procedural meetings lasting only minutes. However, Republican leaders and President Donald Trump have now united behind a strategy to provide complete DHS funding through a two-phase approach. This alignment represents a shift from the separate strategies that led Congress to depart for spring break last week without resolving the crisis.
During Thursday’s short sessions, Senate Majority Leader John Thune of South Dakota set aside the House proposal for a 60-day funding extension covering the entire department. The House then convened briefly without addressing the bipartisan Senate measure negotiated with Democrats, though Thune expressed optimism about future passage.
“I don’t know the particulars around what the House will do with it,” Thune told reporters. “My assumption is, at some point, hopefully, they’ll move it.”
House Speaker Mike Johnson of Louisiana and Thune announced Wednesday their decision to revisit the Senate bill, which provides funding for most DHS operations while excluding U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and U.S. Border Patrol. Republicans plan to pursue funding for those agencies later through partisan spending measures that could require months to complete.
Success for either approach remains uncertain, and the strategy may still encounter resistance from within GOP ranks despite Trump’s endorsement.
Johnson’s acceptance of the dual-track approach represents a dramatic shift from his position less than a week ago, when he dismissed it as a “joke” and stated he was “quite convinced that it can’t be that every Senate Republican read the language of this bill.”
While Johnson now appears supportive, winning over his own caucus may prove challenging after a significant number of House Republicans criticized the Senate-passed legislation last week.
House Republicans planned to conduct a conference call Thursday evening to discuss their next moves.
When asked about how Republican leadership and Trump came together after their apparent disagreements a week earlier, Thune referenced “a number of conversations.”
“The thing that some people want to do, we can’t do,” Thune explained. “And so you have to figure out what’s in the realm of the possible. And you have to just continue to define reality for people.”
Democrats in both chambers supported last week’s Senate funding plan, which passed with bipartisan backing. Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer of New York criticized Republicans Wednesday for their delayed response.
“Republican divisions derailed a bipartisan agreement, making American families pay the price for their dysfunction,” Schumer said.
Despite the recent progress, the most conservative members are likely to demand complete funding for all of Trump’s immigration and deportation programs.
“Let’s make this simple: caving to Democrats and not paying CBP and ICE is agreeing to defund Law Enforcement and leaving our borders wide open again,” Rep. Scott Perry of Pennsylvania wrote on X. “If that’s the vote, I’m a NO.”
The budget package Trump wants prepared for later this year is anticipated to fund ICE and Border Patrol through the rest of his presidency, aiming to protect those agencies from future Democratic opposition to his immigration enforcement policies. Trump has requested this legislation reach his desk by June 1.
Thune recognized potential obstacles to this path, including attempts to broaden the bill’s scope. He emphasized keeping it “as narrow and focused as possible” to accelerate passage.
“We need to kind of move with haste,” he stated. “It’s probably not a likely magnet for all these other issues.”
Most DHS workers have continued reporting for duty during the shutdown, though thousands have worked without compensation. As more Transportation Security Administration officers called in sick, air travelers faced growing frustration with extended wait times at certain airport security checkpoints. These delays appeared to diminish this week as agents began receiving back pay following Trump’s executive order.
Motorists traveling through New Castle County should plan for potential delays on Jones Church Road today due to ongoing construction work.
Delaware Department of Transportation officials report that the southbound direction of Jones Church Road has one lane blocked between Little Hill Road (Route 422) and Lowes Crossing Road. The lane restriction is expected to remain in place until 3:00 PM this afternoon.
Drivers are advised to allow extra travel time when using this route or consider alternate paths to avoid potential backups during the construction period.
Rehoboth Beach’s Grove Park will undergo a comprehensive tree improvement project beginning April 6 and continuing through April 15. The initiative will focus on enhancing the health of all established trees throughout the park.
The improvement work involves using pressurized air to access tree root systems within a 10-foot radius around each tree. Workers will then extract existing soil and replace it with a mixture of compost and biochar to better nourish the trees.
Park visitors may have noticed accumulated wood chips scattered throughout the area. These materials resulted from recent severe winter weather cleanup efforts and were temporarily placed in the park for efficient removal. Following completion of the tree work, crews will distribute these chips across the park grounds.
While the project is underway, the walking trail will remain accessible for marathon participants on Sunday, April 12. However, city officials advise residents to avoid using the park for social activities or playground visits during the construction period.
MIAMI — Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum admits he’s uncertain when he’ll return to peak performance following his Achilles injury recovery.
That admission might send chills down opponents’ spines.
Playing in just his 12th contest since returning from an Achilles tear suffered during last year’s playoffs, Tatum accomplished something unprecedented in his career and extremely rare in Celtics history — something no Boston player had achieved since 2010.
Wednesday evening’s performance versus Miami showcased remarkable numbers: 25 points, 18 rebounds, and 11 assists. This impressive triple-double came while Tatum continues working toward full recovery after sitting out nearly an entire year.
“I wish I had a definitive answer,” Tatum said when asked after the game how much longer he’ll need to feel like he’s back to where he was before tearing the Achilles. “It sounds cliche. I feel a little bit better every game. I don’t know how long it’s going to take to be back to who I was, or hopefully better. But the goal is just to continue to stack days.”
Rajon Rondo previously recorded a triple-double with similar point, rebound, and assist totals during Boston’s 2010 playoff run. Hall of Famer Larry Bird accomplished the feat twice during regular season action — once in 1982 and again in 1990. Prior to Wednesday night, those represented the only three instances in franchise history.
“I can tell he’s still out of shape,” Miami star Bam Adebayo said, smiling, when asked about his U.S. Olympic teammate. “But when you consider somebody like that your brother — we’ve known each other since we were like 12 — and you see what he’s gone through, obviously checking up on him through the rehab phase and the down days that he’s had, you’re proud of him for pushing through it and putting himself out there this season.”
“He’s still trying to find his way, still trying to impact winning. You tip your hat off to somebody who’s been through that and still trying to play.”
Tatum’s shooting accuracy remains a work in progress, currently sitting at 40% from the floor during his return. However, he’s posting averages of 21.3 points and 9.8 rebounds across his initial dozen games back, statistics indicating he’s approaching the elite, All-NBA caliber he’s maintained in recent seasons.
“To me, since he’s been back, he hasn’t missed a beat,” Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla said.
Boston has six remaining regular season contests before likely beginning the Eastern Conference playoffs as the second seed. They trail first-place Detroit by four games while holding a 2.5-game advantage over third-place New York, making the No. 2 position their probable playoff positioning.
Questions surrounded Tatum’s availability when the season began, and even after his return, uncertainty lingered regarding his potential impact level.
Those doubts have been put to rest. Forty-six weeks have passed since his surgical procedure — a milestone he mentally tracks each Tuesday. While he may not feel completely restored to his former self, his statistical output suggests he’s either reached that level or stands on the verge of doing so.
“Definitely the hardest thing I ever went through,” Tatum said. “I mean, I never took that much time off from basketball. The challenges that you have to face mentally and the long, dark moments and dark days … I mean, it is tough. It is. But I’m proud of the fact that I’ve made it this far.”
The NCAA Division I Cabinet is reviewing proposed rule changes that would prevent student-athletes from college competition if they enter professional sports drafts and choose not to withdraw from them, following controversial basketball cases this season.
The Academics and Eligibility Committee introduced these recommendations on Wednesday, with the cabinet potentially making decisions in the coming weeks. Should these regulations be approved, they would apply to students beginning college this fall.
Illinois athletic director Josh Whitman, who leads the cabinet, explained the reasoning behind the proposals. “These proposed changes reflect ongoing work by Division I members to modernize our rules to align with the current era of college sports,” Whitman stated. “As Division I members proceed with reviewing all eligibility rules in the months ahead, our focus will be establishing rules that have objective criteria that can be consistently applied for both prospects and current student-athletes.”
The key proposal would mandate that potential college athletes remove themselves from professional league drafts that require opt-in participation, such as the NBA draft, creating consistency between pre-enrollment and post-enrollment draft regulations. Baseball and men’s ice hockey would remain unaffected since those sports don’t use opt-in draft systems.
These recommendations stem from situations involving two basketball players this season: Alabama’s Charles Bediako and Baylor’s James Nnaji, both of whom competed collegiately after declaring for the 2023 NBA draft.
Bediako’s case proved particularly complex. After completing two seasons at Alabama and entering the draft without being selected, he spent three years playing in the G League, the NBA’s developmental league. When the NCAA rejected Alabama’s appeal to restore his college eligibility this season, Bediako pursued legal action.
His legal team contended that Bediako remained within his five-year collegiate eligibility period, an NCAA regulation currently facing multiple legal challenges. Initially, a judge granted a temporary restraining order allowing him to compete while litigation continued, and he participated in five games. However, a different judge subsequently removed the order, a ruling that the Alabama Supreme Court upheld.
Nnaji’s situation differed significantly. The Nigerian player was chosen by the Detroit Pistons in the second round but competed professionally overseas before enrolling at Baylor as a first-year student in December. He received eligibility approval because he had never signed an NBA contract or participated in G League games.
The committee also recommended allowing prospective students to establish relationships with agents before college enrollment. Current NCAA regulations restrict agent agreements to name, image and likeness matters only, with exceptions for baseball and hockey players who may work with agents following draft selection.
Additionally, the proposals would permit athletes to accept prize money from competitions in their sports without jeopardizing their eligibility status. Present rules limit prize money acceptance to covering actual and necessary expenses, though tennis players may receive up to $10,000 in prize money.
Users stuck with regrettable Gmail addresses from their younger days can finally breathe a sigh of relief as Google introduces the ability to modify email addresses for existing accounts.
The tech giant began testing this feature in India during the latter part of last year and announced through a recent blog post that American Google Account holders now have access to this long-awaited option. The company has not provided a timeline for when users in other nations might see this capability.
Google’s chief executive indicated that this enhancement will benefit individuals who wish to maintain their existing accounts while moving beyond the cringe-worthy or nonsensical email handles they established when the platform debuted more than two decades ago.
“2004 was a good year, but your Gmail address doesn’t need to be stuck in it,” Sundar Pichai wrote in a post on X, adding that the policy change means users could “say goodbye to [email protected] or [email protected] (or whatever you were into at the time).”
Google has also refreshed its support documentation to outline the new process, which follows these steps:
The method is relatively straightforward to complete. Users should navigate to their Google Account settings page. Whether using a desktop browser or mobile application, click the profile icon located in the upper right section, then select Manage your Google Account, followed by Personal info, and finally Email.
Look for the option labeled Change Google Account email. If this selection isn’t visible, the feature may not be accessible yet since Google notes it’s “gradually rolling out to all users.”
Users will need to input their desired new email address, so having a replacement ready is important. After clicking to verify the modification, keep in mind that Google prohibits addresses that match any current address or one that was “used by someone in the past and then deleted.”
Those concerned about losing access to their original Gmail address need not worry, as Google essentially establishes a secondary email address during this process.
The previous address continues functioning as an alternative option, and emails delivered to either the original or updated addresses will show up in the same Gmail inbox. Users can determine which address received a specific message by examining the “to” section.
Switching back to the former address remains possible through Google account configuration changes.
However, users dissatisfied with their new Gmail address face a waiting period of at least one year before creating another address change. Google restricts users to a maximum of three total modifications.
Since Gmail addresses serve as login credentials for various Google platforms including YouTube and Google Docs, as well as external websites and applications, the company cautions that some third-party services may not immediately recognize the updated Gmail address. Google has published troubleshooting guidance on its support pages to address these issues.
Chromebook users may experience additional complications, though Google expects most problems to resolve within several hours. The company recommends consulting troubleshooting resources but warns that persistent issues might require reverting to the original Google Account email address, while still allowing the new address to function for sending and receiving messages.
DAKAR, Senegal (AP) — A damning new investigation reveals that military forces in Burkina Faso have slaughtered more than double the number of civilians compared to extremist jihadist organizations during a two-year span, as documented by Human Rights Watch in a report that labels actions by both parties as war crimes and crimes against humanity.
The comprehensive study found that among 1,837 civilian deaths recorded in Burkina Faso from January 2023 through August 2025, government troops were responsible for more than 1,200 fatalities. The United Nations estimates that over 2 million residents have been forced from their homes since fighting erupted.
“Most likely a gross undercount because most instances go unreported,” Ilaria Allegrozzi, Human Rights Watch’s senior Sahel researcher, explained to The Associated Press regarding the documented casualties.
Officials from Burkina Faso’s government have not provided responses to requests seeking their perspective.
The human rights organization states that under the leadership of President Ibrahim Traoré, Burkina Faso’s military leadership has implemented “a broad crackdown” targeting political opponents, peaceful protesters and independent journalists, “fostering an atmosphere of terror and severely restricting the flow of information about the conflict and its toll.”
This West African nation of 23 million residents has become emblematic of the security breakdown plaguing the Sahel area below the Sahara Desert in recent years. The country has endured attacks from radical organizations affiliated with Al-Qaeda and ISIS, along with military responses from various governments. The Global Terrorism Index identifies the Sahel as the planet’s most dangerous region for extremist activity.
Both Burkina Faso’s military units and fighters from Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) — an Al-Qaeda-affiliated militant organization active throughout the region — have committed acts constituting war crimes and crimes against humanity, according to Human Rights Watch findings.
“These atrocities, including the government’s ethnic cleansing of Fulani civilians, amount to war crimes and crimes against humanity for which senior leaders on all sides may be liable,” states the 316-page investigation.
The report describes one incident where government troops allegedly murdered 223 civilians, including no fewer than 56 children, after accusing them of working with JNIM in northern Yatenga province during early 2024. In another assault that same year, JNIM reportedly murdered at least 133 civilians, including numerous children, in the country’s central region.
Attacks against civilians, especially members of the Fulani ethnic community, seem to represent official Burkina Faso government strategy, the rights organization concluded, with revenge strikes against communities suspected of supporting JNIM occurring regularly due to assumptions about the group’s allegiance to militant organizations.
“The highest levels of government appear supportive of military action against Fulani people based on these attitudes,” the investigation notes, explaining that obtaining accurate information about conditions within the country remains impossible since military leaders have established effective censorship. Citizens who speak publicly face risks of kidnapping, imprisonment or forced military service.
The military government, which seized control in 2022, has not delivered the promised stability. Conservative projections indicate that more than 60% of national territory now lies beyond government authority, over 2.1 million people have been displaced from their residences, and nearly 6.5 million require emergency assistance for survival.
Armed Conflict Location & Event Data, a conflict monitoring organization, calculates that no fewer than 10,600 civilians have died since 2016.
KYIV, Ukraine — Two civilians lost their lives and at least three others sustained injuries in Russian airstrikes targeting civilian locations throughout Ukraine on Thursday, according to Ukrainian officials. The attacks occurred as both nations continue discussions about conducting a prisoner exchange during the Easter holiday period.
These prisoner swaps have represented one of the rare constructive developments to emerge from extensive U.S.-mediated talks between Moscow and Kyiv that have otherwise yielded little progress. The negotiations have failed to address fundamental obstacles to ending Russia’s military campaign against Ukraine, which has now entered its fifth year.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has proposed implementing a ceasefire during Easter, though Kremlin representative Dmitry Peskov indicated earlier this week that Moscow seeks a comprehensive peace agreement rather than a short-term halt to hostilities.
Last Easter, President Vladimir Putin announced a unilateral 30-hour cessation of fighting, though both nations later claimed the other had violated the temporary truce.
Russia’s human rights representative Tatyana Moskalkova confirmed Thursday that negotiations for prisoner exchanges are underway. “Ahead of Easter, a lot of work is being done today to prepare prisoner exchanges,” Moskalkova told reporters.
Gen. Kyrylo Budanov, Zelenskyy’s chief of staff, expressed hope last week for a “major exchange” of prisoners during this Easter period. Orthodox Easter is scheduled for April 12.
In Thursday’s violence, a Russian attack on Synelnykove in the Dnipropetrovsk region claimed one life and wounded both a woman and a 12-year-old boy, regional military administration chief Oleksandr Hazha reported.
An assault on Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city, ignited a fire in a residential building and injured a 61-year-old woman, according to regional head Oleh Syniehubov.
A ballistic missile attack on the northern city of Chernihiv resulted in one death and wounded a 17-year-old girl, city military administration head Dmytro Bryzhynskyi stated.
Authorities also reported another strike targeting the Odesa region, as Russia launched 172 attack drones against Ukraine. Ukrainian air defense systems successfully intercepted 147 of these drones, the country’s air force announced.
Fast-food giant McDonald’s announced Thursday it’s expanding its budget-friendly offerings with new menu items priced at three dollars or less, along with a four-dollar breakfast deal, as the restaurant industry works to appeal to cost-conscious consumers struggling with economic pressures.
The Chicago-based company plans to feature no fewer than 10 items available all day at the three-dollar price point or below. Additionally, McDonald’s will highlight selected budget items at even deeper discounts for a short period, including the Sausage McMuffin for $1.50 and the McDouble for $2.50.
Along with the new four-dollar breakfast option, the restaurant chain has rolled out lunch and dinner packages ranging from five to six dollars.
In February, CEO Chris Kempczinski noted there was mounting proof that the company’s affordable pricing approach was proving successful, citing increased visits from customers with lower incomes.
Last year, the corporation began providing financial support to franchise owners for their “extra value” meal offerings as ingredient costs, particularly beef, stayed elevated. However, Kempczinski previously stated the company wouldn’t maintain subsidized pricing indefinitely.
McDonald’s initially introduced its five-dollar meal option in June 2024 as a temporary promotion but later decided to continue the offer. The chain also provided a 15% reduction on combination meals and rolled out five and eight-dollar promotions during the previous year.
The Wall Street Journal initially broke news of these menu additions last month.
Competing chains like Burger King are similarly ramping up their efforts by expanding affordable menu selections.
Stock prices for major U.S. investment management firms tumbled Thursday following Blue Owl’s announcement that it would restrict how much money investors can pull from two retail-focused investment funds, raising renewed worries about the alternative investment sector.
These restrictions represent the most recent example of withdrawal limitations implemented this year, highlighting vulnerabilities and damaging investor confidence in what had emerged as one of Wall Street’s preferred investment strategies.
Apollo Global saw its shares decline 3%, while Blackstone dropped 3.4% and Ares Management fell 2.1%.
KKR’s stock price decreased 1.5%, and Carlyle Group shares slipped 2.4%.
Blue Owl’s stock fell 3.5%. The firm imposed redemption restrictions following investor requests to pull out 40.7% of shares from its technology-focused Blue Owl Technology Income Corp (OTIC) and 21.9% of shares from the larger Blue Owl Credit Income Corp (OCIC).
BROADER CONCERNS OR ISOLATED INCIDENTS?
Generally, private equity and private credit companies seek capital from wealthy individuals and institutional investors, providing semi-liquid investment options that allow periodic withdrawals while putting money into less liquid assets like buyout positions and direct lending.
Robust investor appetite for portfolio diversification in recent years has also encouraged fund managers to pursue retail investors. However, with numerous portfolio companies in the technology sector facing challenges, some investors are looking to exit their positions.
The withdrawal restrictions may increase regulatory attention on similar investment products and raise important questions regarding asset valuation, disclosure practices, and liquidity risks.
Some experts have also raised concerns about potential widespread systemic problems, although Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell stated earlier this week that the central bank has not identified any threats to the overall financial system.
“Systemic risks remain low, banks are well insulated, and institutional investor demand is likely to be stable,” analysts at Morgan Stanley wrote.
Ford Motor Company announced Thursday that its U.S. vehicle sales fell almost 9% during the first quarter, highlighting the ongoing challenges facing American car buyers struggling with affordability issues.
The Detroit-based automaker sold 457,315 vehicles during the three-month period ending March 31, reflecting broader industry struggles with pricing pressures that continue to impact consumer purchasing power.
Several factors are making new vehicle purchases increasingly difficult for Americans, including expensive loan rates, high vehicle prices, and the lack of federal tax incentives for electric car purchases, all of which have cooled buyer interest.
The situation has been worsened by the continuing conflict in the Middle East, which has driven up energy costs and put additional strain on household budgets. Gas prices across the United States are already climbing toward an average of $4 per gallon.
While higher fuel costs traditionally encourage consumers to consider electric vehicles, industry experts warn that overall car sales could continue suffering if vehicle prices stay at current elevated levels.
Ford’s sales decline mirrors similar results from competitors General Motors and Toyota, both of which announced reduced sales figures on Wednesday, indicating the challenges are affecting the entire automotive sector.
WASHINGTON – America’s trade imbalance grew larger in February despite exports reaching unprecedented levels, as incoming goods surged at an even faster pace, according to federal data released Thursday.
The Commerce Department’s Bureau of Economic Analysis and Census Bureau reported the trade gap expanded by 4.9% to reach $57.3 billion last month. January’s figures were adjusted to show a deficit of $54.7 billion, slightly higher than the initial $54.5 billion estimate. Economic forecasters had predicted February’s shortfall would climb to $61.0 billion.
Government agencies continue working to catch up on delayed data publications stemming from last year’s federal shutdown. Trade statistics remain unpredictable due to changing policy directions.
In February, the Supreme Court overturned President Trump’s sweeping tariff measures, which had been implemented using emergency powers legislation. Trump countered by establishing worldwide tariffs lasting up to 150 days.
The president has justified these trade barriers as essential for closing the trade gap and strengthening domestic manufacturing, despite the loss of 100,000 factory positions since January 2025.
Economic analysts anticipate that the ongoing U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran will further complicate trade patterns. Shipping limitations through the Strait of Hormuz have affected various commodities, from energy resources to agricultural fertilizers.
February saw incoming goods climb 4.3% to $372.1 billion overall. Physical merchandise imports grew 5.0% to $291.5 billion, driven largely by capital equipment purchases that increased by $7.8 billion. This surge primarily involved computer systems, related accessories, and semiconductor chips, likely connected to artificial intelligence development and data center construction projects.
Industrial materials and supplies saw $3.1 billion in additional imports, mainly from increased crude oil purchases. Consumer product imports gained $2.2 billion, including a $1.0 billion rise in pharmaceutical imports. Vehicle, parts, and engine imports contributed another $1.6 billion increase.
On the export side, outgoing goods and services surged 4.2% to achieve a record $314.8 billion. Physical goods exports alone jumped 5.9% to an unprecedented $206.9 billion.
Industrial supplies and materials led export growth with a $10.2 billion increase to record levels, primarily from monetary gold and natural gas sales. Non-petroleum exports also set new highs.
The merchandise trade shortfall widened 3.0% to $84.6 billion in February. After accounting for inflation, the goods deficit rose by $0.5 billion, or 0.6%, to $83.5 billion.
Trade activity reduced economic growth in the previous quarter. The Atlanta Federal Reserve projects first-quarter GDP growth at a 1.9% annual rate, compared to the fourth quarter’s 0.7% expansion.
Trade imbalances with specific countries showed mixed results. The deficit with China grew from $12.5 billion in January to $13.1 billion in February, while the gap with Mexico expanded significantly by $4.1 billion to reach $16.8 billion.
Service exports increased $1.1 billion to a record $107.9 billion, boosted by travel, business services, financial services, and intellectual property licensing. However, transportation service exports declined.
Service imports jumped $1.3 billion to an all-time high of $80.6 billion, primarily due to increased intellectual property charges.
Major U.S. stock exchanges began Thursday trading with significant losses following President Donald Trump’s indication of more forceful action against Iran, which reduced investor confidence in a rapid conclusion to Middle Eastern tensions.
Trading opened with the Dow Jones Industrial Average dropping 96.4 points, representing a 0.21% decline to reach 46,469.36. The S&P 500 index decreased by 62.7 points, falling 0.95% to 6,512.61, while the technology-heavy Nasdaq Composite saw the steepest decline, losing 368.4 points or 1.69% to open at 21,472.523.
The market declines occurred during the final trading day of a week shortened by holidays, as investors processed the implications of the president’s more hawkish stance on Iran policy.
Motorists should plan alternate routes as a portion of Orchard Avenue remains blocked to traffic today.
The Delaware Department of Transportation reports the roadway is shut down between N. Woodward Avenue and Roselle Avenue. The closure is expected to remain in effect until 3 PM today.
Drivers are advised to seek alternative routes and allow extra travel time when navigating the area.
New Castle County police are investigating after someone discovered what appears to be human remains in a Highland Woods neighborhood over the weekend.
Officers responded to the unit block of Ravine Road on Sunday evening, March 29, 2026, after receiving a call about a possible human skull found near a creek bed in a wooded section of the area. The call came in around 5:22 p.m., according to the New Castle County Division of Police.
Initial examination by responding patrol officers suggested the discovery warranted further investigation. The Highland Woods neighborhood is located in the 19810 zip code area of Wilmington.
Police have not released additional details about the investigation or the circumstances surrounding the discovery.
Lebanon’s Prime Minister Nawaf Salam delivered a stark warning Thursday that the devastating conflict gripping his nation appears far from over, with more than one million residents already forced to abandon their homes during the past month of fighting.
The country has now entered its second month of warfare between Israeli forces and the Iran-supported militant organization Hezbollah, with Israeli leaders declaring their intention to control large portions of southern Lebanon to establish what they call a protective buffer zone for their northern communities.
“Lebanon has become a victim of a war – one whose outcomes and end date no one can predict,” Salam declared during a press conference following his cabinet’s Thursday session.
The prime minister expressed grave concerns about Israel’s long-term objectives, stating: “The positions of Israeli officials, and the practices of their army, reveal far-reaching goals, including a significant expansion in the occupation of Lebanese territories, dangerous talk about establishing buffer zones or security belts, and the displacement of more than one million Lebanese.”
Israeli declarations about maintaining military control over southern Lebanon have sparked widespread anxiety about a prolonged occupation, reminiscent of Israel’s two-decade presence in the region that concluded in 2000.
Salam announced his administration’s commitment to intensifying diplomatic and political initiatives to bring the hostilities to a close. Meanwhile, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun’s proposal for direct negotiations with Israel has yet to receive any acknowledgment.
The current escalation began after a brief ceasefire from 2024 collapsed, with Israeli forces maintaining positions at five elevated locations throughout southern Lebanon while continuing aerial bombardments.
The full-scale military campaign commenced following Hezbollah’s March 2 rocket attacks into Israeli territory, launched in support of Iran amid growing tensions between Tehran and the U.S.-Israel alliance.
Without directly mentioning Hezbollah by name, Salam criticized the coordinated military actions conducted alongside Iran’s Revolutionary Guards.
The human toll has been severe, with Israeli airstrikes claiming more than 1,300 lives while displacing approximately 20 percent of Lebanon’s entire population. Israeli evacuation directives now cover roughly 15 percent of Lebanese territory.
“I want to direct the biggest salute to our people who are staying in their hometowns and villages in the south, and want to reiterate that we stand by them,” the prime minister emphasized.
Despite the advancing military operations, tens of thousands of Lebanese citizens have chosen to remain in their southern communities, even as Lebanese military units retreat to avoid direct confrontations with Israeli troops. Among those staying are approximately 9,000 Lebanese Christians residing in border communities who have expressed their determination to remain despite the escalating danger.
The prime minister also highlighted the importance of maintaining domestic unity as the ongoing conflict puts pressure on Lebanon’s delicate sectarian political structure. Some communities have shown reluctance to welcome displaced families, prompting the government to explore long-term housing solutions as the war continues.
Mohammad al-Badran, a Syrian resident of Beirut’s southern suburbs for many years, described being rejected when his family sought shelter in mountainous areas outside the capital. Now living in a temporary tent settlement with his wife and four children – including a newborn born just two weeks before fighting began – Badran represents thousands facing similar hardships.
His 10-year-old daughter Nour can hear the explosions from nearby Israeli strikes. “The sound is loud, the children are crying, and I feel like the missiles are flying above us,” she explained.
Ali al-Aziz, another resident who fled the southern suburbs, called for Israeli withdrawal to enable peace and his return home. “We want the war to end once and for all. Not for a war to happen every year or every ten years,” he said.
Rehoboth Beach will team up with students from Rehoboth Elementary School’s fourth and fifth grades for an Arbor Day celebration scheduled for Thursday, April 16. The public event kicks off at 9 am at Stockley Street Park.
The festivities will start with an awards ceremony honoring students who won the Delaware Forest Service’s Arbor Day Poster Contest at their grade levels. The Rehoboth Art League will present the awards, and all contest entries will be displayed at City Hall. This year’s poster submissions focused on the theme “Trees are terrific… for people and places.”
Educational workshops, contests, and tree planting activities will take place during the morning hours. Delaware Forest Service representative Ashley Melvin and city arborist Mike Lilly will lead learning sessions for participating students. The children will plant a pair of trees in the park – a Bald Cyprus and a Willow Oak.
This year marks Rehoboth Beach’s 35th straight year earning Tree City USA recognition. The award acknowledges the municipality’s dedication to tree conservation and planting initiatives through local policies and community involvement.
Thousands of athletes will participate in the annual Coastal Delaware Running Festival on Sunday, April 12, with races including a 9k, half-marathon, and full marathon scheduled throughout the day. The event’s course will wind through Rehoboth Beach and nearby areas, requiring temporary traffic restrictions and street access limitations.
Several streets will have restricted access for local residents only between 7 a.m. and 3 p.m. on race day:
Henlopen Avenue (residents of Henlopen Acres should use 2nd Street as an alternate route)
Columbia Avenue
Grove Street between Columbia Avenue and Henlopen Avenue
Gerar Street
Sussex Street between 5th and 4th streets
Ocean Drive
Surf Avenue
Additionally, motorists should expect potential short-term road closures on several other streets during the early morning hours:
Between 7 a.m. and 9 a.m., temporary closures may affect:
Delaware’s mobile motor vehicle services will hit the road again this spring, with the state’s DMV announcing the return of its popular traveling unit program.
Starting April 2nd, 2026, the Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles will deploy its mobile service unit to Sussex County locations three times each week, continuing operations through October 29th. The traveling office will maintain regular hours from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. during each visit.
Sussex County residents can count on finding the mobile DMV at the Lewes Transit Center every Monday throughout the season. The unit will also make regular Tuesday stops at additional county locations.
The mobile service brings essential motor vehicle transactions directly to communities, eliminating the need for residents to travel to traditional DMV offices for many routine services.
Ocean City, Maryland will mark a milestone this spring as the popular resort town prepares to host the 35th edition of its beloved Springfest celebration.
The annual festival is scheduled to run from Thursday, April 23 through Sunday, April 26, 2026, taking place at the town’s Inlet Lot location. Visitors can enjoy the festivities daily between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. throughout the four-day event.
This year’s celebration promises to showcase more than 200 artists and crafters, offering both locals and tourists a chance to welcome the arrival of warmer spring weather. The festival maintains its tradition of free admission, making it accessible to all who wish to attend.
The event represents one of Ocean City’s signature springtime attractions, drawing crowds to kick off the warmer season along the Maryland coast.
Tesla’s vehicle deliveries came in below Wall Street projections for the first quarter of 2024, released Thursday, with industry analysts pointing to the end of federal electric vehicle tax incentives as a contributing factor to reduced consumer demand.
The electric automaker reported delivering 358,023 vehicles during the three-month period ending in March, representing a 14.4% decline compared to the previous quarter and a 6.3% increase over the same period last year.
Financial analysts had projected the company would deliver approximately 368,903 vehicles during the quarter, based on data compiled by Visible Alpha.
Investment powerhouse KKR announced Thursday that it has successfully secured $23 billion for its newest North America-focused private equity fund, marking the company’s largest regional fund to date.
This massive fundraising success demonstrates the strong appetite investors continue to have for private market opportunities, particularly as more businesses choose to stay private for extended periods to sidestep the unpredictable nature of public stock markets.
Major companies worth billions, such as artificial intelligence leader OpenAI and betting platform Kalshi, exemplify this trend by remaining privately held while still attracting substantial investment capital.
The newly established fund, officially called KKR North America Fund XIV or NAX4, will focus on opportunistic private equity deals throughout the North American market.
KKR’s track record shows impressive results, with the three previous funds in this series generating gross returns of 23% over the last ten years. The firm’s total private equity assets under management have grown to approximately $229 billion, representing nearly double the amount since 2020.
According to KKR’s official statement, the fund drew interest from a diverse mix of both returning and first-time investors, spanning public pension funds, private retirement plans, sovereign wealth funds, insurance companies, university endowments, charitable foundations, and private wealth management platforms.
State officials from Dover have revealed that Delaware’s mobile DMV services will return to Sussex County communities beginning April 2, 2026.
The traveling motor vehicle office will operate at three different Sussex County locations each week until October 29, 2026, offering services from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on designated days.
Residents can access the mobile unit on Mondays at the Lewes Transit Center, Tuesdays at Milton’s CHEER Center, and Thursdays at Seaford’s Harbor Freight Shopping Center.
The Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles expressed enthusiasm about bringing these convenient services directly to Sussex County communities for the 2026 season.
WASHINGTON — Weekly unemployment benefit applications declined last week, showing continued stability in the job market despite ongoing concerns about economic uncertainty stemming from the Iran conflict and rising energy prices.
New claims for unemployment assistance dropped by 9,000 to reach 202,000 for the week that concluded March 28, down from the prior week’s total of 211,000, according to Thursday’s Labor Department data. The figure came in lower than the 212,000 applications that economists polled by FactSet had predicted and falls within typical ranges seen over recent years.
These weekly unemployment claims serve as a key indicator of job market conditions and provide near real-time insight into the pace of layoffs across the country.
Several major corporations have announced workforce reductions recently, including software company Oracle, which media outlets report eliminated thousands of positions this week.
Additional companies implementing job cuts include Morgan Stanley, Block, UPS, and Amazon.
Since the economy recovered from the pandemic-related downturn, weekly unemployment applications have generally remained steady between 200,000 and 250,000. Employment growth, however, began decelerating approximately two years ago and slowed further in 2025 due to President Donald Trump’s unpredictable tariff policies, federal workforce reductions, and continued impact from elevated interest rates designed to combat inflation.
Job creation totaled less than 200,000 positions last year, a sharp contrast to roughly 1.5 million new jobs added in 2024, based on FactSet information.
The Labor Department’s February employment report revealed an unexpected loss of 92,000 jobs, indicating continued pressure on the labor market. Downward revisions also eliminated 69,000 positions from December and January totals, pushing the unemployment rate to 4.4%.
March employment data will be released Friday.
February’s disappointing job numbers contribute to economic uncertainty surrounding the Iran war, which has driven oil prices up more than 40% and increased costs for businesses and consumers alike.
These developments occur while inflation was already running above desired levels in the United States.
Recent Commerce Department data showed the Federal Reserve’s preferred inflation measure increased 2.8% in January compared to the same period last year. This exceeds the Fed’s 2% goal and demonstrates that prices remained stubbornly high even before the Middle East conflict triggered energy cost spikes.
The combination of persistent inflation and Middle East conflict uncertainties prompted the Fed to maintain its benchmark interest rate at the most recent meeting, casting doubt on potential rate reductions in the near term.
Federal Reserve officials implemented three rate increases to end 2025 amid concerns about labor market weakness.
Economic experts describe the current U.S. job market as trapped in a “low-hire, low-fire” environment that maintains historically low unemployment levels while making it difficult for jobless individuals to secure new employment.
Thursday’s Labor Department data indicated the four-week moving average for unemployment claims, which smooths out weekly fluctuations, decreased by 3,000 to 207,750.
The overall count of Americans receiving unemployment benefits for the week ending March 21 increased by 25,000 to 1.84 million, government figures showed.
CAIRO — Libyan officials announced Thursday that severe weather has derailed attempts to safely tow a crippled Russian gas tanker that has been floating adrift in Mediterranean waters since sustaining damage months ago.
The vessel, known as the Arctic Metagaz, belongs to Russia’s unofficial fleet of ships that transport oil and gas products despite international restrictions imposed over the conflict in Ukraine. The tanker suffered damage in what officials believe was a sea drone assault back in March.
According to Libya’s coast guard, crews had been working to pull the liquefied natural gas carrier toward a secure area near Zuwara, a town along Libya’s western shoreline.
But Libya’s Ports and Maritime Transport Authority reported that the rescue mission collapsed at 4 a.m. local time Thursday when brutal weather and powerful winds sent the vessel spinning beyond anyone’s control.
“The tanker is unable to return to redo the towing operation under these dangerous weather conditions,” officials stated, warning all maritime traffic to stay at least 10 nautical miles away from the wayward ship.
Malta Today newspaper indicated the tanker had been pulled to the edge of Malta’s maritime rescue territory.
Libyan port authorities are asking nearby ships to immediately report any changes to the tanker’s condition, particularly if they spot any leaks or smoke coming from the vessel.
Back in March, maritime officials said the Arctic Metagaz had suffered “sudden explosions, followed by a massive fire” roughly 240 kilometers (150 miles) from Libya’s coastal city of Sirte.
The World Wide Fund for Nature, an international environmental group, confirmed the ship stayed afloat after the incident and began floating toward Libya’s coastline.
Libya’s National Oil Corp. revealed last month it had partnered with Italian energy firm Eni to safely guide the compromised tanker to shore and prevent a potential environmental disaster.
Defense contractor stocks have tumbled even as Middle East tensions continue, showing that Wall Street’s typical strategy of buying military shares during conflicts had already run its course weeks earlier when investors anticipated stronger action from President Trump’s administration.
The NYSE Arca Defense index, tracking 34 American companies both large and small, dropped almost 8% last month while the broader S&P 500 fell 5%. This contrasts sharply with February 2022, when the same defense index jumped 12% following Russia’s attack on Ukraine.
Market experts say the weak showing indicates investors are cashing out after strong gains this year, rather than reflecting reduced demand or concerns about future military spending.
“A lot of conflict premium was in their valuations,” explained David Bianco, Americas chief investment officer at German asset manager DWS.
“We saw gold and oil and defense rally, part of the reason was messages from the administration, when Trump was sending the armada to the Middle East. Nobody knew anything, but they saw chances of a conflict,” Bianco added.
Bianco revealed he started cutting back his heavy position in defense stocks before Middle East fighting escalated.
Warning signs appeared well ahead of the U.S.-Israeli bombing campaign that started in late February, indicating Washington was gearing up for potential confrontation with Iran.
Reuters had documented in preceding weeks how America was strengthening military presence in the Middle East while preparing for extended operations if diplomatic efforts collapsed.
European defense companies experienced similar declines, falling 11% in March for their worst monthly performance since the pandemic. This broad selloff reflected investor fears about potential energy disruptions from the war. European defense stocks had previously rallied as governments across the continent unveiled massive military buildup plans following Russia’s Ukraine invasion.
Trump’s proposal for a $1.5 trillion military budget by 2027 far exceeds the $901 billion Congress approved for 2026, but questions remain about whether lawmakers will approve such dramatic increases.
“Nothing that has happened so far suggests that a $1.5 trillion 2027 defense budget could be exceeded. For these reasons, one should not expect upside to come from the current conflict,” wrote Bernstein analyst Douglas Harned in a recent research note.
Defense stocks have skyrocketed more than 150% from 2020 through 2025, pushing the sector to extremely high price levels.
The S&P 500 Aerospace & Defense segment now trades at roughly 32 times expected earnings over the next 12 months, significantly above the overall S&P 500’s ratio of about 20 times, based on LSEG data.
Wall Street has shown little excitement despite Pentagon efforts to increase production for restocking depleted missile and ammunition supplies.
Revenue increases will take considerable time to appear since lengthy manufacturing processes and factory limitations restrict how quickly companies can boost output, industry analysts note.
Profit growth expectations for 2026 dropped to around 12% by March’s end from approximately 15% at the start of 2026 for major contractors including General Dynamics, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, L3Harris and RTX, according to Tajinder Dhillon, head of earnings and equity research at LSEG Data & Analytics.
“The conflict would need to last longer, or expand materially, for (earnings) estimates to move higher,” stated Sameer Samana, head of global equities at Wells Fargo Investment Institute.
Apart from high stock prices, investors cite restricted manufacturing flexibility as another concern.
Richard Safran, senior analyst and managing director of aerospace and defense at Seaport Research Partners, noted that defense company funding gets redirected toward immediate operational requirements instead of modernization or development projects during active conflicts.
The Trump administration is also pushing defense contractors to focus on manufacturing rather than returning money to shareholders, creating additional uncertainty about dividend payments and stock buybacks.
The industry’s future prospects depend largely on federal budget decisions, with important spending information expected April 21, Bloomberg News reported.
A major private credit company announced Thursday it will cap investor withdrawals from two of its retail funds following an unprecedented wave of redemption requests.
Blue Owl Capital Management received withdrawal demands totaling 40.7% of investor shares in its Blue Owl Technology Income Corp fund, along with requests for 21.9% of shares in the Blue Owl Credit Income Corp fund, according to preliminary data released in shareholder communications.
The investment firm responded by reinstating standard withdrawal limits of 5% of fund shares per quarter. These business development companies typically maintain such restrictions, though Blue Owl had relaxed the policy last quarter to accommodate redemptions of 15.4% of shares.
The withdrawal surge highlights investor concerns in the private credit sector as market conditions shift. Blue Owl’s decision to reimpose the quarterly caps will force many investors seeking to exit their positions to wait longer to access their money.
WASHINGTON – The number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits declined last week, reflecting continued stability in the job market despite growing concerns about economic uncertainty from overseas conflicts.
Weekly unemployment benefit applications decreased by 9,000 to reach a seasonally adjusted 202,000 for the week ending March 28, according to Thursday’s report from the Labor Department. This figure came in below the 212,000 applications that economists had predicted.
Throughout this year, unemployment claims have remained within a 201,000-230,000 range, reflecting what economic experts characterize as a “low hire, low fire” employment environment. Analysts attribute this market stagnation to ongoing uncertainty stemming from President Donald Trump’s aggressive trade tariff policies.
Job creation in the private sector has averaged just 18,000 new positions monthly over the three-month period ending in February.
Economic experts point to the Trump administration’s strict immigration policies as another factor limiting job growth by reducing available workers. Additionally, the month-long conflict between the U.S. and Israel against Iran has created further business uncertainty. President Trump announced Wednesday his intention to pursue more aggressive military action against Iran.
While economists surveyed by Reuters anticipate job growth may have recovered to 60,000 positions in March, some caution this improvement might be short-lived due to the ongoing conflict, which has driven global oil prices up more than 50%. National gasoline prices have exceeded $4 per gallon this week for the first time in over three years.
February saw a decrease of 92,000 jobs, attributed partially to healthcare worker strikes and severe weather conditions. The unemployment rate is expected to remain unchanged at 4.4%.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics plans to release March employment data on Friday, noting that Good Friday is not a federal holiday in the United States.
“We do expect it (war) to delay the modest improvement we expected in the labor market this year, as uncertainty, a slowdown in consumer spending and rising costs cause businesses to put hiring on hold,” said Nancy Vanden Houten, lead U.S. economist at Oxford Economics.
The count of individuals collecting unemployment benefits beyond their first week, which serves as an indicator of hiring activity, rose by 25,000 to a seasonally adjusted 1.841 million during the week ending March 21, according to the claims data.
These continuing claims numbers have dropped from the elevated levels seen last year. However, individuals who have used up their benefit eligibility, which is capped at 26 weeks in most states, may be keeping these numbers artificially low. Bureau of Labor Statistics information released this week revealed a larger-than-anticipated decline in available job positions during February, with hiring rates falling to their lowest point in nearly six years.
Electric vehicle manufacturer Rivian Automotive reported stronger-than-expected delivery numbers for the first three months of 2024, suggesting consumer interest in its electric SUVs and pickup trucks is bouncing back after a challenging period last year.
The California-based company announced Thursday that it shipped 10,365 vehicles during the January-March period, topping Wall Street predictions of 9,678 deliveries according to data from Visible Alpha. The automaker also maintained its annual delivery target of between 62,000 and 67,000 vehicles for the full year.
Industry experts believe rising fuel costs since conflicts began in Iran this February may be pushing more consumers toward electric alternatives, potentially benefiting companies like Rivian and market leader Tesla.
Rivian’s performance had struggled during the final quarter of 2023 when a federal tax incentive worth $7,500 for electric vehicle purchases ended in September, making their vehicles more expensive and removing a key purchasing motivator for buyers.
Manufacturing numbers also exceeded expectations, with Rivian producing 10,236 vehicles during the quarter compared to analyst estimates of 9,852 units.
The improved production figures come at a crucial time as the company prepares to launch its more affordable R2 model this spring. The entry-level version of the R2, with an expected starting price around $45,000, is scheduled to reach customers next year.
Company officials believe this new model will help them reach a broader range of customers and compete directly with Tesla’s popular Model Y Premium, which starts at $44,990.
Rivian also announced a major partnership with ride-sharing company Uber last month, where Uber plans to invest as much as $1.25 billion in the electric vehicle maker. Under the agreement, Rivian’s self-driving R2 SUVs will serve as autonomous taxis starting in 2028.
The company is scheduled to release its complete first-quarter financial results on April 30 following the close of stock market trading.
WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump has been considering the removal of Attorney General Pam Bondi due to dissatisfaction with her performance in the role, according to reports from major news outlets Wednesday.
The president’s concerns reportedly center on what he perceives as insufficient aggressiveness in pursuing his political adversaries and issues with how she has managed the Jeffrey Epstein investigation documents, The New York Times reported.
According to the report, which cited four anonymous sources with knowledge of the discussions, Trump has considered replacing Bondi with Lee Zeldin, who currently serves as Environmental Protection Agency Administrator. CNN confirmed similar reporting about these internal conversations.
Neither the White House nor the Justice Department provided responses to requests for comment from Reuters regarding these reports.
When asked about the situation by The New York Times, Trump stated: “Attorney General Pam Bondi is a wonderful person and she is doing a good job.” A representative for Bondi pointed to the president’s statement when contacted by the newspaper.
Bondi accompanied the Republican president to the Supreme Court Wednesday during oral arguments for a case involving birthright citizenship.
Political observers note that Trump has abandoned traditional practices meant to keep federal law enforcement separate from political influence.
During his campaign, he promised retaliation following the numerous legal challenges he faced after his first presidency concluded in 2021. He has maintained his public criticism of those he considers opponents and has urged Bondi’s Justice Department to pursue criminal charges against them.
Following Trump’s return to office in January 2025, federal prosecutors have pursued cases against several high-profile figures including former FBI Director James Comey, New York Attorney General Letitia James, Federal Reserve Board Governor Lisa Cook, and former national security adviser John Bolton.
White House officials have stated that Trump is fulfilling his campaign commitments to reform what he characterizes as a justice system “weaponized” by former Democratic President Joe Biden.
The Jeffrey Epstein investigation documents have created additional challenges for Bondi, with a congressional committee issuing a subpoena requiring her testimony in their related inquiry.
Bondi previously served as Florida’s state attorney general and defended Trump during his first impeachment proceedings while he was in his initial presidential term.
She became Trump’s second selection for the nation’s top law enforcement position after his initial nominee, former Representative Matt Gaetz, removed himself from consideration before the release of a congressional ethics investigation that determined he had purchased sex and drugs from women and obstructed congressional proceedings.
Drivers traveling on Northeast Boulevard should plan for potential delays today as officials have closed the right lane at East 12th Street for drone operations.
The lane restriction will remain in place until 12 PM, according to traffic officials. Motorists are advised to use caution when traveling through the area and allow extra time for their commute.
The temporary closure is necessary to accommodate ongoing drone work in the vicinity. Traffic is being directed around the closed lane during the operation.
Delaware Department of Transportation crews are conducting litter cleanup operations along a stretch of Interstate 495 today, working between the Port of Wilmington and Claymont.
The maintenance teams are focusing their efforts on the right shoulder of the highway, with operations expected to wrap up by 5 PM this afternoon.
Motorists traveling through the area should exercise caution and be aware of the presence of DelDOT workers along the roadway during the cleanup activities.
Following two years of adjustments to its budget offerings, McDonald’s is adopting a streamlined strategy with its latest value menu approach.
Beginning April 21, the restaurant chain will launch a redesigned McValue menu featuring 10 items, each priced below $3. Morning options will include hash browns and Sausage McMuffins, while the remainder of the day brings choices like small fries and McDouble burgers.
While certain items already fall under the $3 threshold in various regions across the United States, others currently exceed this price point. This uniform selection will take the place of McDonald’s existing McValue offerings, which currently allow patrons to select from a restricted list of $1 items when purchasing a full-priced product.
This move toward clearer value messaging and increased customer choice mirrors recent strategies implemented by McDonald’s competitors. Taco Bell debuted its Luxe Value Menu in January, also featuring 10 selections at $3 or below. Panera Bread rolled out its inaugural value menu in February, offering 10 choices at $4.99 each.
Wendy’s updated its Biggie Deals value offerings in January, now showcasing $4 Biggie Bites, $6 Biggie Bags, and $8 Biggie Bundles. KFC has recently incorporated $5 bowls into its domestic menu options.
These budget-friendly menus aim to provide customers with economical choices, even as fast-food establishments simultaneously introduce premium-priced items such as McDonald’s Big Arch burger or Burger King’s limited-edition Peppercorn BLT Whopper.
Restaurant chains have prioritized affordability for multiple years to attract back patrons frustrated by rising food costs. While prices for dining out typically increase 3.5% annually, government data shows they jumped 7% in 2023, 4% in 2024, and 3.8% in 2025.
“Throughout all retail sectors, including quick-serve restaurants, ‘value’ has transformed into a promotional necessity,” stated Roger Beahm, an emeritus marketing professor at Wake Forest University’s School of Business.
McDonald’s launched its $5 Meal Deal in June 2024 and will introduce a $4 Breakfast Meal Deal on April 21. The company debuted the McValue menu in January 2025, and last autumn introduced Extra Value Meals, which offer a 15% savings on bundled meals compared to purchasing items separately.
“Value matters more than ever to our customers, and we take that responsibility seriously,” Alyssa Buetikofer, the chief marketing and customer experience officer for McDonald’s USA, told The Associated Press.
According to Buetikofer, McDonald’s has enhanced customer perceptions regarding value and affordability since 2024. However, the company chose to redesign its McValue menu after customers expressed desires for greater flexibility and improved morning value. Breakfast items comprise half of the under-$3 menu selections.
California McDonald’s franchisee Scott Rodrick endorsed the new approach, believing it will streamline the ordering process by reducing customer confusion about available deals.
“The value proposition is super clear — no deep explanation or mental gymnastics needed to understand where value is on my menu board,” Rodrick said.
Rodrick noted that the modifications received widespread franchisee approval, with most U.S. locations expected to implement them. Approximately 95% of McDonald’s domestic restaurants are franchisee-owned and operated, with individual pricing control.
The fast-food industry’s balancing act of promoting value through deals and discounts while increasing prices on premium items appears successful, according to Revenue Management Solutions, a restaurant consulting firm. February saw U.S. fast-food restaurant traffic increase by less than 1% compared to the previous year. Traffic declined 2% during the final quarter of 2025 and in January.
However, the consulting company cautioned that elevated gas prices resulting from the Iran conflict likely affected fast-food traffic in March, potentially pressuring chains to provide additional value offerings.
Beahm warned that the term “value” risks becoming overused. Eventually, the excitement of deals diminishes, and customers lose track of previous pricing, he explained.
“If everything is always positioned as a value, then can anything really be a value?” Beahm said.
He believes new product introductions represent an effective customer attraction strategy. Enhanced service or unexpected benefits, such as charitable donations with purchases, offer alternative approaches.
Jennifer Fritch, an assistant marketing professor at Arcadia University, concurred. The fast-food marketplace is saturated, she noted, and price-only focus reduces food to a commodity. Younger consumers particularly seek emotional connections, customization, and ingredient transparency, and will pay premium prices when they discover these qualities, she explained.
“If it’s just cheap food, that’s not a winning long-term strategy,” Fritch said. “The list of demands and list of expectations is higher than it has ever been, and it’s insufficient to try to gain sales just on cost.”
WASHINGTON – Congressional leaders moved closer to resolving a nearly seven-week Department of Homeland Security funding impasse early Thursday morning when the Senate took steps to allow the House of Representatives to vote on a funding measure extending through September 30.
The legislation, which the Senate approved late last week, does not include additional money for immigration enforcement operations that are already well-funded.
House representatives were scheduled to convene at 8:30 a.m., though it remained uncertain whether they would immediately consider the Senate-passed measure.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune addressed an almost empty chamber to advance efforts to resolve the DHS funding standoff. He effectively eliminated a 60-day temporary funding bill that the House had previously approved but lacked sufficient Senate support to advance.
The Senate had dismissed that House measure on Friday before entering recess, signaling clear opposition to the temporary approach.
On Wednesday, Republican leadership from both chambers announced they had negotiated an agreement to finally resolve the DHS shutdown. However, questions remained about whether rank-and-file House Republicans would back the compromise.
If the House approves the Senate version, the legislation would proceed to President Donald Trump’s desk for his signature.
Turmoil in the Middle East is creating widespread disruption across international financial markets, prompting companies around the world to make significant changes to their investment and dividend plans.
The ongoing conflict has created challenges for global supply chains and raw material distribution, leading several major corporations to alter their financial strategies. Here are the companies that have announced changes to their public offerings or shareholder payments:
Swedish outdoor technology company Dometic Group has eliminated its planned dividend payment of SEK 1.00 ($0.11) per share, opting instead to pay no dividend for 2025. The company cited increased economic uncertainty from geopolitical developments and noted that demand and trading conditions have become weaker than expected.
Travel booking website Loveholidays is considering postponing its planned London stock market debut worth up to 1 billion pounds ($1.3 billion), according to a source with knowledge of the situation who spoke to Reuters. The delay stems from the conflict’s negative impact on market confidence and disruptions to travel operations.
Canadian well construction automation firm McCoy Global announced it will halt its quarterly dividend payments to preserve financial flexibility during the Middle East crisis. The company stated that the conflict has created uncertainty while disrupting logistics and delivery timelines.
Walmart-backed Indian financial technology company PhonePe has put its initial public offering plans on hold following market instability caused by geopolitical tensions. The firm indicated it will restart the IPO process when market conditions stabilize.
XED Executive Development, an executive education platform that was set to become the first company from India’s low-tax GIFT City to go public, has withdrawn its stock offering. The company blamed weak market sentiment from the Middle East conflict and delays in completing required video verification processes for non-resident Indian and foreign investors that are connected to the ongoing crisis.
BEIJING, April 2 – The People’s Bank of China announced Thursday it has authorized 12 additional financial institutions to operate its digital yuan system, validating a previous Reuters report from last month.
Among the newly approved banks are China CITIC Bank, China Everbright Bank, China Guangfa Bank, and Shanghai Pudong Development Bank, according to the central bank’s official statement.
The expansion is designed to “enhance the inclusiveness of digital yuan services” and provide citizens with “safe, convenient and efficient” payment alternatives, officials stated.
With Thursday’s announcement, the total count of authorized digital yuan operators has reached 22 institutions.
China’s efforts to integrate the digital yuan into everyday commerce have progressed more gradually than anticipated since the program’s 2019 debut, largely because consumers already have access to secure and affordable payment methods through established platforms like Alibaba’s Alipay and Tencent Holdings’ WeChat Pay.
This initiative unfolds as China maintains its strict stance against virtual currencies and prohibits stablecoins, creating a stark difference with the United States, where President Donald Trump has endorsed cryptocurrencies while rejecting a digital dollar.
“The central bank will continue to expand the number of operating institutions in an orderly manner in accordance with market-oriented and rule-of-law principles,” the PBOC stated, emphasizing its goal to establish an “open, inclusive and fair competitive environment” for digital currency growth.
As the United States and China engage in an escalating space competition, Beijing is pushing forward with ambitious plans to place its first astronauts on the lunar surface by 2030.
While China has previously only deployed robotic missions to the moon, these expeditions have demonstrated the nation’s advancing space technology capabilities that will be essential for achieving human lunar exploration.
Currently, Chinese engineers are developing and testing all the necessary equipment for a successful crewed moon landing. In August of last year, they conducted trials of their lunar landing vehicle at a specially constructed facility in Hebei province designed to replicate conditions on the moon’s surface.
The testing site featured specialized coatings that matched the reflective properties of lunar soil and was scattered with rocks and crater formations to simulate the actual lunar environment. The landing craft’s systems for both descent to and ascent from the moon underwent thorough evaluation during these tests.
The lunar landing vehicle, called Lanyue – which translates to “embrace the moon” in Chinese – is designed to ferry astronauts between lunar orbit and the moon’s surface. According to China’s human spaceflight agency, it will also function as living quarters, electrical supply, and information hub once crews arrive on the moon.
Additional critical components currently in development and testing phases include the Long March 10 heavy-duty rocket designed to launch the Mengzhou crew capsule into space. Engineers are also working on specialized suits for lunar walks, crewed exploration vehicles, moon-orbiting observation satellites, and new ground-based systems to handle mission navigation and Earth communications.
Should China achieve a successful human moon landing before 2030, it would advance their objectives to construct a “basic model” of the International Lunar Research Station by 2035. Wu Weiren, who leads China’s lunar exploration program design, describes this as including a “comprehensive scientific facility” and “a certain scale of resource development and utilization.”
This human outpost, developed jointly by China and Russia, might incorporate a nuclear power plant on the lunar surface for energy generation.
Wu indicated in a 2024 presentation that by 2045, the ILRS would expand to feature a “lunar orbital station as the hub” for conducting “in-depth resource development and utilization, and relevant technical verification and scientific experimental research for manned landing on Mars.”
China’s upcoming crewed lunar missions will depend significantly on information gathered through the nation’s robotic moon expeditions. In June 2024, China achieved the historic milestone of being the first nation to bring back lunar samples from the moon’s far side using the Chang’e-6 spacecraft, which visited the South Pole-Aitken basin.
Two additional robotic missions, Chang’e-7 and Chang’e-8, are scheduled for completion before 2030. These will provide Beijing with additional data about the lunar region where China intends to send astronauts and ultimately establish a permanent human settlement.
Through its recent unmanned lunar expeditions, China has become the sole country to successfully collect and return lunar material from both the moon’s near and far sides.
Delaware Department of Transportation crews are conducting construction work that has resulted in a shoulder closure on Longacre Drive today.
The affected area spans from South DuPont Highway (Route 13) to Peachtree Run, where one shoulder lane has been blocked off to accommodate the ongoing work.
According to DelDOT’s traffic incident reporting system, the shoulder restriction is expected to remain in place until 6 PM this evening.
Motorists traveling through the area should exercise caution and expect potential delays as traffic may be impacted by the reduced lane availability during the construction period.
Motorists traveling through a section of Wilmington Road are experiencing intermittent lane restrictions today as construction crews continue their work in the area.
According to DelDOT, the lane closures are affecting the stretch of Wilmington Road that runs between Baldt Avenue and West 6th Street. The construction-related restrictions are expected to remain in place until 5 PM this afternoon.
Drivers are advised to plan for potential delays and consider alternate routes if possible while the work is being completed.
MOSCOW, April 2 – Egypt’s Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty is scheduled to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday for high-level diplomatic discussions, according to Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov.
The meeting agenda will center on the ongoing conflict involving Iran and broader regional tensions throughout the Middle East, Peskov announced. The two officials will also address bilateral diplomatic relations between Russia and Egypt during their talks.
The scheduled diplomatic session comes amid continued instability across the Middle East region, highlighting Russia’s ongoing involvement in regional affairs.
Delaware Department of Transportation officials have implemented a temporary speed reduction on Interstate 495, bringing the limit down to 55 miles per hour as a response to current weather conditions affecting the roadway.
The speed restriction has been put in place as a safety measure to help motorists travel more safely during the challenging weather situation. DelDOT regularly adjusts speed limits on major highways when conditions warrant additional caution from drivers.
Drivers using I-495 are advised to observe the posted reduced speed limit and exercise extra care while traveling. The department monitors weather conditions continuously and will restore normal speed limits when conditions improve.
Three prominent dairy industry organizations have praised federal trade officials for highlighting international obstacles that block American dairy products from reaching foreign markets in the newly released 2026 National Trade Estimate report.
The National Milk Producers Federation, U.S. Dairy Export Council, and Consortium for Common Food Names expressed appreciation for the U.S. Trade Representative’s focus on addressing these barriers through diplomatic negotiations.
“Nearly one in every six pounds of milk produced in America is shipped to a customer overseas,” stated Gregg Doud, president and CEO of NMPF. “When foreign markets are closed off by bogus restrictions, the pain is felt directly on farms across this country. The administration’s work through reciprocal trade negotiations to knock down these barriers is exactly the kind of advocacy American dairy farmers need, and we are grateful to see it reflected in this report.”
Krysta Harden, who leads USDEC as president and CEO, emphasized the importance of removing unnecessary international requirements that block dairy exports.
“The inclusion of dairy trade barriers in this report and the administration’s concrete action to address them through reciprocal trade negotiations sends a clear signal that the United States is serious about opening markets for American dairy exporters,” Harden explained. “Every unnecessary certification requirement dismantled, every unjustified facility registration eliminated, and every market access commitment secured through these agreements is a win for U.S. dairy. We thank the administration for confronting the barriers directly and we look forward to building on that progress.”
The Consortium for Common Food Names specifically called attention to European Union policies that restrict the use of traditional food names, which the organization views as unfair trade practices.
“The EU’s common name confiscation campaign is one of the most cynical trade tactics in the world today, and we are grateful that this administration has made confronting it a priority,” said Jaime Castaneda, executive director of CCFN. “By documenting the EU’s geographical indications agenda prominently in the NTE Report and pushing back against it in reciprocal trade negotiations, USTR is standing up for American producers of cheeses, wines, meats, and beers. We strongly encourage the administration to keep up the great work.”
Ukrainian drone strikes targeting Russian oil infrastructure are forcing the country toward inevitable production cuts, according to three industry insiders who spoke Thursday on condition of anonymity.
The coordinated attacks have damaged Russia’s export capabilities by approximately 1 million barrels daily, representing about 20% of the nation’s total capacity, the sources revealed. This disruption comes as global oil markets already face strain from ongoing Middle East conflicts.
Over the past month, Ukraine has escalated its assault on Russia’s oil export facilities, launching some of the most intensive drone operations of the four-year conflict. The strikes have particularly focused on the Baltic Sea ports of Ust-Luga and Primorsk as part of Ukraine’s strategy to weaken Russia’s economic foundation.
The damaged infrastructure represents a significant portion of Russia’s export system, which peaked at 40% disruption in March before improving to the current 20% level. Despite this improvement, the sources indicate the damage remains severe enough to impact production from the world’s third-largest oil producer, trailing only the United States and Saudi Arabia.
Russia’s critical Ust-Luga Baltic port halted oil shipments one week ago following extensive drone bombardment and subsequent fires. The combination of export facility damage and domestic refinery attacks has created severe congestion throughout Russia’s pipeline network, with storage facilities rapidly approaching capacity limits.
This backup is compelling some oil fields to consider reducing output to prevent system overflow, industry sources explained.
While Russia has benefited from rising oil prices since late February conflicts began involving U.S.-Israeli actions against Iran, any production cuts would still inflict economic damage given that energy sales comprise 25% of the state’s budget revenue.
Russia’s export challenges existed even before the recent Baltic port attacks. The Druzhba pipeline, which delivers oil to Hungary and Slovakia, has remained suspended since January, further constraining export options.
State-controlled Transneft operates more than 80% of Russia’s oil pipeline infrastructure. Neither Transneft nor Russia’s energy ministry responded to requests for comment.
According to the sources, Transneft has informed exporters that Ust-Luga cannot accommodate oil loading according to original schedules due to recent damage. The company also indicated it cannot accept full oil volumes from producers that were designated for Ust-Luga exports.
The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries reported Russian oil production at 9.184 million barrels daily in February. The sources could not specify potential cut amounts.
Loading schedules from Ust-Luga for early April are not expected to be fulfilled, though allocations for the month’s second half remain tentatively scheduled pending further developments.
Despite Western sanctions and Ukrainian refinery attacks, Russian oil output declined only 0.8% to 10.28 million barrels per day last year, maintaining roughly 10% of global production according to Russian statistics.
The Ust-Luga bottleneck affects not only Russian exports but also Kazakhstan, which ships between 200,000 and 400,000 metric tons of KEBCO oil through the facility monthly.
Seasonal refinery maintenance compounds the surplus oil problem within Transneft’s system, sources noted. As refineries process reduced volumes during maintenance periods, excess crude accumulates more rapidly.
While Russia typically increases crude exports during March and April maintenance seasons, this year’s refinery shutdowns may instead force additional oil into storage facilities.
Official storage capacity figures remain unavailable, though one source estimated current reserves could last weeks rather than months.
ATHENS – Violent weather conditions across Greece have claimed one life and caused extensive flooding damage to residential areas, with emergency responders working around the clock to address the destruction left in the storm’s wake.
Fire department officials confirmed Thursday that rescue teams recovered the body of a victim in Nea Makri, a coastal resort community located approximately 21.75 miles northeast of Athens. According to local news reports, the individual was swept away by rushing floodwaters and became pinned beneath a vehicle while trying to navigate a waterlogged roadway.
Emergency services reported fielding hundreds of distress calls as the weather system known as Erminio pounded Athens and multiple Aegean Sea islands on Wednesday. Rescue teams worked to extract residents from rising waters and clear roadways blocked by toppled trees throughout the affected regions.
Recovery efforts continued into Thursday morning as work crews focused on debris removal, water extraction from inundated structures, and infrastructure repairs in areas east of the Greek capital. Transportation officials also suspended ferry operations from Piraeus harbor near Athens to various Greek islands as a safety precaution.
The Mediterranean island of Crete experienced unusual atmospheric conditions Wednesday when powerful winds reaching force 9 intensity transported sand particles from North Africa, creating an otherworldly orange sky and causing flight disruptions.
Located at the southern edge of Europe, Greece has experienced increasingly severe flooding and wildfire events in recent years, which climate experts link to accelerating global temperature increases.
Drivers traveling north on Route 1 should expect delays this afternoon as construction crews have shut down the right shoulder in the Cedar Neck area.
The Delaware Department of Transportation reports the shoulder closure affects the northbound lanes between Cedar Neck Road/Wilkins Road and Cedar Beach Road. Work is expected to wrap up by 5 PM today.
Motorists are advised to use caution when traveling through the construction zone and allow extra time for their commute.
LONDON (AP) — President Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth have launched sharp attacks on Britain’s naval strength, delivering criticism that has resonated painfully in a nation known for its storied maritime legacy, though experts say their comments contain elements of truth.
Britain has become a primary target of Trump’s criticism following the Iran conflict that began February 28, after British Prime Minister Keir Starmer initially denied U.S. forces access to British military installations.
While that stance has been partially modified to allow American use of British facilities, including the Diego Garcia base in the Indian Ocean, for what officials term defensive operations, Trump remains convinced he was betrayed. The president has consistently attacked Starmer and dismissed the Royal Navy’s aircraft carriers as mere playthings.
“You don’t even have a navy,” Trump stated to Britain’s Daily Telegraph in remarks released Wednesday. “You’re too old and had aircraft carriers that didn’t work.”
Hegseth added his own mocking commentary, suggesting sarcastically that the “big, bad Royal Navy” should step up to help secure the Strait of Hormuz for merchant vessels.
While the Royal Navy no longer commands the seas as it did during Britain’s imperial peak, it remains more capable than Trump and Hegseth suggest, with strength comparable to France’s naval forces.
“There’s validity to the criticism, as the Royal Navy has shrunk to its smallest size in centuries,” explained Professor Kevin Rowlands, who edits the Royal United Services Institute Journal. “However, the navy would point out it’s experiencing its first expansion since World War II, with more vessels planned for construction than we’ve seen in decades.”
Britain once assembled an impressive armada of 127 vessels, including two aircraft carriers, for the journey to the South Atlantic following Argentina’s seizure of the Falkland Islands. That 1982 operation, which received tepid support from then-President Ronald Reagan, represented the last demonstration of Britain’s naval supremacy.
Today’s Royal Navy could never mount such an operation. Since World War II, Britain’s battle-ready fleet has shrunk dramatically, driven by evolving military technology, strategic shifts, and the dissolution of the British Empire.
Analysis of Ministry of Defense and House of Commons Library data by The Associated Press shows combat vessels in the Royal Navy fleet, encompassing aircraft carriers, destroyers and frigates, have dropped by two-thirds from 466 ships in 1975 to just 66 in 2025.
While Britain operates two aircraft carriers currently, the nation went seven years in the 2010s without any. Destroyer numbers have been cut in half to six vessels, while the frigate fleet has plummeted from 60 ships to merely 11.
The Royal Navy drew criticism for the lengthy deployment time of HMS Dragon destroyer to the Middle East after the Iran war erupted. Despite round-the-clock efforts by naval personnel to prepare the ship for an unexpected mission change, many viewed the delay as evidence of how severely Britain’s military capabilities have been reduced since the Berlin Wall fell in 1989.
Throughout much of the Cold War era, Britain allocated between 4% and 8% of its national income to military spending. Following the Cold War’s conclusion, this percentage steadily declined to just 1.9% of GDP by 2018, providing ammunition for Trump’s criticisms.
Similar to other nations, Britain, particularly under Labour Prime Ministers Tony Blair and Gordon Brown, attempted to capitalize on the “peace dividend” after the Soviet Union’s collapse by redirecting defense funds to other areas like healthcare and education.
Budget cuts implemented by Conservative-led administrations following the 2008-9 financial crisis prevented any increase in defense spending, despite clear evidence of Russia’s growing aggression, particularly after Moscow’s seizure of Crimea and portions of eastern Ukraine.
After Russia’s comprehensive invasion of Ukraine in 2022, combined with ongoing Middle East conflicts, there’s growing bipartisan recognition that military cuts have been excessive.
The Conservative government began reversing military spending reductions following the Ukraine invasion. Since Labour regained power in 2024, Starmer has worked to increase British defense expenditures, partially by reducing the country’s historically significant foreign aid budget.
Starmer has committed to increasing U.K. defense spending to 2.5% of gross domestic product by 2027, with an updated target of 3.5% of GDP by 2035, fulfilling a NATO agreement championed by Trump. This translates to tens of billions of additional pounds in military equipment and capabilities.
Government officials face pressure to accelerate this timeline. However, with public finances already strained by the Iran war’s economic impact, finding additional funding sources remains unclear.
The criticism will likely continue despite being unfair and inaccurate, according to RUSI’s Rowlands, a former Royal Navy captain.
“We are dealing with an administration that doesn’t do nuance,” he observed.
Motorists traveling on Foulk Road are experiencing delays today as construction crews have shut down the right lane of northbound traffic.
The lane closure affects the stretch of Foulk Road between Naamans Road and Grubb Road, creating potential bottlenecks for commuters and local traffic.
According to DelDOT officials, the construction-related lane restriction is expected to be lifted by 3:30 PM this afternoon. Drivers are advised to allow extra travel time and use caution when navigating through the work zone.
Traffic is being directed around the construction area, but delays are anticipated during peak travel hours.
Pakistani officials confirmed Thursday that diplomatic representatives are engaged in peace negotiations with Afghanistan’s Taliban leadership in China, where Beijing is working to facilitate a lasting ceasefire following weeks of deadly border conflicts that have claimed hundreds of lives and severely impacted regional commerce and cross-border movement.
The acknowledgment of these renewed diplomatic efforts came one day after sources from both nations informed The Associated Press that delegations had traveled to Urumqi in northern China for initial discussions.
The specific identities of those representing Pakistan and Afghanistan in these latest Chinese-hosted negotiations remain undisclosed.
During a news conference in Islamabad, Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Tahir Andrabi confirmed the ongoing nature of the discussions. “Yes, Pakistan has sent a delegation to Urumqi, in line with its consistent position and longstanding practice of supporting a credible process that can help find a durable solution to cross-border terrorism from Afghanistan,” he stated.
Andrabi emphasized that the responsibility for meaningful progress rests primarily with Kabul.
“The burden of a real process lies with Afghanistan, which must demonstrate visible and verifiable action against terrorist groups using Afghan soil against Pakistan,” he declared.
The spokesperson stressed Pakistan’s commitment to diplomatic solutions while outlining specific demands. “We remain engaged with the Chinese leadership on this issue and other relevant international partners,” Andrabi noted, while insisting that Pakistan requires written guarantees from Kabul preventing the use of Afghan territory for attacks against Pakistan.
Afghan officials have not yet responded to requests for comment.
While China has not formally acknowledged hosting the talks, the Chinese Foreign Ministry stated Thursday that President Xi Jinping’s administration has been “actively mediating and facilitating the resolution of conflicts between Afghanistan and Pakistan.” Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning emphasized that China has “always supported both sides in resolving their differences through dialogue and negotiation.”
Andrabi indicated that Pakistan’s military operations targeting the Pakistani Taliban and other militant organizations along the Afghan border will persist despite the diplomatic discussions.
On Wednesday, Farid Dehqan, a police spokesperson for Afghanistan’s eastern Kunar province, reported that Pakistani forces had launched mortar attacks into Afghan territory late Wednesday, resulting in two civilian deaths and six injuries, including four children. He noted the bombardment continued for over two hours.
Andrabi rejected these allegations, asserting that Pakistan conducts anti-militant operations with careful consideration to prevent civilian casualties.
Pakistan frequently alleges that Afghanistan provides sanctuary to militants conducting attacks within Pakistani territory, particularly the Pakistani Taliban, known as Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan or TTP. This organization operates separately from but maintains ties with the Afghan Taliban, which assumed control of Afghanistan in 2021 after the turbulent departure of U.S.-led forces. Kabul consistently denies these allegations.
The current violence represents the most severe fighting since February, when Afghanistan’s Taliban government reported Pakistani strikes in Kabul and other locations, primarily causing civilian casualties. Pakistan maintained it targeted TTP strongholds.
Pakistani officials have declared the country is in “open war” with Afghanistan.
Tensions escalated significantly last month when Afghanistan claimed a Pakistani airstrike on a drug treatment facility in Kabul killed over 400 people. This death toll remains unverified independently, and Pakistan disputes the claim. Pakistani officials denied targeting civilians, stating they struck an ammunition storage facility in Kabul.
These current Chinese-mediated discussions follow previous negotiation rounds in Qatar and Turkey, where both parties reached ceasefire agreements that remained largely effective until Pakistan conducted strikes in Kabul and other Afghan locations in late February, sparking border conflicts that have recently diminished.
Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban maintain a history of strained relations, but the current violence has concerned the international community, particularly given the regional presence of various militant groups including the outlawed TTP, al-Qaida, and the Islamic State group, which continue efforts to reorganize.
WASHINGTON — A crucial federal agency plans to vote Thursday on President Donald Trump’s proposed White House ballroom addition, just days following a federal judge’s decision to stop construction work on what would represent the most significant structural modification to the historic building in over seven decades.
The National Capital Planning Commission, which oversees construction approvals for federal properties in the Washington area, will proceed with Thursday’s vote since U.S. District Judge Richard Leon’s Tuesday decision impacts actual construction work rather than the planning approval process, according to commission spokesperson Stephen Staudigl.
However, even with anticipated agency approval, the judge’s decision and ongoing legal battle surrounding the ballroom may delay progress on a signature project Trump hopes to finish before his term concludes in early 2029. The ballroom represents one of several modifications the Republican president has planned for the nation’s capital to establish his permanent mark during his presidency.
Thursday’s vote was originally scheduled for March but got delayed due to the overwhelming number of people who registered to speak at the commission’s monthly session. Public comments were largely critical of the ballroom proposal.
Prior to Thursday’s vote, commissioners will also review design modifications to the 90,000-square-foot ballroom addition that Trump revealed during his Air Force One flight back to Washington from his Florida residence on Sunday.
The revised plans eliminate a massive staircase from the building’s south side and include an open porch on the west side. Design professionals and project opponents had criticized the original staircase as oversized and impractical since it provided no actual ballroom entrance at its peak.
While Trump offered no explanation for these modifications, a White House official indicated the president had reviewed feedback from the National Capital Planning Commission and the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts, which gave project approval earlier this year, along with public input.
The official, speaking anonymously due to lack of authorization to discuss ballroom design publicly, mentioned that additional exterior “refinements” had been implemented and that lead architect Shalom Baranes would present these changes Thursday.
The ballroom’s current estimated cost of $400 million reflects significant expansion in both scale and budget since Trump initially unveiled the project last summer, explaining the need for proper guest hosting space beyond lawn tents. Trump demolished the East Wing in October with minimal advance notice, and site preparation plus underground construction have continued since. Officials indicated above-ground building work wouldn’t begin until April at the earliest.
The 12-member National Capital Planning Commission operates under chairman Will Scharf, a senior White House aide who has publicly supported the ballroom addition. The president selects three commission members, with Trump appointing two additional White House officials alongside Scharf.
Trump moved forward with the project before obtaining input from either the National Capital Planning Commission or the Commission of Fine Arts, which he restructured with allies and supporters.
The National Trust for Historic Preservation, a private nonprofit, filed suit after Trump demolished the East Wing last fall for the ballroom addition — a facility nearly double the mansion’s size. Trump claims private donations from wealthy individuals and corporations, including himself, will fund the project, though taxpayer money covers underground bunkers and White House security enhancements.
The trust requested temporary construction suspension until Trump presented the project to both commissions and Congress for approval. Judge Leon granted this request but specified his order would take effect in two weeks and permit security-related construction to continue.
That security work proceeded Wednesday as new Associated Press photographs showed the former East Wing site active with construction equipment and cranes reaching skyward.
Judge Leon, nominated by Republican President George W. Bush, stated in his ruling: “The President of the United States is the steward of the White House for future generations of First Families. He is not, however, the owner!” He determined the National Trust for Historic Preservation would likely prevail because “no statute comes close to giving the President the authority he claims to have.”
Trump challenged the requirement for Congressional approval of his project.
“We built many things at the White House over the years. They don’t get congressional approval,” he told reporters in the Oval Office following the ruling.
Congressional representatives from House and Senate committees overseeing the project did not respond to requests for comment. Congress is currently in spring recess.
COLUMBUS, Ohio — Through harsh weather conditions, small but persistent demonstrations have taken place at Ohio State University’s main campus in recent months, all focused on one objective: eliminating billionaire retail executive Les Wexner’s name from campus structures.
The concern — shared by union nurses at OSU’s Wexner Medical Center, former student-athletes at the Les Wexner Football Complex, and student leaders who regularly pass the Wexner Center for the Arts — stems from Wexner’s documented connection to deceased sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein.
Comparable demands are emerging regarding a Wexner-named facility at Harvard University and other buildings nationwide honoring various Epstein associates, such as Steve Tisch, Casey Wasserman, Glenn Dubin and Howard Lutnick.
This represents part of a broader movement throughout higher education targeting individuals linked to Epstein, who built an extensive network encompassing influential figures in arts, business and academia. Universities are examining both major donors and several professors whose correspondence with Epstein emerged in recent document releases, with some faculty members stepping down.
Wexner faces no criminal charges related to Epstein, the former financial advisor who he claims “duped” him.
However, a coalition of former Ohio State student-athletes who survived an extensive sexual abuse scandal at the institution contends that the retired L Brands founder’s philanthropy to his former university is now compromised by evidence that Epstein influenced numerous family financial decisions, including those involving the football complex’s naming.
“Ohio State University cannot credibly separate itself from these facts, nor can it justify continuing to honor Les Wexner with an athletic facility,” their naming removal request read. It went on, “To do so is to ignore the voices of survivors, former athletes, and the broader community who expect accountability, transparency, and moral leadership.”
At Harvard, students and faculty at the renowned Kennedy School have focused on the Leslie H. Wexner Building and the Wexner-Sunshine Lobby. The renaming petition filed in March references Wexner’s “strong ties to Epstein” and contends Epstein benefited from Wexner, “which enabled Epstein to use his wealth and power to traffic and abuse children and women.”
Certain Harvard students and graduates also seek removal of the Farkas name from Farkas Hall, which houses the Hasty Pudding Theatricals Man and Woman of the Year. The facility was renamed in 2011 following a substantial donation from Andrew Farkas, graduate chairman of the Hasty Pudding Institute, honoring his father.
Farkas maintained an extended personal and business connection with Epstein, including joint ownership of a Caribbean marina. He also repeatedly solicited Epstein for Hasty Pudding donations. From approximately 2013 to 2019, Epstein consistently contributed $50,000 yearly to achieve premium donor status, totaling over $300,000.
“As I’ve said repeatedly, I deeply regret ever having met this individual, but at no time have I conducted myself inappropriately,” Farkas said in a statement.
Opposition to buildings honoring Epstein associates is expanding across American campuses.
This past weekend, Haverford College students in Pennsylvania voted to encourage President Wendy Raymond to proceed with renaming the Allison & Howard Lutnick Library. The facility honors the U.S. commerce secretary facing resignation demands over his Epstein relationship.
Raymond indicated in a February public letter she wasn’t prepared for that step. Following Sunday’s vote, Raymond told The Associated Press she respected the process and would address the resolution within the standard 30-day timeframe.
At Ohio State, appeals against the Wexner name are proceeding through a five-stage review process, largely conducted privately without fixed deadlines. University President Ravi Bellamkonda stated, “I think the process is thorough, fair, and open, and I will promise you that we will give each request a full consideration.”
A Harvard spokesperson acknowledged receiving the Wexner-related removal request but declined further comment. This would mark the university’s second name change, following the John Winthrop House, which carried the name of a Harvard professor and similarly-named ancestor, changed to Winthrop House in July due to slavery connections.
Tufts University, featuring the Tisch Library and Steve Tisch Sports and Fitness Center, reports ongoing review of the issue. The library has clarified it wasn’t named for Steve, but rather his father Preston Tisch, a distinguished alumnus, in 1992. The sports center removed Steve Tisch’s handprints during spring break, which the university described as part of scheduled renovations.
UCLA’s Wasserman Football Center and Stony Brook University’s Dubin Family Athletic Performance Center also bear names of Epstein associates.
The present outcry resembles controversy surrounding the wealthy Sackler family’s role in the fatal opioid crisis, as both situations involve institutions receiving substantial family donations.
Several major institutions — including New York and Paris museums, Tufts and Oxford University in England — removed the Sackler name, though Harvard declined. In a 15-page report explaining its 2024 decision, the university described Arthur M. Sackler’s legacy, whose company Purdue Pharma produced the powerful opioid OxyContin, as “complex, ambiguous and debatable.”
Epstein associates with campus building names typically represent generous donors and alumni.
Wexner, his wife Abigail and their foundations have contributed over $200 million to Ohio State through the years. This included $100 million benefiting the Wexner Medical Center; at least $15 million for the Wexner Center, a contemporary art museum honoring Wexner’s father, Harry; and $5 million shared with an Epstein-managed foundation for football complex construction. The Wexners contributed another $42 million to Harvard Kennedy School.
Anne Bergeron, a museum consultant and author specializing in building naming rights ethics in the cultural sector, noted universities take gift acceptance standards seriously while recognizing donor conduct may be evaluated differently over time.
“It’s no surprise that a lot of these situations arise within the university sphere, because with students — especially the younger generation — there is virtually no tolerance for being associated with anyone who doesn’t represent the best of humanity,” she said
She described this as “a moment of reckoning” for universities and emphasized they must avoid appearing to exchange naming rights for donations.
Michael Oser, a Columbus-area resident, expressed frustration among some defending the Wexner name retention in a recent Columbus Dispatch letter-to-the-editor.
“OSU took the money. Built the buildings. Cut the ribbons. Smiled for the photos There were no formal ‘morality clauses’ attached back then, just gratitude and applause,” he wrote. “Now, years later, some want to play moral referee while the university keeps the cash and the concrete. That’s not accountability. That’s convenience.”
Lauren Barnes, a Kennedy School master’s student leading the Wexner name removal effort, explained she struggles daily as a sexual abuse survivor and mother of a 14-year-old to enter a building bearing a name connected to Epstein.
“Thinking about all the children in this world that deserve safety and also all the survivors on campus that have to walk under the Wexner name, I know what that’s like to have my heart race and my hands get sweaty,” she said. “I hate that anyone else has to have that feeling walking under that name and just dealing with it kind of everywhere on campus.”
Ohio State protester Audrey Brill told a local ABC affiliate it now “feels gross” considering women giving birth at OSU’s Wexner Medical Center “given everything that we’re learning about where this money went” — and believes removing Wexner’s name could provide relief.
Some demonstrators also want Dr. Mark Landon’s name removed from a visitor’s lounge in the hospital’s new $2 billion, 26-story tower. Landon, a prominent Ohio State gynecologist, received five-figure quarterly payments from Epstein between 2001 and 2005. Landon has stated the payments were for biotech investment consulting for Wexner, not medical care for Epstein or his victims.
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — American motorists are experiencing wild daily fluctuations in gasoline costs, leaving drivers frustrated and financially strained as fuel expenses reach their highest levels since 2022.
International conflicts involving Iran have driven up petroleum costs globally, pushing the national average price for gasoline beyond $4 per gallon this Tuesday, AAA data shows.
Fuel costs can shift overnight or vary significantly between neighboring stations, compelling American drivers to strategize when to refuel or search extensively for better deals.
Industry analysts explain that individual gas retailers typically don’t control these price variations, and most station owners aren’t profiting from the additional costs when prices climb. The volatility drivers see reflects a massive, unpredictable petroleum market that makes it challenging for stations to maintain consistent pricing.
Lonnie McQuirter, who oversees operations at 36 Lyn Refuel Station in south Minneapolis, reports his profit margins have become significantly narrower. Located approximately one mile from Interstate 35, his neighborhood store displayed $3.399 per gallon for regular gasoline Wednesday, roughly 18 cents below the metropolitan area’s average according to AAA.
“We price based on what we’re able to buy fuel at, and how well we can operate,” McQuirter explained. He avoided commenting on competitors’ strategies, noting, “They’ve got different economics.”
McQuirter attributes his higher charges compared to last month primarily to wholesale fuel costs, which fluctuate several times daily. He’s simultaneously dealing with increased credit card processing fees and rising pump maintenance expenses.
During challenging periods like this, when consumers are “screaming for help,” McQuirter said independent operators like himself respond more from compassion than profit motives.
“We’re in our stores every day looking our customers in the eye,” he stated. “It really takes a toll when people are having to cut back on certain things in order to afford to live.”
Much of the pricing remains beyond gas retailers’ influence. Approximately half of pump prices cover crude oil costs, gasoline’s primary component, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. About 20% compensates refineries that convert crude into gasoline.
These expenses have increased as crude oil values surged responding to warfare and transportation disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. Gas retailers adjust pump pricing to reflect higher costs they’ve just paid for incoming gasoline shipments.
Government levies — federal, state and municipal — comprise nearly 20% of pricing, while roughly 10% remains for retailers, who must still cover transportation, labor and additional operating costs.
Retailers’ markup has averaged approximately 38 cents per gallon during the past five years, according to convenience store industry group NACS, citing OPIS research data. Following expenses, stations might retain around 15 cents per gallon, explained Jeff Lenard, a NACS vice president.
“Some make more, some make less,” Lenard observed.
Patrick De Haan, petroleum analysis director at GasBuddy, drew comparisons to homeowners determining sale prices.
“If I was selling a house today, I’d be beholden to whatever the housing market is,” De Haan noted. “That’s the same for gas station owners. Whatever the price of oil and gasoline are, they are a price taker, not maker.”
Though the national average recently exceeded $4 per gallon, costs vary dramatically across states, cities and individual stations.
Tax differences alone create substantial gaps. California’s gasoline taxes and fees totaled approximately 71 cents per gallon last year, while Alaska charged roughly 9 cents.
Refinery proximity, retailer type, location volume and nearby fuel alternatives also influence pricing.
Stations near competitors might price gasoline competitively on prominent outdoor displays to draw drivers, hoping they’ll enter and purchase higher-profit merchandise, said Neal Walters, an energy-focused partner at global consulting firm Kearney.
“It’s one of the only retail locations where you don’t have to go into the store to find out what you’re paying,” Walters noted.
While American retailers distribute hundreds of millions of gasoline gallons daily nationwide, they typically don’t experience substantial profits when prices increase.
“The margins shrink when prices go up because it’s harder for them to pass along the increases as quickly as they themselves get them,” De Haan explained.
When petroleum costs begin declining, retailers might recoup some losses, especially during supply cost uncertainty. Prices can surge rapidly but tend to decrease gradually like a drifting feather, said Garrett Golding, assistant vice president for energy programs at the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas.
Elevated gas prices can also damage sales inside stations, when customers squeezed at pumps reduce spending on other items.
“So it’s not always the case that higher prices mean the service station owners are actually doing better,” Golding explained.
Most petroleum industry profits occur upstream, he said, through companies extracting and refining crude oil. However, Golding notes they aren’t necessarily celebrating; eventually, significant price spikes could begin reducing demand.
“It may be a good stretch of days or weeks for them,” he said, “but they’re also cautious of what it could portend.”
WASHINGTON — During his first major televised address since military operations began in Iran, President Donald Trump asked the American people for patience Wednesday evening, promising that all military goals would be achieved “shortly” as public support for the conflict continues to decline.
The president adopted a more measured tone during his roughly 20-minute speech, stepping back from the aggressive rhetoric that has characterized his recent statements while global markets remain volatile and Iran continues to strike at regional infrastructure and American military installations despite suffering significant damage.
However, Trump’s commitment to “finish the job” failed to calm nervous investors, as oil prices continued climbing and Asian markets dropped following his declaration that American forces would maintain their intense campaign against Iran.
The president provided no specific details regarding ongoing diplomatic efforts with Iran that might lead to the swift resolution he claims could occur within weeks. Notably absent from his remarks were the expected criticisms of NATO partners for their reluctance to assist in reopening the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz shipping lane, which White House officials had indicated would feature prominently in his address.
Trump indicated that intensive military operations would persist for another two to three weeks, though he avoided specifying an overall timeline for ending the war. Instead, he made an appeal for American forbearance.
“We are in this military operation, so powerful, so brilliant, against one of the most powerful countries for 32 days, and the country has been eviscerated and essentially is really no longer a threat,” Trump stated. “This is a true investment in your children and your grandchildren’s future. The whole world is watching, and they can’t believe the power, strength and brilliance.”
The president faces the challenge of negotiating with an adversary that remains defiant while managing growing American war weariness.
A majority of Americans view the recent military campaign against Iran as excessive, with many expressing concern about rising fuel costs, according to an AP-NORC survey conducted in mid-March, approximately two weeks after hostilities began. Despite Trump’s deployment of additional naval vessels and personnel to the Middle East, roughly 59% of Americans consider the military response disproportionate.
Additionally, 45% express significant worry about affording gasoline in the coming months, a substantial increase from the 30% recorded in an AP-NORC poll taken shortly after Trump’s reelection victory, when he pledged economic improvements and reduced living costs.
Trump acknowledged America’s historical endurance during wartime periods.
“American involvement in World War I,” he noted, “lasted one year, seven months and five days. World War II lasted for three years, eight months and 25 days. The Korean War lasted for three years, one month and two days. The Vietnam War lasted for 19 years, five months and 29 days. Iraq went on for eight years, eight months and 28 days.”
Prior to his televised remarks, Trump appeared to acknowledge domestic pressure to conclude the military campaign during a private White House Easter luncheon, suggesting the U.S. could “very easily” seize Iranian oil reserves. He expressed regret that Americans seemed to lack patience for such an undertaking.
“They want to see it end,” he observed, adding, “People in the country sort of say, ‘Just win. You’re winning so big. Just win. Come home.’ And I’m OK with that, too.”
Senator Chris Murphy of Connecticut criticized Trump’s address as being “grounded in a reality that only exists in Donald Trump’s mind.”
Democratic lawmakers expressed frustration that the president offered no concrete strategy for reopening the Strait of Hormuz, the crucial shipping corridor that Iran has successfully blocked despite Trump’s claims of victory.
Addressing allies concerned about economic disruption from rising energy costs, Trump recommended they “buy oil from the United States of America” and “build up some delayed courage” to assist in securing the waterway. The president made no effort to address European criticism that he initiated the conflict without international consultation but now expects global assistance in managing its consequences.
“We are losing this war,” Murphy continued. “We cannot destroy all their missiles or drones, nor their nuclear program. Iran projects more power in the region than they did before the war, especially if they now permanently control the Strait of Hormuz. We are spending billions we don’t have and losing American lives in a war that is destabilizing the world and making us look feckless.”
Trump expressed cautious hope that Iran’s current leadership, following over a month of American and Israeli attacks that eliminated much of the previous Islamic Republic hierarchy, appears “less radical and much more reasonable.” While he avoided explicitly referencing his Monday ultimatum for Iran to reopen the strait or face strikes on energy facilities, he made clear his willingness to target Iran’s economic foundation.
“If there is no deal, we are going to hit each and every one of their electric generating plants very hard and probably simultaneously,” Trump declared. “We have not hit their oil, even though that’s the easiest target of all, because it would not give them even a small chance of survival or rebuilding. But we could hit it, and it would be gone.”
Significantly, Trump gave no indication of preparing for a ground invasion involving American forces.
He appeared to dismiss the possibility of deploying troops to secure Iran’s approximately 1,000 pounds of highly enriched uranium, explaining it “would take months” for Iran to access the material buried beneath debris from previous American bombing of nuclear facilities.
While Trump has cited various justifications for the military campaign, he has consistently maintained that a primary goal of joining Israel in the operation is ensuring Iran “never have a nuclear weapon.”
Throughout the conflict, however, he has shown increasing caution regarding how far he will go to fulfill his promise of completely dismantling Iran’s weapons program, including securing or destroying the near-weapons-grade nuclear material in Iran’s possession.
“We have it under intense satellite surveillance and control,” Trump said during his prime-time address. “If we see them make a move, even a move for it, we’ll hit them with missiles very hard again. We have all the cards. They have none.”
Financial markets worldwide took a downturn Thursday following President Trump’s prime-time television address, which dashed investor hopes for a swift resolution to the Iran conflict.
During his speech, Trump indicated the military operations would likely continue for another two to three weeks, providing limited new information about the situation. The president stated that U.S. forces had nearly accomplished their objectives in Iran but warned he would “hit them” in the coming weeks and “bring them back to the Stone Ages.”
The market response was swift and negative. Brent crude oil jumped back to nearly $109 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate climbed just above $107. This represented a significant reversal from earlier gains.
Stock markets across Asia closed lower, with Japan’s Nikkei falling 2.4% and South Korea’s Kospi dropping 4.7%. European markets opened down approximately 1%, and U.S. stock futures pointed to losses before the opening bell.
Currency markets saw the dollar index climb back above the 100 level after two consecutive days of declines, as investors sought safe-haven assets. Gold retreated from the two-week peaks it reached Wednesday when there were brief signs of optimism. U.S. Treasury bonds also declined.
While Trump mentioned that “discussions are ongoing,” he provided few specifics regarding access through the strategically important Strait of Hormuz.
Investors are entering the extended Easter weekend with heightened anxiety about future developments. Adding to market concerns, the March U.S. employment report will be released on Good Friday, offering additional insight into any economic impact from recent events.
Despite the geopolitical tensions, early March economic indicators have shown more resilience than many analysts anticipated. The ISM manufacturing survey improved, consumer confidence rose unexpectedly, private sector job growth exceeded projections, and corporate earnings forecasts for the full year are actually rising.
The current economic picture shows significant input cost increases alongside robust business activity, which could keep central banks vigilant about monetary policy decisions.
In other business news, as NASA prepares for its first lunar mission in fifty years, Elon Musk’s SpaceX has submitted paperwork for an initial public offering that could potentially become the largest in history. This offering will test investor interest in high-profile risk assets amid current market uncertainty.
Additionally, Amazon is reportedly in discussions to acquire satellite telecommunications company Globalstar, according to the Financial Times. This move would advance Amazon’s efforts to develop its own low-earth-orbit satellite network to compete with SpaceX’s Starlink service.
Air travel to and from the United Arab Emirates continues to recover slowly from the initial impact of the Iran conflict, with Trump’s overnight comments suggesting the situation will persist for several more weeks.
Today’s key economic releases include weekly jobless claims and February trade balance data at 8:30 a.m. EDT, followed by remarks from Dallas Federal Reserve’s Lorie Logan at 10:15 a.m. EDT.
Wall Street investment bank Goldman Sachs announced Thursday that it has finalized its purchase of Innovator Capital Management, an active exchange-traded fund company, marking a significant expansion into the rapidly growing active ETF market.
Active ETFs represent one of the most rapidly expanding sectors in investment management, drawing investors seeking cost-effective options and adaptable investment approaches during periods when traditional passive index funds have underperformed.
The financial giant first revealed its intention to purchase Innovator Capital in December, acquiring a company that oversees 171 ETFs worth approximately $31 billion in assets through a transaction valued at roughly $2 billion.
“With this acquisition, we have taken a transformative step in our commitment to provide sophisticated investment solutions that are designed to deliver specific outcomes for investors through market cycles,” stated Goldman Sachs Chief Executive Officer David Solomon.
As part of the transaction, Innovator’s founding partners Bruce Bond and John Southard will assume roles as advisory directors at Goldman Sachs, according to the company’s announcement. Additionally, Chief Investment Officer Graham Day and Head of Distribution Trevor Terrell will become partners at the firm.
The acquisition will bring more than 70 Innovator staff members into Goldman Sachs, the company reported.
Goldman Sachs Asset Management now manages approximately 240 ETFs worldwide, bringing the firm’s total ETF assets under management to $90 billion, according to the announcement.
Pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca announced Thursday that its three-drug cancer treatment has demonstrated remarkable success in delaying disease advancement among liver cancer patients during a major clinical study.
The company reported that patients receiving a combination of Imfinzi, Imjudo, and lenvatinib alongside standard liver cancer procedures experienced significantly longer periods without their cancer progressing compared to those who received only conventional treatment.
The study focused on patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most prevalent form of liver cancer that cannot be surgically removed. Researchers compared the new drug combination against transarterial chemoembolisation (TACE), a standard procedure where doctors inject chemotherapy directly into liver tumors and then cut off their blood supply.
According to the trial results, the experimental treatment achieved what researchers called “statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvement” in preventing disease progression. Early analysis also suggested patients lived longer overall when receiving the combination therapy.
The treatment protocol involved giving patients an initial dose of Imjudo, followed by regular Imfinzi injections and lenvatinib pills, administered before and during the TACE procedure.
Susan Galbraith, a senior executive at AstraZeneca, stated the findings demonstrate that beginning this treatment regimen earlier, combined with TACE and lenvatinib, could lead to even better patient outcomes.
Financial analysts are optimistic about the combination’s commercial potential. JP Morgan and Citi analysts both project the Imfinzi-Imjudo pairing could generate peak annual revenues of approximately $11.3 billion, exceeding current market predictions of $10.6 billion.
This positive news follows AstraZeneca’s announcement last week about another experimental drug showing promise for chronic lung disease patients, which boosted the company’s stock price by nearly 4 percent.
PARIS – French authorities have placed one adult and three minors in pre-trial custody following their arrests in connection with a thwarted bombing attempt targeting Bank of America’s Paris headquarters last month, officials announced.
According to anti-terrorism prosecutors, the explosive device discovered was the most potent ever found on French soil and “could have generated … a powerful fireball several metres in diameter and spread a fire,” prosecutors stated Wednesday evening.
The suspects – one adult and three teenagers ages 16 and 17 – face formal charges including creating, transporting and handling explosive materials, along with attempting to destroy property while operating as part of a terrorist organization, prosecutors said.
All four individuals have denied any terrorist motivations, according to the official statement. The adult suspect claimed he was approached through social media by someone claiming to be a middleman who then provided him with the explosive device.
The teenage suspects admitted they understood their target was not a residential structure, authorities noted. Legal representatives for the suspects have not yet issued public statements.
Under French law, formal investigation status does not indicate guilt but signals that judges believe sufficient evidence exists to continue the inquiry. Such investigations may continue for years before proceeding to trial or being dismissed.
French officials believe the pro-Iranian organization HAYI may have orchestrated the failed March 28 attack, though this connection has not been definitively proven, prosecutors revealed earlier this week.
HAYI had published a social media video on March 23 that specifically identified Bank of America’s Paris headquarters as a target.
Through surveillance video analysis, cellular phone records and police questioning, investigators determined the adult suspect had enlisted the three teenagers during the nights of March 26-27, compensating them between 500 and 1,000 euros ($580-$1,160) to position the device, ignite it and record the incident, the prosecutor’s office reported.
The three minors had clean criminal records while the adult had a prior drug-related conviction in 2025, according to authorities. A fifth individual was taken into custody and questioned by police but was subsequently released due to insufficient evidence.
PARIS, April 2 – Major financial institutions Goldman Sachs and Citigroup have authorized their Paris employees to work from home this Thursday after French authorities prevented a terrorist bombing targeting Bank of America’s Paris location last Saturday, according to a source with knowledge of the situation.
French law enforcement has detained four individuals suspected of orchestrating the attack plot, which authorities believe may have connections to Iran.
Neither the Paris police department nor the prosecutor’s office provided immediate responses when contacted for additional information.
Citigroup described their remote work policy as a safety precaution in a statement provided to Reuters via email. The bank’s Frankfurt location is also operating under similar remote work arrangements.
French counterterrorism officials announced Wednesday evening that the four detained suspects – three minors between ages 16 and 17, plus one adult – now face formal charges related to creating, moving, and possessing explosive materials, as well as attempting property destruction while operating within a terrorist organization.
According to the counterterrorism prosecutor’s office, the explosive device consisted of a five-liter gasoline container attached to a substantial pyrotechnic charge containing 650 grams of active explosive material. Officials described it as the most potent device of its type ever discovered in France, capable of creating “a powerful fireball several meters in diameter.”
Investigation findings reveal the adult suspect hired the three teenagers, compensating them between 500 and 1,000 euros ($580-$1,160) to position and record video of the device. All four suspects have rejected claims of terrorist motivations.
French intelligence agencies suspect connections to HAYI, a pro-Iranian organization that released a video on March 23 specifically targeting Bank of America’s Paris headquarters, although prosecutors note this connection remains under investigation and has not been definitively confirmed.
National Public Radio host Steve Inskeep conducted an interview with John Kirby, a former Rear Admiral who previously worked as a national security communications adviser, to discuss President Trump’s recent statements concerning military action involving Iran.
The conversation focused on analyzing the president’s public remarks about the ongoing conflict situation with Iran and its implications for U.S. foreign policy.
In a Wednesday evening national address, President Trump provided the American people with an update on the ongoing conflict in Iran, stating that military operations there are “nearing completion.”
During the televised speech, Trump laid out his administration’s goals for the Iranian military engagement while reviewing the progress that U.S. armed forces have achieved thus far in the operation.
States that have legalized sports gambling are growing concerned about new competition that could reduce their tax revenue streams. New Hampshire, which relies on sports betting proceeds to help finance government operations, is watching as alternative platforms begin attracting wagering dollars.
Traditional sportsbooks like DraftKings have provided states with steady income through revenue-sharing agreements since sports betting became legal in many jurisdictions. However, emerging prediction market companies including Kalshi and Polymarket are now capturing some of that betting activity.
The shift represents a potential challenge for state budgets that have come to depend on sports wagering taxes and fees. As basketball betting reaches peak season, officials are monitoring whether bettors will migrate to these newer platforms that operate outside traditional state-regulated frameworks.
The competition highlights the evolving landscape of legal gambling as technology creates new ways for people to place bets on various outcomes beyond traditional sports events.
A crucial federal advisory committee responsible for determining which preventive healthcare services Americans receive at no cost has been effectively shut down by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., causing significant delays in updating vital cancer and heart disease screening protocols, according to healthcare professionals.
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, consisting of 16 members, has not convened for more than 12 months. Officials have cancelled three scheduled meetings in succession and have failed to appoint replacements for five volunteers whose terms ended in December.
Created in 1984, this committee establishes which medical procedures and treatments—including routine cancer screenings and HIV prevention measures—must be covered without charge by health insurance providers. The panel also has authority to recommend against making certain tests or treatments routine.
Dr. Alex Krist, a family medicine doctor at Virginia Commonwealth University who previously led the preventive care committee, explained the consequences of the panel’s absence: “commercial insurances can choose or not choose to cover these new preventive services.”
The American Cancer Society emphasizes that detecting cancer early both saves lives and reduces costs, though initial expenses can be substantial. Recent research shows that lifetime mammography costs for a typical American woman average approximately $7,000.
The committee typically releases about 22 preliminary and final recommendations each year, but managed only seven in the previous year. No recommendations have been published this year.
Several important guideline updates remain stalled, including recommendations for prostate cancer screening, genetic testing for breast cancer-related mutations, and preventive medications for individuals at elevated breast cancer risk.
Dr. Julie Gralow, chief medical officer for the American Society of Clinical Oncology, stressed the importance of expert oversight: “We have to rely on a trusted group of experts who have really weighed the benefits and risks and are looking at overall population health and doing no harm. Patients do trust these as well.”
Medical organizations, despite occasional disagreements with the panel’s decisions, have appealed to Congress to “protect the integrity” of the task force. Nineteen senators wrote to Kennedy last month, requesting his support for the committee’s mission.
The decision to disable the task force reflects President Donald Trump’s broader initiative to restructure federal health oversight.
Joseph Antos, senior fellow emeritus at the American Enterprise Institute, a conservative research organization, noted: “The current administration would not only like to cut back on regulation, they would definitely like to cut back on required benefits under the Affordable Care Act.”
A 2025 Supreme Court decision regarding HIV prevention insurance coverage confirmed that the Health Secretary maintains control over the preventive care panel.
In 2023, the committee recommended preventive drug treatment for high-risk individuals to prevent HIV infection, but this guidance has not been expanded to include Gilead Sciences’ newer bi-annual injection, Yeztugo.
Consequently, patient expenses for Yeztugo vary by individual insurance plans, UnitedHealthcare, America’s largest health insurer, confirmed via email. The company noted that its commercial policies provide older HIV prevention drugs at no patient cost.
Cervical cancer screening recommendations remain in preliminary status. Following regulatory approval of the first home-based pap smear test last year, a separate federal agency intervened to mandate insurance coverage beginning in 2027.
Additional recommendations awaiting review include screening protocols for problematic alcohol consumption and depression, plus whether vitamin D supplementation prevents fractures and falls in elderly patients.
Heart disease specialists recently recommended that adults with high long-term cardiovascular risk begin cholesterol-reducing therapy at age 30 rather than the current standard of 40.
These guidelines could impact millions of Americans, but without federal task force endorsement, insurers have no obligation to cover expanded testing or treatment options, according to America’s Health Insurance Plans trade association and UnitedHealthcare.
Virginia Commonwealth’s Dr. Krist summarized the uncertainty: “Primary care is kind of struggling with what we should do. The task force is meant to be objective.”
Businesses hit hard by former President Trump’s overturned tariffs are finding new ways to access cash while waiting for government refunds that could take years to arrive.
Companies are now using their pending refund claims as collateral to secure loans, avoiding the need to sell those claims at significant losses to financial firms. This creative financing approach has emerged following the U.S. Supreme Court’s February decision that declared Trump’s “Liberation Day” tariffs unconstitutional.
The tariffs, announced exactly one year ago on April 2, created massive disruption across American businesses. More than 330,000 importing companies paid the taxes and are now collectively seeking approximately $166 billion in refunds from the federal government.
Financial institutions including commercial banks, hedge funds, and private credit companies are actively offering loans backed by these refund claims, according to industry experts.
“There’s a lot of money looking to be deployed,” explained Raniero D’Aversa, who leads the restructuring practice at law firm Orrick and advises clients on these transactions. “You’re paying interest, but you’re not giving away 50% of your claim. You still own the claim.”
The loan arrangements typically function as term loans where interest accumulates and gets paid from the eventual refund. This structure appeals to importers because they maintain ownership of their claims instead of selling at reduced prices.
Neil Seiden, who serves as managing director at Asset Enhancement Solutions and helps arrange corporate debt financing, said the investment funds he partners with require minimum loans of $10 million supported by tariff claims worth at least $20 million.
However, these deals carry substantial risks for both parties. Companies face steep interest charges, while lenders risk losing money if collateral values drop or borrowers cannot repay. Currently, businesses can sell a $500,000 claim outright for roughly 55 to 75 cents per dollar, according to Seiden.
“What happens if the market goes from fifty cents to twenty cents? Now my collateral value has diminished and my loan is at risk,” D’Aversa warned.
The timing of refund payments will determine whether borrowing makes financial sense compared to selling claims immediately. Using a hypothetical 15% interest rate, the break-even point for borrowing versus selling a claim at 80 cents per dollar occurs at just over two years, Seiden calculated.
Trade specialists predict refunds could require at least two years to process, citing the Trump administration’s resistance to payments along with potential appeals, eligibility reviews, and bureaucratic delays. The U.S. customs agency announced Tuesday it was developing a refund system, though some payments may face delays.
“Every company will make a different decision depending upon how their business is doing and when they think the refund will be received,” Seiden noted. He emphasized that lenders perform thorough reviews to ensure borrowers can handle repayment, and any interest not covered by refunds must come from company funds.
Seiden’s firm has completed $20 million in tariff claim purchases but has not yet finalized any loans.
Meanwhile, some investors prefer purchasing refund rights directly from importers. Brian Coppola, managing partner at Outpost Capital Partners, said he plans to invest billions in refund claims and has already bought several from major U.S. retail chains.
As this market expands, buyers are seeking additional protections. Tony Gulotta, a principal at tax consulting firm Ryan, said he has explored contingency insurance options with buyers to guard against seller bankruptcy or loss of cooperation during the refund process.
Large retail companies may present extra risks if they passed tariff costs to customers, potentially triggering class-action lawsuits, Gulotta explained.
“Their customers will want that money back,” Gulotta said. “If you’re buying from a retailer, you have to distinguish any liability they might have to consumers.”
A Washington planning panel is scheduled to consider President Donald Trump’s controversial White House ballroom proposal this Thursday, despite a federal court ruling earlier this week that halted the project.
The National Capital Planning Commission will meet to discuss and vote on what’s being called the “East Wing Modernization Project,” according to the panel’s official agenda. The commission’s chairman is Will Scharf, who previously served as Trump’s personal attorney.
Trump has described the massive expansion as a $400 million, 90,000-square-foot ballroom that would be funded through private donations. The Republican president has called it a “defining addition to the White House and a lasting symbol of his presidency.”
This ballroom represents just one piece of Trump’s ambitious plan to transform Washington’s historic center. His broader vision includes constructing a 250-foot arch and undertaking extensive renovations at the Kennedy Center performing arts venue. Trump has already made significant changes to the White House grounds, including completely redesigning the Rose Garden and adding extensive gold detailing throughout the Oval Office.
Two federal agencies oversee major construction projects in the Washington area: the National Capital Planning Commission and the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts. Trump has appointed multiple members to both organizations.
The Justice Department has already filed an appeal following Tuesday’s court decision, which prevented the president from moving forward with ballroom construction at the location where the East Wing previously stood without first obtaining congressional authorization.
A federal judge granted the preliminary injunction after the National Trust for Historic Preservation filed a lawsuit. The nonprofit organization argued that Trump overstepped his executive powers when he ordered the demolition of the historic East Wing and began work on the replacement structure.
WASHINGTON – In a historic Supreme Court appearance Wednesday, President Donald Trump witnessed what appeared to be strong judicial resistance to one of his most controversial immigration policies.
Trump became the first sitting president to observe oral arguments involving his own administration’s case, watching as most of the nine justices expressed doubt about his executive order eliminating birthright citizenship for certain newborns.
The policy in question would strip citizenship rights from hundreds of thousands of infants born annually on American soil if neither parent holds U.S. citizenship or permanent legal status.
Chief Justice John Roberts, who has led the conservative-majority court for over twenty years, appeared particularly unconvinced by the administration’s legal reasoning, calling their constitutional interpretation “quirky.”
“I do not think that Chief Justice Roberts wants to go down in history as presiding over a court that ended birthright citizenship,” observed Kevin Johnson, who specializes in immigration law at the University of California, Davis.
The constitutional battle centers on the 14th Amendment’s Citizenship Clause, which declares: “All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States.”
Lower courts previously blocked Trump’s directive, finding it violated this constitutional provision that has traditionally granted citizenship to nearly everyone born on U.S. territory, with limited exceptions for diplomatic families or enemy occupying forces.
During arguments, U.S. Solicitor General D. John Sauer defended the policy by citing concerns about “birth tourism,” where foreign nationals travel to America specifically to secure citizenship for their children.
“Eight billion people are one plane ride away from having a child who’s a U.S. citizen,” Sauer argued.
Roberts quickly countered: “Well, it’s a new world. It’s the same Constitution.”
However, not every justice appeared opposed to the administration’s position. Conservative Justice Samuel Alito showed interest in arguments that birthright citizenship should only apply to those with “lawful domicile” in America, defined as “lawful, permanent residence within a nation, with intent to remain.”
Trump signed this executive order on his first day returning to office in January 2025, making it a cornerstone of his comprehensive plan to limit both legal and unauthorized immigration.
The Supreme Court’s apparent reluctance contrasts sharply with previous decisions that have generally supported Trump’s immigration enforcement efforts, including ending migrant humanitarian protections and permitting aggressive deportation raids.
Columbia University law school’s immigrant rights clinic director Elora Mukherjee suggested this case differs fundamentally from other immigration disputes.
“Birthright citizenship is core to our identity as a nation,” Mukherjee explained. “It is unlike any of the other contexts… which are not central to how all Americans live their lives and are not central to how we as a nation for generations have viewed ourselves.”
Constitutional law professor Ilya Somin from George Mason University noted that while the court has often deferred to Trump on immigration matters, “the weight of argument and precedent is strongly on one side here, more so than in most of the other cases.”
This potential setback follows another recent Supreme Court defeat for Trump, when justices struck down his global tariff program in February by a 6-3 margin.
That ruling prompted Trump to criticize the court harshly, calling justices who opposed him unpatriotic and labeling two of his own appointees – Neil Gorsuch and Amy Coney Barrett – an “embarrassment to their families.”
Following Wednesday’s session, Trump continued his criticism: “The Supreme Court’s not been acting very well,” he said, suggesting certain justices he appointed want to demonstrate independence. “Stupid people,” he called them.
Johnson believes the court will likely respect both the clear language of the Citizenship Clause and the “long, unbroken history” of birthright citizenship, despite some justices exploring potential limitations.
“The questions of the justices touched on some possible cracks in the rule but it remains intact,” Johnson said.
Trump’s presence in the ornate courtroom is unlikely to influence the final decision, with a ruling expected by late June. As he observed the proceedings, the president could have noticed a marble sculpture above the judicial bench depicting “Majesty of the Law” – a figure holding a book symbolizing constitutional authority.
Iranian military forces launched fresh ballistic missile and drone attacks targeting Gulf region countries on Thursday, defying previous warnings from the United States about escalating regional tensions.
The renewed offensive prompted the American Embassy in Baghdad to release a security advisory cautioning about possible attacks from militia groups backed by Iran.
The strikes come amid heightened tensions in the Persian Gulf region, with Iran demonstrating its willingness to continue military operations despite diplomatic pressure from Washington.
Thursday’s attacks mark the latest escalation in the ongoing conflict, raising concerns about broader regional stability and the safety of American personnel and interests in the area.
BELGRADE, Serbia — Global media watchdog organizations have sounded the alarm alongside Serbian reporters about deteriorating conditions for press freedom in the Balkan nation, citing unprecedented levels of physical assaults, digital harassment campaigns, and death threats targeting journalists.
Media freedom advocacy groups partnered with the Council of Europe’s Platform for the Safety of Journalists and the Media Freedom Rapid Response coalition issued a warning this week stating that “the past year had seen a continued deterioration, leaving the country in a prolonged and worsening press freedom crisis.”
The organizations cautioned that “chances of further escalation in the severity of attacks against journalists remain dangerously high.”
Representatives from these groups conducted a fact-finding mission in Serbia from March 26-27, meeting with both news media professionals and government officials.
“The mission came at a time of unprecedented physical attacks on journalists and rampant online smear campaigns, led or amplified by influential members of the ruling party,” the coalition stated. “The delegation is fearful that journalists are caught in a spiral of violence with few protections in place.”
Serbia’s information ministry did not immediately respond when contacted by The Associated Press for comment.
On Wednesday, dozens of Serbian reporters staged a traffic-blocking demonstration outside populist President Aleksandar Vucic’s office, protesting a recent wave of assaults documented during Sunday’s violence-plagued municipal elections.
According to the Independent Journalists’ Association of Serbia, 20 news workers faced attacks during Sunday’s voting, contributing to approximately 100 documented incidents targeting media personnel this year alone.
International election monitors who observed the polling reported witnessing both violent incidents and voting irregularities. The elections took place across 10 Serbian municipalities and were viewed as a crucial test for Vucic following more than a year of youth-driven protests that began after a November 2024 train station disaster that claimed 16 lives.
Despite officially pursuing European Union membership for Serbia, the increasingly authoritarian Vucic administration faces accusations from human rights organizations of undermining democratic institutions, particularly press freedoms.
The international media coalition noted in their statement that harassment and violence against news workers have intensified since the Novi Sad station collapse and the emergence of student-led mass protests. They highlighted “alarming levels of impunity” with virtually no accountability for those responsible for attacks.
“Clear political will is needed to break the downward spiral and ensure all attacks on the media are properly sanctioned under the law,” the statement concluded.
American families preparing for Easter and Passover celebrations will find much more affordable eggs this year, with nationwide prices dropping a dramatic 60% compared to last year’s unprecedented peaks.
The devastating bird flu epidemic was responsible for skyrocketing retail costs during the initial five months of 2025, and the trajectory of this highly infectious disease explains why costs have significantly decreased now. The outbreak required agricultural operations and large-scale producers to eliminate complete flocks of laying hens, but declining infection rates during the latter half of last year aided in rebuilding egg inventories, explained Mark Jordan, executive director of agricultural research company LEAP Market Analytics.
The persistent epidemic continues to impact American poultry operations, with infected commercial farm numbers increasing during March. However, producers have been quickly rebuilding flocks that perished or required elimination. From July 2024 through July 2025, the quantity of egg-producing chicks hatched across America increased by 8%. This marked the first continuous and significant growth in availability of specialized laying chicks since the bird flu crisis started in 2022, Jordan noted.
The Trump administration’s choice to bring in almost 1 billion eggs last year also contributed to reducing costs, Jordan explained, though imports have now returned to typical volumes. America also reduced egg exports last year to increase domestic availability.
However, what benefits shoppers doesn’t necessarily help producers, who struggle to recover expenses as egg costs drop dramatically. They may also face higher feed expenses, including corn and soybean meal, due to the Iran conflict.
“Farmers are no strangers to volatility. It’s part of the business. But in recent months, many have been selling eggs at or below the cost of production,” said Emily Metz, the president and CEO of the America Egg Board, a trade group.
Key statistics about American egg pricing, based on government data:
— $2.50 per dozen: February’s average nationwide cost for a dozen eggs.
— $6.23 per dozen: March 2025’s average nationwide cost for a dozen eggs, representing a record peak.
— 315.8 million: Total egg-laying hens across America as of March 1, representing an 8% increase from the previous year.
— 45 million: Iowa’s egg-laying hen population, leading all states in egg production.
— 205.7 million: Total chickens and other birds in commercial and residential flocks that perished or were eliminated due to bird flu since February 2022.
— 5.22 million: Total chickens and other birds that died or were eliminated from bird flu in March 2026, more than twice the March 2025 numbers.
— 657%: The percentage growth in American shell egg imports during 2025 versus the prior year.
— $1.05: Producers’ average cost to create a dozen eggs, excluding labor and shipping expenses, per the American Egg Board. In late March, the national average wholesale egg price reached $1.17 per dozen.
— 40,000: Total real eggs planned for this year’s White House Easter Egg Roll.
The streaming service Netflix continues working to develop lasting entertainment properties after missing out on Warner Bros Discovery’s extensive collection of beloved characters and storylines.
Netflix’s Chief Creative Officer Bela Bajaria explained the company will continue funding original concepts and collaborating with established studios including MGM and Warner Bros to create films and shows with staying power similar to “Stranger Things,” “Wednesday” and “Bridgerton.”
“To me, that’s just continually the goal,” Bajaria stated during a recent interview.
The unsuccessful effort to purchase Warner Bros’ legendary film studio and HBO exposed a weakness for the streaming company, which has built its original content library over roughly twelve years compared to more than 100 years of stories and characters owned by Warner Bros, Walt Disney and Universal Pictures. Netflix was prepared to make its largest financial commitment ever at $72 billion to strengthen its content library and add intellectual properties like Harry Potter and “Game of Thrones,” since developing successful franchises has proved difficult.
Discussions with 16 current and former Netflix leaders, industry professionals and representatives reveal the streaming company’s approach of creating content for diverse audiences simultaneously differs from developing interconnected content universes like Taylor Sheridan’s “Yellowstone” spin-offs that attract dedicated viewership.
However, Netflix’s prominent producer Shonda Rhimes has successfully transformed Julia Quinn’s “Bridgerton” books into a series now entering its fifth season, complete with a spinoff and touring experience set in Regency-era London called “The Queen’s Ball.”
Entertainment franchises provide value to companies as lower-risk ventures that generate additional income through product sales and live experiences. Well-known characters and storylines also capture viewer attention in today’s crowded media environment filled with countless entertainment options.
Netflix revealed its first significant purchase, comic book publisher Millarworld, one day before Disney announced in August 2017 it would remove its films from the streaming platform to launch its own competitor, eventually named Disney+.
“Stranger Things” has achieved remarkable success, generating a spinoff series, stage production, and merchandise. Netflix highlights additional examples including the action film “Extraction” featuring Chris Hemsworth, which spawned a sequel and third movie currently in development, plus a series starring French actor Omar Sy. The long-running dating program “Love Is Blind” has been adapted for international markets, including versions in Brazil, France and Japan.
Some expensive ventures failed while building original franchises, including the reported $700 million agreement to obtain rights to Roald Dahl’s collection, featuring cherished children’s tales like “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.” This investment hasn’t created a major success in five years, though Netflix plans another attempt this year with a Willy Wonka-themed reality program called “Golden Ticket” where contestants navigate challenges and temptations on a set featuring a chocolate river.
Creating reliable hits that generate new series helps attract and keep subscribers while boosting engagement, which increased only 2% during the second half of 2025, according to media consultant Owl & Co. Overall growth has slowed, with revenue projected to rise 13% this year based on LSEG data, compared to 16% in 2025, while advertising sales account for just 3% of total revenue. YouTube’s growing popularity presents competitive pressure. YouTube and Disney, with its collection of famous characters, have consistently surpassed Netflix in television viewing share since October 2024, according to Nielsen’s media distributor measurements covering broadcast, cable and streaming.
Adding complexity, Paramount Skydance is purchasing Warner Bros, potentially reducing suppliers of original programming.
Using a $2.8 billion gain from the unsuccessful Warner Bros transaction, Netflix Co-CEOs Ted Sarandos and Greg Peters will maintain their independent approach. Upcoming releases feature established characters and stories, including a live-action “Scooby-Doo” series and a “Narnia” film based on C.S. Lewis books directed by Greta Gerwig.
“The Electric State” demonstrates an expensive failure highlighting the risks of attempting to create an extensive Marvel-style cinematic universe.
Netflix recruited Joe and Anthony Russo, the directors behind Disney’s successful Avengers films and Netflix’s “Extraction,” to adapt the acclaimed science-fiction novel, casting “Stranger Things” star Millie Bobby Brown alongside Hollywood star Chris Pratt.
Critics harshly criticized the $320 million film upon its release last year. Plans to expand the property further, including potential spinoff series and sequels, never developed, according to two sources directly familiar with the project who requested anonymity to protect professional relationships.
“A lot of people have big movies that also are IP that don’t work,” Netflix’s Bajaria commented. “We’re in the film and TV business, so a lot of things work, a lot of things don’t work.”
Other risks, such as Netflix’s choice to approve “Squid Game,” a dystopian thriller from creator Hwang Dong-hyuk that other companies had rejected, succeeded tremendously by creating a worldwide phenomenon.
Through its massive content volume, Netflix also experiences unexpected successes, like Sony Pictures Imageworks’ Oscar-winning animated film “KPop Demon Hunters,” which became the platform’s most-watched movie ever last year.
When breakthrough success occurs, the company can utilize its extensive global reach and advanced algorithm to build excitement for content that viewers start binge-watching, helping create cultural moments.
Netflix is developing “KPop Demon Hunters” as its next major franchise, featuring licensed merchandise from Mattel and Hasbro, themed adult meals from McDonald’s, a potential concert tour and a planned animated sequel.
However, the success surprised Netflix, according to two sources. The company actually lacked licensed merchandise to capitalize on the popularity during holiday shopping season. Netflix has stated in interviews that it contacted toy manufacturers and retailers a year or more before the film’s debut, but they were reluctant to invest in an unproven property.
During a March 18 presentation in Los Angeles, Netflix revealed its 2026 schedule, featuring a fourth “Bridgerton” installment, a second season of “One Piece,” an adaptation of the popular manga series, a live-action television series based on the “Assassin’s Creed” video game franchise, and a “Little House on the Prairie” reboot.
“We’re off to a strong start and feeling confident about the quality and consistency of our slate this year,” stated Jinny Howe, vice president of original series at Netflix.
Iranian authorities executed a protester Thursday who was convicted of attacking a military installation during the country’s January anti-government demonstrations, according to the judiciary’s news agency Mizan.
Amirhossein Hatami was put to death after Iran’s Supreme Court rejected his appeal and confirmed his death sentence. Officials said he was found guilty of breaking into a restricted military installation in Tehran, setting fires that damaged the facility, and trying to steal weapons and ammunition. According to Mizan, Hatami confessed to these actions while being questioned.
Last month, Hamzeh Khalili, the judiciary’s first deputy chief, announced that legal proceedings related to January’s protests had concluded and punishments were being carried out. The January demonstrations represented a nationwide anti-government uprising that Iranian officials suppressed in what they called the most severe crackdown since the Islamic Republic was established.
Human rights organization Amnesty International had previously identified Hatami as one of 11 individuals facing imminent execution risk. The group stated these men had been “subjected to torture and other ill-treatment in detention, before being convicted in grossly unfair trials that relied on forced confessions.”
Iran previously executed three other men in March who were convicted of killing two police officers during the January protests. This has prompted concern from human rights organizations like Hengaw, who worry that Tehran is escalating executions of political prisoners and demonstrators as the country faces increased military and international pressure.
Azerbaijan’s highest court has denied an appeal from a veteran opposition figure currently serving a lengthy prison term, according to his legal representative.
The Supreme Court on Thursday turned down the appeal filed by Tofig Yagublu, a 65-year-old member of the Musavat opposition party who is serving nine years behind bars, his attorney confirmed to Reuters.
Over the past three decades, Yagublu has faced multiple imprisonments for demonstrating against the government in the South Caucasus nation. Authorities took him into custody in December 2023, and he received his conviction in March of last year on charges including fraud and falsifying documents.
While his backers argue the prosecution is driven by political motives, government officials insist the conviction was justified based on legitimate criminal conduct.
Defense attorney Nemat Karimli stated that significant procedural errors plagued the initial proceedings, and the legal team intends to take their case to the European Court of Human Rights.
The oil-rich nation has faced mounting Western criticism regarding its treatment of human rights, particularly following a wave of detentions targeting independent media professionals and political dissidents in recent years.
Azerbaijan’s leadership dismisses such criticism and characterizes Western diplomatic calls for prisoner releases as improper meddling in the country’s justice system.
Universities throughout Russia are enticing college students with substantial monetary rewards to enlist in unmanned aircraft units operating in Ukraine, according to official documents reviewed by Reuters.
The targeted recruitment campaign unfolds as Russian military operations continue advancing in Ukraine during the conflict’s fifth year, with Moscow seeking to expand its drone capabilities through a specialized military branch established in late 2023 under President Vladimir Putin’s directive.
Russian officials maintain this represents standard volunteer recruitment rather than widespread mobilization. Dmitry Medvedev, who serves as deputy chairman of the Security Council, announced Friday that more than 400,000 individuals enlisted last year, with an additional 80,000 joining so far this year through the country’s ongoing volunteer system.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov acknowledged the student recruitment efforts when questioned by reporters Thursday, stating: “This (recruitment) offer exists; it is, as they say, on the market, and it applies equally to everyone: to workers, to students, to the unemployed, and so on and so forth. This is a completely open offer, an offer to join a new type of unit.”
The Far Eastern Federal University in Vladivostok presents students with comprehensive packages including guaranteed academic leave for one year minimum, complete tuition exemption upon return, complimentary housing, educational grants, and coverage for all required military gear.
Financial compensation reaches impressive levels by regional standards: initial yearly wages starting at 5.5 million rubles (approximately $68,433), plus a 2.5 million ruble signing bonus following training completion, monthly stipends of 240,000 rubles, and an additional 200,000 ruble payment directly from the university.
“This is not only an opportunity to prove yourself, but also a unique platform for social and career advancement, backed by unprecedented support measures,” the university declared in documentation released March 19.
Similar attractive offers emerge from Moscow State University of Civil Engineering, which promotes opportunities for students to become drone operators, engineers, or technical specialists through announcements on its official website.
The Russian State Hydrometeorological University in St. Petersburg also actively encourages student participation, advertising drone operator positions with annual compensation reaching 7 million rubles (roughly $87,000).
This academic recruitment strategy coincides with new advertising campaigns featuring billboard imagery of young drone operators wearing high-tech eyewear under the slogan “the new indispensables,” specifically targeting students in technical fields such as engineering and aeronautics.
Separately, Pavel Malkov, governor of the Ryazan region housing over one million residents, has mandated recruitment quotas for both private and public companies. His official decree requires businesses with up to 300 employees to provide two military recruits, companies with 500 workers to supply three recruits, and larger enterprises with over 500 staff members to contribute five recruits.
The quota system operates from April through September, with Malkov personally monitoring compliance, though the decree does not specify penalties for companies failing to meet requirements.
These recruitment efforts highlight Moscow’s emphasis on strengthening drone capabilities, as unmanned aircraft operations have become increasingly crucial in the prolonged conflict. Drone operators typically work away from front-line positions but face significant risks as high-priority targets when their locations become known to opposing forces.
