As Israel commemorates its 78th Independence Day, new demographic data reveals the nation’s population has reached 10.244 million people, the Central Bureau of Statistics announced Sunday.
Since its founding in 1948 with roughly 806,000 residents, the country has witnessed remarkable growth, expanding by more than 12.5 times its original size. Immigration has played a major role in this expansion, with over 3.5 million newcomers settling in Israel throughout its history. Nearly half of these immigrants—approximately 1.68 million people representing 47.8%—have arrived since 1990.
The statistics show that Israel now houses roughly 45% of the global Jewish population, with about 81% of the country’s Jewish residents being born within its borders.
This past year brought significant demographic shifts, including approximately 177,000 newborns and around 21,000 new immigrants. During the same period, about 48,000 deaths were recorded, while an estimated 45,000 Israelis remained living overseas.
The annual population increase totaled roughly 146,000 people, marking a 1.4% growth rate. This expansion encompasses about 110,000 new Israeli citizens plus 36,000 foreign residents.
Breaking down the current population by demographics: Jewish residents and others categorized as non-Jewish, non-Arab citizens comprise 7.790 million people, representing 76% of the total. Arab citizens number 2.157 million, making up 21.1% of the population, while 296,000 residents classified as foreigners account for 2.9%.
Compared to many Western nations, Israel maintains a relatively youthful population structure. Residents between ages 0 and 14 represent approximately 27% of the population, while those 65 and older make up 13% of all residents.
An incident involving an Israeli soldier vandalizing a Christian cross in a Lebanese border village has sparked widespread anger and prompted swift military punishment.
The soldier was photographed damaging the religious symbol in Debel, a Christian-majority village in southern Lebanon’s Bint Jbeil district. The image circulated widely on social media, intensifying tensions in a region already struggling with the aftermath of recent conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.
Israeli military officials acted quickly to address the controversy. Two soldiers received 30-day military detention sentences – one for destroying the crucifix and another for taking the photograph. Six additional soldiers present during the incident were brought in for questioning for failing to intervene.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed shock at the soldier’s actions and promised strict disciplinary action. Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar issued an apology to Christians offended by the incident, while military leaders stated the behavior went against fundamental army principles.
The Assembly of Catholic Ordinaries of the Holy Land strongly denounced the act, describing it as “a grave affront to the Christian faith.” Their statement continued: “It further reveals a disturbing failure in moral and human formation, wherein even the most elementary reverence for the sacred and for the dignity of others has been gravely compromised.”
Israeli authorities coordinated with local residents to replace the damaged cross, and reports indicated a new statue was installed shortly after the incident.
Bishop Dennis Nthumbi of the Israel Allies Foundation condemned the destruction while urging restraint in response. “What we are witnessing in that image can only be described as desecration—the violation of something held sacred. Such acts, even when carried out by an individual, strike deeply at the heart of faith and reverence,” he stated.
However, he cautioned against using the incident to damage interfaith relations. “At the same time, we must speak with clarity and restraint. There is a growing wave of propaganda that seeks to frame the Jewish people as hostile to Christians. Incidents like this—though isolated and not reflective of a people or a covenant—can unfortunately be used to reinforce those false narratives,” he explained.
“Let it be stated without ambiguity: the Jewish and the Christian people are not enemies; we are spiritually connected, rooted in a shared heritage and revelation. We must not allow singular actions to fracture what God Himself has woven together,” he added.
Former Israeli government spokesman Eylon Levy called for harsh consequences, telling reporters the incident represented “atrocious behavior” and declaring “This is not who we are.”
“This abominable act is not only a moral outrage; it was also seized by bad faith actors to intensify a campaign to divide Christians, and by extension America and the West, from Israel,” he said.
“This soldier has caused incalculable damage and must be punished with the harshest possible penalty, not only for an act of vandalism but for bringing the whole State of Israel into disrepute,” he continued.
Local residents in Debel say the cross incident represents just one element of their ongoing hardships. Eli, a youth activist from the village, described the broader challenges facing his community.
“Speaking as someone from Debel, what people here are going through is not just about one incident or one moment it’s a continuation of a very difficult situation that has been unfolding for a while,” he explained.
“From the ground, the village has been living under very heavy pressure,” he said, describing Debel as “a small civilian community of Christian families” facing severe restrictions on daily activities.
“The road linking Debel to Rmeish—which is the main access route for food, medicine, and basic needs has become extremely dangerous. Two Christian civilians have been killed on this road, which has deepened fear,” he noted.
The activist reported extensive property damage throughout the area. “At the same time, the outskirts of the village have seen repeated destruction. Infrastructure being damaged, land being bulldozed, and homes being hit or destroyed,” he said.
“More than 20 houses are said to be completely destroyed, and many others heavily damaged. These are civilian homes—places where families lived for generations, and their loss is felt very directly inside the community,” he added.
“When the incident of the statue of Jesus happened, it didn’t come in isolation. For people here, it was added onto an already existing feeling of pressure and vulnerability,” he explained.
“The reaction locally was not one single emotion, but more a quiet mix of sadness, exhaustion, and concern about how far things are escalating in daily life,” he said.
The United Nations peacekeeping force in Lebanon helped coordinate the cross replacement. “UNIFIL’s Italian contingent, through Father Claudio, expressed sorrow over the destruction of a crucifix in DEBEL and confirmed coordination with UNIFIL leadership to restore it, with a new cross statue expected within 48 hours,” Eli reported.
The controversy highlights how individual actions during wartime can have far-reaching diplomatic and religious consequences. While Israeli officials moved quickly to condemn the incident and punish those involved, the image has already become part of the complex narrative surrounding the fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah.
Damascus celebrated a significant milestone yesterday as Al-Fayhaa Sports Hall reopened its doors following extensive renovations, with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa joining thousands of fans for the arena’s first major event in years. The ceremony represented a symbolic step toward normalcy for a nation emerging from 14 years of devastating conflict.
The reopening festivities included cultural performances showcasing Syrian heritage and concluded with a friendly basketball game between Syria and Lebanon’s national teams. Enthusiastic crowds packed the stands that had remained empty throughout the prolonged war years, creating an atmosphere of celebration and hope.
High-ranking officials joined al-Sharaa for the occasion, including Foreign Minister Asaad Al-Shaibani, Interior Minister Anas Khattab, Sports Minister Mohammad Alhamid, and Syrian Basketball Federation President Rami Issa. Lebanese basketball dignitaries also attended, notably Federation President Akram Halabi and Hekmeh Club President Ragheb Haddad.
The comprehensive renovation project carried a price tag of approximately $3 million as part of the Ministry of Sports and Youth’s broader investment strategy. Upgrades encompassed new court flooring, enhanced lighting and climate control systems, refurbished seating areas, and state-of-the-art digital technology including modern screens and audio equipment. Premium hospitality areas were also added to accommodate future local and international competitions.
President al-Sharaa displayed obvious enthusiasm while watching the basketball match, revealing his personal connection to the sport during pre-game comments. He explained that while basketball has always interested him, the years of military conflict and national turmoil prevented him from following it closely. The current period, he noted, presents an opportunity to revitalize sports interest not merely for entertainment, but as a vital component of societal reconstruction and regional engagement.
Speaking before the match began, al-Sharaa committed to continuing infrastructure improvements across the country’s sports facilities. He emphasized that the Ministry of Sports and Youth, working alongside local federations, is implementing a comprehensive strategy to revive the athletic sector while highlighting sports’ potential for attracting investment and boosting economic recovery.
The strong official attendance and robust public participation served as important indicators of the event’s significance within Syria’s sports community. Spectators and athletic observers shared varied perspectives on Al-Fayhaa Hall’s return to operation, with many praising the renovation efforts while others voiced optimism for broader sector development. Numerous attendees recognized the event’s implications extending beyond athletics into wider social and economic spheres.
Syrian photojournalist Omar Albam shared his observations with The Media Line: “I am very happy to see the stands of this hall filled with fans. It is an extraordinary event in a country emerging from a long war that lasted 14 years.”
Albam observed that Syrians demonstrate nearly equal passion for basketball as they do for soccer, particularly during matches against Lebanese opponents. “Although they defeated the Syrian national team 110-74, the joy that filled the stands was very great,” Albam noted.
Spectator Sawsan Al-Shami expressed satisfaction with the event, particularly appreciating the hall’s world-class renovations that now compete with international venues. She told The Media Line that Syrians had grown unaccustomed to such gatherings since the previous Assad government concentrated exclusively on warfare rather than public amenities.
Ahmad Al-Sayyid, a young attendee from Idlib, conveyed pride in his nation’s progress, telling The Media Line that the substantial crowd demonstrates Syrians’ eagerness to embrace a renewed life filled with activity and productivity.
The celebration also sparked broader conversations about Syria’s athletic landscape during recent years, particularly under Bashar Assad’s rule, when sports infrastructure suffered severe damage from conflict and many facilities faced destruction or abandonment.
Human rights organizations and media investigations have documented instances where sports venues were repurposed for non-athletic uses, including conversion into detention facilities, generating widespread condemnation and raising serious concerns about public space management.
Al-Fayhaa Hall’s restoration represents part of a larger reconstruction effort aimed at restoring normal life patterns. Government agencies are prioritizing the reactivation of service and sports sectors as recovery indicators, with athletics serving as a symbolically significant tool for rebuilding community connections and strengthening stability perceptions.
Basketball originated in 1891 through James Naismith, a Canadian physical education instructor working in Massachusetts. He created the game as indoor winter exercise for students, utilizing a ball and peach baskets as scoring targets.
Syrian basketball history traces back to the early 1900s, initially appearing in educational institutions like Damascus’s Laïque School before expanding to other schools including the Italian School and Scientific College, establishing the sport’s foundation within the country.
During the 1920s, the game developed more structured organization through competitions between local and Lebanese teams, elevating technical standards and strengthening its presence. The 1930s and 1940s witnessed significant basketball expansion as sports clubs like Barada Club adopted it, achieving remarkable victories including wins against French military teams, demonstrating local development progress.
The sport spread throughout secondary schools during this era, becoming part of organized athletics with inter-team tournaments before expanding beyond educational settings into public venues, spawning new clubs including Al-Ahli, Al-Ghouta, and Al-Fityan. The Syrian Basketball Federation’s 1948 establishment ushered in official organization featuring unified tournaments and oversight. Syria began international competition participation, including a 1949 Cairo tournament, marking its global debut.
Foreign coach recruitment in the late 1950s introduced modern training methodologies, reflected in improved Syrian team technical performance, cementing basketball’s status among the nation’s premier team sports.
The Syrian Basketball League launched in 1956 alongside the Basketball Federation’s creation. Al-Shabiba (now Al-Jalaa) captured the inaugural 1956-57 season championship and maintained dominance until the 1978-79 season, when Al-Ahli Aleppo ended Al-Shabiba’s reign and secured its first title in 1979-80. Al-Jalaa holds the Syrian Basketball League record with 29 championships, followed by Al-Ahli Aleppo’s 18 titles—both Aleppo-based—and Damascus’s Al-Wahda with 11.
The Syrian Arab Basketball Federation serves as basketball’s governing authority in Syria, directly overseeing national teams like the Syrian national basketball squad and domestic clubs competing in the Syrian Basketball League. It joined both the Asian Basketball Federation and International Basketball Federation in 1948, establishing it among the region’s oldest basketball organizations.
Al-Fayhaa Hall’s inauguration marks a positive advancement for Syrian athletics, demonstrating commitment toward rebuilding war-damaged infrastructure. Simultaneously, it underscores broader sector challenges while raising questions about Syrian sports’ future, balancing recovery initiatives with necessary reform measures.
Diplomatic efforts to ease tensions between Israel and Lebanon will take center stage Thursday as Washington hosts crucial negotiations, even as military confrontations persist between the neighboring nations, according to US government sources.
The scheduled diplomatic meeting comes despite ongoing hostilities, with Hezbollah launching multiple rocket attacks Tuesday targeting Israeli forces positioned in southern Lebanon and sending a drone toward Israeli territory, Israeli military officials reported. The militant group took credit for these operations, stating they were retaliation for what Hezbollah characterized as Israeli breaches of existing ceasefire agreements.
Israeli forces responded with airstrikes targeting areas near al-Jbour in Lebanon’s western Beqaa Valley region. Lebanese news outlets confirmed that the Israeli military action resulted in one fatality and left two individuals wounded.
The American negotiating team will be headed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, joined by senior adviser Mike Needham and US Ambassador to Lebanon Michel Issa. US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee will participate in the discussions as well, with State Department officials describing his involvement as part of standard “routine consultations.”
Israeli representation will come through Ambassador Yechiel Leiter, while Lebanon’s diplomatic mission will be guided by Ambassador Nada Hamadeh, continuing the pattern of senior-level participation from earlier diplomatic efforts.
These Washington negotiations are moving forward despite the ongoing military confrontations between both nations, underscoring the significant obstacles facing diplomatic initiatives aimed at bringing stability to the volatile Israel-Lebanon border region.
DENVER (AP) — Star player Nathan MacKinnon and his Colorado Avalanche teammates have legitimate reasons to feel constrained. Their trademark speed and explosive scoring ability haven’t been fully unleashed during this playoff run.
The league’s most prolific offensive squad and quickest team during the regular season continues to struggle against Los Angeles Kings’ defensive system that clogs the neutral zone. Colorado’s top five regular season point leaders remain without a goal in the series.
However, the Avalanche maintain a commanding 2-0 advantage in their opening round matchup as they travel to Los Angeles for Thursday’s Game 3. Both victories came by identical 2-1 scores, including one overtime victory, demonstrating their versatility in different game situations.
“You definitely can get frustrated during the regular season, but playoffs … there’s no time for that,” said MacKinnon, who has an assist through two games after leading the league with 53 goals in the regular season. “You’ve got to be 100% in, team-player positive, and you’ve just got to stick with it. I feel like we’re doing a lot of good things and we’re up to it. It’s low-scoring games, but it’s not about the amount of goals. Just got to get some wins.”
During the regular season, Colorado topped the NHL in offensive categories including goals per game (3.63), shots per game (33.7) and even-strength scoring. The Presidents’ Trophy recipients also surrendered the fewest goals, with goaltender Scott Wedgewood currently handling starting duties.
“We’re comfortable playing these games,” said captain Gabriel Landeskog, who tied Tuesday’s game with 3:35 left in regulation. “If you get a little impatient with it, you start forcing plays. We just kind of kept it going. Kept trusting our forecheck, and finally, we ended up getting rewarded for it.”
While trailing in the series, the Kings remain confident in their approach. This grinding, defense-first style of hockey suits their identity perfectly, particularly with Anton Forsberg between the pipes. He’s turned away 64 of 68 shots across the first two contests.
“We’re playing a brand of hockey that gives us a chance to win,” said Kings interim coach D.J. Smith, who was showered by shattered glass on the bench in the second period Tuesday after fans pushed the panel in celebration. “Hockey’s so close and night-to-night, you win by a goal, lose by a goal. We’ve done that all year.”
“We haven’t maybe had some bounces but that’s the kind of game you can win with,” he said. “That’s a testament to the guys and how they’re digging in. Now maybe just have a little more confidence at home with the puck, but you can’t forget the style of play that we’re playing.”
Los Angeles has successfully neutralized Colorado’s power play opportunities, holding the Avalanche scoreless on seven man-advantage chances. Special teams have been a source of concern for Colorado throughout the season.
“It may look real simple — it’s no different than what they’re doing — but you’ve got to repeat certain things enough so your odds go up at putting one in the back of the net,” Avalanche coach Jared Bednar said. “I still think we’ve got another step in our game that we can ramp up to. So we’ve just got to go out and try to better our performances at home and now on the road.”
Colorado has demonstrated defensive commitment by recording the second-highest blocked shot total in the playoffs through Tuesday. They’ve also generated significant offensive pressure, ranking second in total shot attempts.
“We know we can play different styles,” said Wedgewood, who’s stopped 48 of 50 shots. “It’s going to be tough going to (their) building. They’re going to have their crowd and their emotions. Go in there and do the same thing, hopefully, take another one or two, and end it or come back here and do it again.”
LIMA, Peru — Two cabinet members in Peru submitted their resignations Wednesday after the nation’s temporary president decided to postpone a massive $3.5 billion military aircraft purchase from the United States until after June’s presidential election.
Interim President José María Balcázar announced last week that he would leave the decision about acquiring 24 F-16 fighter jets from Lockheed Martin to whoever wins the upcoming presidential runoff, citing concerns about his authority as a temporary leader.
“For us to commit such a large sum of money to the incoming government would be a poor practice for a transitional government,” Balcázar said at the time.
The delay prompted a sharp response from U.S. Ambassador Bernie Navarro, who warned on social media that he would take unspecified action if Peru “negotiates in bad faith” or undermines American interests.
Defense Minister Carlos Díaz and Foreign Minister Hugo de Zela both left their positions Wednesday over the dispute. According to documents obtained by The Associated Press, Díaz wrote in his resignation that delaying the aircraft purchase “could compromise” Peru’s national interests.
During a press conference, both departing ministers revealed they had attempted without success to convince Balcázar to proceed with the agreement. Díaz disclosed that defense officials went ahead and signed the contract Monday despite the president’s objections, following the terms outlined in the deal.
In a radio interview, de Zela criticized Balcázar for providing misleading information to the public regarding the contract details. Díaz explained that many specifics about the agreement cannot be shared due to their classified status.
The aircraft deal was initially announced in 2024 under former President Dina Boluarte’s administration, with plans to finance the purchase through domestic borrowing — $2 billion in 2025 and $1.5 billion in 2026. Besides Lockheed Martin, Sweden’s Saab and France’s Dassault Aviation also submitted proposals for the contract.
Peru’s legislature selected Balcázar as the country’s eighth president in ten years this past February, replacing another temporary leader who was removed over corruption charges after serving just four months.
The South American nation will hold its presidential runoff election on June 7, though vote counting continues as officials process ballots from distant regions and Peruvian diplomatic posts overseas following the initial voting round on April 12.
BOSTON (AP) — During Monday’s Boston Marathon, runner Ajay Haridasse collapsed near the finish line when his body gave out. Two fellow competitors, Robson De Oliveira from Brazil and Aaron Beggs from Britain, stopped their own races to lift Haridasse and carry him approximately 1,000 feet to complete the course.
The inspiring moments occurred as thousands of other participants continued past the struggling runner. Instead of focusing solely on their own finish times, De Oliveira and Beggs hoisted Haridasse onto their shoulders and helped him reach the end of the prestigious race.
Spectator Pete Grasso captured the remarkable act of kindness on video as the two runners assisted Haridasse.
“The coolest part about this moment was that these two guys were less than a tenth of a mile away, in the middle of a really, really fast race, and still stopped to help a fellow runner who needed some help. That’s not easy to do,” Grasso said in an email interview. “Seeing them put everything aside in that moment just to get another runner across the line was incredible. And hearing the crowd respond, cheering for them, supporting them, truly gave me chills.”
Another touching display occurred when Washington, D.C. runner Lan Nguyen faced difficulty reaching the finish. Three other participants — Jessica Kier from Snohomish, Washington, Meredith Rosenberg from Boston, and William Bara-Jimenez from Bethesda, Maryland — stepped in to assist her. The group carried Nguyen for portions of the final stretch before she crawled across the finish line herself.
The Boston Athletic Association, which organizes the marathon, released a statement praising how participants supported struggling competitors at “the most historic finish line in all of road racing on Boylston Street.”
“The uplifting spirit of the running community to help one another, especially in times of need, is on full display on Patriots’ Day — not just at the finish, but all along the race route,” the organization stated. Officials reported that 29,101 of the 29,470 registered participants completed the race.
WASHINGTON — The Kennedy Center is gearing up for an extensive two-year closure starting this July as the iconic performing arts venue tackles widespread structural problems that have plagued the building for years.
President Donald Trump has described the facility as “tired, broken, and dilapidated” and requiring immediate attention. Meanwhile, performers including Jane Fonda and Billy Porter view the venue as a focal point for demonstrations against the current administration’s influence over cultural organizations.
Matt Floca, who serves as the Kennedy Center’s newly appointed executive director and chief operating officer, recently led members of the media on a comprehensive walkthrough of the facility. The tour included stops at the outdoor terrace with views of the Potomac River, parking structures, loading areas, electrical systems, and the Opera House performance space.
Throughout the inspection, one issue became consistently clear: significant water damage has affected nearly every section of the building. Evidence includes visible staining and standing water in various locations. Critical infrastructure, including multiple 800-ton cooling units that regulate the building’s temperature, has reached the end of its operational life after decades of use.
The sheer scale of the structure — encompassing over 1.5 million square feet — means comprehensive repairs will take considerable time to complete. Specifically, two full years.
Congressional funding of approximately $257 million will cover the renovation costs, with additional private contributions expected to support upgrades to premium spaces like exclusive member lounges.
This extensive renovation places the Kennedy Center among other prominent Washington landmarks that have undergone major restoration projects. The Smithsonian Castle has remained closed for repairs since 2023, while the Washington Monument required scaffolding from 1998 to 2001 and again in 2013 and 2014 following earthquake repairs.
However, no previous renovation has involved such direct presidential oversight. Trump has taken an unusually active role in the Kennedy Center’s operations during his second administration, removing former leadership and installing a personally selected board that designated him as chairman. His name now appears alongside John F. Kennedy’s on the building’s exterior.
Trump is simultaneously pursuing other ambitious construction projects, including a ballroom addition to the former East Wing of the White House and a proposed triumphal arch near Arlington Cemetery.
“It’s a public building, and I completely acknowledge that, but the president is really great at this, and I think his input is invaluable,” Floca stated. “He’s in the details, and it’s amazing. I really respect the input he’s given.”
The president’s increased involvement has coincided with numerous artists distancing themselves from the institution, raising questions about whether declining ticket sales may have influenced the closure decision. The Kennedy Center has not made attendance figures public.
The facility tour represents an opportunity for institutional renewal following more than twelve months of upheaval. Similar presentations have been provided to bipartisan congressional delegations and staff, representatives from Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser’s office, and various corporate and individual supporters.
Construction scaffolding will surround the building during renovations, though the work won’t be so extensive that the structure’s interior becomes visible from outside. This clarification addresses Trump’s previous suggestions that supporting steel might become “fully exposed” during the process.
The extent of visible changes for future visitors remains uncertain. Most structural work, scheduled for the renovation’s initial year, will occur in non-public areas of the building.
Public spaces, including the Opera House’s distinctive red color scheme, will largely remain unchanged aside from modest updates. Current plans do not include modifications to the presidential viewing boxes.
Existing Kennedy quotations will remain displayed throughout the building, and the renowned bust of the former president positioned outside the Opera House will return to its location when the facility reopens.
“I can’t think of any JFK changes,” Floca confirmed.
Whether additional Trump commemorations will be added alongside Kennedy tributes remains undetermined, particularly given that his presidency will be nearing its conclusion when the building becomes accessible to the public again.
Stock markets rebounded Wednesday, ending a two-day decline for major indexes after President Donald Trump announced an indefinite extension of the Iran ceasefire, though questions persist about lasting peace negotiations.
The ceasefire extension came at the request of Pakistani intermediaries, Trump stated. Despite this development, the U.S. Navy continues its blockade of Iranian ports while Iran has captured two vessels in the strategically important Strait of Hormuz.
The waterway carries approximately 20% of the world’s oil supply, making its status a critical concern for investors and a key issue in ongoing negotiations. Iran’s parliament speaker and chief negotiator, Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, indicated that a comprehensive ceasefire would only be meaningful if the blockade ends.
Markets have surged in recent weeks on hopes for a potential peace agreement, with the Nasdaq breaking a 13-session winning streak on Monday.
“Everyone’s kind of sick of it… clearly, the market is looking for a beneficial outcome or some kind of decent outcome here,” commented Stephen Massocca, senior vice president at Wedbush Securities in San Francisco.
“Earnings have been good – now, will they continue to be good if we continue to be at war – it’s going to lose a little bit of its oomph. That said, in my world, there’s still tremendous value, there’s a lot of really cheap stuff out there.”
Market performance showed the S&P 500 climbing 73.78 points, or 1.03%, closing at 7,137.12, while the Nasdaq jumped 393.55 points, or 1.62%, finishing at 24,653.52. The Dow Jones gained 333.42 points, or 0.68%, reaching 49,482.80.
Corporate earnings for the first quarter are currently showing growth of approximately 14%, based on LSEG data.
Inflation concerns persist as oil prices remain close to $100 per barrel with potential for further increases.
Technology stocks led the market rally, with the S&P 500 tech sector advancing roughly 2% to become the top performer among the 11 major sectors. Semiconductor companies drove much of the gains, including Micron Technology, which reached a new all-time high.
The Philadelphia Semiconductor Index achieved an intraday record for the 11th consecutive session and extended its winning streak to 16 days – the longest in its history.
Seagate’s stock price increased following Barclays’ upgrade of the data storage company to “overweight” status.
Strong quarterly results have helped calm worries about consumer spending power despite higher energy costs from the Iran conflict.
Goldman Sachs data shows S&P 500 earnings per share projections for 2026 and 2027 have increased by 4% since late January.
GE Vernova led the S&P 500 after the power equipment manufacturer increased its yearly revenue outlook. Boston Scientific shares also surged following better-than-expected first-quarter performance.
Boeing stock gained ground after reporting a quarterly loss smaller than analysts predicted, providing significant support to the Dow.
United Airlines faced headwinds after projecting second-quarter and full-year earnings below Wall Street expectations as elevated jet fuel costs pressure profit margins and create uncertainty for the near future.
Several major companies including Tesla, Texas Instruments, and Southwest Airlines are scheduled to release earnings after market close.
Spirit Airlines shares more than doubled in over-the-counter trading following a Wall Street Journal report suggesting the Trump administration is nearing an agreement to assist the struggling budget airline.
Drivers traveling through Greenwood should expect periodic traffic disruptions on Market Street this week as railroad crews conduct essential maintenance operations.
DelDOT officials report that Delmarva Central Railroad Company workers will begin repair activities at the railroad crossing on Market Street starting at 7:00 am this Monday, April 27, 2026. The maintenance project will cause periodic lane restrictions at the crossing location throughout the work period.
Transportation officials expect the railroad maintenance activities to wrap up by 5:00 pm on Friday, May 1, 2026. Motorists are advised to plan for possible delays and consider alternate routes during the construction period.
Spring fishing conditions across Maryland’s Chesapeake Bay region are providing excellent opportunities for anglers this week, with water temperatures stabilizing around 60 degrees and multiple species actively feeding.
As Earth Day and Arbor Day arrive this month, fishing enthusiasts are encouraged to reflect on conservation efforts while enjoying outdoor opportunities. Anglers can contribute by picking up discarded fishing line and trash during their trips.
Current Conditions Through April 28
Buoy data shows main Bay surface temperatures and river mouth areas maintaining 60-degree readings. Smaller waterways are also holding in the 60s, though protected coves and downwind areas on sunny days often reach the upper 60s – perfect conditions for hickory shad, which prefer the 55-65 degree range during their spawning period over the next two weeks.
Most Maryland rivers and streams are experiencing below-normal flow levels. Water clarity remains typical across most Bay areas and tributaries, though algal blooms are reducing visibility along the western shore from Bush River down to the Patapsco, and near the Chester River mouth on the Eastern Shore.
Tuesday will bring stronger tidal movements due to the approaching full moon on May 1.
Upper Chesapeake Bay Action
Low flows in the Susquehanna River are actually benefiting anglers this week, creating clearer and warmer conditions due to reduced dam releases. While the area above a line from Abby Point to Worton Point remains closed for striped bass catch-and-release, other species are providing plenty of action.
Hickory shad are being caught throughout the Susquehanna up to Conowingo Dam, at Deer Creek’s mouth, and in Octoraro Creek. Small flashy spoons in gold and silver, colorful shad darts, and bright sinking flies are proving effective.
Small male white perch are beginning to enter the Susquehanna, with numbers expected to increase over the next week before larger females arrive. The developing grass beds on Susquehanna Flats are attracting largemouth bass and Chesapeake Channa near their edges.
Blue catfish and flathead catfish fishing remains strong near the dam, with blue cats also found near river mouths including the Susquehanna, Elk, Chester, and Gunpowder. Elevated salinity levels due to lack of rainfall make river mouths particularly promising for large blue catfish. Cut bait including gizzard shad, menhaden, or white perch works well, as do chicken liver and scented baits.
Anglers targeting blue catfish from Sandy Point State Park beach should wear knee boots and use circle hooks to properly release any accidentally caught striped bass without compromising their protective slime layer.
Catch-and-release striped bass opportunities exist along main channel edges for trolling large bucktails and sassy shad lures, or jigging when fish appear on depth finders. River mouths, Love Point rocks, and Bay Bridge piers are productive spots for casting paddletails and soft plastic jigs.
Middle Bay Report
Large post-spawn striped bass are leaving the Choptank River in increasing numbers this week. Upper Choptank temperatures peaked at 68 degrees last week before cooling slightly, while main Bay waters hold at 60 degrees. Spawning activity concluded last Saturday, with those fish now moving toward middle and lower Bay regions.
Trolling along main channel edges remains popular, but shallower waters shouldn’t be overlooked. Chartreuse bucktails with sassy shads and 6-inch soft plastic jigs are favorites when fish are visible on electronics. Schools of menhaden often indicate nearby striped bass.
Beginning May 1, anglers will be able to keep striped bass measuring 19-24 inches in areas below the Brewerton Channel south to Virginia waters, excluding tidal rivers.
White perch are moving down from spawning areas and spreading to summer habitats around tidal rivers and creeks. They’re typically in deeper water during this transition, making bottom rigs with grass shrimp, minnows, or bloodworm pieces effective. Anglers should note that small blue catfish in the 10-14 inch range are present in the Choptank and should be properly disposed of rather than released.
April provides excellent blue catfish opportunities in the Choptank, with ideal water temperatures encouraging movement from deep channels to nearby shelves and shallower areas. The stretch from Dover Bridge to Denton, and up the Tuckahoe past Route 328 Bridge, offer prime fishing. Cut bait, live small white perch, bluegill, large minnows, and scented baits all produce results.
Lower Bay Conditions
Post-spawn striped bass are exiting the Choptank, Nanticoke, Patuxent, and Potomac rivers this week, heading south toward the ocean. Their movement may pause only for the menhaden schools that have entered the lower Bay region – finding these baitfish schools is key to locating striped bass.
Menhaden schools often move with swift currents along channel edges but can also be found in shallower waters. Trolling and jigging along channel edges is extremely popular, while shallower Bay shores offer light tackle opportunities for casting various lures at passing striped bass.
Hickory shad fishing continues to excel in the Potomac River within Washington D.C. and Mason Branch of Mattawoman Creek. American shad are also beginning to appear in the Potomac’s deeper waters for anglers using larger shad darts.
White perch moving down spawning rivers on both Bay sides are providing entertaining fishing as they head to summer habitats. These fish are likely in deeper water during their downstream movement, making small jig heads and bottom rigs with grass shrimp or bloodworms preferred methods.
Blue catfish are extremely active in ideal water temperatures this month. Prime locations include the Potomac from Route 301 Bridge to Wilson Bridge, the Patuxent from Benedict to Jug Bay, and the Sharptown/Marshyhope section of the Nanticoke. Increasing numbers are being reported in the Wicomico and Pocomoke rivers.
Freshwater Opportunities
Trout fishing remains excellent in put-and-take management waters with weekly stockings continuing. Delayed harvest and catch-and-release waters in central and western regions offer opportunities for anglers preferring to release their catch.
Deep Creek Lake’s 51-degree water temperature is supporting diverse fishing for bluegills, pickerel, and largemouth bass moving into warmer, shallower coves – great for bank and wading anglers. Largemouth bass are positioning near structure like fallen treetops. Walleye season opened April 15 with a 15-inch minimum, five-fish daily limit, and 18-21 inch protected slot.
Upper Potomac River flows are very low with smallmouth bass spawning activity occurring. Largemouth bass are transitioning from pre-spawn behavior to entering shallow spawning areas where males have prepared nests. Female largemouth bass can be found in transition areas outside shallow spawning sites. Spinnerbaits, paddletails, jerkbaits, stick worms, crankbaits, and soft plastics are all effective choices.
Chesapeake Channa (northern snakeheads) are becoming more active as temperatures warm, with sunny afternoons offering the best opportunities on shallow, sun-exposed shores. White paddletails are currently the most popular lure choice, while dead-sticking large minnows under bobbers provides additional action.
Crappie have completed spawning in most areas and are now holding near shoreline structure, marina docks, and bridge piers. Various sunfish species are moving into shallower waters, providing excellent light tackle and fly-fishing opportunities.
Ocean and Coastal Bay Action
Surf anglers are experiencing outstanding black drum fishing along Assateague beaches this week. Sand fleas, peeler crab, and clams make effective baits. Dogfish and clearnose skates are also common in the mix – larger dogfish provide excellent smoked or fried nugget meat, though those with pups may need milk soaking to reduce ammonia levels. Striped bass moving up the coast are also being caught, with a one-fish daily limit at 28-31 inches.
Flounder continue moving through Ocean City Inlet, providing good fishing in the inlet and connecting channels. Tautog are being caught near rocks, bulkheads, docks, and bridge piers in the inlet and Route 50 Bridge areas, with sand fleas being the most popular bait.
Striped bass fishing offers excellent action in the inlet area and around Route 90 and Verrazzano Bridge piers. Paddletails and soft plastic jigs are the most popular methods, though most action is catch-and-release due to the 28-inch minimum size.
Charter and private boats venturing to inshore and offshore wreck and reef sites are finding good tautog fishing, with flounder also in the mix.
Public notices have been issued for the 2026 black sea bass and summer flounder seasons.
Three University of Maryland Eastern Shore men’s volleyball players have been honored with Northeast Conference postseason awards for their outstanding performances this season.
Leading the way is Valentine, who captured Northeast Conference Rookie of the Year recognition while also earning a spot on the NEC First Team All-Conference squad. The freshman made an immediate impact in his debut collegiate season.
Joining Valentine in receiving conference recognition are teammates Mills and Haynes, both of whom were selected to the NEC Second Team All-Conference roster for their contributions throughout the campaign.
The honors reflect the strong season put together by the Hawks volleyball program, with three players earning recognition among the conference’s top performers. Valentine’s dual recognition as both the top newcomer and one of the league’s premier players highlights his exceptional first-year campaign.
The Northeast Conference postseason awards recognize the most outstanding student-athletes across the league based on their athletic performance and contributions to their respective teams during the season.
BOSTON — During a postgame press conference following Philadelphia’s 111-97 Game 2 victory over Boston, Paul George was praising his young teammate V.J. Edgecombe when he suddenly paused with a question.
“Are you 21 yet?” George asked, turning to face Edgecombe at the podium.
“No, 20,” Edgecombe replied with a grin.
The 76ers’ third overall draft selection from last June has entered exclusive territory in just his second playoff appearance, and his performance is no laughing matter.
“I just try not to overthink it,” Edgecombe explained. “I try not to put pressure on myself. Everybody’s already putting pressure on us to perform. … Plus, I’m around a great group of guys. That also helps me. Just keep instilling confidence in me. Just to keep going, keep going. Regardless of who’s on the floor, who’s not on the floor.”
The young star’s 30-point, 10-rebound showing made him the first rookie to achieve at least 30 points and 10 rebounds in a playoff contest since Tim Duncan accomplished the feat on May 5, 1998.
Edgecombe also etched his name in NBA record books as the first rookie ever to combine five three-pointers with 10 rebounds in a postseason game. The stellar outing represented a significant improvement from Game 1, where he managed only 13 points while shooting 6-of-16 from the field.
According to George, this performance represents the peak of talent they initially witnessed from the Bahamas-born player when he scored 34 points in his professional debut during Philadelphia’s narrow season-opening victory in Boston.
“When you think about it how he started his first NBA game in this building, I’m sure he was in a small percentage or small group of players that what he did on that opening night,” George commented.
That debut performance ranks as the third-highest scoring effort for any NBA player in their inaugural game. Wilt Chamberlain holds the record with 43 points for the Philadelphia Warriors in 1959, also grabbing 28 rebounds against New York that evening. Frank Selvy scored 35 points for the Milwaukee Hawks versus Boston in 1954.
Edgecombe surpassed Allen Iverson’s franchise record of 30 points in a Sixers debut, set in 1996.
The rookie’s 14 first-quarter points on opening night also established a new NBA record for most points scored in a player’s initial quarter. LeBron James previously held that mark from 2003.
Throughout the regular season, Edgecombe maintained a 16.0 scoring average across 75 games.
His playing style carries a charismatic flair that echoes the entertaining approach Iverson brought during his Philadelphia years.
During Tuesday’s victory, after sinking his final shot of the evening — a long-range three-pointer over Payton Pritchard that extended Philadelphia’s lead to 105-92 following Boston’s rally to 91-89 — Edgecombe winked at the television camera while running back on defense.
George believes this is merely a preview of Edgecombe’s potential.
“To put a whole season together and get to a point where he’s showcasing who he is and his abilities. I’ve been saying all year long he’s far past a rookie,” George stated. “It’s just impressive, man. (Edgecombe had) 30 and 10, but it’s just what we needed in the moments throughout the game when he took over, and kind of just put us at ease.”
The evening wasn’t without challenges for Edgecombe, who suffered a hard fall onto his back early in the contest, causing him to limp to the locker room during both the first and third quarters.
However, Edgecombe dismissed any concerns about the injury affecting his availability for the remainder of the series.
“I just landed on my back, but I’m good. I was able to finish the game so I’m good,” he stated. “That’s all I’ve got for you. I’m good, ain’t nothing wrong with me. I’m good.”
FRISCO, Texas — Dallas Cowboys leadership announced Wednesday they will not pursue contract negotiations with star wide receiver George Pickens, opting instead to have him compete under the franchise tag designation for the upcoming season.
The 25-year-old receiver has yet to sign the franchise tender valued at $27.3 million, meaning he could skip mandatory minicamp in June without facing financial consequences. The team’s offseason activities begin Monday on a voluntary basis.
“We’ve made a decision that we’re going to have George play under the franchise tag, which won’t be a first for us,” said Stephen Jones, the team’s executive vice president of personnel. “So there won’t be negotiations on a long-term deal. But that’s certainly not a first for this organization and certainly won’t be a first in the league in terms of this decision as we move forward.”
While Stephen Jones indicated he hasn’t spoken with Pickens lately, team owner Jerry Jones and head coach Brian Schottenheimer recently held discussions with the receiver.
“It was good,” Schottenheimer commented during the Cowboys’ pre-draft media session ahead of Thursday evening’s NFL draft. “The thing that George knows about Jerry and myself is we’re very upfront and we’re honest. We had great conversation. We informed him. We think that’s important because that’s the way we handle all of our players and coaches.”
Pickens’ representative, David Mulugheta, has not yet responded to media inquiries regarding the situation.
Following his trade from Pittsburgh during the previous offseason, Pickens achieved personal bests with 93 receptions, 1,429 receiving yards, and nine touchdowns while contributing to one of the NFL’s most productive offensive units. However, Dallas struggled defensively and posted a 7-9-1 record, extending their playoff absence to two consecutive seasons.
The Georgia product, selected in the second round of the 2022 draft, formed an effective partnership with CeeDee Lamb, who is entering his second season of a four-year, $136 million extension that places him among the league’s highest-paid receivers at $34 million annually.
Lamb staged a holdout throughout the 2024 offseason and training camp before finalizing his contract approximately two weeks prior to the season opener.
Dallas was unable to apply the franchise tag to Lamb due to his rookie contract structure. First-round selections include a fifth-year team option, while second-round picks like Pickens complete four-year agreements. Pickens earned $6.8 million during his initial NFL contract.
During his Pittsburgh tenure, Pickens demonstrated exceptional ability but also displayed concerning behavioral patterns that prompted former coach Mike Tomlin to question his professional maturity.
Although Schottenheimer avoided public criticism of Pickens during his inaugural head coaching campaign after 25 years as an assistant, both Pickens and Lamb were disciplined with a first-series benching in Las Vegas after violating team curfew following a casino visit.
“There’s a lot of things that go into that,” Stephen Jones explained regarding the decision to avoid long-term negotiations this offseason. “Let’s start with the fact that it’s not easy having two receivers being paid top of the market. A quarterback that’s been here, being the highest-paid player in this league for many years now.”
“The other thing is the newness of George being here,” Stephen Jones continued. “I think George has just done an amazing job. I mean he’s exceeded all expectations. And a lot of those things, they make their way toward a long-term deal, but that’s the biggest part of it — between the business and newness of it, I think that’s a big part of it.”
A groundbreaking new study reveals that approximately 4,400 fewer American teenagers and young adults lost their lives to suicide than researchers anticipated during the initial two-and-a-half years following the introduction of the 988 mental health crisis hotline, indicating the program’s effectiveness despite ongoing funding concerns.
According to research published Wednesday in JAMA, suicide fatalities among individuals aged 15 to 23 dropped 11% below projected numbers from July 2022 — when the crisis line began operations — through December 2024.
“The 988 program is one of the largest federal investments in suicide prevention in U.S. history — roughly $1.5 billion cumulative — and our findings suggest that investment has translated into measurable reductions in young adult suicide deaths,” said Dr. Vishal Patel, a clinical fellow at Harvard Medical School and the paper’s lead author.
To conduct their analysis, researchers examined nationwide death certificate data spanning from 1999 to 2022 to create projections for suicide mortality rates had the 988 hotline never been established. These estimates were then measured against actual death statistics.
While researchers acknowledge they cannot definitively attribute the decrease solely to the 988 service, and overall U.S. suicide rates have generally declined, they conducted multiple comparative analyses to validate their conclusions, Patel explained.
Their investigation revealed that the ten states experiencing the most significant increases in call volume after 988’s debut also demonstrated substantially larger differences between projected and actual suicide deaths. The reductions were more pronounced among younger demographics compared to individuals over 65, who utilize the service less frequently. Additionally, no comparable changes were observed in England, which lacked a similar hotline during the research timeframe.
These findings align with earlier research studies.
“Studies show that after speaking with a trained crisis counselor, most people who contact the 988 Lifeline are significantly more likely to feel less depressed, less suicidal, less overwhelmed and more hopeful,” a spokesperson for the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, which funds the hotline, said in response to the study.
Jill Harkavy-Friedman, who directs the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s research program and was not part of the study, described the findings as “very heartening and very positive.” While she hopes to see additional research confirming these results, she praised the authors for conducting a “great deal of work” to eliminate other potential factors contributing to the decline.
The comprehensive mental health system plays a crucial role in reducing suicide rates, Harkavy-Friedman emphasized. The 988 hotline’s ability to guide users through this system, assist with safety planning, connect callers to local crisis intervention teams, and provide referrals for extended care has resulted in “extraordinary” outcomes, she noted. Having immediate access to support during a crisis moment can also prove life-saving.
“That is the strength of the crisis line,” Harkavy-Friedman said. “When you call, it de-escalates the crisis so the person has greater capacity to address whatever it is that’s driving their emotions at the moment.”
Mental health experts emphasize that the current combination of federal and state funding for call centers remains inadequate to address the actual level of demand.
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s federal budget proposal maintains consistent 988 funding at $534.6 million for fiscal year 2027, anticipating 11 million contacts during the coming year.
While the hotline “is not a panacea for preventing suicide death,” the number of lives it has preserved “is a really big deal and underscores the need for sustained investment in 988 from federal, and especially state, lawmakers,” said Jonathan Purtle, a New York University mental health policy researcher.
During a Capitol Hill hearing Tuesday, Sen. Tammy Baldwin urged Kennedy to fulfill a “legal requirement” to reinstate 988’s specialized line for LGBTQ+ youth. The administration suddenly terminated the program last summer, despite research showing this population experiences disproportionately elevated suicide rates.
“Yes, we are working on getting it up now,” Kennedy responded to the Wisconsin Democrat. Representatives from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration and the Department of Health and Human Services did not immediately provide The Associated Press with a timeline or specifics regarding the restoration.
Patel emphasized that specialized services for high-risk populations — including the LGBTQ+ line — are essential components of the program’s success.
“Our findings should be read as evidence that this is a program worth preserving and expanding, not one to scale back,” he said.
EDITOR’S NOTE: This story discusses suicide. If you or someone you know needs help, the national suicide and crisis lifeline is available by calling or texting 988.
AUJA, West Bank — Hundreds of Israelis marked their nation’s Independence Day Wednesday by swimming and enjoying outdoor festivities at a natural spring located in the occupied West Bank territory. The daylong celebration in Auja featured families picnicking and recreational activities, all under the watchful eye of Israeli military personnel.
The festive atmosphere stood in stark contrast to the ongoing conflict and recent displacement of Palestinian residents throughout the Jordan Valley region. The spring site has been transformed into recreational facilities primarily utilized by Israeli visitors, highlighting broader disputes over water resources in the West Bank. While Palestinian communities face severe water shortages, Israeli settlements maintain significantly better access to water supplies.
During the celebration, attendees gathered beneath a memorial flag displaying the image of a 21-year-old Israeli who was killed during a Hamas attack in June 2023. The commemoration comes as 2024 has witnessed continued settler attacks against Palestinian populations, including the forced removal of 600 residents from a neighboring community this past January.
Fresh uncertainty gripped the Strait of Hormuz Wednesday as Iranian forces launched strikes against three vessels near the vital shipping channel, intensifying a global energy emergency that began when tankers transporting one-fifth of the world’s petroleum were prevented from navigating the passage.
The latest incidents occurred merely 24 hours following President Donald Trump’s announcement that he would prolong the two-week truce with Iran. Tehran justified the assault on three departing vessels, capturing two of them, describing the action as payback for America’s maritime blockade of Iranian harbors and Washington’s attack and seizure of an Iranian vessel that failed to respond when contacted by blockade enforcement ships.
Maritime assaults had decreased beginning in mid-March when Iran established effective dominance over the waterway. The simple threat of attack proved sufficient to discourage vessels from attempting passage, though some ships utilized an Iranian-sanctioned route along the coastline. Iran required information about cargo, ownership and personnel and, in certain instances, levied a $1 per barrel fee on petroleum and related products — equivalent to $2 million for large tankers.
Here’s an examination of what is confirmed and uncertain regarding the strait’s current situation:
Iran’s semi-official media outlets announced that the paramilitary Revolutionary Guard struck a third vessel Wednesday within the strait. Nour News, Fars and Mehr all documented the Guard’s attack on a ship named the Euphoria. They reported the vessel had become “stranded” along Iran’s shoreline, providing no additional details. Iranian state television separately confirmed that the Guard captured the other two attacked ships.
This event followed two maritime attacks Saturday that broke a calm period that started in mid-March.
The captured vessels were the Liberia-flagged Epaminondas and Panama-flagged MSC Francesca, both cargo ships. The conditions under which these ships attempted strait passage remained unclear. MSC shipping company failed to respond to email inquiries about the vessel.
These attacks follow an abrupt change in Iran’s position over the weekend, after the Iranian foreign minister declared Friday that the strait remained open, only to face contradiction the following day from the Revolutionary Guard. Six cruise vessels trapped in the Persian Gulf since late February capitalized on the brief opportunity and navigated through the strait. However, maritime traffic has since ceased.
The renewed attacks partially reflect “genuine confusion … about when passage is permitted,” according to Torbjorn Soltvedt, principal Middle East analyst at risk intelligence firm Verisk Maplecroft.
Contradictory messages came from Trump regarding complete reopening and from Iran’s foreign minister about limited reopening. Then circumstances “shifted very quickly” Saturday when the Guard declared the strait closed.
Furthermore, Soltvedt noted, Iran benefits from maintaining elevated insurance costs through intermittent attacks. “Their main leverage in negotiations with the U.S. is being able to restrict shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, and insurance is a big part of that.”
Several vessels have successfully navigated Iran’s approval process, while others have depended on diplomatic appeals from their home nations. Nevertheless, hundreds of ships and thousands of crew members remain stranded.
The U.S. Navy intercepted and captured a large tanker carrying Iranian petroleum south of the Bay of Bengal in the Indian Ocean, approximately 2,000 miles from the strait. This action highlighted America’s capability to seize vessels violating the blockade long after departing the strait’s vicinity.
The U.S. military, enforcing the blockade in the Gulf of Oman and Arabian Sea, distant from Iranian drones and speedboats, reports turning back 20 Iran-connected vessels.
Nevertheless, shipping intelligence firms indicate that numerous ships carrying Iranian oil have bypassed the blockade. Lloyd’s List Intelligence reports “a steady flow of shadow fleet traffic” has moved in and out of the gulf, including 11 tankers with Iranian cargo that departed the gulf outside the strait since April 13.
“The dilemma for the U.S. is: The tighter the blockade, the greater the pain is in the global oil market, so there are conflicting priorities there, and it seems there is a policy of not intercepting every single shipment of Iranian oil,” Soltvedt explained.
Moreover, nearly all that petroleum flows to China, requiring the U.S. to manage that relationship carefully, with Trump scheduled to visit from May 14 to 15.
Captain Tim Hawkins, U.S. Central Command spokesman, confirmed Wednesday that the military blockade targets all Iranian ships entering or departing Iranian ports. However, he stated humanitarian shipments, including food, medical supplies and other civilian essentials, receive approval following inspection.
Hawkins disputed external reports of ships evading the U.S. network and referenced comments by U.S. Central Command chief Admiral Brad Cooper, who stated Friday that “no ship has evaded U.S. forces.”
Ship operators and insurers will require more than a basic peace agreement announcement to risk strait passage as they did before the conflict.
Even following the war’s conclusion, analytical and data company Rystad Energy predicts it will require six to eight weeks simply to reorganize the global tanker network. Ship operators and insurers would need two to five weeks to become comfortable with new operating conditions and resume standard operations.
Ship operators desire “something that’s a bit more concrete than what we have now,” Soltvedt stated. “What is needed is something more comprehensive” than an informal ceasefire with both sides remaining far apart on crucial issues including Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile programs.
“Even then, shipping companies will have the long-term threat hanging over them” considering Iran’s missile and drone capabilities, he added. “They can play this card again in the future.”
FORT COLLINS, Colo. (AP) — Eastern Utah’s canyons will experience massive water releases this spring — equivalent to the flow of 50,000 toilets continuously flushing — as federal officials scramble to preserve electrical generation for hundreds of thousands of homes throughout the western United States.
While the rushing waters of the Green and Colorado rivers may appear to bring relief to the arid landscape of red rock formations and desert vegetation, the reality tells a different story.
Following the most severe winter drought on record, authorities plan to dramatically increase Lake Powell’s water levels this spring to preserve the reservoir’s hydroelectric capabilities. Their strategy involves releasing up to one-third of Flaming Gorge Reservoir’s water supply in Wyoming and Utah, surpassing even the record-breaking 2022 emergency release that maintained power generation.
Glen Canyon Dam creates Lake Powell, which generates clean, affordable electricity for more than 350,000 households. However, this solution creates mounting challenges throughout a disputed river system that serves ranchers, businesses, and approximately 40 million residential water users.
At Flaming Gorge in southwestern Wyoming, marina operators Tony and Jen Valdez are monitoring water levels that officials expect to drop 10 feet by summer’s end due to the planned releases. This decline will force boaters to travel increasingly longer distances to reach the water.
“Of course we’re concerned,” Jen Valdez said. “And it will probably get to a point where we’ll need to be more concerned.”
Should the plan proceed without weather intervention, Flaming Gorge could fall as much as 27 feet within twelve months, leaving Buckboard Marina significantly stranded from the waterline.
While potentially offering temporary relief during the extended drought, the strategy will create additional downstream consequences as Bureau of Reclamation officials plan to retain more water than normal in Lake Powell along the Arizona-Utah border.
Further downstream, Lake Mead near Las Vegas is projected to reach levels similar to four years ago when receding waters exposed sunken vessels and human skeletal remains.
Federal authorities explain these extreme actions are essential to maintain Lake Powell’s water level high enough for turbine operation without allowing air into the system, which could cause significant mechanical damage.
Approximately 155 customers spanning cities, tribal nations, rural electric cooperatives, and public utility districts receive hydroelectric power from Glen Canyon Dam and other federal facilities. No customer depends entirely on hydropower.
Most serve economically disadvantaged communities and operate as nonprofit organizations that fund dam operations, maintenance, and federal infrastructure investments.
The Western Area Power Administration maintains contractual commitments to supply specific electricity amounts to its customers. Losing hydropower would force WAPA to purchase more expensive, non-renewable energy from alternative sources, explained Leslie James, executive director of the nonprofit Colorado River Energy Distributors Association.
“If Glen Canyon hydropower is reduced to zero or a low amount, it will have different impacts on what they charge communities,” James said.
James described the situation as unprecedented in her 48 years assisting electricity customers across Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming.
Market electricity purchases replacing federal hydropower have driven rate increases for five consecutive years at Heber Light & Power southeast of Salt Lake City, with the most recent increase reaching 13%, according to Emily Brandt, the utility’s energy resource manager.
Persistent drought conditions, evaporation, and water consumption — particularly for cattle industry alfalfa irrigation — have reduced Lake Powell to 3,526 feet above sea level, representing just 23% of maximum capacity.
Power generation requires the reservoir to remain above 3,490 feet, the elevation of Glen Canyon Dam’s water intake systems.
This critical threshold has never been reached since the 710-foot dam’s completion in 1963 and Lake Powell’s gradual filling to capacity by 1980.
During 2022, the Bureau of Reclamation conducted an unprecedented release of 500,000 acre-feet from Flaming Gorge to boost Lake Powell. The current planned releases to maintain Lake Powell’s power generation could ultimately reach twice that volume.
Simultaneously, retaining 1.5 million acre-feet in Lake Powell will reduce Hoover Dam’s electricity production by 40% as Lake Mead levels continue declining.
An additional concern involves warm surface water from Lake Powell potentially promoting smallmouth bass populations, an invasive species that threatens the native humpback chub in the Colorado River below Glen Canyon Dam. Environmental groups including the Grand Canyon Trust advocate mixing deeper, cooler water to maintain conditions unfavorable to smallmouth bass in the Grand Canyon.
The most intensive Flaming Gorge releases in coming days and weeks will be timed to benefit native fish species in the Green River, a Colorado River tributary.
Flaming Gorge will ultimately decline from 83% to an estimated 59% capacity. The 2022 Flaming Gorge releases were followed by substantial winter precipitation, temporarily easing regional water concerns.
“We kind of got saved by Mother Nature,” said Valdez, the Buckboard Marina owner.
However, one or two wet years cannot reverse the 25-year “megadrought” caused partly by human-driven climate change. Despite this, Valdez remains hopeful for returning wet weather patterns.
“Hopefully we can expand into doing some other things,” Valdez said. “Because it’s going to come back eventually.”
Virginia Democrats marked a significant victory Wednesday following a ballot measure success that positions them favorably in the nationwide redistricting battle initiated by President Donald Trump to maintain Republican control of the House during this year’s midterm elections, though the fight is far from over.
The Virginia Supreme Court must now determine if Democratic legislators broke procedural guidelines when they placed a constitutional amendment on the ballot that authorizes new U.S. House districts potentially helping Democrats secure up to four extra seats statewide. Should the court find violations, it could nullify the map that voters approved by a narrow margin on Tuesday.
Upcoming developments in Florida will also play a crucial role.
Florida’s Republican-dominated Legislature plans to convene in special session next week, called by GOP Governor Ron DeSantis partly to create a new map that would increase the party’s congressional representation in that state. The U.S. Supreme Court expects to deliver a ruling by late June on a Louisiana case that might eliminate a critical section of the Voting Rights Act, potentially triggering redrawn political boundaries throughout the South, although most changes couldn’t take effect until 2028.
Following Virginia voters’ approval of the amendment, Democrats can provisionally assert they gained 10 seats nationwide through mid-decade redistricting, versus the nine Republicans claim. Even if circumstances shift back toward the GOP, the ultimate outcome of Trump’s initiative would represent only a modest gain in Republican-friendly House districts during a period when his approval numbers are declining and Republican concerns about losing congressional control in November are mounting.
“We have successfully blunted Trump’s attempt to completely hijack the midterms,” stated John Bisognano, president of the National Democratic Redistricting Committee.
Numerous Republicans expressed similar sentiments.
“The GOP will now lose net seats across the country. If you’re going to pick a fight, at least win it,” posted Ari Fleischer, former spokesman for President George W. Bush, on social media platform X following the Virginia vote. “All this was foreseeable and avoidable. We should not have started this fight.”
Adam Kincaid, executive director of the National Republican Redistricting Trust, contended it’s premature to name either party the winner.
“It’s an ongoing process with many legal challenges pending, and it’s far too early for sweeping statements on the final outcome,” he explained.
Trump attempted to discredit the Virginia outcome Wednesday by making baseless fraud allegations similar to those he voiced after his 2020 presidential election defeat. He labeled the Virginia vote “RIGGED” and “Crooked” on his social media platform, adding: “Let’s see if the Courts will fix this travesty of ‘Justice.’”
Redistricting normally occurs once per decade following each census, unless a court mandates changes. However, last summer Trump advocated for redrawing maps in Texas, encouraging the state’s Republican-controlled Legislature to create up to five winnable House seats for his party. Trump subsequently began urging other Republican-led states to take similar action. Missouri, North Carolina and Ohio have since established more GOP-favorable districts alongside Texas.
Democrats initiated their counteroffensive, despite facing greater limitations because several Democratic-controlled states had maps created by independent commissions rather than elected officials.
To respond to Texas, California’s Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom urged the Democratic-controlled Legislature to include a redistricting measure on last fall’s ballot. After voters overwhelmingly supported it, the initiative will substitute a commission-approved map with one potentially giving Democrats five additional seats.
Democrats regained control of both the Legislature and governor’s office in Virginia during November elections and quickly moved to mirror California’s strategy with an even more ambitious redistricting proposal. It substitutes a congressional map imposed by a court following the previous census that resulted in a 6-5 Democratic advantage with one allowing Democrats to potentially capture as many as 10 seats.
“We are not going to let anyone tilt the system without a response,” declared state Senate President L. Louise Lucas during a Wednesday news conference.
In Washington, U.S. House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York issued a warning to Florida Republicans, who have shown open anxiety about redrawing their district lines and potentially diluting their core voter base before an election that seems to be moving against them.
“Our message to Florida Republicans right now is, ‘F around and find out,’” Jeffries stated.
House Majority Forward, the nonprofit division of the super political action committee supporting House Democrats, has invested nearly $60 million to counter Republican redistricting initiatives. Approximately $40 million of that amount went toward the Virginia campaign.
Florida faces an additional hurdle in the form of an anti-gerrymandering constitutional amendment that state voters passed in 2010. Any new Florida map would likely prompt substantial legal action, though six of the seven state Supreme Court justices received appointments from Republicans.
The Virginia initiative carries its own legal complications. Republicans have contested the procedure Democrats employed to place the measure on the ballot, and the state Supreme Court chose to postpone scheduling arguments until after the vote occurred. The timing of a potential ruling remains uncertain.
“The ballot box was never the final word here,” Virginia House Republican leader Terry Kilgore said in a statement following Tuesday’s vote. “Serious legal questions remain about both the wording of this referendum and the process used to put it before voters.”
The U.S. Supreme Court holds the most significant legal uncertainty. Its conservative majority might eliminate a Voting Rights Act requirement that mapmakers in areas with substantial minority populations create districts more conducive to electing minority candidates.
This provision has resulted in the establishment of several majority-minority congressional seats, particularly throughout the South. Without it, Republicans in conservative states could further reduce the number of U.S. House seats Democrats could win.
However, it’s improbable that any state besides Louisiana, which filed the lawsuit the high court will decide, could modify its congressional boundaries before November even if the court strikes down that provision, known as Section Two. This is because the November election has already officially begun in most states, with candidate filing deadlines and, in some instances, primary elections already completed.
INSTITUTE, W.Va. — Two workers have died and 19 others required hospitalization following a deadly chemical incident at a West Virginia precious metals facility, according to emergency officials.
The dangerous leak happened at Catalyst Refiners in Institute while employees were working to close down portions of the silver recovery operation, according to Kanawha County Commission Emergency Management Director C.W. Sigman.
Officials say the incident involved a dangerous interaction between nitric acid and another chemical compound. “A violent reaction of the chemicals and it instantaneously overreacted,” Sigman explained during a press conference.
Sigman noted that “Starting or ending a chemical reaction are the most dangerous times.”
Seven emergency responders who arrived at the scene were among those requiring medical treatment, authorities confirmed.
Emergency officials said some victims were transported to medical facilities in personal vehicles, with one person even taken to the hospital in a garbage truck, according to Sigman.
Area residents were ordered to shelter in place for more than five hours before the directive was lifted. Emergency management officials confirmed that all fatalities and injuries happened within the plant’s boundaries.
“You had to get really close to the facility to smell it,” Sigman reported.
The incident triggered a massive decontamination response where exposed individuals had to strip off all clothing and undergo chemical washdown procedures, emergency officials said.
The facility specializes in extracting silver from industrial waste materials and can recover thousands of dollars worth of precious metals simply by cleaning office floors at manufacturing plants, according to Sigman.
Ames Goldsmith Corp., which owns the Catalyst Refiners operation, expressed grief over the tragic outcome and solidarity with affected families.
“This is an unfathomably difficult time,” the company said in a statement released during the briefing. “Our thoughts and prayers are with our colleagues and their families.”
The parent company pledged full cooperation with local, state and federal investigators examining the cause of the incident.
The facility is situated near Institute, a small community located approximately 10 miles west of Charleston, West Virginia’s capital city.
NAHUNTA, Ga. — Devastating blazes continued to spread throughout the Southeast on Wednesday, leaving nearly 50 homes destroyed in Georgia while prompting widespread evacuations and school shutdowns across multiple communities.
The most severe fires were concentrated along Georgia’s coastline and in areas surrounding Jacksonville, Florida, where officials say the state is experiencing one of its most catastrophic fire seasons in recent decades. While the origin of these wildfires remains under investigation, extended drought conditions combined with low moisture levels and powerful winds have created ideal conditions for rapid fire spread.
Georgia’s two largest fires have consumed more than 31 square miles combined, with at least four additional smaller blazes reported statewide. The hardest-hit regions are experiencing exceptional or extreme drought conditions — the most severe classifications according to federal drought monitoring systems.
In Brantley County, located in southeast Georgia, a rapidly advancing wildfire continued threatening additional properties Wednesday after destroying 47 homes the previous day, County Manager Joey Cason reported.
The blaze expanded roughly six-fold in just twelve hours on Tuesday, Cason explained during Wednesday’s press briefing. Nearly two dozen firefighting agencies have joined efforts to combat the flames.
Sheriff Len Davis of Brantley County urged residents to prepare for potential evacuation, emphasizing that wind patterns could change suddenly and without warning.
Federal Emergency Management Agency officials report that approximately 800 people have been evacuated from the county, with five emergency shelters now operational as the fire poses risks to an additional 300 homes.
A separate major fire originating in Clinch County has also triggered evacuations across several communities, according to the Georgia Forestry Association. Association President and CEO Tim Lowrimore described the situation, stating: “This is a serious and evolving situation.”
Florida firefighters were simultaneously confronting 131 active wildfires Wednesday, which have scorched 34 square miles primarily across the state’s northern regions.
Fire suppression equipment has been strategically positioned throughout Florida to ensure rapid response capabilities, Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson announced.
Simpson warned: “Florida has got one of the worst fire seasons in maybe the last 30 or 40 years or it’s turning out to be that way. We’ve been in drought for 18 months now all across the state.”
Train service disruptions affected Amtrak operations Monday in northeastern Florida due to wildfire activity. Normal service resumed Wednesday, confirmed Amtrak representative Beth Toll.
Weather officials warned that dangerous combinations of minimal humidity and gusty winds would maintain elevated fire risks Wednesday.
Smoke plumes reached major metropolitan areas including Atlanta, Savannah, Georgia, and Jacksonville, Florida. Air quality measurements in southern Georgia deteriorated to unhealthy levels Wednesday, potentially affecting all area residents.
The Atlanta-Fulton County Emergency Management Agency predicted smoky conditions would persist throughout the Atlanta region Wednesday, despite the primary fires burning more than 200 miles southeast of the metropolitan area.
Meteorologists forecast continued high fire danger each afternoon through Friday due to persistently dry environmental conditions.
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company has announced plans to establish an advanced chip packaging facility in Arizona, with operations targeted to begin before 2029, according to a company executive.
The facility will address a critical supply chain bottleneck affecting modern artificial intelligence processors. Today’s AI chips, including those produced by Nvidia, consist of multiple components bonded together using sophisticated packaging techniques, a process that has created supply constraints for major tech companies.
During a technology conference in Santa Clara, California on Wednesday, TSMC officials confirmed that construction work has already commenced. The company had previously announced in January that it was seeking permits to build its first advanced packaging facility within an existing Arizona location, though no completion date was provided at that time.
“We are aggressively expanding our own capability within the Arizona facility,” stated Kevin Zhang, deputy co-chief operations officer and senior vice president, during remarks made Tuesday before the conference. “We are going to build a CoWoS capability and 3D-IC capability there before 2029, so that’s still our goal,” Zhang explained, referencing two highly sought-after packaging technologies developed by TSMC.
Currently, major clients including Apple and Nvidia receive semiconductor chips from TSMC’s Arizona manufacturing facility, but those components must be shipped back to Taiwan for final packaging processes.
Competing firm Amkor Technology announced last year its intention to construct a packaging facility in Arizona in partnership with Apple and Nvidia, with completion scheduled for mid-2027 and production beginning in early 2028, ahead of TSMC’s projected timeline. TSMC and Amkor revealed in 2024 their collaboration to bring multiple advanced packaging technologies to Arizona, though specific details of their partnership remain undisclosed.
Zhang indicated that technology discussions between Amkor and TSMC are continuing. “We are partnering with them to see what kind of technology capability they can offer to our customers in order to accelerate some of the products to be manufactured in the U.S.,” Zhang noted. “There are still some moving parts. I would say we are definitely looking at all possibilities to have a very diverse manufacturing footprint.”
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co revealed its latest chip production advances on Wednesday, demonstrating how the company can develop smaller and faster processors while avoiding the purchase of expensive new equipment from Dutch supplier ASML.
The global manufacturing leader, which produces semiconductors for major tech companies including Nvidia, Apple and Google, unveiled two enhanced production methods during its presentation in Santa Clara, California. The first technique, designated A13, is scheduled for commercial production in 2029 and will primarily serve artificial intelligence applications. The second method, called N2U, offers a more cost-effective approach for manufacturing chips used in smartphones, laptops, and AI systems.
Rather than investing in ASML’s newest “high NA” extreme-ultraviolet lithography machines, which cost approximately $400 million each—double the price of current models—TSMC plans to maximize the capabilities of its existing EUV equipment for all the technologies demonstrated Wednesday.
“This is where I think our R&D has done exceptionally well in terms of leveraging existing EUV technology while setting an aggressive technology scaling roadmap,” stated Kevin Zhang, deputy co-chief operations officer and senior vice president, in an interview with Reuters. “This is definitely a strength.”
While the improvements in chip size and speed are incremental, TSMC also presented ambitious plans for connecting complex AI processors, an area where industry experts anticipate companies like Nvidia will achieve the greatest performance improvements in upcoming years. Current AI systems such as Nvidia’s Vera Rubin, launching this year and manufactured by TSMC, incorporate two large processing units and eight high-bandwidth memory modules. By 2028, TSMC projects it will possess the capability to combine 10 large chips with 20 memory modules.
The famous Moore’s Law, named for Intel CEO Gordon Moore, forecasted that computing capability would approximately double every two years while becoming more affordable. Recently, some industry leaders including Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang have questioned whether this principle remains valid.
According to Dan Hutcheson, vice chair of TechInsights, TSMC is essentially extending Moore’s Law through its chip-connecting technology.
“Moore’s law is morphing from a monolithic, single die in a package to multi-die in a package,” Hutcheson explained in an interview. “And that allows the power and performance gains.”
However, combining multiple chips creates unique engineering obstacles. The processors generate heat during operation, and the various materials used in packaging expand at different rates, presenting new challenges for chip designers.
According to Ian Cutress, chief analyst at consultancy More Than Moore, large chip assemblies can warp and fracture, problems that affected Nvidia’s Rubin AI processor.
“(TSMC) aren’t addressing directly how they are solving those challenges,” Cutress noted.
Moscow announced Wednesday that Russian President Vladimir Putin would only consider meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy if the discussion centers on completing final peace agreements to end the ongoing conflict.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told Russian state television that the purpose of any potential meeting must be clearly defined and productive.
“The main thing is the goal of this meeting. Why should they meet? Putin has said he is ready for a meeting in Moscow at any moment,” Peskov stated during the Wednesday interview, according to TASS news agency.
The Russian official emphasized that meaningful dialogue requires clear objectives. “The main thing is that there should be a reason to meet, and the main thing is that the meeting should be productive. And it can only be for the purpose of finalising agreements,” Peskov explained.
The comments suggest Russia’s leadership remains open to diplomatic discussions, but only under specific conditions focused on reaching a final resolution to the conflict.
The United States saw a 2 percent decline in commercial red meat production during 2025, according to newly released federal data.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service published its yearly livestock slaughter report showing the drop in production levels across the country.
The annual summary provides comprehensive data on commercial meat processing operations throughout the United States, tracking production trends that impact both farmers and consumers nationwide.
The United States poultry industry is showing signs of growth, according to recent data from the National Agricultural Statistics Service.
Nationwide statistics reveal that broiler-type egg setting has increased by 2 percent compared to previous periods. Additionally, the placement of broiler-type chicks across the country has risen by 4 percent.
These figures suggest positive momentum in the American chicken production industry, with both upstream egg setting and downstream chick placement showing upward trends.
The country’s leading dairy-producing states experienced a notable increase in milk output during the month of March, according to new federal data.
The 24 states that dominate America’s dairy industry collectively produced 19.6 billion pounds of milk in March, marking a 2.4 percent rise when compared to March of the previous year.
The production figures highlight continued growth in the nation’s dairy sector as farmers and agricultural operations maintain steady output levels across major milk-producing regions.
Delaware State University senior Christopher Johnson has been selected as the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Men’s Field Athlete of the Week, officials announced Tuesday from Norfolk, Virginia.
The recognition highlights Johnson’s outstanding performance in field events for the Hornets’ outdoor track and field program. The MEAC weekly honors are awarded to student-athletes who demonstrate exceptional athletic achievement in their respective events.
Johnson’s selection marks a significant accomplishment for both the senior athlete and Delaware State’s track and field program as they continue their outdoor season competition.
Drivers traveling on Pike Creek Road should expect delays this afternoon as construction crews continue work that requires periodic lane restrictions.
The Delaware Department of Transportation reports that the roadway between Abbey Drive and Larkspur Road is experiencing intermittent lane closures as part of ongoing construction activities.
Officials say the lane restrictions will remain in effect until 4:30 PM today. Motorists are advised to plan alternate routes or allow extra travel time when using this section of Pike Creek Road.
DelDOT continues to monitor the construction progress and will update drivers when normal traffic patterns resume.
A traffic stop for illegally tinted windows led to the arrest of a Newark man on weapons and drug charges last week, according to Newark Police Department officials.
Officers from the department’s Special Operations Unit pulled over a vehicle in the vicinity of Elkton Road and O’Daniel Avenue on April 15 around 3:19 p.m. after spotting the vehicle’s improperly tinted front windshield.
During the traffic stop, police say they found a firearm and what appeared to be illegal drugs in the vehicle.
The driver was taken into custody and charged with multiple firearms violations and drug possession charges. Police have not yet released the suspect’s name pending formal processing.
The incident remains under investigation by Newark Police. Additional details about the specific charges and court proceedings are expected to be released following the suspect’s arraignment.
DOVER — Delaware Governor Matt Meyer has created a new task force dedicated to protecting the integrity of elections throughout the First State by signing Executive Order 19.
The newly formed Delaware Task Force on Free, Fair, and Secure Elections represents a coordinated initiative designed to strengthen election security measures, boost citizen confidence in how Delaware conducts its elections, and shield the state from any unconstitutional federal intervention.
“The U.S. Constitution is clear: elections are run by the states, not the federal government,” Meyer stated. “That’s a responsibility we take seriously.”
The executive order establishes a framework for maintaining Delaware’s electoral processes under state control while ensuring voters can trust in the security and fairness of their elections.
Weather forecasters have issued marine conditions information for regional waterways, providing essential details for those planning water-based activities.
The National Weather Service marine outlook covers current and expected conditions that affect boating, fishing, and other maritime operations in the area.
Mariners and recreational boaters are encouraged to check current marine forecasts before heading out on the water to ensure safe conditions for their planned activities.
The San Diego Padres have brought aboard seasoned pitcher Lucas Giolito, adding the premier free agent starter available to help their injury-riddled pitching staff as the team continues its hot start to the season.
San Diego revealed the one-year contract agreement with Giolito on Wednesday, which includes a team option for 2027. The club did not reveal monetary details of the arrangement.
The 31-year-old California native posted a 10-4 record with a 3.41 earned run average across 26 starts for Boston last season, demonstrating a strong comeback following his absence from the entire 2024 campaign due to right elbow surgery that repaired his ulnar collateral ligament with an internal brace procedure in March.
Throughout nine major league seasons with Washington, Chicago White Sox, Los Angeles Angels and Cleveland, Giolito has compiled a 71-66 record with a 4.30 ERA and 1.26 WHIP.
The right-hander has demonstrated consistency and reliability throughout most of his professional tenure, earning All-Star recognition in 2019 and delivering a no-hitter in 2020. Even with his injury-shortened season, he remains among the top five American League hurlers from 2018-25 in innings thrown (1,092), strikeouts (1,153), victories (68) and complete games (5).
However, Giolito remained unsigned nearly a full month into the current season before joining the Padres, who have excelled on the mound despite significant rotation disruptions and injury concerns.
Starting pitcher Nick Pivetta landed on the disabled list last week with a right elbow flexor strain that may sideline him for several months, while Joe Musgrove has yet to take the mound this year due to a prolonged recovery from Tommy John surgery. Yu Darvish is already finished for the season with an elbow problem, and Dylan Cease departed last fall after signing a $210 million free-agent contract with Toronto.
Despite these setbacks, the Padres maintain the majors’ second-best team ERA at 3.22 following Tuesday night’s 1-0 victory over Colorado, marking their 11th win in 12 contests. San Diego’s 16-7 record matches the defending champion Los Angeles Dodgers for baseball’s best mark.
General manager A.J. Preller managed to accommodate Giolito within his financial constraints while the franchise undergoes ownership changes. The family of deceased Padres owner Peter Seidler is close to completing a sale to billionaire Jose E. Feliciano and his wife, Kwanza Jones.
Giolito will immediately join a rotation currently featuring Michael King, Randy Vásquez, Germán Márquez and former Dodgers ace Walker Buehler. Right-hander Matt Waldron made a start following Pivetta’s injury but performed poorly in a defeat to the Angels.
Giolito had signed a $38.5 million, two-year agreement with Boston in January 2024. He aims to continue his impressive performance with the Red Sox from 2025, when he went 9-1 with a 2.26 ERA over 15 starts between June 10 and August 31 after a sluggish beginning. Opposing batters managed just .194 (25 for 129) against his changeup and .200 (3 for 15) against his curveball.
Boston excluded him from their postseason roster after he experienced elbow discomfort in mid-September, though no structural damage was found — which he described as “a small relief in a very unfortunate situation.”
“As it was described to me in layman’s terms, my flexor is very irritated and at this point it’s hard for me to describe,” Giolito explained following Game 1 of Boston’s AL Wild Card Series against the New York Yankees. “It’s like weird stuff going on with my bone. It’s one of those things I was told you got to stop throwing and let it calm down.”
Giolito has not appeared in playoff action since 2021, when he made his second career postseason appearance for the White Sox.
San Diego moved right-hander Bryan Hoeing to the 60-day disabled list to create roster space for Giolito on the 40-man squad.
A former opposition politician and wealthy businessman from Moldova received a 19-year prison sentence Wednesday for his involvement in a massive banking scandal that drained $1 billion from the Eastern European nation’s financial institutions over ten years ago.
Vladimir Plahotniuc, age 60, was found guilty by the Buiucani District Court in Moldova’s capital city of Chisinau on multiple criminal charges including operating a criminal enterprise, financial fraud, and laundering money.
The case centers on the theft of $1 billion from three Moldovan banking institutions in 2014. This enormous sum represented roughly one-eighth of Moldova’s entire yearly economic output at that time, throwing the impoverished nation into severe crisis. According to prosecutors, Plahotniuc personally obtained $39 million plus 3.5 million euros from the stolen money through businesses operated by fellow Moldovan oligarch Ilan Shor.
Case prosecutor Alexandru Cernei informed media representatives that prosecutors had requested the maximum 25-year sentence and that the government plans to pursue $60 million in financial damages.
Plahotniuc was absent from Wednesday’s court proceedings and has consistently maintained his innocence, claiming the charges are driven by political motives.
Defense attorney Lucian Rogac denounced the court’s ruling as “unlawful” and announced plans to file an appeal.
“We didn’t expect a different ruling, given that the entire process was marred by serious violations,” he said.
The convicted oligarch escaped to the United States in June 2019 following his unsuccessful attempt to establish a government coalition with his Democratic Party. Greek authorities arrested him in July of last year, and he was sent back to Moldova in September, where he remained in custody awaiting trial.
“For years, Plahotniuc evaded justice while controlling the system itself,” Iulian Groza, executive director of the Institute for European Policies and Reforms think tank, wrote on Facebook.
“That a reformed court, with integrity-vetted judges, has now convicted him of running a criminal organization, fraud, and money laundering is a milestone — and proof that judicial reform works,” Groza said. “The next test is the appeal.”
The United States designated Plahotniuc as persona non grata in 2020, marking him as an unwelcome individual, and his location remained unknown for several years.
U.S. State Department officials placed the influential businessman and former politician on their sanctions roster in 2022 due to alleged corrupt activities. These accusations included manipulating the nation’s law enforcement agencies to pursue political opponents and business competitors, as well as interfering with Moldova’s electoral processes.
British authorities also sanctioned him in 2022, prohibiting his entry into the country and freezing his financial assets throughout the United Kingdom and its territories.
Moldova sits between war-affected Ukraine and Romania, which belongs to both the European Union and NATO. The nation gained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991 and has recently aligned itself with Western nations, creating tension between Russian and European influences in the region.
Skywatchers across the Delmarva region have a great opportunity tonight as the annual Lyrids meteor shower reaches its peak. This reliable springtime meteor shower, active each year in mid to late April, is expected to produce a steady display of shooting stars under the right viewing conditions.
The Lyrids originate from debris left behind by Comet C/1861 G1 (Thatcher), a long-period comet that orbits the Sun roughly every 415 years. As Earth passes through this stream of dust and debris, tiny particles burn up in the atmosphere, creating the bright streaks we see as meteors. Under ideal dark-sky conditions, viewers can typically expect around 10 to 20 meteors per hour, though occasional surges have been known to produce higher rates.
For Delmarva observers, the best viewing window begins after midnight and continues through the pre-dawn hours Tuesday morning. The meteors will appear to radiate from the constellation Lyra, which rises in the northeastern sky during the late evening. However, you do not need to look directly at Lyra. In fact, some of the longest and brightest meteors will appear farther away from the radiant.
Viewing conditions will play a key role. To maximize visibility, head away from city lights and allow your eyes about 20 to 30 minutes to fully adjust to the darkness. No special equipment is needed. Just look up and scan the sky. While the Lyrids are not the most intense meteor shower of the year, they are known for producing occasional bright fireballs, which can make the show worthwhile.
With relatively mild overnight temperatures and a quieter weather pattern in place, conditions across much of Delmarva should be favorable for at least some viewing. If clouds cooperate, tonight offers a solid chance to catch one of the oldest recorded meteor showers, with observations dating back more than 2,700 years.
If you miss the peak tonight, the Lyrids will remain active for a few more nights, though activity will gradually decrease.
State officials have given the green light to more than $1.66 million in funding from Maryland’s Department of Natural Resources to help local communities enhance their recreational facilities across four counties: Allegany, Caroline, Frederick, and Prince George’s.
The Board of Public Works also authorized an additional $340,000 through the Program Open Space – Stateside initiative to purchase approximately 137 acres of property next to Potomac-Garrett State Forest in Garrett County. This land acquisition will expand opportunities for public outdoor activities such as hunting, hiking, and observing wildlife.
Several specific improvement projects received Program Open Space – Local funding approval:
• Allegany County plans to enhance the swimming pool and baseball field facilities at Frostburg Community Park.
• Caroline County will build a brand new bicycle pump track at North County Regional Park.
• Frederick County will advance its Kim Weddle Park renovation by installing walkways, fencing, protective surfacing beneath swing sets, and new signage.
• Prince George’s Equestrian Center will receive upgrades including audio equipment, outdoor arena and stable enhancements, a shade structure, scoreboard, and paved surfaces.
Complete details about these funding decisions can be found in the Board of Public Works meeting agenda from April 22, 2026. The board consists of three members: Governor Wes Moore, Treasurer Dereck E. Davis, and Comptroller Brooke E. Lierman.
The Program Open Space – Local initiative supports county and municipal governments in planning, purchasing, and developing recreational lands and facilities. Created in 1969 under the Department of Natural Resources, this program demonstrates Maryland’s ongoing dedication to environmental conservation while ensuring quality outdoor recreation access for residents. Property transfer taxes provide the program’s funding source.
The Program Open Space – Stateside component focuses on protecting natural areas throughout Maryland for public recreation, watershed conservation, and wildlife habitat through land purchases and conservation easements. Properties acquired through this program become state parks, forests, and wildlife management areas under department oversight.
Young fishing enthusiasts throughout the First State will have the opportunity to participate in a milestone celebration this weekend as Delaware marks four decades of its popular Youth Fishing Tournament.
The Delaware Natural Resources Police will organize the 40th edition of this beloved annual event on Saturday, June 6, welcoming participants from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. at three designated freshwater locations across the state.
Parents and guardians can bring their children to test their angling skills at any of the three participating venues: Blockhouse Pond located in Sussex County, the Akridge Scout Reservation Pond situated in Kent County, or Lums Pond in New Castle County.
This longstanding tradition provides families with an excellent opportunity to introduce young people to the sport of fishing while enjoying Delaware’s natural outdoor recreational areas.
NEW YORK — The Gates Foundation announced Wednesday it has launched an independent investigation into its historical connections with Jeffrey Epstein, the convicted sex offender, as Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates faces increased examination following the release of Justice Department records tied to the disgraced financier.
During a February internal meeting at the influential charitable organization he co-founded with former wife Melinda French Gates, Bill Gates addressed his connection to Epstein in what sources described as a frank discussion. The external investigation represents the foundation’s most direct effort to confront relationships that have overshadowed its mission to prevent maternal and child mortality while combating major infectious diseases worldwide.
“In March, with the support of our chair, Bill Gates, and our independent Governing Board members, Gates Foundation CEO Mark Suzman commissioned an external review to assess past foundation engagement with Epstein, and our current policies for vetting and developing new philanthropic partnerships,” the organization stated. The Wall Street Journal initially broke the story about an internal staff memo describing the investigation.
The charitable organization has been experiencing significant transitions recently. In January, the Gates Foundation announced plans to limit operational expenses and gradually eliminate up to 500 jobs — approximately 20% of its workforce — by 2030. This restructuring follows last year’s decision to dissolve the foundation by 2045, sooner than originally planned.
Released Justice Department records contain email communications between Gates and Epstein discussing charitable initiatives, scheduled meeting entries, and photographs showing Gates at gatherings where both men were present. Gates has faced no criminal allegations related to his association with Epstein, maintains he was unaware of Epstein’s illegal activities, and insists their interactions focused solely on philanthropic matters.
In a February statement, the foundation admitted that “a small number” of staff members engaged with Epstein due to his “claims that he could mobilize significant philanthropic resources for global health and development.” However, no joint fund was established and the foundation transferred no money to Epstein, according to their earlier announcement.
“The foundation regrets having any employees interact with Epstein in any way,” their statement declared.
Warren Buffett, one of the foundation’s longest-standing and most significant supporters, is monitoring the document releases carefully. The investor, who contributes a portion of his yearly Berkshire Hathaway stock to the nonprofit, told CNBC’s “Squawk Box” last month that clearly “there was a lot I didn’t know.”
After stepping down as foundation trustee in 2021, Buffett has maintained his annual donations typically made at the end of June. However, he indicated he will “wait and see what unfolds” regarding the Justice Department documents and congressional investigations into their contents. He pointed out the foundation maintains substantial reserves with an $86 billion endowment and noted Gates possesses “plenty of his own money.”
“So, in any event, I’ll just wait and see. And there’s three and a half million, or whatever it is pages – I mean, it is astounding,” Buffett commented about the Epstein documentation.
A Gates Foundation representative characterized Buffett as “an extraordinarily generous partner” spanning nearly twenty years in Wednesday’s statement to the Associated Press.
“We are deeply grateful for his support, which has enabled us to accelerate progress on some of the world’s toughest challenges that would not otherwise have been possible,” the spokesperson stated.
The Gates Foundation anticipates its board and leadership will receive findings from the Epstein investigation this summer. The identity of the third-party investigators remains undisclosed.
A major private equity firm is preparing to surrender a troubled software company to its lenders following extended financial restructuring discussions, according to an insider with knowledge of the negotiations.
Thoma Bravo is close to finalizing a deal that would transfer control of Medallia Inc. to the company’s creditors, sources report. This transaction would eliminate $5.1 billion in equity investments made by Thoma Bravo and its partner investors, who acquired the customer service software business for $6.4 billion three years ago.
The software company has faced significant financial challenges in recent months, burdened by approximately $3 billion in outstanding debt owed to major financial institutions including Blackstone, KKR, and Apollo.
When contacted for comment, representatives from Thoma Bravo and KKR declined to provide statements. Apollo and Medallia did not respond to immediate requests for comment regarding the pending agreement.
Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian pointed to American failures to honor agreements and the blocking of Iranian shipping facilities as primary barriers preventing sincere diplomatic discussions, according to statements made Wednesday.
Pezeshkian criticized what he called inconsistent American policies, stating: “[The] world sees your endless hypocritical rhetoric and contradiction between claims and actions.” His remarks followed President Donald Trump’s announcement of extending a ceasefire by one day.
The Iranian leader’s comments highlight ongoing tensions between the two nations as diplomatic efforts continue to face significant challenges.
New Castle County Police are investigating after a man walked into Christiana Hospital with a gunshot wound Monday afternoon.
The incident unfolded around 2:50 p.m. on April 20, 2026, when law enforcement was called to the hospital regarding a shooting victim who had arrived seeking treatment.
When officers arrived at the medical facility, they found a 30-year-old man who had been shot in the upper body. Medical staff reported the victim was listed in critical condition.
The shooting is believed to have occurred in the Concord Bridge Place area of Newark, according to authorities with the New Castle County Division of Police.
Investigators are working to determine the circumstances surrounding the shooting and are asking anyone with information to come forward.
SAO PAULO (AP) — Daily gym sessions and workout videos are taking center stage over traditional campaign appearances and media interviews.
At 80 years old, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva is making physical fitness a cornerstone of his reelection campaign, with exercise routines that some observers say generate more enthusiasm than his political platform.
Although Brazilian voters remain split on whether Lula should pursue an unprecedented fourth non-consecutive presidential term, most agree his dedication to daily treadmill sessions sets a positive example.
“He is a bit too old to campaign again. We’d better have someone else running. But his workouts are indeed a good example for people like me,” said Marcela Peres, 63, as she exercised in a hotel gym in Brasilia on Wednesday.
Lula’s emphasis on demonstrating physical vigor has prompted his primary opponent, Sen. Flávio Bolsonaro, son of former President Jair Bolsonaro, to showcase his own athletic abilities.
With some voters worried that Lula could follow the same trajectory as former U.S. President Joe Biden, who stepped away from the 2024 presidential race due to age and health concerns, the Brazilian leader is using fitness displays to convince supporters to back him once more.
“One of these idiots said it was not me, that it was a clone,” Lula said in March, days after his wife, Rosângela da Silva, posted a video of his workout routine. “Go to the gym. Get ready. Drink less and work to see what happens. I want to live 120 years.”
During his initial two presidential terms, Lula regularly participated in soccer games, continued exercising throughout his 580-day imprisonment, and promoted physical activity when he campaigned in 2022 to defeat then-incumbent Bolsonaro, a former military officer with health issues.
Should Lula succeed in October’s election, he would surpass his own milestone as Brazil’s oldest elected president.
His primary challenger is nearly half his age.
The 45-year-old Bolsonaro recently ridiculed Lula by likening him to an aging Chevrolet Opala that is “all backward” and “drinks a lot (of fuel).”
Lula, who has been on virtually every presidential ballot since Brazil’s military dictatorship ended in 1985, dismissed the criticism by calling himself a “turbo car” instead.
“He is doing this to steer away from the Joe Biden effect,” said Carlos Melo, a political science professor at Insper university in Sao Paulo. “Flávio Bolsonaro is trying to say he is actually the young one. This is a game of image.”
The younger Bolsonaro is also demonstrating his physical condition by posting videos of himself jogging to meetings and performing dance moves on stage.
This aspect of his public persona only emerged in December, when his father designated him as the presidential candidate while incarcerated in the capital, Brasilia, where he was serving a 27-year sentence for orchestrating a coup attempt before being transferred to house arrest.
Political consultant Felipe Soutello, who has managed multiple Brazilian political campaigns, explained that modern electoral bids require candidates to appear dynamic and energetic, regardless of their age.
“The opposition will use a certain ageism, a little prejudice against older generations, as a tool to hurt the president’s performance,” Soutello said.
However, he pointed out that Brazil is experiencing a demographic transformation, with voters over 60 comprising one-quarter of the electorate. “They have more political weight than the young people,” he said.
According to research firm Nexus, citing data from Brazil’s supreme electoral court, the number of eligible Brazilian voters above 60 increased from 20.8 million in 2010 to 36.2 million in March of this year.
Musician Antonio Moreira, 50, enjoys beach workouts in Rio de Janeiro, displaying his physique, tan, and tattoos. He represents a small but crucial demographic that could determine the election outcome: voters who remain undecided between Lula and Bolsonaro.
In the previous election, Lula prevailed with only 50.9% of votes, marking the closest margin in Brazilian electoral history.
“Nobody wants to vote for a president that is stumbling,” Moreira said, adding that Lula’s workouts also encourage older people to stay active.
Regarding Bolsonaro’s dance performances, Moreira noted that “a little dance can define an entire political career” in Brazil. But that’s not enough.
“It is okay to do it as they do to seek for votes, but to reach a different kind of voter there needs to be more real proposals, right?”
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Kansas City Royals announced Wednesday they will abandon their current home at Kauffman Stadium in favor of a brand-new downtown ballpark, teaming up with Hallmark Cards for an ambitious $3 billion development project.
Team owner John Sherman joined Hallmark chairman Don Hall Jr., Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe, and Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas at Hallmark’s headquarters to unveil the massive undertaking that will transform the Crown Center district.
Though the complete master plan remains in development, Sherman revealed the $1.9 billion stadium will begin construction next year at the heart of Crown Center, serving as the focal point of an 85-acre development’s initial phase. Private investors will provide two-thirds of the financing, with the remaining third coming from public partners, including state funds designated for stadium construction.
“This is a partnership between two treasured Kansas City institutions,” Sherman stated. “We are committed to creating a vision which honors our history, the rich past of both organizations, while reinvigorating and reimagining what our future can be together.”
The revelation followed Kansas City officials’ recent approval of an ordinance allowing City Manager Mario Vasquez to negotiate a $600 million agreement supporting the Royals’ downtown relocation. Many expected the venue would occupy Washington Square Park near Union Station, but the stadium will actually sit just south of that location, incorporating the park into the broader development.
Hallmark plans to construct new corporate headquarters within the area, which connects via streetcar to the Power & Light District anchored by T-Mobile Center. That downtown Kansas City skyline will create the scenic backdrop beyond the stadium’s outfield walls.
City leaders emphasized the area’s existing public parking availability and easy highway access for traffic management.
Missouri’s financial contribution stems from legislation passed last year authorizing bonds covering up to half the cost of new or renovated state stadiums, plus $50 million in tax credits per facility and additional local government assistance.
“We think it’s a great investment for our Missouri taxpayers, because this does not affect existing programs,” Kehoe explained. “The ripple effect from this facility will truly be far-reaching into rural Missouri and other parts of the state.”
The Royals have maintained they would vacate Kauffman Stadium when their Truman Sports Complex lease ends in 2031, with Sherman pursuing a downtown ballpark replacement since acquiring the team in 2019.
However, Wednesday’s announcement followed numerous obstacles and setbacks.
The most significant hurdle occurred in April 2024, when the Chiefs partnered with the Royals on a proposal to renovate Arrowhead Stadium while replacing Kauffman Stadium. The plan required extending a sales tax funding stadium maintenance, but Jackson County, Missouri voters decisively rejected the measure, forcing both franchises to pursue separate solutions.
Kansas lawmakers aggressively courted the Chiefs, approving $2.4 billion in bonds last December to fund 60% of a new $3 billion domed stadium in Kansas City, Kansas. The NFL team ultimately chose to relocate across state lines, also planning a new training facility in nearby Olathe, Kansas.
Kansas officials briefly showed interest in the Royals as well, though their pursuit of the MLB team remained halfhearted.
The Royals considered multiple locations in recent months, ultimately declining an Overland Park, Kansas option and missing a deadline for a site north of downtown across the Missouri River in Clay County, Missouri.
Economic experts have consistently determined that stadium subsidies don’t justify their community costs, as these facilities typically redirect economic activity from other local areas rather than growing the overall economy. Despite this, states and cities regularly fund stadium renovations or new construction — 49 of 60 venues used by MLB or NFL teams are publicly owned or built on public property.
Sherman has referenced Truist Park in Atlanta as a model for Kansas City’s potential.
That stadium represented a public-private partnership where the Cobb-Marietta Coliseum & Exhibit Hall Authority issued up to $397 million in bonds, the county generated additional millions through transportation taxes, and businesses contributed cash. The Braves funded the remaining costs for both the park and The Battery mixed-use development, totaling over $1.1 billion.
“There are many great ballpark neighborhoods in Major League Baseball,” Sherman noted, “but this is a bigger project with more land in downtown and in the heart of the city. We are bringing a modern, state-of-the-art ballpark experience to our fans, closer to our public transportation and where more people work and live.”
A major dairy industry organization is throwing its support behind new federal legislation aimed at forcing stricter labeling rules for plant-based alternatives that use traditional dairy names.
The National Milk Producers Federation issued a statement backing the recently reintroduced DAIRY PRIDE Act, with President and CEO Gregg Doud criticizing federal regulators for allowing what he calls misleading marketing practices.
“FDA’s continued failure to enforce its own rules on the proper labeling of plant-based alternative products is a public health problem, plain and simple,” Doud stated. He emphasized that authentic dairy provides 13 vital nutrients, highlighting calcium, potassium, and vitamin D as particularly important for public health.
According to Doud, plant-based products that don’t match dairy’s nutritional profile have been permitted to suggest they’re equivalent to genuine dairy items, creating confusion among shoppers.
The proposed legislation would require the Food and Drug Administration to uphold existing dairy labeling standards that give specific meaning to terms like “milk,” “cheese,” and “yogurt.” These standards were originally created to ensure honest marketing and consumer protection.
“The DAIRY PRIDE Act directs FDA to enforce dairy standards of identity, which were developed to promote honesty and protect consumers,” Doud explained, arguing that current enforcement gaps allow plant-based companies to capitalize on consumer expectations while offering nutritionally different products.
“It’s high time FDA makes it easier for consumers to navigate the choices they face in the grocery aisles; the DAIRY PRIDE Act is an important step in the right direction. Dairy farmers and their cooperatives thank Reps. John Joyce and Josh Riley for their bipartisan leadership in finding solutions through this critical legislation,” he added.
Representatives John Joyce, a Pennsylvania Republican, and Josh Riley, a New York Democrat, reintroduced the bipartisan measure in the House of Representatives. The bill would classify food products making false claims about milk content as “misbranded” and mandate that the FDA provide enforcement guidance within 90 days for nationwide action against improperly labeled imitation dairy items.
A University of Delaware junior has once again claimed top honors in Conference USA men’s golf competition. Arsit Areephun received his third Conference USA Men’s Golfer of the Week recognition this season, the league announced Wednesday from Dallas.
This latest accolade brings Areephun’s career total to five weekly honors from the conference. The award acknowledges his stellar play during the Rutherford Intercollegiate tournament, which marked the conclusion of the regular season for the Blue Hens golf program.
Areephun’s consistent excellence throughout the season has made him a standout performer for Delaware’s men’s golf team as they prepare for postseason competition.
ATLANTA — Georgia Democratic Congressman David Scott has passed away at the age of 80 while in the midst of campaigning for what would have been his 13th term in the U.S. House of Representatives.
The veteran lawmaker held the position of ranking Democrat on the House Agriculture Committee and previously made history as the committee’s first African American chairman, even though his district encompassed the Atlanta metropolitan area rather than rural farmland. Scott became a key Democratic voice on agricultural assistance programs and consumer food aid initiatives, while also serving as a notable member of the moderate Blue Dog Coalition.
In recent years, the congressman encountered criticism and questions about his ability to serve effectively due to health issues, leading to primary election challenges in 2024 and another brewing contest at the time of his passing.
Congressional Democratic leaders offered tributes to Scott following news of his death.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries expressed his sorrow to reporters, saying, “The news of Congressman Scott’s passing is deeply sad.”
Jeffries continued his remarks by highlighting Scott’s achievements: “David Scott was a trailblazer who served district that he represented admirably, rose up from humble beginnings to become the first African American ever to chair the House Ag Committee. He cared about the people that he represented. He was fiercely committed to getting things done for the people of the great state of Georgia, and he’ll be deeply missed.”
The representative had maintained a limited presence during the 2026 campaign season but had rejected calls for his retirement from office.
In 2024, Scott had responded to retirement pressure by stating, “Thank God I’m in good health, moving and doing the people’s work.”
Scott’s passing creates a slightly larger Republican advantage in the closely divided House of Representatives as the midterm election season intensifies.
WASHINGTON — State-funded preschool programs welcomed a record number of young learners last school year, with enrollment climbing to historic levels thanks to unprecedented government investment of $14.4 billion.
According to a new study released Wednesday by the National Institute of Early Education Research, approximately 1.8 million children participated in state-funded preschool programs nationwide. This represents coverage for 37% of all 4-year-olds and roughly 10% of 3-year-olds across the country. The programs gained 44,000 new students compared to the previous year, though researchers noted this growth was slower than earlier increases and highlighted significant disparities between different states.
“If providing high-quality preschool education to all 3- and 4-year-olds were a race,” the authors wrote, “some states are nearing the finish line, others have stumbled and fallen behind, and a few have yet to leave the starting line.”
California accounted for more than half of the national enrollment increase, adding approximately 25,000 students through its expanded “transitional kindergarten” or “TK” initiative. This year, the state extended eligibility to all 4-year-olds in the program. However, the rapid expansion came with challenges. While the research institute established 10 quality standards covering areas like teacher preparation, classroom size, and educational content, California only satisfied two of these criteria during the most recent school year. Additionally, private preschool operators express concern that the influx of children into public programs could severely impact their operations.
“Universal TK … is a real win, but it’s also just the start of the work and not the end of it,” said Jessica Sawko of Children Now, which advocates on early childhood issues in California. She noted that the state will hit two more quality benchmarks in next year’s report, by lowering its student-teacher ratio to 10-to-1 and by requiring lead teachers to have early education training.
The findings demonstrate the challenging balance states must strike when rapidly expanding programs or operating with constrained budgets. Hawaii exemplifies this tension as one of only six states meeting all quality standards established by the institute, yet its program reaches just 10% of eligible 4-year-olds.
Research continues to demonstrate that quality early childhood education creates lasting benefits, helping children succeed in kindergarten, complete high school, and secure employment as adults. Educational experts increasingly view preschool as crucial preparation, as kindergarten teachers now expect incoming students to arrive with foundational skills.
“We have a lot of kids who still do not fulfill their potential,” said Steven Barnett, founder and director of the early education institute. “We have evidence — very strong evidence — that preschool programs substantially improved the foundation for later success.”
Many states also recognize that free prekindergarten programs can boost the broader economy by enabling parents to return to work while private childcare becomes increasingly expensive.
Heather Sufuentes observed these benefits firsthand as principal of Parkview Elementary in Chico, California, when the school launched its transitional kindergarten program. Students who completed the play-based, full-day program demonstrated greater confidence and frequently stepped into leadership roles in their classes.
“They’re well prepared to transition into that big elementary school setting,” said Sufuentes, now director of elementary education for Chico Unified School District. Chico has more than doubled the number of TK seats it offers since 2022.
Marisol Márquez, a secretary who works for the state, sends her daughter to transitional kindergarten at 1st Street Elementary in Los Angeles. She had been sending her for free to a learning center underwritten by COVID-19 relief funding. But she would have had to start paying tuition this year, and she’s not sure how she and her husband, a UPS driver, would have made it work. She was elated to hear 1st Street Elementary was offering free transitional kindergarten.
Teachers at the school quickly recognized her daughter’s academic abilities and began including her in kindergarten mathematics and reading instruction.
“If it hadn’t been for this program, we would have never found that out,” Márquez said.
While expectations for 5-year-olds have increased, no state requires preschool attendance, and only certain cities and states provide universal access for 4-year-olds. Program availability varies dramatically across the country. Families in Wyoming, which offers no state-funded preschool, could relocate to Colorado and access free part-time preschool for their 4-year-old. Washington D.C. provides two complete years of prekindergarten even for wealthy families, while nearby Virginia operates a much smaller program.
These geographic disparities can worsen existing inequalities. Affluent families typically can afford private preschool regardless of state offerings. Private childcare centers using preschool curricula charged an average of more than $12,000 annually for 4-year-olds in 2024, according to Child Care Aware of America.
Families unable to pay private tuition face limited alternatives. State-funded programs frequently maintain waiting lists.
Low-income families may qualify for programs like Head Start, which serves America’s most disadvantaged children. However, Head Start enrollment is declining partly due to staffing shortages. These families might also receive state or federal childcare subsidies for private preschool, but those programs also have expanding waiting lists.
Federal funding for early education expansion remains limited and decreasing. Recently, President Donald Trump said the federal government couldn’t afford to support child care while it was waging a war with Iran.
“We’re fighting wars. We can’t take care of day care,” Trump said. States, he added, “should pay for it. … They’ll have to raise their taxes.”
The distribution of high-quality public preschool programs might surprise political observers. Republican-controlled states pioneered universal prekindergarten, with Oklahoma launching its program in the late 1990s. Alabama and West Virginia also operate highly-rated preschool-for-all initiatives. Wealthier Democratic states have moved more slowly, though many liberal cities have advanced their own programs. New York state actually lost enrollment last year, even as New York City, which already provides universal prekindergarten, pursues plans for free childcare for younger children.
Georgia, under Republican leadership, became the first state to achieve universal preschool while meeting all quality standards set by the National Institute of Early Education Research.
Rebecca Ellis’s son John Patrick, 5, attends the private Capitol Hill Child Enrichment Center in Atlanta free of charge, thanks to the state’s preschool-for-all program. She said it saved her family a huge amount of money, and she is impressed by how much her son has grown socially and emotionally.
“They focus so much on just helping kids learn how to calm down, to make friends, to regulate their feelings, to solve problems,” Ellis said.
John Patrick and her older son, who attended the same preschool, have even given their parents advice. When they become agitated, the children urge them to take deep breaths.
WASHINGTON — A Chilean national received a three-year prison term Wednesday for taking then-Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s designer handbag during a theft spree across Washington, D.C.
According to federal prosecutors, Mario Bustamante Leiva was unaware of Noem’s identity when he snatched her Gucci purse from beneath a restaurant table in April 2025. Noem was dining with family members while under Secret Service protection at the time. The stolen bag contained credit cards and approximately $3,000 cash, which officers later found in Leiva’s motel room.
U.S. District Judge Trevor McFadden handed down the sentence to the 50-year-old, who now faces removal from the country following his incarceration.
“Bustamante Leiva came to Washington illegally to prey on citizens of the district,” stated U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirro. “His pattern of theft ends here.”
In a previous statement, Noem described Bustamante Leiva as “a career criminal who has been in our country illegally for years.” Court documents identify the former secretary only by her initials.
The defendant entered guilty pleas in November to three wire fraud counts and one first-degree theft charge. Prosecutors say he also victimized two additional people, stealing from them and making unauthorized purchases with their payment cards.
A co-defendant, Cristian Montecino-Sananza, received 13 months behind bars in March for participating in one of the other robberies.
Law enforcement officials traced Bustamante Leiva to the crimes after he purchased items using a stolen gift card.
MEXICO CITY — Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum announced Wednesday she may impose sanctions on Chihuahua state officials for permitting CIA operatives to join a drug laboratory destruction mission without getting approval from Mexico’s central government.
The president’s remarks followed several days of conflicting statements from various officials regarding the weekend deaths of two American agents in a vehicle accident. The agents were traveling back from dismantling an illegal drug manufacturing facility in northern Mexico when the fatal crash occurred. A U.S. official and two sources with knowledge of intelligence operations confirmed Tuesday that the CIA was involved in the mission.
“There cannot be agents from any U.S. government institution operating in the Mexican field,” the president stated during her morning news briefing. She noted that such activities are not part of the current security protocols or the formal understanding between the two nations.
The fatal accident also claimed the lives of two Mexican law enforcement officers. Mexican officials reported the crash happened as their convoy returned from destroying criminal organizations’ drug production sites. Conflicting public statements from American and Mexican authorities have highlighted increased U.S. participation in regional security missions, according to experts.
During Wednesday’s briefing, Sheinbaum confirmed that Mexico’s military took part in the raid, explaining this falls within their authority to assist individual states. She stressed, however, that federal officials had no knowledge of American agents being present during the operation.
The president dismissed suggestions that this incident represents a new approach by the Trump administration, which has pressed Mexico to intensify its anti-cartel efforts.
Sheinbaum revealed she has written to the U.S. ambassador in Mexico demanding complete details about the incident. She also plans to meet with Chihuahua Governor Maru Campos. “It is very important that something like this not be allowed to go unaddressed,” she said.
President Donald Trump has frequently suggested direct action against Mexican drug cartels, an approach Sheinbaum has called “unnecessary.”
Massive ice slabs have crashed through homes in northeastern Michigan’s Cheboygan County, where spring storms and melting snow have created catastrophic flooding conditions that forced residents to evacuate.
Social media posts from Wednesday revealed the devastating aftermath, with enormous ice chunks sitting inside living rooms after smashing through windows and doors. Properties throughout the area were submerged under several feet of murky floodwater.
The combination of seasonal precipitation and thawing winter snow has caused waterways to surge beyond capacity, sending torrents through Cheboygan County communities before eventually reaching Lake Huron.
According to a Facebook post from the Cheboygan County sheriff’s office last week, the flooding has been unprecedented. “Black Lake, Black River, Cheboygan River, Burt Lake, Mullett Lake, the Sturgeon River — and nearly every waterway in the county — have overflowed beyond their banks, swallowing docks, roads, yards, and in far too many cases, homes,” officials stated. “What should be familiar shorelines are now unrecognizable expanses of water.”
Weekend evacuations were ordered for residents living on Black Lake’s western shore, the sheriff’s office confirmed.
Christopher Narsesian, who documented the destruction with photos and video, described the ice formations as extraordinary. “These are ice sheets. They’re massive,” Narsesian explained. “They’re mini glaciers, if you will. They just run down everything in their path. Nothing can stop that kind of weight.”
Emergency crews from state and county agencies are working around the clock to prevent ice and debris from blocking the Cheboygan Lock and Dam Complex, which must remain clear to allow water passage into Lake Huron.
Patrick Bak, a National Weather Service meteorologist based in Gaylord, Michigan, explained that under typical conditions, lake ice simply breaks apart and melts in place. However, wind likely pushed the Black Lake ice toward shore, he noted.
“The fact that the water was so high, the ice … had more room to travel,” Bak explained.
Similar ice movement has been observed on nearby Mullett Lake, with both bodies of water feeding into the Cheboygan River system that flows through the Cheboygan Dam.
Patrick Ertel, representing the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Incident Management Team, acknowledged the challenges. “We’ve managed a little bit of ice issues on Mullett Lake,” Ertel said.
Emergency response efforts last week included installing additional pumps and reactivating an abandoned hydroelectric facility to boost water flow through the dam. Heavy machinery was also deployed to remove water retention gates.
On April 9, a massive ice chunk severed the safety cable at the Cheboygan Lock and Dam Complex, forcing natural resources officials to shut down access points both upstream and downstream from the facility.
“We can’t have large chunks of ice flowing down blocking up the gates,” Ertel explained. “Two marine vessels are kind of breaking up the chunks … on the Cheboygan River. The more water we can safely pass at the Cheboygan Dam, the faster we can bring relief to Mullet Lake. It’s going as fast as it can. It is purely driven by gravity.”
The smaller Alverno Dam sits between Black Lake and the Cheboygan River system.
“Ice from Black Lake is not going to make it down to the Cheboygan River. It will be held up,” Ertel noted.
Governor Gretchen Whitmer has issued emergency declarations for Cheboygan and more than 30 additional Michigan counties affected by this month’s flooding and severe weather events.
Narsesian, a Cheboygan area resident who spent his childhood near Black Lake, said massive ice slabs spanning several miles continue drifting across the water. He described the ice as “smashing into homes and taking them out, just leveling them,” with some chunks reaching rooftop height.
“We’ve never seen it that high,” Narsesian said. “Typically, the ice would just come over the break walls in front of houses, like a couple of feet. People’s homes don’t typically flood. The ice just melts.”
While water levels are beginning to drop, Narsesian said conditions remain dangerous with significant ice still present.
“As long as the wind doesn’t pick up and move that around again, we should be OK,” he said. “If that ice does come back, it’s going to do more damage.”
The long-term recovery concerns Narsesian most, particularly in a tight-knit community where “it’s all friends and family” and “everybody knows everyone.”
“Most people don’t have any help — coverage,” he added. “Flood insurance was never necessary. No one’s ever seen this here. It’s a lot.”
French cosmetics giant L’Oreal announced Wednesday that its first-quarter revenue jumped 6.7% as consumers flocked to premium hair care products and fragrances, with particularly strong performance in North America and developing markets helping to counterbalance sluggish sales in the Middle East.
The company behind popular brands like Kerastase shampoo and YSL Libre perfume reported quarterly revenue of 12.2 billion euros ($14.32 billion) for the period ending in March. The growth figure reflects adjustments made for inventory issues from both this year and last year’s first quarter, related to an ongoing technology system upgrade.
RBC analysts praised the results, stating “L’Oreal has returned to form,” highlighting the company’s solid fundamental growth and improved performance compared to the previous quarter.
As the world’s leading beauty company, L’Oreal typically surpasses broader industry performance by utilizing its diverse product range – from affordable L’Oreal Paris cosmetics to luxury fragrances and dermatologist-recommended skincare – to capitalize on changing consumer preferences.
The company acknowledged that Middle Eastern demand has suffered due to the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran, with particular impact in the UAE. However, this was offset by double-digit expansion in other developing regions and a 7.6% sales increase in North America, which ranks as the company’s second-largest market after Europe.
Chief Executive Nicolas Hieronimus expressed confidence despite current challenges, saying in a statement: “Despite current geopolitical and macroeconomic uncertainties, we are optimistic about the outlook for the global beauty market.”
This positive outlook contrasts with more reserved reports from other companies worried about Middle Eastern conflict impacts. Luxury conglomerates LVMH, Hermes and Kering all attributed disappointing first-quarter results to regional tensions, while businesses across various industries have cited war-related cost increases, supply chain disruptions and weakened consumer confidence as concerns for future performance.
Barclays analysts noted in an April 17 research report that “L’Oreal screens as a relative winner thanks to its strong exposure to mass beauty, where products remain affordable and consumers can trade down within the portfolio.”
The analysts estimated that Middle Eastern markets represent only 2%-3% of L’Oreal’s total revenue, including airport and travel retail sales.
The company reported that its broader region encompassing South Asia, the Middle East and Africa – which accounted for 9% of total sales last year – achieved 15% growth, while European sales increased 5.5%.
L’Oreal also noted that Chinese sales expanded by mid-to-high single digits, boosted by strong luxury product performance.
Six former Nigerian security officials entered not guilty pleas in an Abuja federal court Wednesday after being accused of conspiring to violently remove President Bola Tinubu from power last year.
The defendants face 13 criminal counts including treason, terrorism, and financing terrorist activities. Among those charged is a retired army major-general, while a seventh defendant – a former state governor – has not been apprehended.
Federal Judge Joyce Abdulmalik postponed proceedings until April 27 following the defendants’ denial of all charges during their court appearance.
Nigeria’s Attorney-General and Justice Minister Lateef Fagbemi requested expedited proceedings due to the serious nature of the allegations. Judge Abdulmalik approved the request immediately after the defendants entered their pleas.
When defense attorneys attempted to request bail orally, the judge rejected their approach and directed them to submit written bail motions. She commanded that all defendants remain in Department of State Services custody while awaiting trial.
This case represents the most significant treason charges brought forward since President Tinubu assumed power in 2023, highlighting efforts to strengthen domestic security amid economic challenges, increased Islamic extremist attacks in northern regions, and rising political tensions.
Last October, President Tinubu unexpectedly overhauled the entire military leadership structure in what an administration official characterized as an initiative to strengthen national security.
Pharmaceutical company AbbVie announced Wednesday its plans to construct a $1.4 billion manufacturing facility in North Carolina, representing the largest investment the drugmaker has ever made at a single location.
The expansive campus will function as AbbVie’s primary United States center for producing injectable medications, distributing treatments both within the country and internationally as the company boosts its domestic manufacturing capabilities.
Located on 185 acres in Durham, North Carolina, the new facility will produce treatments for immune system conditions, cancer, and neurological disorders.
Over a four-year period, AbbVie expects to bring on 734 workers at the site, including engineers, research scientists, and manufacturing personnel.
Development of the project is scheduled to begin in 2026, with completion targeted for late 2028. The construction phase alone is projected to create more than 2,000 temporary jobs.
The initial construction phase will feature manufacturing buildings, research laboratories, warehouse space, administrative offices, and worker amenities.
This announcement follows AbbVie’s February commitment to spend $380 million on two new pharmaceutical ingredient production facilities at its North Chicago, Illinois headquarters, aimed at expanding domestic production of treatments for neurological conditions and obesity.
The North Carolina development represents part of AbbVie’s broader strategy to invest approximately $100 billion in United States research, development, and manufacturing operations over the coming decade.
Within the past year alone, the pharmaceutical company has allocated more than $2.2 billion toward manufacturing projects across the country.
During a Senate budget hearing on Wednesday, Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. denied any personal involvement in the Food and Drug Administration’s recent decision to reject a cancer treatment for advanced skin cancer.
Kennedy was appearing before senators to discuss President Donald Trump’s proposed budget for the Department of Health and Human Services for fiscal year 2027 when he addressed the controversial drug decision.
“I had nothing to do with this decision,” Kennedy stated, explaining that the choice rested with FDA Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary.
The FDA rejected Replimune’s experimental treatment called RP1 earlier this month, citing concerns about the company’s research methodology. Federal regulators criticized the pharmaceutical company for conducting a study without a proper control group, demanding evidence from a more rigorous controlled trial to prove the drug’s effectiveness.
Kennedy defended the agency’s position, saying: “This decision comes out of FDA, and we trust the process there. And I’ve been told by Marty Makary that every panel that looked at that drug unanimously voted against it… because it does not appear to work.”
The rejection has devastated Replimune’s market value, with company shares dropping almost 70% since the FDA’s announcement. This marks the second time in two years that federal regulators have turned down the cancer treatment.
However, the stock rebounded 15% on Wednesday after a Wall Street Journal editorial challenged Kennedy’s characterization of the drug’s effectiveness. The opinion piece criticized FDA drug division head Vinay Prasad, who announced his departure from the agency last month.
The editorial quoted cancer specialists involved in the drug trials who argued the treatment showed promise. It also criticized Kennedy for previously stating at a Capitol Hill hearing that Makary “made the correct decision to not approve that drug.”
“Denying patients a life-saving medicine for inexplicable reasons is the wrong kind of change. If Dr. Makary doesn’t understand that, the FDA needs a change in leadership,” the editorial argued.
Following the April 10 rejection, Replimune expressed disagreement with the FDA’s assessment, claiming the agency contradicted positions it had taken during a September meeting about the drug’s approval pathway.
An HHS spokesperson defended the decision, stating that “FDA career scientists and senior office leadership in the Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research unanimously determined that the current evidence for (Replimune’s drug) does not meet the evidentiary standards required for regulatory approval.”
Replimune did not respond to requests for comment about the ongoing controversy.
The City of Salisbury’s Waterworks Utilities Division plans to conduct sewer lateral repairs on Wednesday, April 22, targeting the 700 block of Roger Street. The maintenance work represents part of the city’s continuing initiative to enhance and maintain its sewer collection infrastructure.
Traffic will be blocked along Roger Street between Bethel Street and East Lincoln Avenue while crews complete the repairs. City officials anticipate finishing the work by around 6:30 p.m., assuming no unexpected complications arise during the project.
Utility locating services and Central Alarm systems have received advance notification about the planned work.
City officials are asking for community understanding and patience as crews perform this essential infrastructure maintenance.
Four brave firefighters from the Salisbury Fire Department received Maryland’s highest honor for emergency responders during a ceremony held on Kent Island this past Sunday, April 19th.
The Maryland Fire Chiefs Association presented the Chief Leonard T. King, Sr. Medal of Valor to the four Salisbury personnel during their yearly recognition event. This distinguished award is reserved for Maryland’s fire, rescue, and emergency medical service personnel who put themselves in significant danger while attempting to rescue human lives during critical emergencies over the previous twelve months.
To earn this recognition, recipients must demonstrate exceptional bravery, personal sacrifice, and performance that goes far beyond their regular duties, all while upholding the strictest safety and professional standards.
The four Salisbury Fire Department heroes recognized this year include Lt. Andrew Merrill, MPO/Sgt. Mike Ozman, FF/PM Corey Dean, and FF/EMT Thomas Moore, Jr.
According to the department, these individuals represent the finest qualities of emergency service through their courage, commitment, and dedication to protecting the community they serve.
Political manipulation of voting district boundaries is intensifying throughout the United States, continuing a practice that has shaped American elections for more than two centuries.
The term “gerrymander” originated in America over 200 years ago, describing the controversial practice of redrawing legislative district lines for political benefit. This concept has endured because American political competition remains intense, and advancing technology has made politicians increasingly skilled at creating districts that favor their own parties.
Most states assign redistricting responsibilities to their legislatures, with governors holding approval or veto power over the final maps. These boundaries must be redrawn following each decade’s census to ensure equal voter representation across districts.
However, several states allow more frequent redistricting beyond the required decennial updates.
To combat gerrymandering, some states have established independent citizen commissions or bipartisan political panels to handle the redistricting process.
When one political party dominates both the legislature and governor’s mansion — or holds sufficient legislative seats to override vetoes — they can essentially design districts to maximize their electoral advantages.
Politicians typically employ two main gerrymandering strategies: spreading opposition voters across multiple districts to weaken their influence, or concentrating opposing party supporters into fewer districts to secure victories in the remaining areas.
This practice traces back to 1812, when Massachusetts Governor Elbridge Gerry approved legislation redrawing state Senate boundaries to help the Democratic-Republican Party. Critics noted that one strangely shaped district resembled a salamander, prompting a newspaper to label it “The Gerry-mander” — creating the term we use today for politically motivated district drawing. Despite losing his gubernatorial reelection bid in 1812, Gerry successfully won the vice presidency under President James Madison that same year.
The U.S. Constitution does not prohibit this practice.
In 2019, the Supreme Court determined that federal courts lack jurisdiction over partisan gerrymandering disputes in a case stemming from North Carolina. Chief Justice John Roberts explained the ruling by stating: “The Constitution supplies no objective measure for assessing whether a districting map treats a political party fairly.”
The Court emphasized that state courts could still address partisan gerrymandering under their own state constitutions and legal frameworks. However, some state courts, including North Carolina’s Supreme Court, have also declared they cannot rule on partisan redistricting disputes.
The motivation for gerrymandering intensifies when political control hangs in the balance. Following the 2024 elections that produced a narrow Republican House majority, President Donald Trump encouraged Texas Republican leaders to redraw congressional maps for additional seats in 2026. California Democrats responded by redesigning their own congressional districts to gain more seats — a strategy approved by California voters. This redistricting activity in America’s two largest states prompted officials in other states to similarly redraw House districts for partisan advantage.
Political scientists and statisticians have created various methods to measure the partisan benefits potentially gained through gerrymandering.
Republicans, controlling redistricting in more states than Democrats, leveraged 2010 census data to establish significant gerrymandered advantages. An Associated Press examination of that decade’s redistricting revealed Republicans achieved greater political benefits in more states than either party had secured over the previous five decades.
Democrats adopted similar gerrymandering tactics following the 2020 census to counter Republican advantages. AP analysis of 2024 election results indicated significant political bias in congressional districts across one-third of all states, suggesting widespread gerrymandering. Nevertheless, the total House seats won by both Republicans and Democrats nearly matched expectations based on each party’s vote share across all U.S. districts.
PROVIDENCE, R.I. — Rhode Island has rescheduled its upcoming primary election to Wednesday, September 9, pushing the date back one day from the traditional Tuesday voting schedule due to complications with the Labor Day holiday weekend.
Democratic Governor Dan McKee approved the scheduling change this week. The primary had originally been set for September 8, which would have followed immediately after the Labor Day holiday.
Election administrators across the state had lobbied for the adjustment, citing logistical challenges in preparing voting locations with such a tight timeline. Despite the date change, candidate filing requirements and deadlines will stay unchanged under the new law.
Nick Lima, who serves as Cranston’s registrar and elections director, explained the operational difficulties to state legislators during January hearings. “We have to set up over 400 polling places around the state on the day before the election,” Lima said. “That’s very difficult to do on a holiday because many of our polls are schools, social halls and churches.”
Election date modifications are fairly common among states. Massachusetts lawmakers recently moved their 2026 primary from September 15 to September 1, citing goals to boost voter participation.
September primaries are held by just four states nationwide: Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Delaware. Delaware conducts the nation’s final primary election, scheduled for September 15 this year.
While Delaware legislators have proposed moving the state’s primary several months earlier, past efforts to advance such changes have failed to gain traction in the statehouse.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has launched an upgraded online platform that gives the public unprecedented access to ocean floor data and deep-sea discoveries.
The modernized portal allows users to dive into underwater research findings and view remarkable imagery from ocean expeditions, including encounters with unique marine life found thousands of feet below the surface.
Among the fascinating discoveries featured in the database are deep-sea creatures like the lizardfish, which was photographed during a 2018 Atlantic Ocean expedition called “Windows to the Deep.” The fearsome-looking fish was captured on camera at a depth of approximately 1,771 meters, or 5,810 feet, off the U.S. Southeast coast.
The enhanced data portal represents NOAA’s commitment to making ocean exploration findings more accessible to researchers, educators, and curious members of the public who want to learn about the mysteries of the deep sea.
The timing of the portal’s launch coincides with Earth Day, highlighting the importance of ocean conservation and scientific research in understanding our planet’s underwater ecosystems.
Users can now browse through years of expedition data, photographs, and scientific observations collected during NOAA’s ongoing efforts to map and study the ocean floor.
Those seeking diverse entertainment options can find multiple events at Caroline County’s Meadow Event Park this spring season.
The venue will present numerous competitions appealing to various interests and age groups, starting with the Virginia Gypsy Vanner Spring Classic Breakout Horse Show from April 23-26. This comprehensive equestrian competition will showcase English, Western, Halter, Trail and Ranch categories. Additional details are available through the J and S Equestrian Events Facebook page or by calling Julie Usoff at 904-673-0765.
The month concludes with the Virginia Elite Gymnastics Academy’s 2026 VA Women’s Levels 3 and 4 State Championships, scheduled for April 24-26. The USA Gymnastics Virginia website provides complete event information.
May brings additional attractions, beginning with the Richmond Open from May 1-3. This community-organized tabletop gaming gathering will include vendor booths, miniature gaming competitions, major tournaments, board game activities, and open play sessions. Complete details can be found on the event’s official website.
The Fredericksburg Area Livestock Show and Sale takes place May 1-2, providing community members the chance to support young participants developing animal husbandry and marketing abilities. Caroline County Virginia Cooperative Extension can be reached at 804-633-6550 for additional information.
The East Coast Stock Horse Association Ranch Horse Gathering occurs May 2-3, featuring compelling competitions over two days. Programming includes an all-breed ECSHA exhibition, working western rail competition, ranch riding demonstrations, and additional activities. More details are available through their website.
Those wanting regular updates about upcoming Meadow Event Park activities can sign up for monthly email notifications through their subscription service.
Maryland’s wine industry is reeling from devastating crop losses after an unexpected frost struck vineyards throughout the state in the early hours of Tuesday, April 21st.
The Maryland Department of Agriculture confirmed that grape growers experienced one of the most catastrophic agricultural disasters in decades, with the late-season cold snap destroying what would have been the 2026 harvest.
The timing of the frost proved particularly damaging, coming after years of steady development that had positioned Maryland as an emerging force in American wine production. The state’s viticulture industry had gained national recognition through consistent quality improvements and innovative growing techniques.
According to agriculture officials, numerous vineyard operators are confronting their first major frost-related disaster of this magnitude, making the recovery process even more challenging for the affected growers.
The full extent of the economic impact on Maryland’s wine sector remains under assessment as growers and state agricultural experts survey the damage across affected regions.
A former resident of Equatorial Guinea who sought asylum in Spain is expressing concern about Pope Leo XIV’s current visit to his African homeland, fearing it may provide undeserved credibility to the nation’s controversial leadership.
Gutïn Bae Tongala, a 59-year-old chef originally from Annobon Island, departed Equatorial Guinea in 2002 seeking sanctuary in Spain. He cites governmental mistreatment of ethnic minorities and prolonged systematic persecution by the nation’s ruling dynasty as reasons for his departure.
Vatican statistics show approximately 75% of Equatorial Guinea’s citizens practice Catholicism, representing one of Africa’s highest Catholic populations. The nation serves as the final destination in the pope’s four-country African tour, following visits to Algeria, Cameroon and Angola.
During his stay in Equatorial Guinea, Leo has criticized the “colonization” of Africa’s natural resources and condemned the “hunger for authority,” calling on the nation to pursue justice and bridge the divide “between those with privilege and those without.”
Tongala and other refugees from Equatorial Guinea shared with The Associated Press their concerns that President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, who has ruled since 1982 as Africa’s most enduring head of state, might exploit the papal visit to legitimize his administration, which activists characterize as authoritarian.
“Obiang knows very well that the pope’s visit comes like a ring on his finger,” Tongala said from Spain. “Obiang will use the pope’s presence to clean up his image.”
According to Tutu Alicante, an American-based advocate who leads the EG Justice human rights organization, the president has attempted to earn international credibility through prominent events, such as welcoming the pope or hosting the Africa Cup of Nations soccer tournament in both 2012 and 2015.
While Equatorial Guinea maintains official secular status, the Catholic Church, inherited from Spanish colonial rule, remains central to the country’s political and social framework. Religious institutions operate educational facilities, medical centers and community gathering places for the nearly 1.9 million residents.
Government celebrations including presidential swearing-in ceremonies and Independence Day observances incorporate Catholic Mass. In 2011, Obiang took his oath of office in the massive neo-Gothic Basilica of Immaculate Conception located in his birthplace of Mongomo, designed after St. Peter’s Basilica and Square in Vatican City. This basilica stands as Central Africa’s largest religious structure and Africa’s second-largest, following the Basilica of Our Lady of Peace in Ivory Coast.
Church leadership “are very much interconnected intrinsically with the government,” Alicante said. “Part of it is the fear the government has instilled in everyone, including the church, and part of it is the monetary gains that the church derives from this government.”
Neither Catholic authorities in the nation nor government representatives responded to AP’s requests for commentary regarding reported violations in the country.
Nevertheless, Rev. Fortunatus Nwachukwu, second-in-command at the Vatican’s missionary evangelization department, explained to the AP on Tuesday that the Catholic Church operates in challenging political environments and must navigate them carefully.
“Should the church go to war against the government? Surely no,” Nwachukwu said. “Should the church swallow everything as if it were normal? No. The church has to continue preaching justice, always in defense of life, human dignity and the common good.”
The Catholic Church’s relationship with Equatorial Guinea’s government has a complex past. Former President Francisco Macias Nguema targeted Catholics, shuttered multiple churches and prohibited the church in 1978 to sever connections with Spain, the former colonial authority.
Obiang subsequently assumed control in 1979 by overthrowing his uncle, Nguema, and reversed the prohibition. Obiang became a civilian leader in 1982, the same year he welcomed St. John Paul II during a papal visit.
Obiang has maintained his position since then, securing six elections amid disputed circumstances.
World Bank data indicates more than half the population lives in poverty. Human rights organizations have charged the government with exploiting the country’s petroleum revenues primarily to benefit the president’s relatives. One presidential son serves as vice president and has faced conviction for financial crimes in France while being sanctioned by the United Kingdom for similar offenses.
A 2024 Amnesty International assessment documented what it termed “widespread use of arbitrary arrests, torture and other ill-treatment” throughout the country.
Carmelo Ovono Obiang, another presidential son, faced investigation in 2024 by Spain’s supreme court regarding alleged abduction and torture of two opposition figures holding Spanish citizenship.
Analysts and expatriate citizens indicate the president is leveraging Leo’s visit to seek legitimacy despite public frustration with his family’s concentrated control.
The AP previously reported on the government’s extended internet blackout on Annobon Island following demonstrations against harmful practices by a construction firm. The nation also participates in several African countries receiving millions through unclear agreements with the United States to accept migrants deported to nations other than their countries of origin.
“I would like the pope to speak out in defense of the Christians who live in Equatorial Guinea and who have to endure the abuses of human rights that occur day by day at the orders of Obiang Nguema,” said Jorge Awal, 27, who now works in the private sector in Spain.
ABUJA, Nigeria — A half-dozen individuals suspected of scheming to topple Nigeria’s government faced a judge Wednesday as prosecutors brought forward serious accusations of treason and acts of terrorism.
Each of the six defendants entered not guilty pleas when confronted with the 13 criminal charges that were formally presented Tuesday. The group has remained under detention by Nigeria’s intelligence services for several months.
Among those facing charges are a former major general who had retired from military service and a current police inspector still on active duty. Authorities are also pursuing a seventh individual, ex-Governor Timipre Sylva of Bayelsa state, who faces accusations of helping to hide the conspiracy but has not been captured.
Following the entry of their pleas, the judge postponed proceedings until April 27, when the court will consider whether to grant bail to the defendants.
According to the formal accusations filed by prosecutors, the suspects “conspired with one another to levy war against the state to overawe the president of the Federal Republic.”
Nigerian officials initially revealed they had prevented an attempted government takeover in January, announcing at that time that multiple military personnel would face prosecution.
Had the conspiracy succeeded, it would have ended nearly 30 years of elected government in the continent’s most populated nation, which established democratic rule in 1999.
TOKYO — Authorities in Japan have taken a 64-year-old South Korean citizen into custody on Wednesday after he allegedly disrupted a spring ceremony at Tokyo’s contentious Yasukuni Shrine by displaying protest banners with political statements.
The controversial shrine serves as a memorial for Japan’s 2.5 million military personnel who died in conflicts, including those convicted as war criminals. Nations that suffered under Japanese military actions prior to and throughout World War II, particularly China and South Korea, view official visits to this site as evidence that Japan lacks genuine regret for its wartime conduct.
According to authorities, the detained individual displayed banners containing messages that called on “war criminals” to cease their worship at Yasukuni, while also asserting territorial rights over islands that remain disputed between Japan and South Korea.
Reports from Kyodo News indicate the protester positioned himself near the shrine’s primary entrance and blocked vehicles transporting imperial messengers. These representatives were scheduled to present ceremonial offerings from the emperor, as noted on the shrine’s official website.
The incident occurred one day after Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, who previously made regular visits to pray at the shrine, chose instead to send a religious ornament for the second consecutive time since becoming Japan’s leader. This decision drew sharp criticism from both Chinese and South Korean officials.
Additionally, on Wednesday, more than 100 conservative legislators, including a Cabinet member, conducted prayers at the shrine.
April brings National Brunch Month, creating the ideal opportunity to savor morning meals well into the afternoon hours.
This beloved American dining tradition provides an excellent reason to indulge in “the most important meal of the day” whenever you choose, featuring recipes that highlight breakfast’s most versatile ingredient.
Nutritionally dense eggs are widely recognized as components of heart-healthy eating plans throughout all life phases. A single large egg delivers 6 grams of premium protein, contains all nine essential amino acids, plus vital vitamins and additional nutrients. The yolk houses nearly half the protein content along with most vitamins and minerals, including nutrients crucial for brain and body function, according to American Egg Board.
Virginia produces abundant locally-sourced eggs for regional consumers. The state’s chicken egg production achieved 10th place nationally among top agricultural commodities in 2024, bringing in more than $146 million in cash receipts, according to data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Economic Research Service.
Mark this brunch celebration by discovering the adaptability of eggs throughout April—perhaps by preparing one of these distinctive recipes to share with loved ones.
2 tablespoons olive oil 1 teaspoon harissa sauce 1 tablespoon tomato paste 2 large red bell peppers, diced ½ cup chopped onion 2 teaspoons fresh, chopped garlic 1 teaspoon ground cumin ¼ teaspoon salt 28-ounce can crushed or diced tomatoes, undrained 6 large eggs ½ cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt ¼ cup freshly shredded Parmesan cheese
In a large skillet, combine olive oil, harissa, tomato paste, bell peppers, onion, garlic, cumin and salt. Cook covered on medium heat for 10 minutes or until the peppers and onion are soft, stirring occasionally.
Stir in canned tomatoes, and simmer. Cook uncovered for 10 minutes or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
Make 6 indentations in the sauce, and gently break 1 egg into each.
Simmer uncovered for about 10 minutes or until the whites are set and the yolks are still slightly soft.
Serve the eggs in the sauce with the yogurt and cheese on the side.
Overnight French Toast
1-pound loaf sourdough bread, torn into 1ʺ pieces 8 large eggs 2½ cups milk ½ cup granulated sugar ½ cup brown sugar 1 tablespoon vanilla extract 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon ½ teaspoon ground ginger ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg ¼ teaspoon salt 3 cups fresh berries such as strawberry, blueberries, raspberries 1 tablespoon confectioners’ sugar, for garnishing maple syrup, for garnishing
Prepare a 9-by-13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Place the bread pieces in the prepared dish in an even layer.
In a medium bowl, add eggs, milk, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and salt. Whisk to combine, then pour over the bread. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.
Heat oven to 350°.
Remove the plastic wrap from the dish, and bake it for 45-60 minutes until reaching the desired texture.
Top with fresh berries, confectioners’ sugar and maple syrup, if desired.
Serve and refrigerate leftovers for up to three days.
WASHINGTON – Multiple allied nations across the Gulf region and Asia have formally approached the United States requesting currency swap agreements to help manage economic disruptions stemming from the Middle East conflict, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent disclosed Wednesday.
During testimony before a Senate Appropriations subcommittee, Bessent explained that both America and the United Arab Emirates would gain advantages from a potential swap arrangement that President Donald Trump indicated he was evaluating on Tuesday.
While Bessent declined to identify the specific nations making these requests during the budget hearing, he emphasized that such financial mechanisms would help maintain stability in global markets during the current Middle East crisis.
“And swap lines, whether it’s from the Federal Reserve or the Treasury, are to maintain order in the dollar funding markets and to prevent the sale of the U.S. assets in a disorderly way,” Bessent explained to lawmakers. “So, the swap line would benefit both the UAE and the U.S., and as I said, numerous other countries, including some of our Asian allies, have also requested them.”
The Treasury Secretary’s comments highlight how the ongoing Middle East war continues to create ripple effects across international financial systems, prompting allied nations to seek additional economic safeguards through partnerships with the United States.
Boeing delivered better-than-anticipated financial results for the first quarter, signaling the aerospace manufacturer’s ongoing recovery following several years of operational challenges and financial difficulties.
The Seattle-based company announced a net loss of $7 million for the three-month period ending in March, representing a significant improvement from the $31 million loss recorded during the same timeframe last year. Wall Street analysts had projected a much steeper core loss of 83 cents per share, but Boeing’s actual results showed only a 20-cent per share loss, according to LSEG data.
Investors responded positively to the news, pushing Boeing’s stock price up 5% during midday trading sessions.
“We’re off to a good start and continue building on our momentum with stronger performance across our business,” CEO Kelly Ortberg said in a memo to employees after the results were released.
During a Reuters interview, Ortberg discussed potential business opportunities, noting that a significant order from Chinese airlines might materialize during a May meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping. He emphasized that Trump’s backing would be crucial for finalizing such a deal.
Regarding geopolitical concerns, Ortberg indicated he doesn’t anticipate major disruptions to Boeing’s operations from the Iran conflict.
“We’ve had no dialogue with any customer about deferral of deliveries” of jetliners, he said. “This is a very long-cycle business. I’d be surprised if we see any major changes coming out of them.”
Rather than experiencing cancellations, Ortberg noted that customers have requested “that if we do see any slots opening up because of delays, that they’d like to jump in and take those airplanes.”
The company experienced a $1.5 billion cash outflow during the quarter, primarily attributed to substantial investments in expanding 787 manufacturing capabilities in South Carolina, military aircraft production in the St. Louis region, and establishing a new 737 MAX assembly line in Everett, Washington.
Boeing currently manufactures approximately 42 of its popular single-aisle aircraft monthly and plans to increase production to 47 units by the end of the year.
Certification processes for the 737-7 and 737-10 variants, along with the 777X program, also contributed to the cash expenditure.
Company officials anticipate U.S. regulatory approval for the MAX 7 and 10 models this year, with initial deliveries scheduled for 2027.
Chief Financial Officer Jay Malave explained during an analyst conference call that Boeing is implementing design modifications to early-production 777X aircraft in preparation for next year’s initial delivery.
The commercial aviation segment generated $9.2 billion in revenue, marking a 13% increase driven by the strongest first-quarter delivery numbers since 2019. Despite this growth, the division still recorded a $563 million loss for the quarter.
Ortberg told Reuters that Boeing’s late-2025 acquisition of Spirit AeroSystems, the manufacturer of 737 fuselages, resulted in higher-than-anticipated expenses that impacted the commercial airplane division’s performance. He clarified that these elevated costs weren’t related to production quality problems that have affected Spirit AeroSystems recently.
The defense and space segment showed strong performance with earnings climbing 50% to $233 million in the first quarter. During this period, the Space Launch System rocket, developed jointly with Northrop Grumman, successfully launched NASA’s Artemis II lunar mission.
Industry experts and company executives expect continued benefits from increased global defense spending amid ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine, plus rising geopolitical tensions worldwide.
The Pentagon recently awarded Boeing the contract for the nation’s first sixth-generation fighter aircraft, the F-47, and the company remains a contender for the U.S. Navy’s sixth-generation F/A-XX fighter program.
Boeing’s most stable business unit, global services, reported a 3% rise in operating income to $971 million. However, operating margins declined slightly to 18.1%, which management attributed to last year’s $10.6 billion sale of its Jeppesen digital aviation services subsidiary.
Overall, Boeing recorded an 11-cent loss per diluted share, or 20 cents per share for core operations in the first quarter, compared to a 16-cent loss per diluted share during the previous year’s comparable period.
Baltimore Orioles infielder Jackson Holliday encountered another complication in his recovery from a hand injury during Tuesday’s Triple-A game, prompting team officials to schedule an MRI examination.
The 22-year-old prospect, who was selected first overall in the 2022 draft, left Norfolk’s matchup against Memphis after feeling discomfort while taking a swing at the plate.
Holliday has been attempting to return to major league action since breaking a hamate bone during February batting practice. This marks his second episode of hand and wrist pain within the past week.
“We’re getting him up to Baltimore for an MRI,” Orioles manager Craig Albernaz stated after Tuesday’s 6-5 defeat in Kansas City.
The young infielder completed 11 rehabilitation appearances with Norfolk between March 27 and April 12, followed by two contests at High-A Fredericksburg on April 18-19, before rejoining Norfolk on Tuesday. His combined performance across 14 minor league games shows a .176 batting average with 9 hits in 51 at-bats, zero home runs, and four runs batted in.
The son of seven-time All-Star Matt Holliday posted a .242 batting average with 17 homers, 55 RBIs, and 17 stolen bases across 149 games with Baltimore during the 2025 season.
With spring’s arrival bringing numerous outdoor tasks, homeowners may find themselves needing better equipment than what they used last year. Although purchasing new mowers and tractors represents a significant expense, members of Virginia Farm Bureau have access to special savings on various John Deere products.
Members of VFB can enroll to receive complimentary upgrades to John Deere Rewards Platinum 1 status, which provides additional savings on equipment, parts and products. Additionally, they can receive discounts of up to $150 on selected residential lawn mowing machines.
To be eligible, individuals must maintain Virginia Farm Bureau membership for a minimum of 30 days. Certain qualification criteria may be required, such as waiting periods or restrictions on specific models and equipment types.
Those interested can register at JohnDeere.com/Farm Bureau or visit the Virginia Farm Bureau website for additional details about the program.
Many homeowners view lawn maintenance as a seasonal chore, but implementing smart strategies can transform yard work from burden to benefit.
Proper mowing techniques can significantly improve both the health and visual appeal of residential lawns, creating enhanced curb appeal while actually reducing long-term maintenance requirements.
Property owners can develop healthier grass with fewer weeds by focusing on soil nutrition. The Old Farmer’s Almanac suggests applying a quarter-inch layer of compost rich in organic matter monthly throughout the growing season. This practice improves soil porosity, enhances drainage, and helps prevent root rot.
Lawn care specialists from The Old Farmer’s Almanac and Virginia Cooperative Extension have compiled essential strategies for creating a thriving yard:
Pre-mowing preparation: When using string trimmers, complete edging work before mowing so grass clippings get chopped by the mower blade. Avoid trimming close to tree bark and maintain vegetation-free zones around tree bases.
Proper cutting height: Different grass varieties require specific cutting heights, typically between 2-3 inches for both warm and cool-season varieties, though individual species may vary. Cool-season grasses benefit from higher cutting during late spring and early summer to better handle environmental stress. Warm-season varieties become denser when cut shorter during summer months. Shaded areas should be maintained at the higher end of recommended ranges to maximize leaf surface area.
Height adjustment technique: Position the mower on a solid surface, use a measuring tape to check current blade height, then modify deck settings to achieve desired levels.
The one-third principle: Never cut more than one-third of grass blade length in a single session, as this depletes root energy reserves. For overgrown areas, gradually reduce height over several sessions spaced 2-3 days apart.
Directional variation: Change mowing patterns each session to promote upright growth and prevent soil compaction. Rotate patterns by 45 or 90 degrees from previous sessions.
Dry conditions only: Avoid mowing wet grass. Morning mowing should wait until dew evaporates completely.
Sharp blade maintenance: Keep cutting edges sharp to prevent grass tearing, improve fuel efficiency, and extend equipment life. Sharpen blades three times per season: spring startup, late spring, and mid-to-late summer.
Natural fertilization: Mow without collection bags, allowing clippings to decompose and return nutrients to the soil naturally.
Clump removal: While leaving clippings benefits the lawn, remove any thick clumps that could smother underlying grass.
Edge maintenance: Use spading tools to create clean borders between lawn and garden beds, and refresh mulch around trees to prevent mower damage that can cause disease and tree death.
Additional lawn care guidance and safety information can be found through The Old Farmer’s Almanac and Virginia Cooperative Extension resources.
DOVER, Del. — Healthcare professionals, state lawmakers, and community advocates came together Monday for a significant milestone in Delaware’s fight against cancer.
The Delaware Cancer Consortium held its biennial retreat on April 20th, welcoming 124 participants to commemorate the organization’s 25th anniversary. The gathering focused on the consortium’s ongoing mission of driving change, fostering innovation, and ultimately saving lives throughout the First State.
The retreat brought together key stakeholders from across Delaware’s medical community and government to discuss the organization’s progress over the past quarter-century and chart a course for future cancer prevention and treatment initiatives.
Since its founding, the Delaware Cancer Consortium has worked to coordinate statewide efforts in cancer research, prevention, and patient care, establishing itself as a cornerstone of the state’s public health infrastructure.
Three Maryland state agencies are joining forces this Earth Week to expand outdoor learning opportunities through tree planting initiatives at schools across the state.
The Maryland State Department of Education, Maryland Department of the Environment, and Maryland Department of Natural Resources are working together to boost enrollment in the Schoolyard Forests Program, which is part of Maryland’s ambitious 5 Million Trees initiative.
Managed by the DNR Maryland Forest Service, the Schoolyard Forests Program assists schools in developing outdoor learning environments that benefit student health and enhance education through tree planting activities, tree maintenance, and environmental studies. Maryland’s 5 Million Trees initiative has already exceeded 1.5 million native trees planted, representing significant progress toward the state’s 2031 target of 5 million trees.
This week, representatives from all three agencies participated in a tree planting ceremony at Northview Elementary School in Prince George’s County Public Schools, where students planted 30 trees including redbud, flowering dogwood, and tulip poplar varieties.
“As students take part in planting and caring for these trees, they are not only learning about the environment, but building a sense of pride and connection to their schools and communities,” said Dr. Carey M. Wright, State Superintendent of Schools. “The Schoolyard Forest Program shows the power of hands-on learning to inspire our youth and protect our environment.”
Secretary Serena McIlwain from the Maryland Department of the Environment emphasized the community benefits of the program. “By expanding the Schoolyard Forests Program, we are helping schools across Maryland create healthier, greener spaces where students can learn, play, and connect with nature,” said McIlwain. “These projects show how tree planting can bring communities together, improve air quality, and inspire the next generation of environmental leaders.”
Maryland Department of Natural Resources Secretary Josh Kurtz highlighted the educational advantages of outdoor learning environments. “Study after study has shown that children perform better academically, develop enhanced problem-solving skills, and have reduced stress levels when they have access to outdoor learning opportunities at their schools,” said Kurtz. “By adding new trees and outdoor spaces to more schools in Maryland we’re creating these improved learning opportunities and ensuring that more students have access to natural areas.”
The initiative supports multiple Maryland environmental and educational objectives under the Climate Solutions Now Act, the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Act, and the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement. The program promotes fair access to green spaces and outdoor educational experiences throughout the state, aligning with the Governor’s Executive Order to strengthen youth engagement through the Maryland Outdoor Learning Partnership.
The Schoolyard Forests Program has formed a partnership with the Maryland Association for Environmental and Outdoor Education since 2024 and has successfully completed over 45 school planting projects to date.
Sony’s groundbreaking robotic table tennis player has successfully challenged and occasionally defeated professional human competitors, marking what researchers describe as a historic breakthrough in artificial intelligence and robotics capabilities.
The Japanese technology company developed the mechanical athlete, dubbed Ace, and tested it against skilled human players. The robot demonstrates remarkable abilities through its nine strategically placed cameras surrounding the playing area and its exceptional capacity to track the ball’s logo for spin analysis.
Ace mastered the sport through reinforcement learning, an AI training technique that allows machines to improve through practice and experience.
“There’s no way to program a robot by hand to play table tennis. You have to learn how to play from experience,” explained Sony AI researcher Peter Dürr, who co-authored the research published Wednesday in Nature journal.
Sony constructed a regulation-sized table tennis facility at its Tokyo headquarters to ensure fair competition between the robot and highly trained human athletes, Dürr told The Associated Press. Professional players expressed amazement at Ace’s skill level during testing.
According to Sony, this represents the “first time a robot has achieved human, expert-level play in a commonly played competitive sport in the physical world — a longstanding milestone for AI and robotics research.”
The specially designed robot features eight articulated joints that control its movement range, allowing it to position its paddle, deliver shots, and quickly counter opponent strategies.
“Speed is really one of the fundamental issues in robotics today, especially in scenarios or environments that are not fixed,” stated Michael Spranger, Sony AI’s president, during an interview.
“We see a lot of robots that are in factories that are very, very fast,” Spranger continued. “But they’re doing the same trajectory over and over again. With this technology, we show that it’s actually possible to train robots to be very adaptive and competitive and fast in uncertain environments that constantly change.”
Spranger indicated such advances could benefit manufacturing sectors and other industries, though he acknowledged the potential military applications of such rapid, perceptive technology.
While a humanoid robot recently outpaced human marathon records in Beijing, creating a machine capable of real-time interaction and competition with skilled human athletes presents unique technical challenges.
Spranger emphasized the importance of maintaining competitive balance, ensuring the robot’s speed, reach, and performance matched those of dedicated athletes who train at least 20 hours weekly. Ace operates under official table tennis regulations on standard court dimensions.
“It’s very easy to build a superhuman table tennis robot,” Spranger noted. “You build a machine that sucks in the ball and shoots it out much faster than a human can return it. But that’s not the goal here. The goal is to have some level of comparability, some level of fairness to the human, and win really at the level of AI and the level of decision-making and tactics and, to some extent, skill.”
This approach means “the robot cannot just win by hitting the ball faster than any human ever could, but it has to win by actually playing the game,” he added.
Computer scientists have traditionally used board games like chess to measure AI progress, later expanding into complex video game environments. However, transitioning AI from digital simulations to physical world applications remains the ultimate goal for robotics developers.
The previous year represented a “kind of ChatGPT moment for robotics,” according to Spranger, with innovative AI methods emerging to help robots understand real-world settings and perform physically challenging tasks, including acrobatic maneuvers.
Sony joins other technology companies exploring robotic table tennis. John Billingsley pioneered such research in 1983 with his paper “Robot Ping-Pong,” while Google’s DeepMind division has also investigated the sport recently.
Despite the achievement’s significance, Billingsley suggested Sony’s comprehensive computer vision and motion tracking systems create unfair advantages against human opponents limited to two eyes.
“I would not want to belittle the achievement, but they have gone at the task mob-handed, and used sledgehammer techniques,” wrote Billingsley, a retired mechatronics professor from Australia’s University of Southern Queensland, in his AP correspondence.
Nevertheless, he acknowledged that the work reinforces how “true progress comes out of contests, whether they involve hitting a ball or setting foot on Mars.”
Japanese professionals Minami Ando and Kakeru Sone participated in competitions against Sony’s robot, with Japanese Table Tennis Association officials serving as match judges.
Following the Nature publication submission, Sony researchers continued development, reporting that Ace increased shot velocity and rally intensity while adopting more aggressive play closer to table edges. In December testing against four skilled competitors, Ace defeated three of the four players.
Veteran player Kinjiro Nakamura, who represented Japan in the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, observed Ace execute a particularly impressive shot and remarked that “no one else would have been able to do that. I didn’t think it was possible.”
However, witnessing the robot’s success “means that there is a possibility that a human could do it too,” Nakamura concluded in his published comments within the Nature study.
WASHINGTON — In a unanimous decision Wednesday, the U.S. Supreme Court handed Michigan a victory in its ongoing battle to shut down a contentious oil pipeline running beneath the Great Lakes.
The nation’s highest court determined that Michigan’s legal challenge against the aging pipeline will continue in state court after Enbridge energy company failed to meet a crucial deadline for transferring the case to federal jurisdiction.
Justice Sonia Sotomayor authored the court’s opinion, stating that Enbridge had exceeded the time limit for attempting to relocate the proceedings to federal court.
The legal battle centers on a complex dispute involving a pipeline that has transported crude oil and natural gas liquids from Superior, Wisconsin, to Sarnia, Ontario, for more than seven decades since beginning operations in 1953.
In June 2019, Michigan’s Attorney General Dana Nessel filed suit in state court, demanding the cancellation of the easement permitting Enbridge to operate a 4.5-mile stretch of pipeline beneath the Straits of Mackinac, where Lake Michigan and Lake Huron connect. The Democratic attorney general successfully obtained a restraining order from Ingham County Judge James Jamo in June 2020 that temporarily halted pipeline operations, though Enbridge later resumed activities after satisfying safety conditions.
Two years later, in 2021, Enbridge attempted to transfer the lawsuit to federal court, claiming the case impacts trade relations between the United States and Canada. However, a three-judge panel from the 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals rejected this move in June 2024, determining the company had missed the required 30-day window for changing court jurisdictions.
The disputed pipeline segment, known as Line 5, has faced mounting scrutiny since 2017 when Enbridge engineers disclosed they had been aware of damage to the section’s protective coating since 2014. Safety concerns intensified in 2018 after a boat anchor struck the underwater section, raising alarm about potential environmental disasters from a rupture.
Under Democratic Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s administration, Michigan’s Department of Natural Resources canceled the straits easement for Line 5 in 2020. Enbridge has responded by filing a separate federal lawsuit challenging this revocation.
Currently, the company is pursuing permits to construct a protective tunnel around the underwater pipeline section. While the Michigan Public Service Commission approved necessary permits in 2023, Enbridge still awaits authorization from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Michigan’s Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy.
The pipeline controversy extends beyond Michigan’s borders into Wisconsin, where a federal judge in Madison last summer ordered Enbridge to cease operations within three years on Line 5 sections crossing the Bad River Band of Lake Superior’s tribal lands. The company has proposed rerouting the pipeline away from the reservation and has challenged the shutdown order before the 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.
WASHINGTON — The nation’s highest court has given the green light for an Afghanistan war veteran to move forward with his legal case against a defense contractor following a devastating suicide attack that left him permanently disabled.
In a 6-3 decision Wednesday, the Supreme Court sided with Winston Hencely, a former Army specialist who sustained life-altering injuries while preventing a suicide bomber from reaching a Veterans Day 5K run at Bagram Airfield in 2016.
The attacker, Ahmad Nayeb, detonated his explosive device after Hencely confronted him, resulting in five deaths and injuries to more than a dozen others, according to legal filings.
The blast sent projectiles into Hencely’s skull and brain tissue, causing permanent damage to the left side of his body. Medical records show he now suffers from irregular brain activity, seizures, and traumatic brain injury, his legal team stated.
Following an Army probe that blamed Fluor Corporation for inadequate oversight of Nayeb, who constructed the explosive device while employed at the military installation, Hencely filed his state-level lawsuit against the company.
The Texas-based construction and engineering firm, headquartered in Irving, contended it should be shielded from legal action because it operated under government contract during active combat operations, which typically grants immunity from civil suits.
However, the Supreme Court rejected this argument. The court’s majority determined that while contractors receive protection when properly executing government agreements, Fluor allegedly breached its supervisory responsibilities regarding Nayeb.
Justice Clarence Thomas authored the majority decision, with support from Justices Sonia Sotomayor, Elena Kagan, Neil Gorsuch, Amy Coney Barrett and Ketanji Brown Jackson.
The three dissenting justices — Samuel Alito, John Roberts and Brett Kavanaugh — opposed the ruling. Alito expressed concern that Hencely’s legal action could interfere with military authority and wartime strategies, including policies that encouraged hiring Afghan nationals as contractors.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration commemorated Earth Day 2026 on April 22nd by showcasing breathtaking images of our planet captured from space through their advanced satellite technology.
NOAA’s orbital observation systems provided stunning perspectives of Earth to mark this year’s environmental awareness celebration, offering viewers a chance to see our world from the unique vantage point that only satellites can provide.
The federal agency’s satellite network continues to monitor Earth’s systems from space, delivering critical data about weather patterns, climate conditions, and environmental changes while also capturing these remarkable views that remind us of our planet’s beauty and fragility.
These orbital images serve as a powerful reminder of Earth’s interconnected systems and the importance of environmental stewardship as communities worldwide observe Earth Day 2026.
President Trump has selected Linda McMahon, the former chief executive of World Wrestling Entertainment, to head the Department of Education with the specific goal of eliminating the federal agency entirely.
McMahon, who spent decades in the professional wrestling industry, now faces the task of overseeing the very department Trump wants to abolish. According to New Yorker journalist Zach Helfand, her extensive background at WWE has uniquely positioned her for this unprecedented assignment.
Helfand examines the connection between McMahon’s entertainment industry leadership and her current mission to dismantle federal education oversight, highlighting how her corporate experience shaped her approach to this controversial government role.
Elon Musk’s rocket company SpaceX has revealed it holds the option to acquire Cursor, an artificial intelligence programming assistant, for $60 billion sometime this year. The potential acquisition comes as SpaceX seeks to strengthen its position against competitors like Anthropic and OpenAI while preparing for a possible public stock offering.
The space company disclosed it also has the alternative option to invest $10 billion in a collaborative partnership with Cursor instead of a full buyout.
The announcement was made Tuesday through Musk’s social media platform X, which along with the AI chatbot Grok forms part of the interconnected business portfolio that Musk has integrated with his aerospace venture.
Cursor, developed by San Francisco-based startup Anysphere, has gained popularity as an AI-powered programming tool. SpaceX appears drawn to what it describes as Cursor’s extensive reach among skilled software developers, which would provide access to an expanded user network.
The coding tool company stated that its new alliance with SpaceX’s AI division xAI will allow it to develop advanced artificial intelligence products using xAI’s enormous data processing facility called Colossus, located in Memphis, Tennessee.
“We’ve wanted to push our training efforts much further, but we’ve been bottlenecked by compute,” Cursor said in a statement on X, which didn’t mention the possibility of being acquired. “With this partnership, our team will leverage xAI’s Colossus infrastructure to dramatically scale up the intelligence of our models.”
Founded in 2022, Cursor helped launch a programming approach known as “vibe coding” as artificial intelligence coding tools have grown increasingly sophisticated in handling software development tasks.
The company faces competition from similar programming tools including Anthropic’s Claude Code and OpenAI’s Codex, though it has depended significantly on partnerships with these larger AI research firms for its underlying technology.
A leading AI researcher created the term “vibe coding” in early 2025 while experimenting with Cursor’s Composer feature combined with Anthropic’s Claude Sonnet during personal weekend coding projects.
LONDON — Anti-smoking advocates are celebrating a major victory after British lawmakers approved groundbreaking legislation designed to create the world’s first smoke-free generation.
The newly passed Tobacco and Vapes Bill prohibits anyone born after December 31, 2008 from purchasing cigarettes at any point in their lives. This means today’s teenagers will face a lifelong ban on tobacco purchases as the minimum buying age increases annually.
“The end of smoking, and the devastating harm it causes, is no longer uncertain — it’s inevitable,” declared Hazel Cheeseman, chief executive of Action on Smoking and Health, following Tuesday’s legislative approval that caps decades of advocacy efforts.
The measure awaits King Charles III’s formal approval, which is considered a procedural formality. Once enacted, the law will also grant authorities expanded powers to control tobacco, vaping and nicotine products, including restrictions on flavoring and packaging.
While current regulations already prohibit tobacco and vape sales to minors under 18, this legislation extends that prohibition throughout the lifetime of today’s youth population.
This positions Britain among nations with the world’s most aggressive anti-smoking policies. New Zealand enacted similar legislation in 2022, though a later administration reversed those measures.
Government statistics show smoking rates in Britain have dropped by two-thirds since the 1970s, yet approximately 6.4 million residents — roughly 13% of the population — continue using tobacco products.
Health officials report that smoking contributes to approximately 80,000 annual deaths nationwide and remains the leading preventable factor in mortality, disability and health complications.
“Children in the U.K. will be part of the first smoke-free generation, protected from a lifetime of addiction and harm,” stated Health Secretary Wes Streeting.
MADRID – A prosecutor in Spain has formally requested that a judge dismiss corruption charges against Begoña Gomez, the wife of Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, according to court documents released Wednesday.
The legal action represents the most significant judicial threat confronting the Socialist leader and his family members. Sanchez’s brother David is scheduled to face trial next month on separate allegations of influence peddling.
Gomez has consistently maintained her innocence throughout the proceedings.
The prime minister briefly contemplated stepping down in April 2024 when investigating judge Juan Carlos Peinado launched the inquiry into his wife’s activities. Sanchez has publicly stood by his family members, characterizing the legal challenges as politically motivated attacks orchestrated by far-right opposition groups.
Judge Peinado now faces the decision of whether to honor the prosecutor’s dismissal request or proceed with a jury trial in another court. Should the case move forward, the prosecutor indicated they would argue for Gomez’s acquittal during trial proceedings.
The accusations against Gomez originate from far-right political party Vox and multiple conservative advocacy organizations, including Hazte Oir. Court filings submitted this week and reviewed by Reuters show these groups are pursuing a maximum prison term of 24 years for the prime minister’s wife.
The probe focuses on allegations that Gomez leveraged her status as the prime minister’s spouse to obtain corporate sponsors for a university master’s degree program under her direction, potentially circumventing required public procurement procedures.
The formal charges against Gomez and her assistant at the prime minister’s official residence include influence peddling, private sector corruption, misappropriation of funds, and improper use of public resources.
In his most recent court ruling, Judge Peinado, who is approaching retirement, characterized Gomez’s alleged actions as behavior more appropriate for an “absolute monarchy” rather than a contemporary constitutional democracy.
Recently disclosed documents reveal the Trump administration established a structure that permits anonymous private contributions totaling hundreds of millions of dollars for a proposed White House ballroom, while restricting federal ethics oversight of the initiative.
The October agreement between the White House, National Park Service, and Trust for the National Mall outlines the legal and funding structure for the approximately $400 million initiative, which would represent the most substantial modification to the White House grounds in decades.
President Trump has positioned the White House ballroom as a signature achievement of his second presidential term, describing it as a transformative improvement financed through private contributions instead of public funds.
However, the magnitude of the undertaking and how the administration has managed fundraising and transparency has prompted growing concerns from oversight organizations and legal scholars, who question the project’s openness, potential donor influence, and compliance with established ethical standards.
Public Citizen, a watchdog organization, secured the document through litigation against the Park Service and Interior Department following a public records request, subsequently sharing it with news organizations.
“The Trump Administration’s failure to disclose this contract was flatly unlawful,” stated Wendy Liu, Public Citizen attorney and lead counsel on the lawsuit. “The American people are entitled to transparency over this multi-million-dollar project, and this win gets us a bit closer to knowing the truth.”
When requested for response, White House spokesman David Ingle indicated the ballroom contributors encompass numerous corporations and individuals donating “to make the People’s House better for generations to come.”
“The same critics who are alleging fake conflicts of interest would also complain if American taxpayers were footing the bill for these long-overdue renovations,” Ingle stated.
The agreement allows contributors to maintain anonymity and contains clauses limiting the revelation of their identities, based on the document. It also creates a review mechanism for possible conflicts of interest concerning the Park Service and Interior Department, but excludes similar requirements for the White House or president.
The proposed ballroom would overshadow other sections of the White House complex, with administration representatives describing an approximately 90,000-square-foot building designed to accommodate major state functions and receptions.
The initiative aims to substitute activities normally conducted in temporary structures on the South Lawn and would substantially increase capacity for formal dinners, diplomatic meetings, and official events. Proposals include a multi-level facility featuring service spaces, security enhancements, and integrated connections to the current executive residence grounds.
Trump has indicated roughly $300 million has been collected for the initiative, part of his wider effort to transform Washington.
Numerous identified contributors revealed by the White House following agreement to publicize their names — including Amazon, Lockheed Martin, Palantir Technologies, and Google — maintain billions of dollars in government contracts collectively.
A federal appeals court recently permitted ballroom construction to proceed while a legal dispute continues. The case, filed by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, contends the administration failed to obtain proper authorization before starting East Wing demolition and launching the project.
The recent decision temporarily overturned a ruling issued the previous day by U.S. District Judge Richard Leon in Washington, who determined the ballroom project violated the law without Congressional approval.
Women have reached a new milestone in financial leadership positions, claiming 19% of executive roles at major banking and financial institutions globally, according to fresh research released this week.
The latest Gender Balance Index from London-based think tank OMFIF analyzed 335 financial organizations and found female representation in top positions increased from 16% the previous year. The Federal Reserve contributed to this growth, with six women now heading regional banks within the U.S. central banking system.
However, the path toward equal representation remains lengthy. The study’s overall rating of 44 out of 100 points demonstrates that true gender parity is still far from reality.
“Even with the rate of improvement seen in recent years, it would still take 22 years for the GBI score to reach an average of 100,” stated Andrea Correa, who authored the research. She noted the timeline could extend even further.
The findings proved particularly encouraging in North America, where scores climbed to 82, especially considering current political efforts to scale back diversity and inclusion initiatives under President Trump’s administration.
“It was a little bit of a surprise,” Correa commented. “Institutions have had to be more careful with their public messages (about equality), but they are still committed to it.”
Central banks showed the most dramatic progress, with 35 of the 185 institutions studied now operating under female leadership – an all-time high. Sovereign wealth funds also demonstrated significant advancement, increasing their percentage of female chief executives to 18% in their strongest showing in five years.
Commercial banking institutions showed minimal advancement, however, with only seven women serving as CEOs among the 50 banks examined. Pension fund leadership actually declined slightly, dropping from 12 to 11 female heads.
The research revealed concerning gaps in leadership development pipelines. Women’s representation in executive C-suite positions remained stagnant at 20%, while nearly half of commercial banks surveyed maintain no female presence in their top leadership teams.
Researchers introduced a new “glass ceiling ratio” measurement, calculating how women’s representation diminishes at institutional peaks. The 0.56 rating indicates women hold top positions at just over half the rate their overall leadership representation would predict.
Commercial banks scored lowest at 0.41, showing higher-than-average female senior leadership but below-average representation in chief executive roles.
“There is still a ceiling for women,” Correa explained, pointing to demanding work schedules required for top positions. “That is often difficult for women because of child care and their role in households,” she described as a “persistent promotion bottleneck.”
A revolutionary table tennis robot has reached a historic milestone in Tokyo, becoming the first artificial intelligence system to consistently compete with and defeat highly skilled human players in the fast-paced sport.
The robot, called Ace and developed by Sony’s artificial intelligence research team, represents a major breakthrough in robotics by mastering a competitive physical sport that demands split-second decision-making and pinpoint accuracy, according to the project’s director.
While table tennis robots have existed since 1983, none had previously been capable of challenging elite human competitors until Ace’s development. The machine proved its capabilities in official matches conducted under International Table Tennis Federation regulations with certified referees overseeing the competition.
“Unlike computer games, where prior AI systems surpass human experts, physical and real-time sports such as table tennis remain a major open challenge due to their requirements for fast, precise and adversarial interactions near obstacles and at the edge of human reaction time,” explained Peter Dürr, who directs Sony AI Zurich and leads the Ace project.
According to Dürr, the initiative aimed not just to excel at table tennis but to understand how machines can perceive, strategize and respond with human-level speed and accuracy in constantly changing situations.
“The success of Ace, with its perception system and learning-based control algorithm, suggests that similar techniques could be applied to other areas requiring fast, real-time control and human interaction — such as manufacturing and service robotics, as well as applications across sports, entertainment and safety-critical physical domains,” Dürr stated. His research team published their findings Wednesday in the scientific journal Nature.
The study documented Ace’s performance in April 2025, where it secured victories in three of five matches against elite-level competitors while falling short against two professional players, who represent the sport’s highest skill tier. Sony AI reported that Ace has since improved, defeating professional players in December 2025 and as recently as last month.
This achievement comes as robotics companies worldwide continue pushing technological boundaries. Just this past Sunday, robots outpaced human competitors in a half-marathon race held in Beijing.
While artificial intelligence has already dominated digital strategy games like chess and Go, along with complex video games, table tennis presents unique challenges that occur in the physical world rather than simulated environments.
The sport demands rapid decision-making, exact physical movements and constant adjustment to an unpredictable opponent, Dürr noted. Players and machines must operate at the very limits of sensing, prediction and movement control as the ball travels at high velocities with intricate spins and flight paths.
Ace’s design incorporates nine coordinated cameras and three visual systems that can track a spinning ball with remarkable precision and lightning-fast processing speeds.
“This is fast enough to capture motion that would be a blur to the human eye,” Dürr said.
The research team built a specialized robotic platform equipped with eight joints, which Dürr identified as the minimum required for competitive play: three controlling the paddle’s position, two managing its angle, and three determining the shot’s velocity and power.
Professional table tennis player Mayuka Taira, who lost to Ace last December, described the robot’s advantages in comments shared by Sony AI. The machine’s strengths “are that it is very hard to predict, and it shows no emotion,” she said.
“Because you can’t read its reactions, it’s impossible to sense what kind of shots it dislikes or struggles with, and that makes it even more difficult to play against,” Taira explained.
Elite-level player Rui Takenaka, who has both won and lost matches against Ace, offered strategic insights in comments provided by Sony AI. “When it came to my serve, if I used a serve with complex spin, Ace also returned the ball with complex spin, which made it difficult for me. But when I used a simple serve — what we call a knuckle serve — Ace returned a simpler ball. That made it easier for me to attack on the third shot, and I think that was the key reason why I was able to win.”
Despite its achievements, Ace still has areas for enhancement, according to Dürr.
“Ace has a superhuman ability to read the spin of incoming balls, and superhuman reaction time. As it learns to play not from watching humans play, but is trained by itself in simulation, it also reacts differently from human players and creates surprising situations,” he explained. “At the same time, professional human athletes are very good at adapting to their opponent and finding weaknesses, which is an area that we are working on.”
Moscow announced Wednesday it will halt the flow of Kazakh crude oil through the Druzhba pipeline to Germany starting May 1, according to Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak, creating supply challenges for a critical refinery that serves the Berlin region.
The decision will significantly impact the PCK Schwedt refinery located near Berlin, which depends on Kazakhstan for 17% of its oil supplies and provides most of the German capital’s fuel needs. This development compounds Germany’s energy supply challenges as ongoing conflicts in Iran continue to disrupt oil flows from the Persian Gulf region.
When questioned about the reasoning behind the move, Novak cited “technical possibilities” but declined to provide additional details.
Data shows Kazakhstan shipped 2.146 million metric tons of oil to Germany through Russia’s Druzhba pipeline in the previous year, equivalent to approximately 43,000 barrels daily – representing a 44% increase from 2024. First quarter 2026 shipments totaled 730,000 tons.
Industry insiders had previously informed Reuters on Tuesday that Russia planned to terminate Kazakhstan’s oil exports via the Druzhba pipeline effective May 1.
The oil deliveries to Germany have utilized the pipeline’s northern branch, which operates independently from the southern section serving Hungary and Slovakia. The southern branch is preparing to restart operations following repairs necessitated by a Russian drone attack in January.
Germany assumed control of the Schwedt facility through a trusteeship arrangement after effectively confiscating the majority stake held by Russian energy giant Rosneft. This action followed Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, which severed the longstanding energy partnership between Moscow and Berlin.
“Starting from May 1, volumes of Kazakh oil previously supplied via the Druzhba pipeline to Germany will be redirected to other available logistics routes,” Novak stated to reporters Wednesday.
When asked if this action would result in supply losses for Germany, Novak responded: “The Germans have given up on Russian oil, so they are doing fine.”
Germany’s economy ministry confirmed that Rosneft Germany was evaluating the situation and would adjust to changing circumstances, noting the Russian company understands its obligations to the region.
“At the same time, existing options will be utilised to ensure security of supply in Germany,” the ministry stated, emphasizing that the decision does not threaten the nation’s petroleum product supply security.
German Economy Minister Katherina Reiche discussed possible alternatives, mentioning deliveries through ports in Gdansk or Rostock that could reach the refinery through pipeline connections, though she declined to speculate about potential Berlin shortages.
The Federal Network Agency, Germany’s energy oversight body serving as trustee for Rosneft Germany’s operations, acknowledged potential regional price impacts while confirming close coordination with the company.
Rosneft Germany did not respond to requests for comment.
Despite losing operational control through the German trusteeship, Rosneft maintains its position as the primary legal owner of the Schwedt refinery with a 54.17% stake, while Shell and Eni hold 37.5% and 8.33% respectively.
Financial markets are buzzing after traders made another massive, well-timed wager on oil prices just moments before a major political announcement.
On Tuesday, investors placed bets totaling $430 million that crude oil prices would fall — and they did so merely 15 minutes before President Donald Trump declared he would indefinitely extend a ceasefire with Iran.
This suspicious timing represents the fourth instance this year where enormous oil market wagers have been made right before significant Iran-related announcements. Combined March bets reached $500 million, while April’s total wagering has hit approximately $2.1 billion.
The Tuesday trades occurred between 1954 and 1956 GMT, involving 4,260 selling contracts valued at $430 million based on current Brent futures pricing, according to LSEG market data. Trump made his ceasefire announcement at 2010 GMT.
These transactions happened during post-settlement trading hours, when market activity typically remains extremely low. The Brent oil market officially closes at 1830 GMT.
While the initial trades caused only modest price movement — dropping from $100.91 to $100.66 per barrel — Trump’s subsequent announcement triggered a sharp decline. Brent crude futures plummeted to $96.83 within one minute of the ceasefire news. By Wednesday at 1200 GMT, prices had recovered to $99.2 per barrel.
Similar patterns emerged throughout recent weeks. On March 23, anonymous traders placed $500 million in bearish oil bets just 15 minutes before Trump announced delays to planned strikes on Iranian power facilities. April 7 saw $950 million in wagers placed hours ahead of Trump’s two-week ceasefire declaration.
Most recently, on April 17, traders bet $760 million on declining oil prices roughly 20 minutes before Iran’s foreign minister announced via social media that the Strait of Hormuz would remain open for commercial shipping.
Federal oversight has taken notice of these remarkable coincidences. The U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission has launched an investigation into multiple oil futures transactions, including the March 23 and April 7 trades, that occurred immediately before Trump’s Iran policy announcements, according to a source familiar with the probe who spoke on April 15.
Representatives from the Intercontinental Exchange, which operates the ICE trading platform, declined to provide comment on the matter.
ANNAPOLIS, MD (April 22, 2026) – The Maryland Department of Agriculture announced on Earth Day that the state will recognize May as Native Plant Month, joining a nationwide effort to highlight indigenous vegetation.
The proclamation emphasizes how plants native to Maryland contribute to maintaining robust ecosystems, creating durable landscapes, and fostering diverse local wildlife populations. The Maryland’s Best program is partnering with the agriculture department on this environmental initiative.
This statewide recognition aims to educate residents about the critical importance of native species in maintaining ecological balance throughout the region.
Although Virginia’s boating regulations establish minimum standards for mandatory safety equipment including life jackets, flares, and horns, marine safety experts emphasize that carrying additional protective gear beyond these legal minimums can make the difference between a minor inconvenience and a life-threatening emergency.
Smart boaters understand that true water safety extends far beyond simply meeting state requirements. By investing in supplementary equipment like medical supplies, communication devices, navigation aids, and backup tools, recreational boaters create multiple layers of protection for themselves and their passengers.
Marine safety specialists recommend considering these eleven categories of supplementary equipment:
Medical Supplies A comprehensive first-aid kit becomes essential when dealing with common boating injuries such as cuts, severe sunburn, or seasickness while waiting for professional medical assistance.
Communication Equipment VHF marine radios provide dependable contact with emergency services and nearby vessels, particularly in areas where cellular service becomes unreliable.
Navigation Tools GPS units, chart plotters, and traditional compasses help prevent dangerous situations like running aground or becoming disoriented in unfamiliar waters.
Anchoring Systems Reliable anchor equipment with sufficient line enables boaters to stabilize their vessel during mechanical problems or emergency situations.
Water Removal Equipment Manual bailers and backup bilge pumps provide critical protection against unexpected water intrusion that could overwhelm primary pumping systems.
Backup Propulsion Extra paddles or oars give smaller watercraft operators essential backup mobility when engines fail unexpectedly.
Engine Safety Backups Additional engine cut-off lanyards ensure operators always have this critical safety device available.
Fire Suppression Tools Marine-grade fire blankets or additional extinguishers supplement required fire equipment and can prove vital during sudden onboard blazes.
Mechanical Support Items Emergency fuel supplies and basic tool kits help address minor engine problems before they become major emergencies requiring rescue assistance.
Mooring Equipment Extra dock lines and rope provide essential backup when primary mooring equipment fails during docking operations.
Emergency Location Devices Personal Locator Beacons transmit precise GPS coordinates and distress signals through satellite networks directly to search and rescue teams, enabling rapid location and assistance.
Safety experts identify four key advantages of carrying supplementary protective equipment:
Emergency Response Capability: Alternative equipment options can become lifesaving when primary systems fail, whether dealing with communication breakdowns or fire emergencies.
Improved Navigation Safety: Electronic and traditional navigation tools significantly reduce risks of becoming lost in unknown waters.
Equipment Redundancy: Having duplicate critical items like propulsion, safety lanyards, and water removal tools prevents minor equipment failures from escalating into serious emergencies.
Operational Efficiency: Practical equipment including anchoring systems, mooring lines, and weather protection contributes to more enjoyable and safer recreational boating experiences.
ROME – A new government survey has revealed that Italy significantly lags behind other European nations when it comes to adopting artificial intelligence technology, underscoring wider challenges with digital literacy across the country.
According to Italy’s national statistics agency ISTAT, which conducted its inaugural survey on the topic, only 19.9% of Italian residents between ages 16 and 74 utilized AI tools during the past year. This figure falls well short of the European Union average of 32.7%.
Among EU member states, only Romania performed worse in AI adoption, recording a rate of 17.8%, the statistics agency reported.
The findings reflect Italy’s broader struggles with digital technology adoption. The country maintains the European Union’s most aged population, with residents having a median age of 48.7 years in 2024, significantly higher than the EU-wide median of 44.7 years, based on Eurostat data.
Italy’s digital divide extends beyond AI usage. A separate 2025 Eurostat study found that nearly one in ten Italians had avoided using the internet entirely during the preceding three months. Among EU nations, only Poland, Portugal, Lithuania, Greece, Bulgaria and Croatia recorded higher percentages of residents without recent internet access.
The Dover Police Department has launched a new initiative to gather community feedback through an anonymous online survey designed to help improve their services to residents.
The Community Satisfaction Survey enables residents to share their honest opinions about the police department while maintaining their anonymity. Officials say the responses will help them better understand what the community needs and prioritize improvements to their policing services throughout the city.
Residents can weigh in on several key areas through the survey, including how well officers perform their duties, public safety concerns in their neighborhoods, staffing levels within the department, and suggestions for enhancing police services across Dover.
The online questionnaire will stay active for roughly 90 days while officials collect responses before analyzing the results.
This marks the fifth time Dover Police has conducted an online version of this survey, which they administer to meet standards set by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA). The department has previously conducted similar surveys as part of their ongoing accreditation process.
Community members can access the 2026 Dover Police Community Survey online to participate in this feedback initiative.
PARIS (AP) — Writer Kamel Daoud, who holds both French and Algerian citizenship, revealed Wednesday that Algeria has handed him a three-year prison term for his novel “Houris,” which earned France’s highest literary honor.
The author, currently residing in France, shared the news on X that the court decision came down Tuesday. He also disclosed receiving a fine of 5 million Algerian dinars, equivalent to approximately $38,000.
“Houris” (translated as “Virgins”) examines those who suffered during Algeria’s “black decade,” a period when tens of thousands lost their lives as government forces battled Islamic militants. The violence began in 1991 when Islamist parties secured victory in the initial round of parliamentary elections, leading the military-supported government to halt the second voting round.
The novel received the Goncourt Prize, France’s most coveted literary recognition, in 2024.
According to Daoud, his conviction stems from Algeria’s Charter for Peace and National Reconciliation, legislation passed through referendum in 2005 that provided broad amnesty to both Islamic fighters and government security personnel.
“The text punishes any public mention of the civil war,” Daoud stated. “Ten years of war, nearly 200,000 dead according to estimates, thousands of terrorists granted amnesty … and only one guilty party: a writer.”
Beyond the court proceedings in Oran, Algeria, Daoud faces two international arrest warrants that Algeria issued in May 2025 and potential loss of his Algerian citizenship.
Fellow French-Algerian author Boualem Sansal has encountered comparable difficulties.
Sansal — whose writings have challenged Islam, colonialism and current Algerian leadership — received conviction for undermining national unity and insulting government institutions, earning a five-year prison term under Algeria’s terrorism legislation.
Following intervention by Germany’s president, he obtained humanitarian clemency in Algeria and returned to France last year after completing one year behind bars.
PRAGUE (AP) — Thousands of Czech high school and university students took to the streets of Prague Wednesday, demonstrating against proposed government changes to public broadcasting funding structures.
Demonstrators shouted “We won’t let you take the media” as they marched through the capital city. Additional demonstrations took place in other locations throughout the Czech Republic.
The proposed legislation, developed by the coalition government under populist Prime Minister Andrej Babiš, would eliminate the current fee system paid by individuals, households and companies to support public broadcasting services.
Under the proposed structure, public broadcasting would become entirely reliant on government budget allocations. Opposition voices argue this arrangement would undermine editorial independence.
The proposed changes would substantially cut current funding levels for public media outlets. The legislation requires both government and Parliamentary approval before implementation.
Union representatives for media workers announced their readiness to strike should lawmakers move forward with the proposed changes, which could become law as early as next year.
The Vienna-based International Press Institute expressed concern that the proposed changes aim to “weaken the broadcasters’ financial and editorial independence and compromise their ability to fulfill their public service remit.”
As Mother’s Day and Father’s Day approach, families with boating enthusiasts have unique opportunities to find meaningful gifts that combine thoughtfulness with water safety.
Mother’s Day Gift Suggestions:
Safety should be a top priority, making an inflatable life jacket an excellent choice to keep Mom protected on the water. A waterproof dry bag designed for carrying essential items makes another practical present, especially models featuring clips or straps for convenient transport. For added style, consider a DWR dry bag option. Long-sleeved hooded shirts with sun protection features provide crucial coverage during extended time on the water.
Father’s Day Gift Options:
Dads also deserve safety gear, with inflatable life jackets being equally important for male boaters. Polarized sunglasses serve a dual purpose by cutting down water glare while improving visibility of underwater objects. For serious safety consideration, emergency beacons represent invaluable investments – either EPRIB (emergency position-indicating radio beacon) or PLB (Personal Locator Beacon) devices can be lifesaving tools in emergency situations.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has finalized a major technology partnership worth $300 million with Palantir Technologies, officials announced Wednesday.
The substantial contract, structured as a Blanket Purchase Agreement, is designed to advance the National Farm Security Action Plan while upgrading the department’s service delivery systems for agricultural producers across the country.
Under the new arrangement, Palantir will supply operational technology solutions to help the agriculture department enhance its support for both farmers and field personnel working in government roles.
The contract expands upon Palantir’s current collaboration with the USDA’s “Landmark” system and will bolster the “One Farmer, One File” program. According to the announcement, the Landmark platform is already revolutionizing agricultural reporting by allowing farmers to submit acreage information through user-friendly digital interfaces.
“Protecting America’s farmland is protecting America itself, and this work gives USDA the visibility and speed needed to safeguard our food supply,” stated Sam Berry, the Department of Agriculture’s Chief Information Officer.
The Trump administration introduced new regulations Wednesday aimed at reducing corporate responsibility when contractors or franchise partners fail to follow federal wage requirements.
Federal labor officials announced a proposed regulation that would limit when businesses can be held accountable as “joint employers” of workers employed by other companies under laws governing minimum wage and overtime compensation.
This regulation mirrors a similar measure implemented during Trump’s previous presidency that received support from business organizations but was later overturned by former President Joe Biden’s administration.
Acting Labor Secretary Keith Sonderling explained that the proposed changes aim to simplify legal compliance for employers, which he believes will ultimately help workers.
“A clear standard on joint employment would give businesses more confidence to invest in partnerships, help employees understand their rights, and make the department’s investigations more efficient,” Sonderling stated.
The regulation will shape how the department conducts enforcement activities and may influence private legal cases, although courts are not required to follow the guidelines.
Officials plan to publish the proposal formally on Thursday, followed by a 60-day period for public feedback. A finalized version could be implemented before the end of this year.
The announcement comes after Trump-appointed Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer stepped down this week following misconduct allegations, including accusations of an inappropriate relationship with a security team member and misuse of department resources for personal travel. Chavez-DeRemer did not respond to these claims in her resignation statement.
The joint employment issue has sparked significant debate in labor law circles over the past ten years, resulting in multiple competing regulations from various federal enforcement agencies.
In February, the National Labor Relations Board, which operates independently from the Labor Department and oversees union organizing rights, eliminated a Biden-era joint employment rule and restored standards from Trump’s first administration.
Similar to the labor board’s approach, the Labor Department’s new proposal states that companies qualify as joint employers only when they maintain direct authority over hiring decisions, worker supervision, compensation, and personnel documentation.
Worker advocacy organizations have criticized this framework. The Economic Policy Institute, a progressive research group, argued in 2020 that Trump’s original rule would hinder efforts to combat wage theft and result in workers losing over $1 billion each year.
Major U.S. stock markets began Wednesday’s trading session with gains following President Donald Trump’s announcement extending the temporary ceasefire agreement with Iran on April 22nd. Market optimism was tempered by ongoing concerns about whether both Iran and Israel, a key U.S. ally, will continue to respect the fragile truce.
At the opening bell, the Dow Jones Industrial Average climbed 122.1 points, representing a 0.25% increase to reach 49,271.5. The broader S&P 500 index gained 38.9 points, marking a 0.55% rise to 7,102.91. The technology-heavy Nasdaq Composite showed the strongest performance, jumping 202.3 points or 0.83% to close at 24,462.313.
Manufacturing conglomerate Honeywell announced Wednesday that its quantum computing subsidiary, Quantinuum, has secretly submitted documentation to the Securities and Exchange Commission for a public stock offering.
The quantum computing firm, which Honeywell controls as majority owner, filed the confidential paperwork with federal regulators back in February.
While Honeywell kept specific financial terms under wraps, Quantinuum received a $10 billion valuation during its last funding round in September.
This announcement arrives as the IPO market shows renewed energy following a March slowdown, when uncertainty from Middle East conflicts and technology stock declines caused many companies to postpone their public debuts.
The timing also reflects the intensifying competition to advance quantum computing capabilities, technology that could tackle complicated calculations at speeds far beyond today’s most powerful traditional computers.
Major corporations including Honeywell itself, along with Airbus, BMW Group, HSBC, and JPMorgan Chase currently utilize the comprehensive quantum computing solutions that Quantinuum provides.
Quantinuum emerged in 2021 following its spinoff from Honeywell and subsequent combination with Cambridge Quantum. Honeywell CEO Vimal Kapur serves as chairman, while former Intel executive Rajeeb Hazra leads the company as chief executive.
The leader of Europe’s top drug regulatory body issued a stark warning Wednesday that the continent stands at a pivotal moment for maintaining access to breakthrough medications, as American pricing strategies continue to disrupt the global pharmaceutical landscape.
Emer Cooke, who heads the European Medicines Agency, addressed concerns at a pharmaceutical conference in Barcelona, Spain, noting that new drug introductions across Europe have plummeted by more than one-third following the implementation of President Trump’s pricing initiative last May.
“I think we’re at a very critical point at the moment,” Cooke stated during the Reuters Pharma Europe 2026 gathering.
“Everybody’s struggling with what the impacts of the U.S. policy on pricing will be. And that’s not just on pricing, it’s on where you do your clinical trials, where you market, where you launch.”
The Trump administration’s “most-favored-nation” approach seeks to reduce American drug costs by tying them to the lower prices paid by other developed nations, particularly European countries. However, industry experts report this strategy has prompted pharmaceutical companies to either seek higher European prices or postpone product launches there entirely.
Bill Coyle, who leads biopharma operations at consulting firm ZS, explained the industry’s reluctance at the conference: “MFN is creating a huge hesitation to launch here in Europe if it exposes price in the U.S., which, of course, is the major driver of profit for the entire industry.”
When questioned about pharmaceutical companies’ claims that European markets no longer provide sufficient financial returns, Cooke revealed she recently hosted senior industry executives at the EMA to explore ways the regulatory body could better support innovation and accelerate drug approvals.
Despite the challenges, Cooke emphasized Europe’s strengths as the world’s second-largest pharmaceutical market with comprehensive healthcare coverage, describing it as being in a “very strong place in terms of access” while advocating for coordinated purchasing negotiations across EU member states.
The pharmaceutical sector has increasingly criticized European regulators, arguing that companies now prefer investing and conducting research in the United States and China over Europe, where drug prices remain lower, regulatory processes more complex, and innovation incentives less compelling.
Cooke pushed back against these criticisms, highlighting ongoing European reform efforts including new pharmaceutical legislation covering joint procurement mechanisms for newly approved medications and a comprehensive life sciences strategy emphasizing innovation and market competitiveness.
“We have a lot of very positive things going on in Europe,” she emphasized.
Regarding upcoming regulatory decisions, Cooke indicated that European approval for the first in a new class of weight-loss medications would come “very soon,” suggesting action within weeks or months before the summer institutional slowdown period.
Two oral weight-loss drugs from Eli Lilly and competitor Novo Nordisk, which could significantly impact the profitable weight management market, have already received U.S. approval for launch this year.
Addressing recent upheaval at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration since Trump’s second term began, Cooke noted that Europe has begun attracting American scientific professionals.
“I think we’re getting some already – quietly,” she disclosed.
While maintaining that FDA relationships remain solid, Cooke acknowledged that leadership transitions have required the EMA to establish new working relationships with American counterparts.
The interview also covered European initiatives to address medication shortages and the importance of training EMA personnel in responsible artificial intelligence use, ensuring human oversight remains central to regulatory decision-making processes.
Authorities have released the name of the bicyclist who was killed in a deadly crash Sunday evening in Laurel. Delaware State Police confirmed that Jose Calvo Velasquez, 26, of Laurel, Delaware, was the victim of the fatal accident.
Delaware State Police Troop 7 Collision Reconstruction Unit continues to examine the circumstances surrounding the crash. Investigators are urging anyone who saw the collision or has relevant details to reach out to Master Corporal K. Argo at (302) 703-3264. Tips can also be submitted through a private message to the Delaware State Police Facebook page or by calling Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-847-3333.
Those affected by crime, witnesses to incidents, or families who have experienced sudden loss can access support through the Delaware State Police Victim Services Unit and the Delaware Victim Center. Help is available around the clock via their toll-free number at 1-800-VICTIM-1 (1-800-842-8461), or by emailing [email protected].
LONDON — A shortlist dominated by American writers has been revealed for the 2026 Women’s Prize for Fiction, with U.S. authors claiming four of six finalist positions for the prestigious literary award worth 30,000 pounds ($40,000).
The finalist announcement came Wednesday from a judging committee headed by Julia Gillard, who served as Australia’s Prime Minister from 2010 to 2013. The competition welcomes female authors writing in English from around the globe.
Notable American entries include established author Lily King’s university-based love story “Heart the Lover” and Susan Choi’s complex family narrative “Flashlight,” which earned recognition as a Booker Prize finalist last year.
First-time novelists represent a significant portion of the list, including Virginia Evans’ epistolary work “The Correspondent,” featuring an elderly female lead character. This novel gained momentum gradually following its 2025 publication. Also making the cut is Addie E. Citchens’ “Dominion,” which examines themes of authority and male dominance within a Mississippi-based African American congregation.
Two British debut authors complete the roster: Marcia Hutchinson with “The Mercy Step,” chronicling a young woman’s maturation in England’s northern region, and Rozie Kelly’s exploration of romance and loss in “Kingfisher.”
According to Gillard, these selections share compelling narratives and fascinating protagonists while examining “power — where it lies, where it doesn’t lie. How you find the ability to chart your own life course, what it means to potentially have others that are pushing you in different directions as you try and chart that life course.”
The prevalence of first-time published authors doesn’t indicate inexperience. Hutchinson brings decades of legal practice to her writing in her sixties, while Evans completed seven unpublished manuscripts before achieving worldwide recognition with “The Correspondent.”
“I think the way the publishing industry is working now, there are quite a number of authors coming to the fore for whom being a fiction author is well and truly a second act in a life that has brought other careers,” Gillard explained.
“I’m delighted to see that,” Gillard shared with The Associated Press, though she doesn’t plan to follow suit immediately. Unlike other former political leaders such as Bill Clinton and Scotland’s Nicola Sturgeon who have penned political fiction, Gillard isn’t currently developing a novel.
“Never say never, but I’m not sure about that,” stated Gillard, whose published works include memoirs and books examining women in leadership roles. “But I’m a fiction lover, a fiction reader, and it’s been just fantastic to have this experience” serving on the Women’s Prize judging committee.
The five-member panel will now deliberate to select the ultimate winner. The literary honor, established in 1996, has previously recognized authors including Zadie Smith, Tayari Jones and Barbara Kingsolver. A companion award for nonfiction launched in 2024.
Both prize recipients will be revealed during a June 11 ceremony in London.
MEXICO CITY — Xaneri Merino’s journey with traditional weaving began in defiance of cultural expectations that would shape her life’s mission.
Born in San Pedro Jicayán, an Indigenous village in southern Mexico, Merino was assigned male at birth in a community where weaving traditions are typically reserved for women. Despite cultural restrictions, her grandmother secretly taught her the ancient art of backstrap loom weaving when she was just 13 years old.
“She began sharing her knowledge with me in secret,” Merino recalled about learning to weave hidden away in her grandmother’s adobe dwelling. “She taught me how to make the thread from scratch, to feel the textures and respect nature.”
Merino’s heritage combines Mixtec ancestry from her mother’s side, where creation stories connect divine origins to sacred terrain, and Zapotec roots from her father’s lineage, where spiritual practices intertwine with daily life experiences.
Her grandmother emphasized environmental stewardship as fundamental to their weaving tradition. Community weavers craft their thread-tension tools from tamarind tree branches and find methods to replenish what they harvest from nature.
“To care for nature is part of our worldview,” Merino explained. “Because it provides us with what we need to walk this world.”
Today, Merino embraces both her transgender identity and her cultural heritage as a “muxe” — a Zapotec term describing Indigenous individuals assigned male at birth who assume feminine roles, sometimes considered a third gender category.
She now earns her living conducting weaving workshops and teaching others how the backstrap loom serves both as artistic expression and resistance against oppression.
“Everyone is capable of learning how to weave, and it’s not just about creating a piece,” she told participants during a recent Mexico City workshop designed for LGBTQ+ individuals. “It’s also about weaving our own stories, as we can come to know ourselves through the loom.”
Merino’s weaving journey included a painful period of punishment and separation from her craft. At age 15, community members discovered her weaving on their way to a religious celebration.
The next morning, village loudspeakers summoned all men to address what they deemed an urgent concern: a boy who had dared to weave.
Community elders formed a circle while Merino stood in the center alongside her mother and grandmother, facing questioning about her actions.
According to Merino’s recollection, one man confronted her grandmother: “Why would you allow him to weave, if it’s not something boys are supposed to do? Do you realize what kind of example you’re setting for other children?”
Her grandmother responded straightforwardly, explaining she was simply teaching creativity and helping preserve cultural traditions through textile arts.
The community assigned Merino church-sweeping duties as punishment. Although she occasionally continued weaving secretly, the experience deeply affected her relationship with the craft, leading her to largely abandon her loom.
“I developed a deep resentment toward textiles and the customs around them,” Merino reflected. “Having the ability to create and not being allowed to use it was like having eyes and having them taken away — I could no longer see.”
Healing began when Merino relocated to Mexico City for university studies. Her communications major included coursework in cultural management, textile analysis, and postcolonial perspectives on Indigenous resistance movements.
“That made me see how I could use my reality for a greater good,” she said. “My loom became a means to healing.”
Workshop participants often discover personal connections through the weaving process. One returning student explained to her classmates that looms reflect the weaver’s emotional state, transferring both positive feelings and stress into the threads.
“I love Xan’s way of teaching because she is very human and patient,” student Emilia Freire, also a transgender woman, told The Associated Press. “She made me realize that once I had my weaving set up and began to work, everything I carried with me through the week would come out.”
First-time participant Kristhian Cravioto appreciated finding a welcoming environment for LGBTQ+ craft enthusiasts and celebrated Merino’s challenge to gender-based weaving restrictions.
“This is very important for us dissidents,” said Cravioto, who works as a designer with interest in Mexico’s Indigenous crafts. “To know that no matter whether you are a man or a woman, what you do matters.”
Traditional backstrap looms consist of cords, threads, and wooden components assembled into transportable frames. Weavers typically sit on the ground, securing one loom end to a tree or post while fastening the other around their waist. Body movements create rhythmic tension control that guides the weaving process.
Each textile piece requires substantial time investment. Merino typically spends approximately one month working eight hours daily to complete a short “huipil,” the traditional tunic worn by Indigenous Mexican women.
While many relocated weavers adapt to urban materials, Merino returns to her hometown for authentic supplies, including purple dye extracted from coastal sea snails — a resource becoming scarcer as the species population decreases.
Though homesickness persists, Merino finds encouragement in younger LGBTQ+ community members who have embraced weaving in San Pedro Jicayán following her example.
“At least five trans women and two men are weaving,” she noted. “We have gained visibility through the loom and that’s what this fight has been about.”
