Motorists traveling southbound on US Route 13 should expect periodic lane restrictions as construction crews continue their work along a busy corridor.
The Delaware Department of Transportation reports that intermittent lane closures are affecting southbound traffic between Brickyard Road and Chipman Lane. These temporary restrictions are part of ongoing construction activities in the area.
The lane closures are expected to remain in effect until 5:00 AM, according to DelDOT officials. Drivers are advised to plan for potential delays and consider alternate routes if possible during the affected hours.
Seven student-athletes from Goldey-Beacom College’s basketball programs have earned recognition on the Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference All-Academic Team, showcasing the institution’s ongoing commitment to academic excellence.
The honor reflects the strong performance these players have maintained in their studies while competing at the collegiate level. The Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference annually recognizes student-athletes who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement alongside their athletic participation.
This recognition underscores Goldey-Beacom’s emphasis on balancing athletic competition with scholarly pursuits, as their basketball programs continue to produce students who excel both on the court and in the classroom.
An artificial intelligence startup has unveiled a new cybersecurity collaboration with some of the world’s largest technology companies on Tuesday, according to a company announcement.
Anthropic revealed its “Project Glasswing” initiative, which grants selected organizations early access to test an unreleased AI system called “Claude Mythos Preview” specifically designed for cybersecurity defense purposes. The partnership includes tech giants Amazon, Microsoft, Apple, Google, and Nvidia, along with cybersecurity specialists CrowdStrike and Palo Alto Networks.
The launch comes after reports last month indicated Anthropic had been testing Claude Mythos, which reportedly demonstrated both significant security risks and advanced defensive capabilities. Those reports had caused stock prices for cybersecurity companies like Palo Alto Networks and CrowdStrike to drop substantially.
Recent discussions at this year’s RSA cybersecurity conference in San Francisco centered heavily on the growing threat of artificial intelligence-powered cyber attacks and questions about whether traditional security measures remain adequate.
According to Anthropic’s Tuesday blog post, the Mythos Preview system has already identified “thousands” of significant security flaws across operating systems, web browsers, and various software applications.
The company stated that participating organizations will integrate Mythos Preview into their defensive security operations, while Anthropic plans to distribute the findings throughout the cybersecurity industry.
Beyond the initial partners, Anthropic announced it will expand access to approximately 40 additional organizations that manage essential software infrastructure. The company has committed up to $100 million in usage credits and $4 million in donations to open-source security organizations.
The AI company expressed its ultimate objective as enabling “our users to safely deploy Mythos-class models at scale.”
Anthropic confirmed it has maintained ongoing communications with the U.S. government regarding the model’s capabilities.
The initiative follows previous security incidents, including last year’s attack where hackers exploited weaknesses in Anthropic’s Claude AI system to target approximately 30 organizations worldwide. Additionally, a recent study conducted by IBM and Palo Alto Networks found that 67% of 1,000 surveyed executives reported experiencing AI-based attacks in the past year.
AUGUSTA, Georgia – English professional golfer Tommy Fleetwood discovered renewed appreciation for Augusta National’s majesty after bringing his two teenage sons to the legendary course before this year’s Masters tournament.
Speaking to media Tuesday, Fleetwood described how witnessing 19-year-old Oscar and 17-year-old Mo experience the famous venue provided him with a powerful reminder of the course’s significance.
“I don’t want to say you forget, because I’m always aware of how special Augusta National is and what a privilege it is just to be playing here,” Fleetwood explained.
“But watching the two boys, a 19 and a 17-year-old, be pretty emotional on the first tee, watching that firsthand gives you a bit of perspective of just how special it is and how much I appreciate it. That was very cool and memories that we’ll always have,” he added.
The world’s fourth-ranked player revealed that becoming a father has fundamentally altered his approach to professional golf and personal ambitions. His children now serve as his primary driving force, inspiring him to exemplify excellence through actions rather than words.
Fleetwood explained that he visualizes future accomplishments not as hardware to collect, but as meaningful moments to share with his loved ones. According to him, victories gain their true significance when celebrated alongside family members.
The veteran golfer also noted that parenting offers valuable relief from the intense demands of tournament competition. Even golf-related activities with his children feel completely different from professional obligations.
“Being a parent is the best thing in the world. It just is,” Fleetwood stated. “And they all love the game.”
During their Augusta visit, Fleetwood observed his sons navigating the course’s notorious challenges, including well-struck shots that found trouble and difficult putting situations. These moments reinforced how crucial course knowledge becomes at Augusta National.
Fleetwood enters his tenth Masters appearance seeking his first major championship victory, with his previous best finish being a third-place tie in 2024. He will tee off Thursday alongside Patrick Reed and Akshay Bhatia for the opening round.
A Freeze Warning is in effect for portions of northern Delaware and central New Jersey from midnight tonight through 9 AM Wednesday morning, with temperatures expected to plummet between 25 and 30 degrees.
The National Weather Service Mount Holly issued the warning this afternoon, cautioning that frost and freeze conditions could kill crops, sensitive vegetation, and potentially damage unprotected outdoor plumbing.
Areas under the warning include New Castle County in Delaware, plus Salem, Gloucester, Camden, Cumberland, Atlantic, Cape May, and Ocean counties in New Jersey, along with portions of Burlington, Mercer, Middlesex, and Monmouth counties.
Residents should take immediate action to protect tender plants by covering them or bringing potted plants indoors. Don’t forget to disconnect and drain outdoor hoses, and consider wrapping exposed pipes.
Looking ahead, another round of freezing temperatures is possible Wednesday night into Thursday morning, prompting forecasters to issue a Freeze Watch for the same areas.
This unseasonably cold snap serves as a reminder that spring weather can be unpredictable. The Freeze Warning expires at 9 AM Wednesday, but residents should continue monitoring forecasts as conditions may warrant extending protective measures through the week.
Motorists traveling on southbound Interstate 95 should expect delays as the Delaware Department of Transportation has temporarily shut down the two right lanes in a key section of the highway.
The lane closures affect the stretch of I-95 South beginning at the Welcome Center and extending to the Easy Pass lanes. Traffic is being redirected to the remaining left lanes during the closure period.
DelDOT officials indicate the lanes will reopen at 6 a.m. Drivers are advised to allow extra travel time and exercise caution when passing through the work zone area.
Motorists traveling along Delaware Route 30 should expect traffic delays this evening due to ongoing lane restrictions in the area.
The Delaware Department of Transportation reports that intermittent lane closures are affecting the stretch of DE-30 located between Matthews Street and Dock Farm Road. These traffic disruptions are expected to remain in place until 9:00 PM today.
Drivers are advised to plan for additional travel time and consider alternate routes if possible while the lane restrictions are active.
Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza plans to skip the official NFL draft ceremony in Pittsburgh, choosing instead to celebrate with loved ones in Miami when his name is called, according to a source familiar with the quarterback’s intentions.
The source shared this information with The Associated Press Tuesday while requesting anonymity since Mendoza has not publicly announced his draft day plans.
While the NFL draft begins April 23 in Pittsburgh, where most elite prospects gather to shake hands with Commissioner Roger Goodell on stage, some top selections opt to celebrate elsewhere. Recent first overall picks Trevor Lawrence in 2021 and defensive end Travon Walker in 2022 also chose to watch the proceedings remotely.
Mendoza, who guided Indiana to a national championship after claiming college football’s most prestigious individual award, is widely anticipated to be the Raiders’ first selection. Las Vegas leadership has indicated they plan to gradually integrate the young quarterback into their starting rotation rather than rushing him onto the field immediately.
The Raiders’ recent signing of veteran signal-caller Kirk Cousins supports this approach, with Cousins likely taking the reins while Mendoza develops. Cousins has already arrived in Las Vegas to participate in the team’s offseason training program.
DAKAR, Senegal — A humanitarian worker who spent almost two years imprisoned in Central African Republic has been released, according to his family members who spoke with The Associated Press on Tuesday.
Joseph Figueira Martin’s brother confirmed the news, stating that “the rumor is real and he should land in Lisbon in a couple of hours.”
Martin, who holds citizenship in both Belgium and Portugal, worked as a consultant for FHI 360, an American humanitarian organization. Central African Republic’s prosecutor’s office said he was taken into custody in May 2024 on charges including espionage, communicating with rebel forces to organize a government overthrow, and threatening state security.
Authorities apprehended him in Zemio, a southeastern community that has experienced more than ten years of violence between ethnic armed groups and anti-government insurgents.
Martin was incarcerated at a military facility and had previously refused food to protest his imprisonment conditions.
Government officials have not yet verified his release or provided updates regarding his legal proceedings.
Although foreign humanitarian workers are seldom arrested in Central African Republic, the nation is increasing oversight of relief organizations working in regions where government forces battle armed factions. After Martin’s detention, officials cautioned international NGO personnel against engaging in activities that might compromise state security or risk facing legal action.
The Central African Republic has experienced ongoing warfare since 2013, when rebel forces dominated by Muslims captured control and ousted former president François Bozizé. Christian militia groups retaliated with violence. Although a 2019 peace agreement reduced hostilities, six out of 14 armed organizations that initially agreed to the deal eventually withdrew their support.
The Wagner Group, a Russian mercenary organization, maintains operations in Central African Republic to counter armed rebel movements and support President Faustin-Archange Touadera, who has governed the country since 2016.
PAULS VALLEY, Okla. — The principal of a high school in Oklahoma is recovering after being wounded in a shooting that occurred Tuesday in the school’s entrance area, law enforcement officials reported.
Kirk Moore, who serves as principal at Pauls Valley High School, sustained injuries during the incident and is currently listed in stable condition, according to the Garvin County Sheriff’s Office.
Authorities confirmed that no students were harmed during the shooting, and law enforcement successfully apprehended the suspected gunman. The sheriff’s department announced on social media that the situation has been resolved.
“There is no ongoing threat at this time,” the sheriff’s statement said.
Attempts to reach both the Garvin County Sheriff’s Office and Pauls Valley High School for additional comment on Thursday were unsuccessful, as phone calls and emails went unanswered.
The incident took place in Pauls Valley, a town with approximately 6,000 residents located roughly 60 miles south of Oklahoma City.
NEWARK, Del. – Two University of Delaware tennis stars etched their names in the record books Tuesday afternoon, establishing a new benchmark for doubles excellence in Blue Hens history.
Student-athletes Maryia Hrynashka and Paulina Jurkowska secured their place in program lore by capturing their 44th career victory as a doubles team, surpassing the previous University of Delaware record. The milestone achievement came during Delaware’s commanding 7-0 shutout victory against Monmouth University.
The historic win represents the culmination of a successful partnership between Hrynashka and Jurkowska, who have consistently dominated on the doubles court throughout their collegiate careers. Their record-breaking performance helped propel the Fightin’ Blue Hens to a comprehensive sweep of their opponents.
The achievement highlights the strength of Delaware’s women’s tennis program and showcases the exceptional talent of these two student-athletes who have now secured their legacy in Blue Hens athletics history.
The Goldey-Beacom Lightning softball team showed resilience on Monday, bouncing back from a disappointing first game to secure a doubleheader split against conference rival Holy Family.
The Lightning dropped the opening contest by a score of 7-4 but quickly regrouped for the second game of the day. In a complete turnaround, Goldey-Beacom’s pitching staff held Holy Family scoreless while the offense managed to plate two runs for a 2-0 victory.
The split keeps the Lightning competitive in CACC conference play as they continue their season. The team’s ability to rebound after the first-game setback demonstrates the mental toughness that will be crucial as conference competition intensifies.
In a dramatic shift from his previous stance, President Trump has declared a 14-day suspension of military action against Iran, with the condition that Iranian forces must reopen the Strait of Hormuz. This announcement comes after the President had posted threatening language on social media, stating that “a whole civilization will die tonight.”
The temporary halt in hostilities represents a significant change in tone from the administration’s earlier aggressive posturing toward the Middle Eastern nation. The ceasefire’s continuation will depend entirely on Iran’s compliance with demands to allow passage through the strategically important waterway.
Oil markets experienced a sharp decline in early Wednesday trading as crude prices tumbled following President Donald Trump’s announcement of a ceasefire agreement with Iran.
West Texas Intermediate crude for May delivery dropped $12.04 per barrel, representing a 10.66% decline, bringing prices down to $100.90 per barrel as of 2251 GMT.
Trump’s ceasefire declaration was made just ahead of his established deadline for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway through which approximately 20% of global oil shipments pass.
Financial markets experienced dramatic shifts Wednesday following President Donald Trump’s announcement of a temporary halt to military operations in the Middle East, raising hopes for sustained peace and the potential restart of energy exports from the Gulf region.
Trump announced his decision to halt bombing campaigns and military strikes against Iran for a two-week period, stating that negotiations for a comprehensive peace deal are currently underway.
The market response was immediate and substantial. American crude oil prices dropped approximately 9% to reach $103 per barrel, while S&P 500 futures climbed 1.6%. The dollar weakened against multiple currencies.
Asian stock market futures indicated widespread gains ahead of trading sessions, as these markets have faced significant pressure from ongoing conflicts and rising energy costs. Ten-year U.S. Treasury futures jumped roughly 15 ticks in response to the news.
Currency markets also reflected the shift toward reduced risk, with the Australian dollar climbing more than 0.8% to surpass 70 U.S. cents, while the euro gained 0.4% to reach $1.1647. Digital currencies also posted increases during the session.
PERTH, April 8 – American crude oil prices experienced a sharp decline during early Wednesday morning trading, dropping just hours before President Donald Trump’s ultimatum for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz was set to expire.
West Texas Intermediate crude scheduled for May delivery decreased by $4.45 per barrel, representing a 3.94% drop that brought prices down to $108.50 per barrel at 2216 GMT.
Delaware State University has opened the nomination process for its 2026 Athletics Hall of Fame induction class, welcoming submissions from the community to honor those who have made significant contributions to Hornet athletics.
Former student-athletes who completed their studies or used up their athletic eligibility prior to 2021 are eligible for consideration, provided they competed for at least two seasons in one or more sports at the university. The nomination process also extends to former coaching staff, administrative personnel, and individuals who have provided substantial support to Delaware State’s athletic programs.
Those interested in submitting nominations have until Friday, May 22, 2026, to complete the process and ensure their candidates are considered for this prestigious recognition.
Weather officials have issued a freeze warning that will remain in effect from Sunday afternoon at 2:18 PM through Monday morning at 9:00 AM, according to the National Weather Service office in Mount Holly, New Jersey.
The warning alerts residents and farmers to prepare for subfreezing temperatures that could damage sensitive plants, crops, and outdoor vegetation during the overnight hours.
Those with gardens or temperature-sensitive plants are advised to take protective measures before the cold temperatures arrive Sunday evening.
Weather officials have issued a freeze warning for the region, alerting residents to prepare for potentially damaging overnight temperatures.
The National Weather Service office in Mount Holly, New Jersey announced the freeze warning on Sunday, April 7th at 2:18 PM Eastern Daylight Time. The warning remains in effect until 9:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time on Monday, April 8th.
During this period, temperatures are expected to drop to freezing levels, which could harm sensitive vegetation and outdoor plants. Residents are advised to take precautions to protect tender plants and outdoor plumbing from potential freeze damage.
The weather service typically issues these warnings when sub-freezing temperatures are forecast during the growing season, when such conditions could cause significant damage to plants, crops, and other temperature-sensitive materials.
Delaware transportation officials are alerting drivers about upcoming overnight construction work that will impact traffic flow on a busy New Castle County roadway.
Starting Sunday, April 19th, the Delaware Department of Transportation will begin restricting lanes on Kirkwood Highway for essential drainage pipe repairs. The construction zone stretches from Old Capitol Trail to Ferrand Drive.
Work crews will be active during nighttime hours from 8 PM until 5 AM each evening, with the project scheduled to wrap up by Friday, April 24th.
Transportation officials are advising drivers to exercise extra caution when traveling through the work zone and to plan for possible minor traffic delays during the construction period.
The nationally-ranked Salisbury University Sea Gulls baseball squad completed a clean sweep of their season matchups against Arcadia University, claiming an 8-1 victory on Tuesday at Skip Wilson Field in Ambler, Pennsylvania.
Ranked 12th in the nation, the Sea Gulls dominated the Knights behind another exceptional pitching performance from rising star Aidan Brinsfield, who continues to establish himself as the team’s premier starter.
The decisive win marks the second victory over Arcadia this season, giving Salisbury University a perfect 2-0 record against the Knights in their head-to-head series.
Brinsfield’s strong outing on the mound helped the Sea Gulls control the game from start to finish, limiting Arcadia to just one run while his teammates provided plenty of offensive support with eight runs scored.
The victory continues Salisbury’s strong season as they maintain their position among the top-ranked college baseball programs in the country.
Motorists traveling on US Route 113 should expect periodic traffic delays as construction crews continue work along a stretch of the highway.
The Delaware Department of Transportation reports that both northbound and southbound lanes will experience intermittent closures between Oak Avenue and Avenue of Honor as part of ongoing construction activities.
These temporary lane restrictions are scheduled to remain in effect until 6:00 AM, according to DelDOT’s traffic incident reporting system.
Drivers are advised to plan for potential delays and consider alternate routes if possible during the affected timeframe.
Federal Reserve Vice Chair Philip Jefferson expressed concerns Tuesday about dual economic pressures threatening both employment stability and price increases across the nation.
Speaking at the University of Detroit Mercy, Jefferson outlined his cautious economic perspective amid ongoing global uncertainties.
“In the current environment, I confront an outlook in which there is downside risk to the labor market and upside risk to inflation,” Jefferson stated in his prepared remarks. “I remain cautious about my outlook…. I continue, however, to see our current policy stance as appropriately positioned to allow us to assess how the economy evolves.”
Jefferson emphasized that current short-term interest rate levels provide the Federal Reserve flexibility to address unpredictable impacts from Middle Eastern conflicts and fluctuating energy costs on the central bank’s dual goals of maintaining stable prices and full employment.
Federal Reserve officials maintained their benchmark interest rate between 3.50% and 3.75% last month, indicating they want to observe additional inflation improvements before implementing rate reductions.
The Fed vice chair characterized the employment situation as generally balanced but susceptible to negative disruptions, noting that companies are already hesitant about new hiring decisions.
Jefferson warned that a significant economic setback could reduce job creation and increase unemployment beyond the current 4.3% rate.
Regarding inflation concerns, Jefferson acknowledged that price increases continue exceeding the Federal Reserve’s 2% objective. While he previously anticipated inflation would moderate later this year as previous tariff impacts diminished, he now projects short-term price increases due to oil market disruptions.
Jefferson expressed confidence that existing monetary policy will continue supporting employment while enabling inflation to resume its downward trajectory.
Despite acknowledging that sustained higher energy costs could burden consumer and business expenditures while simultaneously pressuring inflation forecasts upward, Jefferson remained optimistic about policy effectiveness.
“I am confident that our current policy stance is well-positioned to respond to a range of outcomes,” he concluded.
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Cade Horton’s 2026 season has come to an abrupt end after medical imaging revealed damage to the ulnar collateral ligament in his throwing arm, team manager Craig Counsell announced Tuesday.
“Cade is gonna have surgery,” Counsell told reporters prior to Chicago’s matchup with Tampa Bay at Tropicana Field. “He’s gonna miss the rest of the year.”
Medical professionals have yet to decide whether Horton will require complete Tommy John reconstruction or a less invasive internal brace procedure. The 24-year-old visited respected elbow surgeon Dr. Keith Meister in Arlington, Texas, on Tuesday for consultation. Officials have not scheduled the operation.
The diagnosis validates concerns that arose when Horton departed the mound during Chicago’s April 3 contest in Cleveland after throwing only 17 pitches. His fastball velocity declined from 96 mph in the opening frame to 93.8 mph on his final delivery before signaling to the dugout.
This represents Horton’s second major elbow procedure, having undergone Tommy John surgery during his freshman year at Oklahoma in 2021. Selected seventh overall in the 2022 amateur draft, the right-hander emerged as a key contributor last season, compiling an 11-4 record with a 2.67 earned run average across 118 innings pitched. His outstanding rookie campaign earned him second place in National League Rookie of the Year balloting. Just one week before his injury, Horton limited Washington to two earned runs over 6 1/3 innings in his 2026 season opener.
The setback creates additional challenges for Chicago, which is already operating without top starter Justin Steele, who remains sidelined following his own UCL procedure and isn’t anticipated to return until late May at the earliest. With Matthew Boyd also unavailable due to injury, the Cubs will rely heavily on Colin Rea and Javier Assad to anchor their starting rotation. Rea demonstrated his capability in a similar expanded role last season, recording a 3.95 ERA over 27 starts after Steele’s injury.
“Colin’s going to be asked to pitch more innings out of the bullpen, and then somebody’s going to take Colin’s bullpen innings,” Counsell explained. “That’s how it’s going to be addressed on paper. But it’s not all on Colin. … We all have to just do our part.”
A federal court in Louisiana has temporarily declined to halt the nationwide mail distribution of mifepristone, an abortion medication, dealing a short-term blow to state officials attempting to prevent these pills from reaching areas where abortion procedures are prohibited.
U.S. District Judge David Joseph, based in Lafayette, Louisiana, rejected a request from Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill on Tuesday to suspend Food and Drug Administration policies permitting mail delivery of the medication while legal challenges to the 2023 regulations proceed through the court system.
The judge agreed to temporarily suspend proceedings in the case, though he cautioned that this delay would not continue indefinitely and indicated he might rule in Louisiana’s favor at a later date.
In a public statement, Murrill announced plans to appeal the federal regulations to a higher court, emphasizing that the judge “concluded that Louisiana suffers irreparable harm every day” under current policies.
Judge Joseph, appointed by former President Donald Trump, indicated in his written decision that he would monitor an ongoing FDA evaluation of the medication. He directed the agency to provide updates on their investigation’s progress within six months.
“Should the agency fail to complete its review and make any necessary revisions” to current policies “within a reasonable time frame, the Court’s analysis – and the weight accorded to these factors – will inevitably change,” Joseph stated in his ruling.
The judge also noted his belief that the challengers are “likely to succeed on the merits” of their case.
Murrill argues that mail-delivered prescriptions weaken Louisiana’s abortion prohibition, as the state is among 13 that have banned the procedure throughout pregnancy. Similar legal challenges have been filed by Republican officials in other jurisdictions.
Abortion rights organizations emphasized that Tuesday’s decision is not final.
“From the courts to the Trump administration to state legislatures across the country, mifepristone and abortion access are very much still under attack,” stated Alexis McGill Johnson, President and CEO of Planned Parenthood Federation of America.
Mifepristone, typically used alongside misoprostol, has become central to abortion access litigation following the Supreme Court’s 2022 decision overturning Roe v. Wade, which enabled states to prohibit abortion procedures.
In 2024, the Supreme Court declined to block mail delivery of mifepristone prescriptions. That particular case differed because anti-abortion physicians brought it, and the court determined they lacked proper legal standing to challenge the regulations.
As conservative states have implemented abortion bans or restrictions, liberal states have enacted protections for access. Eight states now have legislation shielding healthcare providers who prescribe abortion medications through telehealth services and mail them to states with prohibitions.
Research indicates that by late 2024, approximately 25% of abortions were obtained through telehealth services—representing a five-fold increase over two years. Additional research showed that in 2025, women in states with abortion bans were more likely to obtain procedures through telehealth pill delivery than by traveling to other states.
Murrill is pursuing criminal charges against two physicians—one in California and one in New York—accused of mailing pills to Louisiana patients. Neither state has agreed to extradite the doctors to face these charges.
The lawsuit also includes a Louisiana woman who claims her boyfriend forced her to take mifepristone obtained from a California physician.
Coercion arguments, especially regarding abusive partners controlling reproductive decisions, became a significant element of the plaintiffs’ legal strategy. They contend that eliminating in-person requirements for abortion medication will increase intimate partner violence. However, some domestic violence advocates countered that telehealth services can provide crucial support for abuse survivors.
Anti-abortion organizations criticized the Trump administration last year when it authorized an additional generic version of mifepristone.
A Hawaii judge previously ruled that the FDA illegally imposed restrictions on mifepristone, which is also prescribed for miscarriage treatment.
BOLIVIA, N.C. — A Brunswick County judge ruled Tuesday that a former Marine accused of fatally shooting three people at a waterfront establishment must receive mental health treatment before his murder trial can move forward.
Nigel Max Edge, 41, was determined by multiple psychiatric experts to be unable to comprehend legal proceedings sufficiently to work with his defense team on the first-degree murder charges he faces.
The court session had been planned for District Attorney Jon David to announce whether prosecutors would pursue capital punishment in the case. However, David explained in a statement that this decision was postponed due to concerns about Edge’s mental fitness for trial.
“The defense has presented evaluations from two experts, and this office requested an independent evaluation by a state forensic examiner,” David stated. “All three evaluations conclude that Mr. Edge currently lacks the capacity to proceed to trial.”
Superior Court Judge Jason Disbrow directed that Edge be sent to Cherry Hospital, a state mental health facility located in Goldsboro, according to David’s announcement.
The prosecutor noted that the state’s psychiatric evaluator determined Edge “may be restored to capacity through appropriate treatment, including medication and counseling.” Attempts to reach Edge’s public defender, Matthew Geoffrion, were unsuccessful.
Law enforcement officials say Edge used a small boat to approach a dockside bar in Southport on September 27 last year, where he allegedly fired a short-barreled semiautomatic weapon. The attack resulted in three deaths and wounded multiple other victims.
The defendant, who faces several additional criminal charges, sustained four gunshot wounds during his military service with an elite sniper team in Iraq, including one to his head. According to relatives and acquaintances, he has received a diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder and continues to have a bullet fragment in his brain.
Tuesday’s court order effectively “suspends further litigation unless and until the defendant’s capacity is restored,” David explained, while noting that prosecutors could still pursue the death penalty “should the facts and law warrant this designation.”
Edge will be held in custody throughout his treatment period, which David described as lasting for an “indeterminate” duration.
Four astronauts aboard NASA’s Artemis II spacecraft made history Monday as they ventured farther from Earth than any human crew in decades, completing a dramatic lunar flyby that signals the space agency’s return to moon exploration. The crew of three American astronauts and one Canadian team member experienced a total solar eclipse during their journey and became the first people to witness the moon’s mysterious far side with the naked eye before beginning their journey back to Earth.
The mission has produced a collection of breathtaking photographs showcasing spectacular views of both the moon and Earth from deep space, offering the public a rare glimpse of what the astronauts observed during this historic voyage.
WASHINGTON — The commander-in-chief who once pursued a Nobel Peace Prize and celebrated diplomatic breakthroughs has escalated to threatening total destruction as he grapples with finding an end to his chosen conflict with Iran.
On Tuesday, President Donald Trump delivered his most extreme warning yet in the Iranian standoff, declaring “A whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back again,” should Iran refuse to negotiate a deal that includes reopening the crucial Strait of Hormuz.
The GOP leader’s remarks drew immediate backlash from Democratic lawmakers, former MAGA allies who have distanced themselves from Trump, and the current American pontiff. Several Republican colleagues characterized his statements as negotiation strategy.
These latest comments build on recent days of escalating rhetoric where he promised to blast Iran “into oblivion” and “back to the Stone Ages!!!” He has vowed to target bridges and civilian electrical facilities, actions that military law specialists warn could qualify as war crimes. On Easter Sunday, he posted on social media: “Open the F——-in’ Strait, you crazy bastards, or you’ll be living in Hell.”
Trump’s escalating promises of massive and apparently random devastation mark a dramatic shift from his January message to Iranian citizens that “HELP IS ON ITS WAY” following violent suppression of demonstrations. These statements directly contradict the diplomatic persona he cultivated over the past year while pursuing Nobel recognition.
Most critically, his words raise concerns about whether the president is contemplating actions that might constitute war crimes, considering nuclear options, or simply engaging in empty posturing.
“The Iranian regime has until 8PM Eastern Time to meet the moment and make a deal with the United States. Only the President knows where things stand and what he will do,” White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt stated.
Addressing the backlash to Trump’s remarks, White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly responded: “As President Trump has said, Iran can never have a nuclear weapon, and the Iranian people welcome the sound of bombs because it means their oppressors are losing. The President will always stand with innocent civilians while annihilating the terrorists responsible for threatening our country and the entire world with a nuclear weapon. Greater destruction can be avoided if the regime understands the seriousness of this moment and makes a deal with the United States.”
The president’s remarkable ultimatum comes as tensions with Iran have reached a breaking point. Iran has dismissed the latest American ceasefire offer, while the Middle Eastern nation’s leader announced that 14 million citizens, including himself, have enlisted to fight. International voices are calling for de-escalation as diplomatic sources confirm ongoing negotiations.
Military law authorities note that Trump’s promises to destroy bridges and power facilities could constitute war crimes, depending on whether these installations serve legitimate military purposes, if attacks would be proportionate to Iranian actions, and whether civilian harm would be minimized.
While Trump has pushed back previous deadlines during the 5½-week conflict, he maintains Tuesday evening’s ultimatum is non-negotiable. Monday saw him justify his crude language as emphasis, while dismissing concerns about potential war crimes as unfounded.
Indiana Republican Senator Todd Young, a Marine veteran, believes Trump is “clearly trying to accomplish” ending “this whole effort” as “the best way to preserve lives and property and reduce suffering.”
“The president clearly, to me, wants to increase the amount of leverage he has immediately so that we can bring this conflict to a close and avoid further bloodshed or suffering from the Iranians, from the Americans or from any other people.”
Wisconsin Republican Senator Ron Johnson, typically a strong Trump supporter, expressed hope Monday that the president’s infrastructure threats were mere posturing.
“I am hoping and praying that President Trump is, this really is bluster. I do not want to see us start blowing up civilian infrastructure. I do not want to see that,” Johnson said during a podcast appearance. “We are not at war with the Iranian people. We are trying to liberate them.”
House Democratic leadership issued a joint statement condemning Trump’s “statement threatening to eradicate an entire civilization” as something that “shocks the conscience.” Senate Democrats called it “a betrayal of the values this nation was founded on, and a moral failure.”
Pope Leo XIV declared that any attacks on civilian infrastructure violate international law and labeled the president’s remarks “truly unacceptable.”
Former Georgia GOP Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, previously a devoted MAGA supporter turned critic, proposed invoking the 25th Amendment to remove a president deemed unfit by the vice president and Cabinet majority.
“Not a single bomb has dropped on America. We cannot kill an entire civilization. This is evil and madness,” she posted on X.
Alaska Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski, who frequently opposes the president, called Trump’s newest threat “an affront to the ideals our nation has sought to uphold and promote around the world for nearly 250 years.”
Penn State University political science professor Roseanne McManus, whose work examines international security and how nations communicate intentions during conflicts, noted that presidential force threats traditionally included restraint and nuance.
However, Trump has abandoned these conventions since his initial presidency, she explained. This was most evident when he warned North Korea in 2017 of “fire and fury like the world has never seen” for continued U.S. threats, sparking nuclear escalation fears. He later claimed he and Kim Jong Un “fell in love,” ending most hostile rhetoric.
Since his White House return last year, his threats and actions have grown more inflammatory.
Last summer, he partnered with Israel in bombing Iran’s nuclear facilities before a self-imposed deadline expired. Earlier this year, he executed a bold operation capturing Venezuela’s dictator Nicolás Maduro for U.S. prosecution.
He has also proposed military action to seize Greenland and expressed confidence he’ll soon have “the honor of taking Cuba,” though these threats remain unfulfilled.
McManus noted that Trump views his unpredictability as advantageous, apparently embracing the “Madman Theory” associated with former President Nixon, designed to discourage enemies by convincing them of his willingness to take extreme measures.
His recent year of actions, combined with increasingly dramatic Iranian threats, suggest “he’s been leaning into the strategy to a greater extent in his second term.”
“I think the fact that Trump is willing to shatter these norms with his rhetoric could suggest that he is not restrained by the same sorts of things that would restrain a normal leader,” she concluded.
NEW ORLEANS — A young woman married to an active-duty U.S. Army staff sergeant walked free Tuesday after spending almost a week in federal immigration custody, following her arrest at a Louisiana military installation.
Annie Ramos, 22, who was born in Honduras but has lived in America since she was a toddler, had been held at an immigration detention center. Her detention sparked criticism of the current administration’s deportation policies, with opponents arguing such actions hurt military morale during wartime.
Both the Department of Homeland Security and Ramos’ mother-in-law, Jen Rickling, verified her release to news outlets. The New York Times was first to report the development.
Immigration officers arrested Ramos while she was trying to complete registration procedures at her husband’s military base to access spousal benefits and begin the process of obtaining permanent residency. She wed Staff Sgt. Matthew Blank this past March. Federal officials said a 2005 immigration court order called for her removal after her family missed a required court appearance.
Both Ramos and her spouse maintain they have been working to secure her legal immigration status, including submitting a DACA application in 2020 that has remained in limbo due to ongoing legal challenges to the program.
“All I have ever wanted is to live with dignity in the country I have called home since I was a baby,” Ramos said in a statement following her release. “I want to finish my degree, continue my education, and serve my community — just as my husband serves our country with honor.”
Arizona Democratic Senator Mark Kelly’s office confirmed the senator contacted DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin about Ramos’ situation. Staff Sgt. Blank has relatives in Arizona.
“I’m happy Annie is back with her husband and family where she belongs,” Kelly stated. “They never should have gone through this painful process, but far too many families like theirs are because of this administration.”
DHS officials told reporters that Ramos was freed under electronic monitoring conditions as her deportation case moves forward through the courts.
“She will receive full due process,” the department stated.
The current administration has eliminated previous policies that provided immigration enforcement protections for military families and veterans’ relatives, despite the military’s use of family protection promises as a recruitment tool.
Ramos indicated she intends to resume her biochemistry studies while focusing on her new marriage.
“As Matthew continues preparing for his long career in the military, my focus now is on securing my status, continuing my studies, and building our life together,” she explained. “We want to create a home, a future, and a family. This experience has been incredibly difficult, but it has also reminded me of the power of faith, love, and community. I am hopeful for what comes next.”
HARRISBURG, Pa. — A Pennsylvania couple is facing child endangerment charges following an incident where their 18-month-old son crawled into a restricted area at ZooAmerica and was injured by a wolf, according to Derry Township Police.
The incident unfolded Saturday just before noon when the parents moved approximately 25 to 30 feet away from their toddler to sit on nearby benches, where they became focused on their mobile devices, police reported. During this time, the young child managed to crawl through a gap in the wooden perimeter barrier surrounding the wolf exhibit.
Once inside the restricted zone, the toddler reached the chain-link enclosure and inserted his hand through the fencing. Police said the wolf’s response appeared instinctive when it grabbed the child’s hand with its mouth.
“From the injuries sustained, it appears as though one of the wolves in the enclosure instinctively and naturally grabbed onto the child’s hand with its mouth. Several bystanders intervened and helped pull the child away,” police stated.
ZooAmerica officials described the wolf’s behavior as investigative rather than aggressive, explaining that the contact was “brief, investigatory behavior consistent with how wild canines interact with unfamiliar objects in their environment.” The zoo noted that wolves naturally explore new items by using their mouths, similar to how humans use their hands.
The child sustained what zoo officials characterized as “minor, surface-level” injuries. The wolf involved remains healthy, current on vaccinations, and continues to be housed in its exhibit.
Dauphin County District Attorney Fran Chardo explained that filing criminal charges required careful deliberation. “We looked at a lot of factors — the age of the child, the circumstances, how diligent you have to be because it’s potentially dangerous,” Chardo explained during a telephone conversation. “We looked at it closely,” he added.
The parents, residents of Lititz, Pennsylvania, are scheduled for a preliminary hearing on the misdemeanor charges later this month. Legal representation for the father has been contacted for comment, though it remains unclear who is representing the mother.
Derry Township Police Chief Garth W. Warner emphasized the dangers of inadequate supervision. “There are plenty of opportunities for a child of that age to hurt themselves on things,” Warner observed. “Let alone, be left alone, essentially by themselves, where they could get themselves into a situation like this child did.”
ZooAmerica North American Wildlife Park operates as part of the larger Hershey entertainment complex, which includes the famous chocolate-themed amusement park. According to the zoo’s website, three gray wolves are currently housed at the facility.
This marks the second notable child safety incident at Hersheypark within the past year. Last summer, a lost child wandering on monorail tracks required rescue by a park visitor who climbed onto a building and jumped onto the rails to reach the boy, who was ultimately unharmed and returned to his family.
The University of Delaware baseball squad experienced a setback in their Liberty Bell Classic encounter against Lehigh University on Monday.
The Blue Hens traveled to Lehigh’s campus for the tournament matchup but were unable to come away with a win. The loss marks another game in the Liberty Bell Classic series for Delaware’s baseball program.
The defeat came as Delaware faced off against the Mountain Hawks in what was part of the ongoing Liberty Bell Classic tournament competition.
WASHINGTON – Federal authorities announced Tuesday they have successfully taken down a sophisticated cyber espionage operation orchestrated by Russian military intelligence.
According to the Justice Department, the cyber network was run by Russia’s Main Intelligence Directorate of the General Staff, specifically Military Unit 26165 of the GRU.
Officials said the Russian operatives used compromised internet routers to carry out hijacking attacks targeting victims across the globe, focusing particularly on personnel working in military, government, and critical infrastructure roles.
Brett Leatherman, who serves as assistant director of the FBI’s Cyber Division, explained the severity of the threat. “GRU actors compromised routers in the US and around the world, hijacking them to conduct espionage. Given the scale of this threat, sounding the alarm wasn’t enough,” Leatherman stated.
The disruption was carried out under court authorization as part of ongoing efforts to counter foreign cyber threats against American interests.
German intelligence officials issued a cybersecurity alert Tuesday regarding attacks by Russian state-sponsored hackers who have been exploiting internet routers to conduct espionage operations against government and military facilities.
The Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution announced that the hacker collective APT28 had successfully breached vulnerable TP-Link routers as part of a broader surveillance campaign targeting critical infrastructure and defense networks.
This cybersecurity warning was coordinated with multiple intelligence partners, including Germany’s foreign intelligence service BND and the Federal Bureau of Investigation in the United States.
Western intelligence agencies have identified APT28, which also operates under the alias “Fancy Bear,” as being controlled by Russia’s military intelligence organization, the GRU.
According to German officials, the hacking operation affected thousands of routers across the globe, with approximately 30 compromised devices identified within Germany’s borders.
Security experts confirmed successful breaches in multiple instances, leading network operators to remove and replace the affected router equipment.
German intelligence noted that APT28 has previously launched cyberattacks against the country’s parliamentary systems, the Social Democratic Party, and aviation control agencies.
The Houston Texans have acquired linebacker Marte Mapu from the New England Patriots in a Tuesday trade deal.
While the complete terms remain undisclosed, ESPN reports the transaction involves exchanging 2027 NFL Draft selections, with Houston receiving a seventh-round pick while sending a sixth-round choice to New England.
The 26-year-old defender is set to earn a base salary of $1.508 million in 2026, the final year of his current contract.
During the previous season, Mapu participated in every regular season contest, recording 25 tackles along with one interception and one forced fumble. He was heavily utilized on special teams units, participating in 58% of those plays and accumulating 12 special teams tackles, ranking third on the team in that category. Additionally, he served as the personal protector for the punt coverage unit.
In postseason action, Mapu contributed a special teams tackle assist while participating in all four playoff contests as New England’s season concluded with a 29-13 defeat to the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl LX.
Originally selected by New England in the third round of the 2023 draft from Sacramento State, Mapu has compiled 89 total tackles, three interceptions, 0.5 sacks, and five forced fumbles across 44 games with 10 starts during his three-year career.
Chicago Cubs pitcher Cade Horton’s season has come to an abrupt end after team manager Craig Counsell announced Tuesday that the right-handed starter will need surgery to repair UCL damage in his throwing elbow.
The surgical recommendation came following Horton’s consultation with renowned orthopedic specialist Dr. Keith Meister in Arlington, Texas. This meeting occurred just two days after the Cubs placed the 24-year-old on the 15-day injured list with what was initially described as a forearm strain.
Horton’s injury troubles began during Friday’s matchup against the Cleveland Guardians, where he was forced to leave after pitching just over one inning and throwing only 17 pitches. The Cubs backdated his IL placement to Saturday.
During that Cleveland game, Horton successfully retired all three batters in the opening frame before issuing a five-pitch walk to Kyle Manzardo to start the second inning. He then departed with Chicago’s head trainer, and Cleveland ultimately secured a 4-1 victory.
Following Friday’s abbreviated outing, Horton explained his physical concerns: “I had some tightness in my wrist and as the game went on, it went into my forearm. I wanted to err on the cautious side and not hurt anything else. I just wanted to be smart about it and make a smart decision.”
Prior to the injury, Horton had been performing well, bringing his earned run average down to 2.45 after allowing two runs across 6 1/3 innings in Chicago’s dominant 10-2 victory over Washington on March 28.
Selected by Chicago as the seventh overall pick in the 2022 draft, Horton compiled an impressive 11-4 record with a 2.67 ERA across 23 appearances (22 as a starter) in 2025, earning him second place in National League Rookie of the Year balloting.
AUGUSTA, Ga. — Bryson DeChambeau entered Augusta National this week believing his golf skills are at their career peak as he prepares for another attempt at capturing his first Masters title.
The golfer came to the tournament fresh off back-to-back playoff wins in LIV Golf competitions, including a recent victory against former Masters winner Jon Rahm in South Africa. DeChambeau also brings valuable experience from nine prior Masters appearances.
After missing the cut twice early in his Masters history, DeChambeau has posted sixth and fifth-place finishes in the last two tournaments at Augusta. Last year, he played alongside eventual winner Rory McIlroy in the final group before struggling with a 75 in the last round, though he gained important insights from the experience.
“It was a great learning lesson,” DeChambeau commented Tuesday. “Leading or being tied for the lead and having the lead, that last group final round, gave me a lot of perspective on it. Then losing it and having things not go my way as they finished out and Rory completed the grand slam.”
“As I reflect back on it, the one thing I can take from it is I can put myself in those positions. The more I put myself in those positions, the better opportunities I’m going to have to win. It’s just been a gradual learning process. You never know what this week may bring, but I certainly hope to give it my all and put myself back in that position because I want to feel it again.”
When informed that recent major champions have averaged 32 years of age over the past 20 tournaments — exactly DeChambeau’s current age — he remained focused on his own preparation.
“If that’s the way the stats line up and they work in my favor, fantastic,” he responded. “I don’t try to look too much into that and focus on what I can accomplish.”
Beyond drawing from past experience, DeChambeau continues experimenting with his equipment. He’s testing new wedges from his South Africa trip while personally crafting his irons and driver. His final club selections for Thursday’s opening round remain undecided.
“There’s this nature that I have about myself where innovation is a habit of mine, and I really find and take pride in that ability to learn,” he explained. “Even through failure, even through making a bad decision or a good decision, what I can get from that.”
“So we’ll see where it goes, we’ll see where it takes me. All I could say now is, if I don’t put them in the bag, it’s my fault now.”
DeChambeau has become particularly fascinated with studying Augusta National’s notorious wind patterns. He carefully monitors changing conditions and how they influence his course strategy, club selection, and ball flight.
“For me, it’s a continual learning process. For me from a nerding-out perspective, it’s really about the wind this year for me,” he stated.
“I feel really good. It’s just about going out and executing.”
Delaware Department of Transportation crews are conducting construction work that has resulted in a southbound shoulder closure on Upper King Road today.
The affected area spans from Bison Road to Derbywood Circle, where the shoulder remains unavailable to traffic. DelDOT officials indicate the closure will continue through 6:30 PM this evening.
Motorists traveling through the area should exercise caution and expect potential delays during the construction period.
Drivers traveling on Penny Lane should plan for potential delays this afternoon as construction crews continue work that requires periodic lane restrictions.
According to the Delaware Department of Transportation, the roadway between Abbey Road and Winding Road will experience intermittent lane closures as work progresses throughout the day.
The construction-related traffic pattern is expected to remain in place until 5:30 PM today. Motorists are advised to allow extra travel time and consider alternate routes if possible.
DelDOT continues to monitor the situation and will update drivers as conditions change.
Motorists traveling on Withams Road should plan for potential delays as construction crews continue work that requires periodic lane restrictions.
The Delaware Department of Transportation reports that drivers can expect intermittent lane closures along the stretch of Withams Road running between Ingleside Road and Stafford Avenue.
These temporary traffic restrictions are expected to remain in effect until 6 PM today as crews complete their construction activities in the area.
Drivers are advised to allow extra travel time and use alternate routes when possible to avoid potential delays in the construction zone.
Federal immigration officials have confirmed they are deploying advanced surveillance technology capable of infiltrating mobile phones as part of their enforcement operations.
In correspondence delivered to congressional representatives last week, the director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement disclosed that the agency has been utilizing sophisticated spyware capabilities to monitor encrypted communications linked to fentanyl distribution networks.
The revelation marks the first official acknowledgment from ICE regarding its use of such invasive digital surveillance tools, which have the ability to bypass standard security measures on smartphones and other devices.
The agency’s admission comes amid ongoing congressional scrutiny of federal law enforcement’s use of advanced surveillance technologies and raises questions about privacy protections and oversight of such operations.
A Freeze Warning is in effect for northern Delaware and central New Jersey from midnight tonight through 9 AM Wednesday morning, with temperatures expected to plummet between 25 and 30 degrees.
The National Weather Service issued the warning at 2:18 PM Tuesday, affecting New Castle County in Delaware and multiple counties across New Jersey including Mercer, Camden, Gloucester, Salem, Cumberland, Atlantic, Cape May, and Ocean counties.
This unseasonably cold snap poses serious risks to tender plants, crops, and outdoor plumbing. Frost and freeze conditions could kill sensitive vegetation that may have already begun spring growth.
Residents should take immediate action to protect plants by covering them with blankets, tarps, or bringing potted plants indoors. Don’t forget to disconnect garden hoses and consider wrapping exposed outdoor pipes to prevent freezing and potential bursts.
Looking ahead, another Freeze Watch has been issued for Wednesday evening through Thursday morning, with similar temperatures expected between 25 and 31 degrees.
The current Freeze Warning expires at 3:30 AM Wednesday. TV Delmarva will continue monitoring conditions and provide updates as needed. Remember, even a brief freeze can cause significant damage to unprotected plants and plumbing.
Listen to the Evening Delmarva Farm Report Update — April 7, 2026
DELMARVA — Vive Crop Protection launched a new soil-applied insecticide on Tuesday that gives corn growers more flexibility in fighting soil insects during the growing season. Unlike most products that only work at planting, Bifender SM can be applied throughout the season, delivering protection right where insects cause damage. The product fills a gap in current pest control options as growers prepare for spring planting across Delmarva.
Markets
Corn futures closed at $4.49/bu for May delivery, down $0.05. Soybeans settled at $11.58¼, falling $0.08½. May wheat finished at $5.86, up $0.05¾. Soybean meal dropped $4.80 to $311.80/ton. Live cattle for June closed at $245.80/cwt.
Forecast
A Freeze Warning remains in effect tonight with temperatures dropping to 29°F under clear skies. Growers should protect tender plants and sensitive crops. Wednesday looks sunny with a high of 52°F, but another round of frost is possible Wednesday night into Thursday morning. Temperatures moderate by the weekend with Friday’s high reaching 65°F.
This article is based on the Delmarva Farm Report Update Evening Edition, April 7, 2026. Hosted by Tom Bradley.
The New York Giants began their first practice session under new head coach John Harbaugh on Tuesday, but a notable absence cast a shadow over the proceedings. Star defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence was among three players who didn’t show up, after reports emerged that the Pro Bowl nose tackle had requested a trade from the organization.
Harbaugh acknowledged that team officials had productive discussions with Lawrence’s representative, Joel Segal, and said they comprehended the player’s perspective on the matter.
The new coach expressed that the situation didn’t catch him off guard, pointing out that attendance at these sessions is optional and suggesting there’s a strong likelihood Lawrence will remain with the team.
“Speaking for the Giants, we want Dexter here. I believe Dexter wants to be here. That’s a good formula,” Harbaugh told reporters during a video conference. “But there’s business involved. It’s a business proposition. We know it’s pro football. These things happen every year pretty much on every team.”
Drawing from his extensive experience, Harbaugh referenced his 18-year tenure with the Baltimore Ravens, where he led the team to a Super Bowl victory and previously navigated a similar trade demand from quarterback Lamar Jackson two years ago, which was ultimately resolved. He emphasized that such situations require patience and careful handling.
The 28-year-old Lawrence remains under contract for two more seasons, scheduled to receive $20 million this year and $19.5 million next year. His recent performance included a challenging 17-game stretch where he recorded just 31 tackles and half a sack, both career lows.
Despite the underwhelming statistics, offensive coordinator Matt Nagy praised the Giants’ defensive front line, calling it the most formidable unit his Kansas City Chiefs faced during the previous season, with Lawrence playing a crucial role in that success.
“He’s a beast,” Nagy commented. “He’s been doing it a while and a lot of respect for him. I just know that when we played him last year, we had to know where he was on every play.”
Defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson revealed he contacted Lawrence after joining Harbaugh’s coaching staff to establish communication and felt the player was in a positive mindset.
“Hopefully everything works out in our favor, but, hey, I love Dexter and we have a good relationship,” Wilson explained. “For me personally, and from an organization standpoint, we understand the value of Dex. We love him, and we understand the business side, as well.”
Lawrence wasn’t the only defensive starter missing from practice. Cornerback Paulson Adebo also failed to attend the spring program’s opening session, though Harbaugh said he wasn’t certain about the reasoning behind that absence.
“It’s his right,” Harbaugh stated. “Guys come or not come according to their choosing: voluntary time of year.”
The third absent player was defensive tackle Sam Roberts, who couldn’t make the trip to the East Rutherford, New Jersey practice facility due to a medical procedure he recently underwent.
On the injury front, star receiver Malik Nabers continues his recovery from a torn ACL in his right knee suffered during a home game on September 28, while running back Cam Skattebo is rehabilitating from a dislocated right ankle and additional injuries sustained on October 26 during a game at Philadelphia.
Both injured players were present at the facility, with Harbaugh noting that Skattebo’s recovery is progressing faster than Nabers’, who is expected to return either during training camp or closer to the regular season.
“It wouldn’t be fair for me to give you days or dates,” Harbaugh said regarding the timeline. “I have a vague idea. It’s not that important today.”
When asked about recent trade speculation surrounding edge rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux, Harbaugh acknowledged that “everybody’s tradeable.” However, Thibodeaux participated in Tuesday’s session and remains with the team for now.
“He’s a great player,” Harbaugh said of Thibodeaux. “I’m excited about him. I was fired up to see him today. He looks great, he’s in great shape. I’m thinking about him on the field, getting him plugged into our defense and getting him rolling.”
AUGUSTA, Ga. — Professional golfer Gary Woodland has courageously shared his ongoing battle with post-traumatic stress disorder, revealing how the condition affected him even during his recent tournament victory at the Houston Open.
The former U.S. Open champion disclosed Tuesday that during the final stretch of the Houston Open, which he ultimately won to earn his spot at the Masters, he experienced intense paranoia and hypervigilance.
“I battled the last 10 holes,” Woodland shared, “thinking people were trying to kill me.”
This stark revelation represents Woodland’s effort to shed light on mental health challenges, hoping his openness will encourage others facing similar struggles with trauma, anxiety, and PTSD.
Woodland’s mental health battles stem from a brain lesion discovered in 2023 that was causing irrational fears about dying. Before undergoing surgery in September 2023, he penned farewell letters to his family in case complications arose during the procedure.
Surgeons successfully removed much of the lesion through a procedure that required cutting a baseball-sized opening in his skull. Woodland returned to competitive golf in January 2024, gradually rebuilding his game and confidence.
Despite his Houston Open triumph, where he overcame Friday’s episode of hypervigilance to shoot a final-round 67 and defeat Nicolai Hojgaard by five strokes, few realized Woodland was still battling severe PTSD symptoms.
The condition had become so debilitating that he would retreat to restrooms to cry privately, constantly feeling threatened by his surroundings. PTSD creates heightened sensory awareness, keeping the nervous system in a perpetual state of alert.
“I talked to (PGA) Tour security that night,” Woodland explained about his Friday struggles in Houston. “I told them what I was going through, and every time I looked up on the weekend, my security team was behind me. Any time I got startled on the weekend, I turn around — last year I didn’t talk to Tour security. I fought this on my own. It was awful.”
“Turning around and knowing I’m safe, having somebody there with me? It’s the only reason I won two weeks ago.”
The victory showcased more than just Woodland’s mental resilience. His physical game had returned to championship form, with ball speeds reaching 196 mph off the tee, exceptional approach shots, and stellar short game performance that led to a 21-under finish — his first victory since capturing the 2019 U.S. Open.
“We live in a world, as men and especially as an athlete, that you put your head down and you fight through it. I’ve done it my whole life,” Woodland reflected. “This is honestly one battle that I’m not able to do on my own. I tried, and it wasn’t working.”
After seeking professional help, Woodland decided to share his story publicly through a Golf Channel interview, recognizing that his experience might benefit others facing similar challenges.
“The world we live in, speaking about something you would call a weakness is hard,” he acknowledged, “but speaking about it and how I feel afterwards made me a lot stronger. I didn’t know that releasing this battle was going to make me stronger, and it’s done that. I feel a lot stronger now than I did three weeks ago, I can tell you that. No matter how hard it is out here, I know I have someone I can talk to that I can have security. My team have been amazing in helping me, but I’ve turned a weakness into a strength.”
“I wouldn’t even say it as a weakness, but I think that’s the stigma out there. But I feel a lot stronger after I came out for sure.”
The Masters presents a new challenge for Woodland, with larger crowds and closer spectator proximity potentially triggering his symptoms. Fans often stand within feet of players, particularly around tee boxes.
Tournament organizers and the PGA Tour have coordinated to provide necessary security support for Woodland’s peace of mind.
“There’s probably not a safer golf tournament in the world, so I’m happy for that, but it’s still a battle in my head if I’m safe or not,” he explained. “I don’t have control when this thing hits me, and it’s tough. It can be a fan. It can be a walking score (board holder). It can be a camera guy running by me. Just any startlement from behind me can trigger this pretty quickly. Knowing where that security is is a constant reminder that I’m safe.”
Federal prosecutors informed a Maryland judge on Tuesday that immigration officials remain committed to sending Kilmar Abrego Garcia to Liberia, even though Costa Rica has reached a new arrangement to take in deportees who cannot return to their native countries.
The immigration case involving the Salvadoran citizen has drawn significant attention after authorities incorrectly sent him back to El Salvador in the previous year. Following his return to the United States, Abrego Garcia has been challenging a second removal attempt to various African nations that Department of Homeland Security officials have proposed.
Maryland U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis had previously prohibited Immigration and Customs Enforcement from removing or holding Abrego Garcia in detention. In February, she criticized the agency for lacking a realistic removal strategy, describing “one empty threat after another to remove him to countries in Africa with no real chance of success.”
While Abrego Garcia has maintained he should be sent to Costa Rica if deportation proceeds, given that country’s previous acceptance, Todd Lyons, the acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, stated in a March memorandum that sending him there would be “prejudicial to the United States.” Lyons argued that Liberia remains the appropriate destination because federal officials have invested significant resources and diplomatic efforts in negotiations with the West African country to accept individuals from third countries.
During Tuesday’s court proceedings before Judge Xinis, Ernesto Molina, who leads the Justice Department’s Office of Immigration Litigation, suggested Abrego Garcia could “remove himself” to Costa Rica.
Judge Xinis noted that federal prosecutors are simultaneously pursuing human smuggling charges against him in Tennessee, calling it a “fantasy” to suggest self-removal while criminal proceedings remain active. The judge established deadlines for legal briefs on the issue and scheduled the next hearing for April 28.
The 30-year-old Abrego Garcia, who has an American spouse and child, has resided in Maryland for several years after entering the United States without authorization as a minor. In 2019, an immigration court determined he could not be returned to El Salvador due to gang threats against his family there. However, he was erroneously deported to that country last year anyway.
Under public scrutiny and judicial pressure, the Trump administration retrieved him in June, but only after obtaining a Tennessee indictment on human smuggling allegations. Abrego Garcia has entered a not guilty plea and requested dismissal of those charges.
A University of Delaware men’s lacrosse player has earned national recognition for his performance on the field this week.
Scott Conte, a freshman from Wayne, New Jersey, has been selected for the USILA Division I Team of the Week, according to an announcement made Tuesday by the organization. This represents the first time the first-year player has received this honor since beginning his collegiate career.
The United States Intercollegiate Lacrosse Association recognition highlights outstanding individual performances across Division I men’s lacrosse programs nationwide.
MIDLOTHIAN, Va. – University of Delaware junior golfer Matthew Homer achieved every golfer’s dream by scoring a hole-in-one on a challenging 220-yard seventh hole during competition at the Giles-Spratley Collegiate tournament.
The Blue Hens golf squad concluded the three-day event with a ninth-place finish among 14 competing teams. The tournament took place at Independence Golf Club, where Delaware posted a combined team score of 872, finishing eight strokes over par on the demanding 7,135-yard course.
The University of Richmond served as host for the collegiate tournament, which was played on the par-72 layout. Homer’s ace highlighted the Blue Hens’ performance during the multi-round competition in Virginia.
Financial markets showed mixed results Tuesday as investors nervously watched the clock tick toward President Donald Trump’s ultimatum to Iran regarding the blocked Strait of Hormuz oil passage.
Stock exchanges initially declined but recovered by day’s end, with major indices finishing nearly unchanged. The Dow Jones dropped a modest 0.2% while other primary market indicators remained flat as traders held their breath ahead of Trump’s 8 p.m. Eastern deadline.
The president has demanded Iran end its blockade of Gulf oil routes, but Tehran has displayed no indication of compliance. Reports suggest Iran has severed direct diplomatic communications with Washington, escalating tensions further.
Trump’s social media warning that “a whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back again” has drawn sharp criticism from legal experts. Former State Department legal advisor Brian Finucane characterized the statement as potentially constituting “a threat to commit genocide” under both domestic and international legal frameworks.
The energy crisis stemming from the Iran conflict has created widespread economic disruption, particularly across Asian markets where nations face mounting challenges from climbing oil costs, accelerating inflation, and weakening currencies.
Inflation indicators continue climbing, with New York Federal Reserve data showing consumer price expectations rising to 3.4% in March from the previous month’s 3.0%. Energy forecasters have substantially increased their projections, with the Energy Information Administration boosting its 2026 oil price outlook by 22% to $96 per barrel.
Market sectors displayed varied performance Tuesday. Communications services gained 1% while consumer staples declined 1.8%. Notable individual stock movements included Paramount Skydance and UnitedHealth, both posting significant gains of 11% and 9% respectively.
Currency markets saw the dollar index fall 0.3%, with the Australian dollar among the day’s strongest performers ahead of an anticipated central bank decision. Japanese bond yields reached their highest levels since 1999, hitting 2.43% on 10-year securities.
Oil prices showed mixed results, with West Texas Intermediate crude gaining 0.5% to reach its highest closing price since 2022, while Brent crude slipped 0.5%. Gold advanced 1% as investors sought safe-haven assets.
In corporate news, billionaire investor Bill Ackman’s Pershing Square announced a proposed $64 billion acquisition of Universal Music Group, offering a 78% premium for the entertainment company behind major artists including Taylor Swift and Billie Eilish.
Looking ahead, market participants will closely monitor Middle East developments, energy sector movements, and potential policy announcements. Key economic data releases include interest rate decisions from Australia and India, along with various European economic indicators.
The Federal Reserve will release minutes from its March meeting, while Treasury officials conduct a $39 billion auction of 10-year notes. Fed officials, including San Francisco President Mary Daly, are scheduled to make public statements that could influence market sentiment.
A federal court has temporarily halted Louisiana’s legal effort to restrict nationwide access to the abortion medication mifepristone while President Donald Trump’s administration examines the drug’s safety protocols.
U.S. District Judge David Joseph, presiding in Lafayette, Louisiana, ruled Tuesday that the GOP-controlled state’s opposition to a 2023 federal regulation permitting mail delivery of mifepristone should be suspended until the Food and Drug Administration determines whether to withdraw the policy.
Judge Joseph rejected Louisiana’s request for an immediate injunction against the 2023 regulation but indicated the state may resubmit their request once proceedings continue.
“At this juncture, it is the completion of FDA’s promised good faith, evidence-based, and expeditious review [and] not ‘government by lawsuit’ that this Court finds to be in the public interest,” Joseph wrote.
The FDA initiated an examination of mifepristone last year, a medication initially authorized in 2000 that now accounts for 60% of pregnancy terminations in America. Reports suggest this review has been postponed until after November’s midterm elections.
Following the Supreme Court’s 2022 decision eliminating constitutional abortion protections, approximately half of all states have prohibited or significantly limited the procedure. This shift has increased demand for medication-based abortion methods, sparking numerous court battles over drug accessibility.
The medication abortion process involves two drugs – mifepristone followed by misoprostol – administered to end pregnancies within the first 10 weeks. The 2023 FDA regulation removed the previous mandate requiring in-person dispensing of these medications.
Republican Attorney General Liz Murrill’s office filed suit against the FDA in October, alleging the agency overlooked safety concerns when expanding mifepristone access. Five additional Republican-controlled states are pursuing more comprehensive legal challenges regarding mifepristone regulations, including the drug’s original 2000 approval.
The FDA requested the case suspension pending their review and has additionally contended that Louisiana lacks proper legal grounds to file the lawsuit.
Both Louisiana and Texas have initiated legal action or criminal charges against healthcare providers from other states who prescribe mifepristone to their residents, challenging protective “shield laws” in states like New York and California that safeguard providers from external investigations and prosecutions.
Pharmaceutical companies GenBioPro and Danco Laboratories have joined Louisiana’s case to support the FDA regulation. These companies stated in legal documents that no scientific data justifies overturning the FDA’s 2023 decision eliminating in-person dispensing requirements for mifepristone.
Danco Laboratories produces only the brand-name mifepristone product Mifeprex, while GenBioPro generates most of its income from the generic alternative, according to their court submissions.
Federal immigration enforcement agents opened fire on a suspect in California Tuesday following what officials describe as an attempt to strike officers with a vehicle, according to Immigration and Customs Enforcement leadership.
The wounded individual was transported to a medical facility for treatment, while FBI investigators responded to the scene, stated ICE Director Todd Lyons in an official announcement.
“As officers approached the car, the wanted gang member weaponized his vehicle in an attempt to run an officer over. Following their training, our officers fired defensive shots to protect themselves, their fellow agents, and the public,” Lyons said.
According to ICE officials, the suspect is a gang member from El Salvador who was residing in the United States without legal status and was being sought for questioning related to a murder investigation.
The shooting occurred in Patterson, an agricultural community home to 25,000 residents located in California’s San Joaquin Valley, approximately 90 miles southeast of San Francisco. Reuters reported it could not independently confirm ICE’s account of the events.
Federal data from the Department of Homeland Security indicates ICE personnel faced 66 vehicle-related attacks during the first year of President Donald Trump’s current administration, a significant increase from just two similar incidents recorded in the prior year.
Pharmaceutical company Insmed announced Tuesday it will halt development of a medication intended to treat a painful inflammatory skin disorder following unsuccessful clinical trial results.
The experimental treatment, known as brensocatib, failed to achieve its primary objective of reducing painful nodules in individuals suffering from hidradenitis suppurativa during mid-stage testing, according to company officials.
“While we are disappointed in the results, we hope that insights gained from this study will contribute to the broader scientific understanding of HS,” stated Martina Flammer, Insmed’s Chief Medical Officer.
Company representatives noted that the medication demonstrated acceptable safety profiles during testing, with no unexpected adverse reactions identified. The pharmaceutical firm intends to share the trial findings at an upcoming scientific conference.
This marks the second setback for brensocatib this year, as Insmed previously abandoned its development for treating chronic sinus conditions in December following another unsuccessful trial.
Despite these failures, brensocatib continues to maintain U.S. approval under the brand name Brinsupri for treating non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis, a persistent respiratory condition that causes permanent damage to lung airways.
DOVER — Delaware Governor Matt Meyer has selected Brenda Wise to serve on the state’s Economic and Financial Advisory Council, his office announced today.
Meyer highlighted Wise’s experience and qualifications for the role. “Brenda Wise brings a strong record of public service and thoughtful leadership that will benefit DEFAC and all Delaware taxpayers,” the governor stated. “I’m thankful for her willingness to serve, and look forward to her providing strong,” Meyer added.
The University of North Carolina has selected NBA championship-winning coach Michael Malone to take charge of the Tar Heels men’s basketball program.
UNC made the announcement Tuesday and has planned an introductory press conference for later today. Malone will take over from Hubert Davis, who was dismissed on March 24 following five seasons leading the program after taking over from retired Hall of Fame coach Roy Williams.
UNC executive associate athletic director Steve Newmark praised Malone as a “selfless teacher and innovator” in his statement.
“He is a brilliant coach who will deliver a modern and disciplined approach to leading our men’s basketball program, which is critical in the current landscape of college athletics,” Newmark stated. Newmark is set to replace Bubba Cunningham as athletic director on July 1. “Carolina Basketball is unique and special — and we have hired a leader well-suited to continuing our championship tradition.”
Malone, age 54, has 12 seasons of NBA head coaching experience, with a decade of that time spent in Denver. He guided the Nuggets to their 2023 championship title with three-time league MVP Nikola Jokic leading the team.
Denver dismissed Malone last spring during the final week of the regular season. Nearly one year later, in another unexpected development, Malone is now heading to one of college basketball’s premier programs that boasts six national championships, a record 21 Final Four appearances, and notable alumni including Michael Jordan, James Worthy, Vince Carter, and Atlantic Coast Conference career scoring leader Tyler Hansbrough.
“Carolina is one of the most historic programs in college basketball, and I am honored to be the head coach of the Tar Heels,” Malone stated. “It is humbling to follow so many legends in Chapel Hill.
“I know from the many Tar Heels in the NBA how special the Carolina Basketball Family is, and I will do everything I can to continue UNC’s championship legacy while preparing our players for professional careers and life after basketball.”
Davis’ dismissal created an opening for one of college basketball’s premier positions for just the fourth time since legendary Hall of Fame coach Dean Smith stepped down after 36 seasons in October 1997. The position had remained within the “Carolina Family” throughout that period. Smith’s longtime assistant Bill Guthridge took over initially, followed by former UNC player Matt Doherty, then former Smith assistant Williams, and finally Davis, who had played under Smith and served on Williams’ coaching staff.
Malone lacks college head coaching experience and has built his career primarily in the NBA. His main tie to UNC athletics comes through his daughter Bridget, who plays for the Tar Heels volleyball team. He appeared on the UNC athletic department’s “Carolina Insider” podcast in October, revealing he had observed several recent basketball practices, with Davis even inviting him to address the team on at least one occasion.
Despite yellow barriers blocking access points, some visitors continue to enter Grove Park in Rehoboth Beach while aeration work is underway, particularly families using the playground equipment.
City officials are emphasizing safety concerns as crews plan to work near the playground area on Wednesday, April 8, which could create dangerous conditions for anyone on the property. Residents who find themselves in the park during the closure should be aware that construction teams are active until 3 p.m. daily, making the area unsafe during those hours.
Officials also stress that visitors must stay away from freshly installed soil that’s part of the improvement project. Areas around tree bases have been clearly marked with warning signs and must not be disturbed.
Families looking for playground alternatives can visit facilities at Stockley Park and Lake Gerar within the City of Rehoboth Beach. The Grove Park renovation is expected to wrap up by May 15.
BUFFALO, N.Y. — A tight three-team battle is brewing for the Atlantic Division championship, though Tampa Bay’s head coach Jon Cooper appears unfazed by the mounting pressure.
Walking out of the team’s locker room before Monday’s matchup in Buffalo, Cooper displayed his trademark dry humor when he spotted an unusually large media gathering.
“Ugh. Why are there so many people here?” Cooper joked with reporters. “It’s Game 77 folks, not Game 83.”
The comment reflects the perspective of a coach who has guided his squad to two Stanley Cup victories and secured the franchise’s 12th playoff spot during his 13 seasons leading Tampa Bay.
While Cooper recognizes the significance of late-season matchups between division contenders fighting for playoff seeding, he maintains it doesn’t compare to postseason intensity.
“It’s Game 77. I think both teams accomplished their goals for the year in regard to the regular season,” Cooper explained before his team’s 4-2 defeat. “It’s just I don’t put a ton of stock into it. The stock was made of making the final eight (in the Eastern Conference), and we did that.”
Buffalo’s passionate supporters and their rejuvenated franchise would likely disagree, as they celebrate finally breaking the NHL’s longest playoff absence streak at 14 consecutive seasons.
Similar excitement fills Montreal, where the promising young Canadiens continue building momentum by reaching the playoffs in consecutive years for only the second time in over a decade.
As of Tuesday, Tampa Bay and Buffalo shared the division’s top spot with identical 102-point totals, while Montreal trailed by just two points in a season that has completely reshuffled the Atlantic’s traditional power structure, with Tampa Bay being the lone constant.
Boston remains competitive while Ottawa and Detroit fight for wild-card positions, but the two-time defending champion Florida Panthers have already been knocked out of contention. Toronto has also been eliminated, marking the Maple Leafs’ first playoff absence in 11 seasons and triggering organizational changes.
Maple Leafs parent company CEO Keith Pelley acknowledged the division’s dramatic transformation when explaining his decision to dismiss general manager Brad Treliving recently.
“We definitely didn’t see the train coming which was the Buffalo Sabres and the Montreal Canadiens,” Pelley admitted. “Buffalo and Montreal have shown that they’re young, energetic teams who are gonna be here for a long time.”
Buffalo certainly hopes so, riding an impressive 36-9-4 stretch that lifted them from the Eastern Conference basement in early December to division contenders.
“You’ve got to take a lot of pride in the fact you made the playoffs in a year where this division and this conference was so incredibly tough,” Sabres head coach Lindy Ruff observed.
Unlike Cooper’s measured approach, Ruff is savoring every moment of his second tenure with the organization.
The energy surrounding the team has been infectious, with Monday marking their 17th straight sellout and 22nd of the campaign. Fans showed their enthusiasm by jeering Tampa Bay from warmups through the final period, even chanting “We want Hagel!” late in the game.
Brandon Hagel became Buffalo’s primary antagonist after the Lightning winger blindsided captain Rasmus Dahlin during the Sabres’ thrilling 8-7 victory last month.
“Everybody’s into it,” Ruff said. “I think our fans have been waiting for this for a while, so it’s good to see.”
Tampa Bay forward Brayden Point offered a thoughtful assessment of the loss in Buffalo.
“This game definitely had more meaning than some of them. And it’s disappointing not to get the result we wanted,” Point reflected. “It wasn’t playoff Game 1, so there’s still time to learn from it, but hopefully we learn pretty quick.”
Montreal had compiled an eight-game winning streak before falling to New Jersey on Sunday and will welcome Tampa Bay on Thursday.
Cooper appreciates witnessing the competitive balance that has emerged throughout the division while taking satisfaction in his team’s continued presence among the contenders.
“Buffalo has a heck of a team. And I’d like to think we’re not too shabby ourselves,” Cooper noted. “There’s been waves of different teams that have made the playoffs in our division, and we’ve found a way to be able to do it.”
When the postseason arrives, Cooper expects more from his Lightning regardless of their final seeding, particularly given Tampa Bay hasn’t advanced past the first round since their failed attempt at a third straight championship in 2022.
“There’s potentially new teams sitting around the table but it shouldn’t change anything in our mindset,” Cooper stated. “We need to look after our business here to keep moving forward because haven’t been really satisfied with the fact that we’ve been bounced the last three years.”
A Freeze Warning is in effect tonight through Wednesday morning for much of the Delmarva Peninsula, with temperatures expected to drop as low as 28 degrees.
The National Weather Service issued the warning for Kent County in Delaware, Inland Sussex County, and Maryland’s Caroline, Kent, Queen Anne’s, and Talbot counties. The warning takes effect at 2 AM Wednesday and runs until 9 AM.
Meteorologists are forecasting sub-freezing temperatures between 28 and 31 degrees, which could kill tender plants and damage unprotected outdoor plumbing. Frost development is also likely across the region.
Residents should take immediate action to protect sensitive vegetation by covering plants or bringing potted plants indoors. Homeowners are also urged to check outdoor pipes and faucets, particularly those that may not be properly insulated.
This unseasonably cold weather comes as many gardeners have already begun spring planting. The freeze warning expires Wednesday at 9 AM, but another freeze watch has been issued for Wednesday evening through Thursday morning, with similar temperatures expected.
Stay with TV Delmarva for continued weather updates as we track this cold snap moving through our region.
WASHINGTON — Legal experts are raising concerns about potential violations of international law following President Donald Trump’s recent inflammatory threats against Iranian infrastructure, including promises to destroy the nation’s power grid and transportation systems.
During Monday’s press briefing, Trump outlined plans to target every bridge and electrical facility in Iran, statements that military law specialists warn could amount to war crimes. The legality of such strikes would depend on whether these facilities serve military purposes, if the response matches Iran’s actions proportionally, and whether efforts were made to protect civilian populations.
Critics argue Trump’s warnings fail to consider the impact on non-combatants, with Congressional Democrats, United Nations representatives, and legal academics contending such attacks would breach international standards.
While the president’s actual policies sometimes differ from his bold public declarations, his warnings about infrastructure targets have been clear and consistent since Sunday, as he established a Tuesday evening deadline for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
When asked Monday about potential war crime allegations, Trump stated he’s “not at all” worried about such concerns while continuing his destructive threats. He declared that every power facility will be “burning, exploding and never to be used again.”
On Tuesday morning, Trump posted on Truth Social: “A whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back again. I don’t want that to happen, but it probably will.”
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth previously stated last month that the administration would enforce “no stupid rules of engagement, no nation building quagmire, no democracy building exercise, no politically correct wars. We fight to win and we don’t waste time or lives.”
U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres’ spokesperson cautioned Monday that targeting such infrastructure violates international regulations.
“Even if specific civilian infrastructure were to qualify as a military objective,” Stephane Dujarric explained, an assault would remain forbidden if it creates “excessive incidental civilian harm.”
Southwestern Law School professor Rachel VanLandingham, a former Air Force judge advocate general, noted that civilian deaths would likely result from power outages affecting hospitals and water facilities. “What Trump is saying is, ‘We don’t care about precision, we don’t care about impact on civilians, we’re just going to take out all of Iranian power generating capacity,’” the former lieutenant colonel explained.
Maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical Persian Gulf passage handling 20% of global oil shipments, has virtually stopped, causing oil prices to spike and creating stock market turbulence.
According to Marieke de Hoon, who teaches international criminal law at the University of Amsterdam, the U.N. Charter only allows nations to use military force with Security Council approval or for self-defense purposes.
As the conflict enters its second month, Trump has intensified his infrastructure bombing threats, targeting Kharg Island’s oil operations and water desalination facilities.
In a March 30 Truth Social message, Trump warned America would destroy “all of their Electric Generating Plants, Oil Wells and Kharg Island (and possibly all desalinization plants!), which we have purposefully not yet ‘touched.’”
On Easter Sunday, Trump used profanity-filled posts to threaten Iran with “Power Plant Day, and Bridge Day, all wrapped up in one,” warning “you’ll be living in Hell” without strait reopening.
“This strikes me as clearly a threat of unlawful action,” said Michael Schmitt, professor emeritus at the U.S. Naval War College and international law instructor at Britain’s University of Reading.
Schmitt explained that power facilities can be legitimate targets under warfare laws if they supply military installations alongside civilian areas. However, attacks must avoid “disproportionate harm to the civilian population, and you’ve done everything to minimize that harm.”
While harm excludes mere inconvenience or fear, Schmitt noted it encompasses severe psychological trauma, physical injuries, or illness.
CHIMNEY ROCK, N.C. — During his inaugural official visit as Homeland Security Secretary, Markwayne Mullin traveled to North Carolina communities still recovering from Hurricane Helene’s 2024 destruction, announcing his commitment to fast-track disaster relief efforts following concerns about federal emergency response under his predecessor Kristi Noem.
Beyond emergency management discussions, Mullin addressed immigration enforcement—a key Trump administration priority under his department’s oversight. He indicated potential plans to suspend customs operations at airports in cities where local governments oppose the administration’s immigration agenda, reflecting his predecessor’s aggressive stance.
During last month’s confirmation proceedings, Mullin attempted to present a more moderate position on immigration enforcement following public criticism of high-profile raids and incidents involving federal officers that resulted in two American deaths. He also indicated plans to reform the Federal Emergency Management Agency after widespread disapproval of Noem’s approach.
During Tuesday’s roundtable meeting, Mullin explained FEMA’s current focus on addressing accumulated disaster response work and eliminating the backlog that developed under previous leadership before the Atlantic hurricane season starts June 1.
“Disasters are happening constantly,” Mullin stated, noting he would update President Donald Trump on Tuesday regarding 22 outstanding major disaster declaration requests from states and tribal nations nationwide. “We’re trying to push this stuff forward as fast as possible.”
Mullin revealed he “may have identified” a potential permanent FEMA administrator candidate, though the agency currently operates under its third temporary leader since Trump assumed office, but refused to reveal their identity.
When questioned about Trump’s previous threats to eliminate FEMA entirely, Mullin responded that “reforming FEMA would be a better term.”
The secretary’s visit occurred days after he reversed Noem’s policy requiring his personal authorization for all DHS spending exceeding $100,000—a requirement that critics argued created bottlenecks in FEMA reimbursements and hindered disaster response efforts.
Though Mullin has begun addressing disaster response improvements, he hasn’t outlined specific immigration enforcement plans, though alignment with presidential priorities seems likely. This became evident in his remarks about potentially removing Customs and Border Protection personnel from airports in designated “sanctuary cities.”
“If they’re not enforcing immigration laws, then why would I be processing immigration in their city?” Mullin questioned, describing the concept as under review and something he might discuss with Trump.
Mullin provided no additional specifics. However, removing CBP officers from airports could significantly impact international travel and commerce, as these officers process all incoming travelers and oversee billions in trade flowing through airports and land crossings.
The Trump administration has previously threatened funding cuts to Democratic municipalities and states deemed uncooperative with immigration enforcement efforts.
North Carolina experienced particularly severe impacts from FEMA’s recent operational challenges, with approximately $1.6 billion in public assistance funds allocated and roughly 2,000 projects remaining in various FEMA approval phases, according to correspondence from North Carolina Governor Josh Stein to Mullin following his confirmation.
North Carolina Senator Thom Tillis harshly criticized Noem for reimbursement delays affecting his state just before her dismissal, declaring during a Senate hearing that she had “failed” regarding FEMA management.
During the roundtable discussion, Mullin shared that Trump specifically requested North Carolina as his first destination and expressed his desire that “North Carolina to love him.”
North Carolina holds particular political importance this year. With Tillis retiring from his Senate seat, Democrats see a potential opportunity. The competitive race between Democrat Roy Cooper, the state’s former governor, and Michael Whatley, former Republican National Committee chairman, will likely attract substantial campaign investment.
Hurricane Helene, spanning 350 miles in width, devastated multiple southeastern states during September 2024.
The storm killed 108 North Carolina residents and caused $60 billion in property damage. It obliterated residences, commercial buildings, and power infrastructure. Isolated communities required helicopter evacuations after flooding destroyed roads and bridges.
Hurricane destruction remains evident today, with vehicles and home debris scattered along riverbanks, damaged bridge remnants, and massive piles of trees and branches swept downstream during the flooding.
Representative Chuck Edwards, a Republican representing affected regions who lost his own business in the storm, expressed Tuesday his frustration with FEMA’s “bureaucracy” and the challenges communities faced securing payments.
“Still plenty of bureaucracy there,” Edwards commented, while praising Mullin’s elimination of the $100,000 approval requirement.
FEMA’s North Carolina operations began tensely as affected residents grew suspicious, partly due to then-candidate Trump’s false claims about the Biden administration and FEMA’s response in the swing state.
Edwards found himself correcting FEMA-related misinformation after the hurricane, releasing a public statement clarifying that FEMA wasn’t redirecting donations to border operations or confiscating property, among other false allegations.
Following an armed individual’s arrest in Lake Lure for threatening FEMA personnel, the agency temporarily halted door-to-door home assessments in affected regions.
Governor Stein, a Democrat, expressed support for Mullin’s visit. “It is encouraging that Secretary Mullin is getting down to business,” he stated to The Associated Press on Tuesday.
Monday brought FEMA approval of $26 million for purchasing damaged and destroyed North Carolina properties, with the agency noting that Mullin urged them to “redouble its efforts” supporting survivors.
Mullin’s statements contrasted sharply with predecessor Noem, who consistently advocated eliminating FEMA “as it exists today.” Trump suggested completely abolishing FEMA during a North Carolina visit early in his second term, calling the agency a “very big disappointment.”
Trump has repeatedly advocated transferring greater disaster responsibility to individual states, and a presidentially-appointed FEMA Review Council will soon release recommendations for comprehensive reforms regarding federal disaster community support.
While most FEMA employees continue receiving pay during the ongoing partial government shutdown, many offices received orders to reduce or halt operations after the February 14 shutdown began.
Additionally, the agency’s Disaster Relief Fund approaches depletion with approximately $3.6 billion remaining. The pending DHS appropriations legislation would restore the fund with over $26 billion.
WASHINGTON — A Santa Clara, California resident who helped establish one of Mexico’s most dangerous and brutal drug trafficking organizations entered a guilty plea Tuesday to federal narcotics conspiracy charges in U.S. court.
Erick Valencia Salazar, 49, created the Jalisco New Generation Cartel alongside Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, the notorious drug kingpin called “El Mencho” who died during a confrontation with Mexican military forces in February.
Following his guilty plea in Washington, D.C. to one count of conspiring to distribute cocaine for importation into the United States, Valencia Salazar now faces a minimum prison term of 10 years and could receive life imprisonment. Chief Judge James Boasberg has set his sentencing date for July 31.
Before establishing the Jalisco cartel, Valencia Salazar belonged to the Milenio Cartel. He and Oseguera Cervantes later founded the organization known by its Spanish acronym CJNG. Federal prosecutors stated that hundreds of CJNG operatives answered to Valencia Salazar, whose responsibilities included bringing in new members and gathering intelligence about competing cartels.
After separating from “El Mencho,” Valencia Salazar, who went by the alias “El 85,” established his own criminal organization called La Nueva Plaza. Meanwhile, “El Mencho” continued leading the CJNG until his death.
Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva, who oversees the Justice Department’s criminal division, described the CJNG as having caused “immeasurable damage” to the United States.
“Valencia Salazar was also responsible for furthering the rampant violence in Mexico, at the expense of people’s lives and the safety of communities, that helped destabilize the region and allow crime to flourish,” Duva said in a statement.
Federal grand jurors issued an indictment against Valencia Salazar on the conspiracy charge in 2018. This past February, Mexican officials transferred him to the United States as part of an initial group of 29 drug kingpins.
During President Donald Trump’s previous administration, officials classified the CJNG and other cartels as foreign terrorist organizations.
Mexican authorities captured Valencia Salazar on two separate occasions. His first arrest occurred in 2012 when military forces detained him in Zapopan municipality, located near Guadalajara, which serves as the capital of Jalisco state.
A judge ordered his release from prison five years later, citing alleged procedural violations. In 2022, Army forces captured him again in Tapalpa, the same location where authorities apprehended and killed “El Mencho.”
The U.S. State Department had posted a reward of up to $5 million for information that would lead to Valencia Salazar’s arrest or conviction.
A military court-martial has been set for June 15 for an Army sergeant who opened fire on colleagues at Fort Stewart, Georgia last summer, injuring five people including his romantic partner.
During a plea hearing last week, 29-year-old Sgt. Quornelius Radford admitted to a military judge that he shot four soldiers from his supply unit and one civilian on August 6, using his own handgun after a dispute with his girlfriend. Other personnel at the scene subdued and disarmed Radford until authorities could respond.
While Radford entered guilty pleas for aggravated assault and domestic violence charges, he rejected the attempted murder counts during his March 31 hearing. He told the court he never intended to cause deaths, according to WTOC-TV.
The defendant revealed during testimony that he hoped military police would kill him in return gunfire when he attacked his coworkers, WSAV-TV reported.
Defense lawyers had initially indicated Radford would accept responsibility for two attempted murder charges, but the sergeant changed course and will now face trial on those counts this summer.
Radford worked as a supply sergeant within the 2nd Armored Brigade of the 3rd Infantry Division and joined the military in 2018, according to Army documentation. Fort Stewart houses the largest Army installation on the eastern side of the Mississippi River, accommodating thousands of 3rd Infantry Division personnel approximately 40 miles southwest of Savannah.
Sussex County officials are alerting residents about an upcoming multi-day shutdown of critical computer systems that will disrupt many county services.
County administrators announced they will take their financial and permitting systems offline for upgrades aimed at boosting performance, security, and reliability. The extensive maintenance work will affect operations across most county departments.
The system shutdown is scheduled to begin Sunday, April 19, 2026 at 8:00 PM and continue through Wednesday, April 22, 2026 at 4:30 PM.
During the nearly four-day maintenance window, residents will lose access to several essential services including all payment processing capabilities, permit applications and related transactions, and the county’s self-service website.
County officials are urging residents to prepare for the service interruption and handle any urgent business before the shutdown begins. Those who have appointments with county departments during the maintenance period should contact their specific department or staff member directly to discuss alternative arrangements.
The county expressed regret for any inconvenience the extended downtime may cause while emphasizing the improvements will ultimately benefit residents through better system performance.
A Ferndale, Michigan company has announced a voluntary nationwide recall of a chocolate product after discovering it contains undisclosed prescription drug ingredients.
Nalpac has pulled DTF Sexual Chocolate from the market after testing revealed the presence of sildenafil and tadalafil, both pharmaceutical compounds typically found in prescription medications. The company had purchased and redistributed the product before the contamination was discovered.
The recall affects all units of the chocolate product that were distributed nationwide. Consumers who have purchased this item are advised to stop using it immediately due to the presence of these undisclosed pharmaceutical ingredients.
The Goldey-Beacom men’s golf team completed their final round at the Edwin Cottrell Invitational, returning to Penn Oaks Golf Club in West Chester, Pennsylvania for the conclusion of the tournament.
The Lightning squad participated in what is known as one of the more challenging collegiate golf competitions, wrapping up their play at the Pennsylvania venue.
WASHINGTON, April 7 – The White House confirmed Tuesday that President Donald Trump has received Pakistan’s request for a two-week extension regarding a deadline the administration set for Iran, with officials promising a forthcoming response.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt addressed the Pakistani proposal during Tuesday’s briefing, confirming the president’s awareness of the matter.
“The President has been made aware of the proposal, and a response will come,” Leavitt stated.
The statement comes as diplomatic discussions continue between the nations regarding the Iran-related timeline established by the Trump administration.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy announced Tuesday that his nation’s military experts are providing guidance on operations in the strategically important Strait of Hormuz, while Asian countries have expressed interest in Ukraine’s naval defense capabilities.
Following conflicts involving Iran, Ukraine deployed hundreds of military specialists to the Middle East to share their proven methods for intercepting Iranian-made drones, the same type Russia deployed during the initial phase of its invasion.
“Ukrainian military personnel are taking part in consultations on the further operation of the Strait of Hormuz. Safe navigation is a global value; we know this from our experience defending the Black Sea,” Zelenskiy stated during his nightly address to the nation.
During the ongoing conflict, Ukraine has successfully prevented Russia from completely cutting off its Black Sea access, which remains vital for both economic and military purposes.
Despite lacking a substantial naval force, Ukraine has used creative solutions like unmanned sea vessels to push Russia’s Black Sea fleet away from its headquarters in Russian-controlled Crimea.
The Ukrainian president noted that international interest in his country’s defense innovations—which are often more sophisticated and significantly less expensive than conventional armaments—has expanded beyond European borders.
“Our diplomats have received a corresponding request from Asian countries, and I have instructed them to work through all this promptly,” Zelenskiy stated.
The president did not identify which specific nations have made these requests.
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif called on President Donald Trump Wednesday to grant a two-week extension on his ultimatum demanding Iran cease its oil blockade in the Gulf region.
In a social media post on X, Sharif made his appeal for additional time to pursue diplomatic solutions. “To allow diplomacy to run its course, I earnestly request President Trump to extend the deadline for two weeks. Pakistan, in all sincerity, requests the Iranian brothers to open Strait of Hormuz for a corresponding period of two weeks as a goodwill gesture,” Sharif wrote.
The Pakistani leader’s intervention comes as Trump’s ultimatum approaches its deadline of 8 p.m. Eastern Time Wednesday night, which corresponds to 3:30 a.m. Thursday in Tehran. The President has threatened to target Iranian infrastructure, including bridges and power facilities, if the oil blockade continues.
Sharif also called for a broader two-week ceasefire among “all warring parties” to create space for negotiations aimed at “conclusive termination of war.”
The Prime Minister expressed optimism about ongoing peace efforts, describing diplomatic initiatives as “progressing steadily, strongly and powerfully with the potential to lead to substantive results in near future.”
The White House has not yet provided a response to the Pakistani leader’s request.
According to sources familiar with the situation, negotiations between Washington and Tehran faced setbacks following Iran’s strikes on Saudi industrial targets this week.
Pakistan has emerged as the primary intermediary facilitating communication between the United States and Iran, though no breakthrough agreement has materialized thus far.
In cinema, corridors typically spell trouble for characters. Whether it’s blood spilling from elevator doors or serving as battlegrounds for intense fight sequences, these narrow spaces usually amplify danger and drama.
However, Japanese filmmaker Genki Kawamura breaks this convention with ‘Exit 8,’ a unique production that begins in a corridor and never leaves it. The story follows a nameless protagonist navigating Tokyo’s crowded subway system, absorbed in his smartphone like fellow commuters.
Struggling with asthma, the man climbs subway stairs while adjusting his earbuds playing an unusual Ravel composition with a military rhythm. During a phone conversation with a hospitalized woman discussing an urgent decision, the call disconnects as he promises to arrive soon.
Seeking Exit 8 through the complex underground network, he discovers something unsettling: each time he walks down the designated corridor, he mysteriously returns to his starting point. Initially attributing this to a navigation error, he repeatedly attempts the same route with identical results.
This nightmarish puzzle forms the foundation of Kawamura’s adaptation of the popular indie video game ‘The Exit 8.’ The original game challenges players to navigate a tiled metro passage in first-person view, escaping the endless cycle only by understanding the mechanics and advancing through levels.
This places the film alongside other video game adaptations currently in theaters, though audiences might unknowingly choose this Kafkaesque maze over more mainstream gaming movies like Nintendo productions.
Such a choice would prove worthwhile. Despite its minimal and repetitive nature, ‘Exit 8’ represents one of the most successful mergers between cinema and gaming mediums in recent memory. The film achieved tremendous popularity in Japan.
While maintaining the game’s core concept and central mechanics, Kawamura enriches the sparse source material with sufficient background narrative to enhance its depth. His previous work, ‘A Hundred Flowers,’ explored the perspective of a dementia patient, demonstrating his skill with seemingly limiting viewpoints. In ‘Exit 8,’ he elevates basic gaming elements with human emotion.
The protagonist remains unnamed throughout, credited simply as The Lost Man and portrayed by Kazunari Ninomiya, a recording artist who delivered a memorable performance in Clint Eastwood’s ‘Letters From Iwo Jima.’ Viewers only see him directly once the corridor begins its repetitive cycle and the camera perspective changes.
After multiple failed attempts, he discovers wall instructions: retreat upon spotting any irregularity, continue forward if none appear. The Lost Man begins cataloging every ventilation grate, doorway, and advertisement (notably including an appropriate Escher poster) during his journeys.
Part of the challenge involves identifying what qualifies as an irregularity versus normal elements. A mechanical-seeming commuter called The Walking Man (Yamato Kôchi) appears during each cycle, and at certain stages, a child (Naru Asanuma) stands in the corridor’s center. While reaching Exit 8 resembles gameplay, success ultimately requires truly observing fellow human beings.
The film’s most memorable scene likely won’t be the clinical subway corridor where most action occurs. In this loop-like narrative, the opening subway moments prove most impactful: smartphone-illuminated faces deliberately ignoring an irregularity—a man berating a mother with a crying infant. Though built on a minimal premise, translating ‘Exit 8’ to cinema creates opportunities for compassion. The military-style music in The Lost Man’s headphones might represent a rallying cry for action.
‘Exit 8,’ distributed by Neon and opening in theaters Friday, receives a PG-13 rating from the Motion Picture Association for some violent imagery and frightening content. The Japanese-language film includes English subtitles and runs 95 minutes.
TEHRAN, Iran (AP) — Asghar Hashemi requires kidney dialysis three times weekly at a medical facility in Tehran’s northern district. The 56-year-old transit worker worries his survival could be at risk if electrical infrastructure gets targeted, as President Donald Trump has warned in recent escalating statements.
Citizens across Tehran hurried on Tuesday to purchase bottled water and power up electronic devices including phones, flashlights and backup batteries while time counted down toward Trump’s newest ultimatum demanding Iran reopen the Strait of Hormuz or face strikes against electrical facilities and transportation infrastructure. Even with these threats endangering his medical care, Hashemi said his situation mirrors that of fellow Iranians enduring more than five weeks of conflict.
“I am worried, but I am more worried about my fellow citizens,” Hashemi said, lying on his bed at Tajrish Martyrs Hospital for the treatment. “Whatever happens, we will stand until the end.”
While Trump emphasized his 8 p.m. Washington deadline was non-negotiable, Iranian reactions varied from terror to acceptance to defiance like Hashemi’s.
“I will be ready to pick up a gun and start a fight against the enemy,” he said.
The Associated Press has been granted permission by the Iranian government to send an additional team into the country for a brief reporting trip. AP already operates in Iran. The visiting team must be accompanied by a media assistant from a government-affiliated company. AP retains full editorial control of its content.
Tehran and surrounding regions have experienced nearly continuous air bombardments from American and Israeli forces starting February 28. Electrical supply became Iranians’ primary anxiety as Trump’s deadline approached.
“When there is no electricity, there will be no water, no hygiene, nothing,” said Mahan Qayoumi, 23, who works at an artisan shop, where he said business would stop under a power outage. He brought emergency lights to his apartment to prepare, noting that “all aspects of life” would be affected.
A young designer in central Tehran, speaking on condition of anonymity for her safety, said her parents left at the beginning of the war, but she stayed behind to take care of her cat, Maya. Now, because of Trump’s threats, she said she plans to drive north — which has largely been spared heavy strikes — with Maya and join her family.
“If there is no electricity, there is no water,” she told AP on the messaging app Telegram, noting Tehran’s low water pressure and electric water pumps. “You can’t cook, either.”
The avenues of expansive Tehran, watched over by snow-covered peaks, have experienced reduced vehicle movement in recent weeks as many inhabitants departed for more secure locations. Educational institutions and numerous government offices continue closure.
Despite some residents’ urgent preparations and food stockpiling, activity at a major covered marketplace in northern Tehran appeared relatively routine Tuesday. Commerce continued normally, bakeries produced fresh loaves, and traditional Iranian confections like gaz and sohan were being made.
“We are living our normal lives,” said Said Motazavi, 58, who owns a home appliances shop. Motazavi said Iranians have a lot of experience preparing for and living with conflict, referring to the 1980-88 Iraq-Iran war and the 12-day war with Israel last year.
At Tajrish Martyrs Hospital, the director told AP that a generator can keep much of the medical facility functioning if needed. He said the hospital has enough fuel to power it, as well as ample medicine and supplies for six months.
“I do not see any problem,” Dr. Masoud Moslemifard said, adding that the hospital has been prioritizing operations for those wounded in the war and postponing nonurgent surgeries.
Security presence increased noticeably throughout Tehran’s streets Tuesday, featuring inspection points across multiple areas of the capital. Military vehicles equipped with mounted heavy weaponry were positioned at key traffic junctions.
Iran’s internet access remains severely restricted, limiting information flow while anxiety mounted over Trump’s warnings.
A 26-year-old Pilates instructor told AP on condition of anonymity for her safety via Telegram that she’s been unable to prepare for possible attacks. She called this week the “worst atmosphere” since the war began.
“Honestly, we’ve kind of lost it at this point,” she said, describing how she’s not left home for the last few days and she and her family refuse to leave Tehran. “Whatever is going to happen, let it happen. We are dying bit by bit.”
One resident told AP that if the U.S. follows through on its threat, the people of Iran — not the government — will be the victims.
“By attacking infrastructure, the Islamic Republic will not be destroyed, only we will be destroyed,” the woman, a teacher in her 20s, told AP via a message on Telegram, on condition of anonymity for her safety.
She fears the attacks will spread chaos. “If we don’t have the internet, and if we don’t have electricity, water, and gas, we’re really going back to the Stone Age, as Trump said.”
A Freeze Warning is in effect for parts of Delaware and New Jersey from midnight tonight through 9 AM Wednesday morning, with temperatures expected to plummet between 25 and 30 degrees.
The National Weather Service issued the warning at 2:18 PM today for New Castle County in Delaware, along with multiple counties in central and southern New Jersey, including Camden, Gloucester, Salem, Atlantic, Cape May, and Ocean counties.
Residents should take immediate action to protect tender plants, crops, and sensitive vegetation that could be killed by the freezing conditions. The weather service also warns that unprotected outdoor plumbing could be damaged by the sub-freezing temperatures.
This unseasonably cold weather is particularly concerning for early April, when many gardeners have already begun planting spring crops and flowers. Frost and freeze conditions are expected to develop overnight as clear skies allow temperatures to drop rapidly.
Homeowners should cover or bring indoors any sensitive plants, disconnect garden hoses, and ensure outdoor faucets are protected. The Freeze Warning expires at 9 AM Wednesday, but another Freeze Watch has been issued for Wednesday night into Thursday morning with similar conditions possible.
A Freeze Warning is in effect for much of the Delmarva Peninsula from 2 AM to 9 AM Wednesday morning as temperatures are expected to plunge into the upper 20s.
The National Weather Service Mount Holly office issued the warning Tuesday afternoon for Kent County in Delaware, Inland Sussex County, and four Maryland counties including Caroline, Kent, Queen Anne’s, and Talbot.
Temperatures will drop between 28 and 31 degrees during the early morning hours Wednesday, with frost development likely across the region.
The timing couldn’t be worse for local farmers and gardeners, as many have already begun planting spring crops and tender vegetation. The freezing conditions could kill newly planted crops and damage sensitive plants that have started to emerge after recent warmer weather.
Residents should take immediate steps to protect tender plants by covering them or bringing potted plants indoors. Outdoor plumbing should also be checked and protected to prevent damage from the freeze.
The Freeze Warning expires at 9 AM Wednesday, but meteorologists are also monitoring conditions for Wednesday evening into Thursday morning, when another round of near-freezing temperatures is possible.
Temperatures are expected to rebound into the 50s by Wednesday afternoon as sunshine returns to the region.
Municipal leaders in Ocean City, Maryland have announced a new date for their special election following the unexpected departure of a city council member.
The Town of Ocean City confirmed on April 7, 2026 that the special municipal election has been moved to Friday, May 8, 2026. The schedule change comes after Councilman Larry Yates stepped down from his position effective immediately, citing health-related reasons for his departure.
Voters will be able to cast their ballots at the Roland E. Powell Convention Center during a 13-hour window, with polls opening at 7 a.m. and closing at 8 p.m.
ISTANBUL (AP) — Turkey’s legislature began deliberating Tuesday on proposed legislation that would ban minors under 15 from using social media platforms, joining a growing number of nations implementing measures to shield young people from online dangers.
The proposed legislation would mandate that social media companies implement age-verification technology, create parental oversight features, and quickly address content flagged as dangerous. The duration of parliamentary discussions on the measure remains uncertain.
Officials in Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s administration describe the legislation as an effort to reduce digital threats to children’s well-being and personal information security.
“Protecting our children from all kinds of risks, threats and harmful content is our top priority,” Mahinur Ozdemir Goktas, Turkey’s minister for family and social services, said earlier this year.
Opposition lawmakers from the Republican People’s Party or CHP have voiced objections to the plan, arguing that youth protection should come “not with bans but with rights-based policies.”
The proposed regulations would require digital services including YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, Instagram and similar platforms to prevent minors under 15 from creating accounts while establishing parental oversight features to monitor children’s online activity.
Gaming companies operating online would also need to designate Turkish representatives to guarantee compliance with the new rules. Violations could result in reduced internet speeds and monetary sanctions from Turkey’s telecommunications regulatory agency.
Turkey’s leadership has previously limited online platform access as these services have become channels for political opposition. Internet communications faced widespread limitations during protests last year supporting Istanbul’s imprisoned opposition mayor, Ekrem Imamoglu.
Australia pioneered social media age restrictions for those under 16 beginning in December, leading platforms to close approximately 4.7 million accounts belonging to minors.
Indonesia launched similar regulations last month, prohibiting digital platform access for children under 16 to prevent exposure to adult content, online harassment, digital fraud and compulsive usage.
Additional nations including Spain, France and the United Kingdom are implementing or evaluating comparable restrictions on youth social media access due to mounting concerns about harm from unmoderated online content.
ROME (AP) — Pope Leo XIV delivered sharp criticism Tuesday regarding President Donald Trump’s threatening remarks toward Iranian civilization, describing the statements as “completely unacceptable” while emphasizing that targeting civilian infrastructure breaks international law.
Speaking from his residence at Castel Gandolfo outside Rome, the pontiff made some of his most forceful statements to date regarding the escalating conflict, calling on Americans and others to pressure their elected officials to pursue peaceful resolutions instead of military action.
“Today as we all know there was this threat against all the people of Iran. This is truly unacceptable,” the Pope stated during his departure from the papal retreat.
His remarks addressed Trump’s warning that a “whole civilization will die tonight” should Iran fail to comply with his most recent ultimatum concerning a deal that would include reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
Leo referenced his previous Easter message promoting peace and rejecting military conflict “especially a war which many people have said is an unjust war, which is continuing to escalate, and which is not resolving anything.”
The Pope called upon citizens worldwide to reach out to their government officials and legislative representatives, emphasizing that striking civilian infrastructure violates “international law” and represents a “sign of the hatred, the division, the destruction human beings are capable of, and we all want to work for peace.”
WASHINGTON — The acting head of the Justice Department stated Tuesday that only President Donald Trump understands the reasoning behind last week’s removal of Pam Bondi from her position as attorney general.
Todd Blanche addressed reporters during an unrelated press briefing, explaining that when it comes to why Bondi no longer holds the attorney general position and why he now serves as acting attorney general, “nobody has any idea” except for Trump himself. This response came when journalists questioned whether Bondi’s departure resulted from her inability to successfully pursue criminal charges against individuals the Republican president views as opponents.
After serving as deputy attorney general for a year, Blanche received his promotion to the acting role following Trump’s decision to replace Bondi. During Tuesday’s remarks, he stated he doesn’t experience any “pressure” in his current position, despite the president’s publicly known desire for retribution. However, Blanche also acknowledged Trump’s entitlement to request investigations into former government officials he believes have acted against him.
“We have thousands of ongoing investigations and prosecutions going on in this country right now. And it is true that some of them involve men, women and entities that the president in the past has had issues with and believes should be investigated. That is his right, and indeed it is his duty to do that — meaning to lead this country,” Blanche explained.
When reporters asked about his interest in receiving a formal nomination for the attorney general role, Blanche avoided giving a direct answer.
“If President Trump chooses to keep me as DAG,” Blanche said, using the acronym for deputy attorney general, “that’s an honor. If he chooses to nominate me, that’s an honor. If he chooses to nominate somebody else and I go back to being the DAG, that’s an honor. If he chooses to nominate somebody else and asks me to do something else, I will say, ‘Thank you very much. I love you, sir.’”
During his inaugural press conference as acting attorney general, Blanche highlighted intensified efforts to combat fraud, providing information about a newly created fraud enforcement division that will incorporate prosecutors from offices nationwide. The Senate recently confirmed veteran prosecutor and Blanche associate Colin McDonald to oversee this division.
The four-person Artemis II crew reached out to colleagues aboard the International Space Station on Tuesday during their journey back to Earth, creating a historic moment in space communications.
This radio conversation marked the first time astronauts traveling to or from the moon have spoken with crew members on a space station. During the Apollo era of the 1960s and 1970s, when humans last ventured into deep space, no orbital outposts existed for such communications.
The call brought together Christina Koch from the Artemis II mission and Jessica Meir stationed on the space laboratory, reuniting the duo who made history in 2019 by completing the first spacewalk conducted entirely by women. Despite being separated by 230,000 miles, the astronauts shared a celebratory conversation.
Mission Control in Houston facilitated the extraordinary exchange between the four lunar voyagers and the space station’s current residents – three American astronauts and one French crew member.
Commander Reid Wiseman continued sharing photographs from Monday’s lunar encounter on Tuesday morning, including images from their record-breaking distance achievement. Among the standout photos was a stunning view of Earth setting behind the lunar horizon, echoing the famous Earthrise image captured during Apollo 8 in 1968.
Wiseman’s team represents the first humans to travel to lunar vicinity since the Apollo 17 mission in 1972. They’re scheduled to complete their nearly 10-day demonstration flight with an ocean landing near San Diego on Friday.
This successful mission paves the way for Artemis III next year, which will test lunar lander docking procedures in Earth orbit. The program will culminate with Artemis IV in 2028, when two crew members plan to touch down near the moon’s south pole.
The University of Maryland Eastern Shore men’s golf team wrapped up competition at the Irish Creek Intercollegiate with a tenth-place team finish, highlighted by a strong closing performance from golfer Osten.
The Hawks competed against multiple collegiate programs during the tournament, with Osten providing a notable individual effort for UMES in the final round of play.
The tenth-place result represents the latest competition for the UMES golf program as they continue their season schedule.
Three members of Goldey-Beacom College’s track and field teams have been recognized with Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference weekly awards.
Junior athlete Jalen Wright, a Wilmington native, received the conference’s Men’s Track Athlete of the Week honor. Meanwhile, the women’s program saw two of its competitors earn spots on the Weekly Honor Roll.
Sophomore Ryley Dixon from Pilesgrove, New Jersey, and senior Jourdyn Rumph of Ardmore, Pennsylvania, both secured places on the women’s recognition list for their performances.
The honors highlight the continued success of Goldey-Beacom’s track and field programs within the Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference.
A British political party led by Nigel Farage has unveiled a controversial immigration proposal that would block visa applications from nations seeking compensation for historical slavery, sparking fierce criticism from Caribbean officials.
Reform UK announced Tuesday that it would refuse visa requests from countries pursuing reparations for transatlantic slavery, including former British colonies like Ghana and Jamaica. Despite having just eight members of parliament, the anti-immigration party currently leads in polling ahead of Britain’s next election scheduled by 2029.
Zia Yusuf, who oversees Reform’s domestic policy, defended the proposal by calling reparations demands offensive. He argued these requests “ignore the fact that Britain made huge sacrifices to be the first major power to outlaw slavery and enforce this prohibition,” describing the calls as “insulting.”
The announcement drew sharp condemnation from Hilary Beckles, who leads the Caribbean Community’s reparations commission. At a press conference, Beckles characterized the proposal as evidence that the “legacy of toxic racism… is still so intense that Black people are deemed undeserving” of compensation.
“Punishing the victims again is in fact consistent with those people at the time of emancipation who did not wish… to see the African people freed,” Beckles stated, urging the party to reconsider what he called a “tragic” position.
Multiple international groups have pressed for reparations in recent years, including the Caribbean Community, the African Union, and various Latin American nations. These organizations seek not just financial compensation but also formal apologies and the return of cultural artifacts taken during colonial periods.
However, resistance to reparations discussions has grown among Western leadership. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has expressed preference to “look forward” instead of engaging in “endless discussions about reparations on the past.”
The debate gained additional prominence last month when the United Nations passed a Ghana-sponsored resolution labeling transatlantic slavery the “gravest crime against humanity” and supporting reparations efforts. Britain and other former colonial powers chose not to support the measure.
Reform UK did not respond to requests for additional comment on their proposal.
Standing beneath the massive oak tree at Augusta National’s clubhouse, Nick Faldo opened a bag and displayed white caps and t-shirts, each bearing the phrase “Six back in ’96.”
Three decades later, the English golfer refuses to let people forget about one of the most remarkable comebacks in golf history.
It was 30 years ago that Faldo captured his third Masters championship after beginning the final round trailing Greg Norman by six strokes.
What unfolded became one of major championship golf’s most dramatic turnarounds — Faldo claiming victory by five shots thanks to his outstanding final-round 67 while Norman collapsed with a disappointing 78.
The 68-year-old Faldo came to this year’s Masters tournament fully equipped to celebrate the milestone anniversary.
“Oh big time,” Faldo, donning his Green Jacket, told Reuters when questioned about whether his 1996 Masters victory was on his thoughts this week. “We got T-shirts and hats that say ‘Six back in ’96.’”
Faldo then went inside the clubhouse before emerging with a collection of white caps and shirts featuring what he described as a “fun theme” created for friends, family members and business associates.
Despite his celebratory spirit, Faldo admitted he has not contacted Norman — a two-time British Open champion who never captured a Masters title — to acknowledge the anniversary of his 1996 victory, which marked his sixth and final major championship.
“No, never,” Faldo responded. “You kidding me? I don’t think so. I wouldn’t want to be reminded, no.”
Faldo demonstrated remarkable sportsmanship on the 18th green in 1996, hugging Norman in a compassionate moment followed by a restrained celebration that showed respect after his competitor’s dramatic downfall.
As a World Golf Hall of Fame inductee and legendary Ryder Cup performer who cemented his place among golf’s greatest players, Faldo has discovered that no single moment from his career follows him quite like Augusta 1996.
“The crazy thing is, honestly no exaggeration, I will not go through two airports without somebody stopping me and going, ‘oh, you and Greg,’” he explained.
The tale has even reached government officials on the opposite side of the globe. Faldo remembered a Philippines trip approximately two years ago, where he was working on golf course design and shared lunch with the country’s government officials.
“We were having lunch with the government and we thought we’d start talking golf courses and they said tell us about ’96,” Faldo recounted. “I said ‘you’re joking?’ I don’t mind telling the story, it’s a good one for me.”
While golf enthusiasts remember the 1996 Masters with remarkable precision, Faldo noted this accuracy doesn’t always extend to other aspects of his career. He mentioned with amusement that people sometimes ask if he won a British Open at Royal Birkdale — which he didn’t — but they consistently recall ’96 perfectly.
Thirty years later, armed with a bag of commemorative items as evidence, Faldo will never grow weary of being connected to one of the Masters’ most thrilling final rounds.
“I’m very blessed that people remember the facts,” Faldo concluded. “It’s pretty cool.”
During his inaugural press conference as Acting Attorney General, Todd Blanche defended President Trump’s involvement in federal investigations on Tuesday, stating the commander-in-chief possesses both the authority and responsibility to direct such inquiries.
Blanche, who assumed the role last week, pushed back against criticism that the Justice Department has inappropriately pursued Trump’s political opponents while simultaneously supporting the president’s prerogative to guide investigations.
“We have thousands of ongoing investigations and prosecutions going on in this country right now. It is true that some of them involve men, women and entities that the president in the past has had issues with and believes should be investigated. That is his right and indeed it is his duty to do that, meaning to lead this country,” Blanche stated during the Washington press briefing.
The appointment comes after Trump dismissed former Attorney General Pam Bondi last Thursday, reportedly due to frustration with the speed and results of cases the president had requested.
Under Trump’s administration, the Justice Department has launched numerous investigations targeting the president’s critics, including intelligence officials who determined Russia meddled in the 2016 election to benefit Trump’s candidacy, Democratic Congress members who encouraged military personnel to disobey illegal orders, and progressive donors along with their fundraising organizations.
Many of these investigations have faced significant hurdles from judges and grand juries. Last year, a federal judge threw out cases against two Trump investigators, James Comey and Letitia James.
Blanche, who served as Trump’s defense attorney in three of four criminal cases during his time out of office, referenced those prosecutions when explaining that Trump “wants justice” for individuals he believes wrongfully weaponized the legal system against him.
When asked about his interest in being permanently nominated for the attorney general position, Blanche avoided giving a direct answer, saying the choice belongs to Trump. He added that if the president selected another candidate and requested his departure from the Justice Department, “I will say, ‘thank you very much, I love you, sir.’”
BAGHDAD – An Iranian-backed militia organization announced Tuesday that it plans to free American journalist Shelly Kittleson, who was kidnapped in Baghdad, but is demanding her immediate departure from Iraq.
The Iran-aligned group Kataib Hezbollah took Kittleson captive in Baghdad during the final days of March.
According to Middle East publication Al-Monitor, Kittleson works as an independent American correspondent operating from Rome who has reported on multiple conflicts throughout the region and has written pieces for their publication.
On Tuesday, a social media platform with ties to Kataib Hezbollah distributed a video that allegedly shows Kittleson.
Reuters was unable to confirm independently whether the video is genuine, though if authentic, it would mark the first footage of Kittleson made public since her abduction.
The footage shows a woman who says she is Kittleson positioned in front of a simple backdrop, addressing the camera in English. Reuters could not confirm the location or timing of the recording.
According to a government source familiar with the matter who spoke to Reuters, her pending release comes after increased pressure from Iraq’s government and prominent Shiite religious figures who urged the militia to free her.
This follows a similar incident in March 2023 when Kataib Hezbollah militants abducted Elizabeth Tsurkov, a graduate student from Princeton University with Israeli-Russian citizenship, during an academic research visit to Iraq. She was freed in 2025.
Weather authorities have announced a freeze watch affecting the region, beginning Sunday afternoon and continuing until Tuesday morning at 9:00 AM.
The National Weather Service office in Mount Holly, New Jersey issued the cold weather advisory on April 7th at 2:18 PM Eastern Daylight Time. The watch will remain in effect until April 9th at 9:00 AM EDT.
Residents should take precautions to protect sensitive plants, outdoor plumbing, and other items that could be damaged by freezing temperatures during this period.
Weather officials have issued a freeze watch for the area, warning residents to prepare for dangerously cold conditions beginning Sunday afternoon.
The National Weather Service office in Mount Holly, New Jersey announced the alert at 2:18 PM on April 7th, with the watch remaining in effect until 9:00 AM on April 9th.
During this period, temperatures are expected to drop to levels that could cause damage to sensitive plants and create hazardous conditions for exposed water pipes and outdoor equipment.
Residents are advised to take precautionary measures to protect their property and prepare for the unseasonably cold weather during what is typically a milder time of year.
YAHSHOUSH, Lebanon — The sound of church bells mixed with gunfire rang through the mountainous valley Tuesday as hundreds of mourners attended funeral services for a Lebanese Christian political leader and his wife, both victims of an Israeli airstrike this past weekend.
The deaths have intensified political divisions within Lebanon, a nation already fractured by the escalating conflict between Israel and the Iranian-supported Hezbollah militia — part of the broader regional conflict spreading across the Middle East.
Pierre Mouawad, his spouse, and a family visitor died Sunday when an Israeli strike hit an apartment unit located above their residence in Ain Saadeh, a town situated east of Beirut. Israeli military officials stated they were attempting to eliminate a Hezbollah fighter, though details surrounding the attack remain murky.
Mouawad served with the regional chapter of the Lebanese Forces, a Christian political organization widely recognized as Hezbollah’s most vocal political adversary. The party has spent years demanding the militant group’s disarmament and recently accused Hezbollah of pulling Lebanon into another conflict by launching rockets toward Israel in support of Iran, their primary ally and financial backer.
The Lebanese Forces maintains four cabinet positions in Lebanon’s government and controls the largest parliamentary bloc.
Lebanon’s Health Ministry reports that 1,530 individuals have died in Israeli attacks since the Israel-Hezbollah conflict reignited last month in the small Mediterranean nation. Over one million residents have fled their homes, primarily from southern Lebanon and Beirut’s southern neighborhoods, areas where Hezbollah maintains strong support and control.
As fighting continues and Israeli troops enter Lebanese territory, hostility has increased in Christian, Sunni, and Druze communities toward displaced Shiite residents, who represent Hezbollah’s primary support base.
Host community residents worry that Hezbollah fighters might be concealed among the Shiite civilians who have relocated to their neighborhoods.
The caskets containing Mouawad and his wife, covered with the white Lebanese Forces banner, were carried into St. Simon Church on a mountainside in Yahshoush, located north of Beirut.
Church bells, gunshots, and political music from speakers created a cacophony as government officials, local residents, and party supporters gathered in large numbers for the memorial service.
“They died because Hezbollah dragged us into a war,” declared Lebanese Forces parliamentarian Pierre Bou Assi, describing the conflict as “an Iranian decision with Hezbollah’s implementation.”
“Nobody among all the Lebanese asked them to start this war,” he stated.
While Lebanon’s military announced it is examining the incident, and the government banned Hezbollah’s armed operations and Iranian Revolutionary Guard presence in Lebanon last month, the Ain Saadeh attack has worsened existing tensions.
Many Lebanese citizens who believed they would avoid the war’s impact due to their lack of Hezbollah connections have been shocked as Israeli strikes have hit Hezbollah operatives and Iranian Guard members renting apartments or hotel rooms in their communities.
The property owner of the apartment above the Mouawads, the local mayor, and Lebanese military investigators all confirmed the unit was vacant.
However, the victims’ family members and Mouawad’s political party insist someone — the strike’s intended target — was residing in that apartment, endangering nearby residents.
“If that person had died, it would have been better for us,” said Raymond Mouawad, Pierre’s brother. “Instead, my brother died while he escaped.”
A Freeze Warning is in effect for northern Delaware and much of New Jersey from midnight tonight through 9 AM Wednesday morning, with temperatures expected to plummet to dangerous lows.
The National Weather Service issued the warning at 2:18 PM today, forecasting sub-freezing temperatures between 25 and 30 degrees across the affected areas. Locally, this includes New Castle County in Delaware, along with Camden, Gloucester, Salem, Cumberland, Atlantic, Cape May, and Ocean counties in New Jersey.
These frigid conditions pose a serious threat to crops, gardens, and sensitive vegetation that may have already begun sprouting for spring. The freeze could kill tender plants and potentially damage unprotected outdoor plumbing.
Residents are urged to take protective action now. Cover or bring indoors any sensitive plants, disconnect and drain garden hoses, and consider wrapping exposed pipes. Gardeners should also protect newly planted flowers and vegetables with blankets or tarps.
Looking ahead, another Freeze Watch has been issued for Wednesday evening through Thursday morning, with similar temperatures expected and frost development possible. The current Freeze Warning expires at 9 AM Wednesday.
Stay with TV Delmarva for continued weather updates as we track these unseasonably cold conditions across the peninsula.
The latest federal data on poultry production shows a mixed picture for the industry, with chicken hatching numbers rising while turkey production fell.
According to the newly released annual summary from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service, both meat-producing chickens and egg-laying varieties saw increases in hatching numbers compared to the previous period.
However, turkey hatching operations experienced a downturn during the same timeframe, bucking the positive trend seen in chicken production.
The comprehensive report tracks hatching activity across commercial poultry operations nationwide, providing key insights into production trends that affect both farmers and consumers.
These statistics serve as important indicators for the agricultural sector, helping industry professionals and policymakers understand shifts in poultry production patterns throughout the country.
BANJA LUKA, Bosnia-Herzegovina — The president’s eldest son delivered harsh criticism of the European Union during a Tuesday visit to Bosnia, claiming the bloc’s progressive policies are driving away investors and forecasting a significant rift between eastern and western member nations.
Donald Trump Jr. told attendees at a business forum that top figures in banking, finance, technology and artificial intelligence view Europe as troubled but fixable. “The biggest players, the biggest names in banking and finance, in tech and AI across the board” believe that “Europe is a disaster,” but “the disaster that they feel also needs to be fixed,” he stated.
“The only way it gets fixed, though, in my opinion is if they (Europe) get out of of their own way,” Trump Jr. remarked during the business discussion in the northwestern Bosnian city, according to footage from state broadcaster RTRS.
The visit took place in Banja Luka, the primary city of Republika Srpska, the Serbian-controlled portion of Bosnia whose officials strongly support both President Donald Trump and Russian leader Vladimir Putin.
U.S. Embassy officials in Sarajevo, Bosnia’s capital city, confirmed to The Associated Press via email that Trump Jr. was visiting “in a private capacity.” However, local observers interpreted the trip as an endorsement of Serb separatist political figures.
The visit occurred simultaneously with Vice President JD Vance’s journey to Hungary, where he campaigned for nationalist Prime Minister Viktor Orbán ahead of a closely-watched election this weekend.
Milorad Dodik, a Bosnian Serb leader and former Republika Srpska president who maintains ties with Orbán, wrote on X that both visits “signal an important shift of the U.S. administration under the leadership of President Trump and the care for this part of Europe regarding the position of Christians.”
Speaking in Banja Luka, Trump Jr. praised eastern European nations for maintaining “a work ethic that has (withstood) some of the ‘woke’ nonsense that has really been a parasitic thing in the mind in Western Europe.”
“I see that creating major fractures in the European Union between those few countries in eastern Europe that actually still believe in common sense, and Western Europe that’s clearly missing in the political discourse these days,” he added.
Dodik has consistently advocated for the Serbian half of Bosnia to separate from areas governed by Bosniaks, who are predominantly Muslim, and Croats. This Serbian push for independence and potential merger with Serbia was considered the primary trigger of the 1992-95 ethnic conflict that claimed over 100,000 lives before concluding with a U.S.-mediated peace deal.
The Biden administration sanctioned Dodik and related individuals and entities in 2022 due to separatist activities that raised concerns about renewed conflict. These sanctions were removed by the Trump administration last year.
The current administration has maintained longstanding criticism of the EU, particularly regarding trade disputes and EU oversight of technology companies. This criticism of traditional European partners has grown stronger during the Iran war.
Bosnia holds candidate status for EU membership, and the 27-member union describes itself as Bosnia’s largest trading partner, investor and source of financial assistance.
PANAMA CITY — A deadly fuel truck explosion Monday afternoon has forced officials to shut down a crucial bridge spanning the Panama Canal while investigators work to determine what caused the blast and engineers examine potential structural damage.
The incident occurred around 4 p.m. at the base of Panama’s Bridge of the Americas, creating a towering fireball that rose nearly to the bridge’s peak. Security cameras recorded the dramatic explosion on the vital span that links the nation’s capital to the airport and western residential areas. While multiple vehicles were crossing during the blast, their occupants escaped injury.
One fuel truck employee perished in the explosion, while two firefighters sustained injuries while battling the resulting blaze, according to officials.
“We have no confirmation of any other people injured,” stated Víctor Raúl Álvarez, who heads Panama’s Fire Department. He noted that investigators are just beginning their work and have not yet identified what triggered the explosion.
The intense fire has raised concerns about potential damage to the aging bridge, which serves as a critical transportation link between Panama City and the country’s western regions.
On Tuesday, Panama’s Public Works Ministry shared video footage on social media platforms showing engineers examining the site for structural compromises. President José Raúl Mulino posted on X that the bridge closure would “cause disruption” and expressed hope for a swift “return to normal.”
“The Bridge of the Americas is a structure that is over 60 years old. Due to the effects of the fire, if the metal structure was subjected to excessively high temperatures, it may have sustained damage,” explained Edwin Lewis, a ministry engineer.
Expert teams are currently analyzing both concrete and steel elements of the bridge. Authorities have declared the span will stay closed until safety can be guaranteed.
HAVANA — Hundreds of women took to the streets of Cuba’s capital Tuesday, staging a demonstration against U.S. energy restrictions and other sanctions implemented during Donald Trump’s presidency that they say are choking the island nation.
The Federation of Cuban Women, a large government-affiliated organization with strong Communist Party connections, coordinated the protest to pay tribute to Vilma Espín, who founded the group, fought as a guerrilla, and was married to Raúl Castro.
Demonstrators assembled at a park dedicated to a 19th-century independence hero, displaying Cuban flags, carrying banners reading “Down with the Blockade” and holding photographs of Fidel Castro and Espín.
Leading the protest were Deputy Prime Minister Inés María Chapman, Deputy Foreign Minister Josefina Vidal, and Mariela Castro, who is Espín’s daughter and former President Raúl Castro’s child.
“This policy of abuse has to stop,” Vidal told The Associated Press. “The Cuban people don’t deserve this. It’s the most comprehensive, all-encompassing, and longest-running system of coercive measures ever imposed against an entire country.”
Vidal, who played a crucial role in the historic Cuba-U.S. diplomatic warming in 2014 during Barack Obama’s presidency, continued: “It subjects us to collective punishment, recognized as such under international law, and we couldn’t fail to be here.”
Early this January, U.S. forces targeted Venezuela and detained its former leader, cutting off vital oil deliveries to Cuba. Trump later in the month warned of tariffs against any nation providing oil to the Caribbean island.
Nevertheless, Trump expressed no objection when a Russian vessel loaded with 730,000 barrels of crude reached Cuba recently, representing the island’s first oil delivery in three months. Russia has announced plans to dispatch another tanker.
The island generates just 40% of its required fuel, and this shortage has crippled the nation, impacting healthcare, mass transit, manufacturing, and worsening an economic downturn that has persisted for five years.
“I am here fighting for the people of Cuba,” said Leydys de la Cruz, a 57-year-old seamstress who joined Tuesday’s rally. “I would ask Trump to leave us in peace. The situation is very bad because of the blockade he’s imposed on us.”
Georgina Reyes, a 36-year-old IT technician, also pleaded with Trump: “I would tell him that we don’t hurt anyone. … Please don’t hurt us.”
Trump has pushed for government overthrow in Cuba and threatened military action while U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio — whose parents emigrated from Cuba — has called for freeing political detainees and implementing free-market changes.
Both American and Cuban officials have acknowledged ongoing discussions, though details about their scope remain uncertain.
Delta Air Lines on Tuesday revealed plans to increase baggage charges, becoming another major U.S. airline to respond to escalating jet fuel expenses linked to ongoing Middle East warfare.
Starting Wednesday, travelers on domestic flights and short international routes will face $10 higher costs for their first two checked bags, while third bag fees jump $50. The new pricing structure sets first bag fees at $45, second bags at $55, and third bags at $200, Delta confirmed.
“These updates are part of Delta’s ongoing review of pricing across its business and reflect the impact of evolving global conditions and industry dynamics,” the carrier said in a statement.
This represents Delta’s first domestic baggage fee increase in two years. International long-distance flight baggage costs remain unchanged.
Last month, CEO Ed Bastian informed investors that rising jet fuel expenses have already increased Delta’s operational costs by approximately $400 million since fighting erupted on February 28. Leadership teams at United Airlines and American Airlines have reported comparable cost increases.
Jet fuel prices in major cities including Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles and New York averaged $4.69 per gallon on Monday, nearly doubling from $2.50 before the war began, data from Argus Media shows. The energy intelligence firm monitors pricing across these key aviation centers.
Delta confirmed that free baggage allowances will continue for premium cabin passengers, active military members, qualifying co-branded credit card users, and certain loyalty program members.
The Atlanta-based airline’s decision comes after United and JetBlue implemented similar baggage fee increases last week, though both maintained free first bags for select customers.
Aviation companies worldwide are struggling with unpredictable oil markets as combat near the Strait of Hormuz threatens global petroleum supplies. Approximately 20% of worldwide oil shipments pass through this critical waterway. Since jet fuel derives from crude oil, energy price fluctuations directly impact airline operating costs, with fuel representing carriers’ second-largest expense behind personnel.
Beyond raising ticket costs, industry experts predict U.S. airlines will increasingly rely on additional service fees to counter higher expenses, while international carriers are implementing or expanding fuel surcharges.
FORT WORTH, Texas — A one-time FedEx delivery driver entered a guilty plea to capital murder charges on Tuesday, admitting he killed a 7-year-old Texas girl after claiming he accidentally struck her with his delivery vehicle and then strangled her in a moment of panic.
Tanner Horner now faces either execution or life behind bars for the December 2022 death of Athena Strand, whose remains were discovered two days following her disappearance from the small community of Paradise, located near Fort Worth.
Following Horner’s guilty plea as his trial commenced, jurors who will determine his sentence began listening to witness testimony. During emotional testimony from Athena’s stepmother about the search efforts, the jury viewed footage from inside the delivery vehicle showing Athena alive, positioned on her knees behind the driver’s seat.
Court documents reveal that Horner informed law enforcement he killed Athena following what he described as an accidental collision with his van during a delivery stop. Horner explained to investigators that while Athena sustained no major injuries when he struck her while reversing his vehicle, he became overwhelmed with fear and placed her inside his van.
According to the arrest warrant, Horner stated he was concerned about Athena informing her father about the incident, leading him to attempt breaking the child’s neck. When unsuccessful, he used his hands to strangle her in the rear of the delivery vehicle. Authorities noted that Horner guided investigators to the location where he had disposed of Athena’s remains.
Family members revealed that the package Horner had been delivering contained a Christmas gift intended for Athena — a set of “You Can Be Anything” Barbie dolls.
The proceedings were relocated from rural Wise County to Fort Worth following arguments from Horner’s legal team that their client could not receive an impartial trial in the original venue.
A humanitarian mission organized by Vatican officials was compelled to retreat Tuesday when artillery fire erupted near a Christian community in southern Lebanon that has been cut off from essential supplies.
The relief convoy, coordinated through the Vatican’s Lebanese embassy, was attempting to reach the town of Debel with desperately needed provisions when nearby combat forced the mission to abort, according to Father Fadi Falfil, a local priest.
Christian communities across southern Lebanon have remained in their homes throughout the intensifying conflict between Israeli forces and Hezbollah fighters, hoping their neutrality might protect them from the violence engulfing neighboring areas.
However, ongoing military operations and aerial bombardments in surrounding regions have made transportation extremely hazardous, creating severe shortages of food, clean water, and medical supplies.
“We don’t have basic medication like insulin – we don’t even have drinking water,” Father Falfil stated in an interview.
The priest explained that the relief mission was initially scheduled for Easter Sunday but had to be postponed due to intense artillery activity in the region.
“We were waiting all day, and they were at pains all day to try to get this aid to us. It was five minutes away and it had to turn back,” Falfil described.
According to the priest’s briefing, Israeli military operations targeting Hezbollah fighters in the vicinity prevented the delivery from proceeding, with no alternative date currently established for another attempt.
Neither Israeli military officials, Hezbollah representatives, nor Vatican embassy personnel in Lebanon provided immediate responses to media inquiries.
The United Nations peacekeeping mission in Lebanon, designated as UNIFIL, was providing security escort for Tuesday’s humanitarian convoy.
“The mission had to be cut short due to shelling in the area. We did have some very minor injuries among peacekeepers due to the impacts nearby,” explained UNIFIL spokesperson Kandice Ardiel.
Lebanese television network MTV reported the aid shipment contained three trucks loaded with essential items including bread and fresh vegetables.
“No matter what happens, we’re going to stay. We stay because of our faith and our history here – it isn’t a choice, it’s a message,” Father Falfil declared.
BANJA LUKA, Bosnia and Herzegovina – The eldest son of President Donald Trump made a controversial visit to Bosnia’s Serb Republic on Tuesday, where he delivered sharp criticism of the European Union during a private gathering with regional leaders.
During his stop in Banja Luka, the de facto capital of the Serb Republic, Donald Trump Jr. described the European Union as “a little bit of a mess” while speaking to a closed panel of political figures and business leaders. He was invited by Igor Dodik, son of the region’s former separatist leader Milorad Dodik.
Trump Jr., who serves as executive vice president of the Trump Organization alongside his brother Eric, shared feedback he claimed to have received from international business contacts. “But it’s a disaster they feel also needs to be fixed because of the impact that it does have on the values and Western civilization,” he stated, referring to concerns about Europe’s current state.
The timing of the visit aligned with Vice President JD Vance’s appearance in Budapest, where he accused the EU of interfering in Hungarian electoral processes.
The Serb Republic represents one half of Bosnia’s dual autonomous structure, established through the U.S.-brokered Dayton peace agreement in 1995. This accord ended a devastating three-year conflict that claimed approximately 100,000 lives and forced around 2 million people from their homes.
Milorad Dodik, who previously led the region, lost his political position last August following a court ruling that prohibited him from holding office. He had faced U.S. sanctions for violations of the Dayton peace framework but has emerged as a vocal supporter of Trump administration policies.
“The arrival of Vance in Hungary and Donald Trump Jr. in Banja Luka is a signal of an important shift in the U.S. administration under President Trump, showing concern for this part of Europe,” Dodik wrote on social media platform X.
The Treasury Department removed sanctions against Dodik and his associates in October without providing public justification for the decision. Serbian officials indicate they have been working behind the scenes to strengthen ties with Washington while preserving their relationship with Russia.
The panel discussion was restricted to government-friendly media organizations, though footage was subsequently aired on regional television networks.
A senior executive at German pharmaceutical company Bayer told reporters Tuesday that recently announced federal tariffs on imported medications won’t force the company to revise its business projections for 2026.
Sebastian Guth, who serves as Chief Operating Officer for Bayer Pharmaceuticals and heads the company’s U.S. operations, explained that the drugmaker had already factored potential tariffs into its planning. “We feel that we’ve appropriately anticipated tariffs as we think about our 2026 guidance,” Guth stated during an interview.
The executive expressed confidence in the company’s position, noting that existing trade agreements between the United States and European Union provide some protection. Under last year’s deal, tariff rates on most European goods, including pharmaceutical products, cannot exceed 15 percent.
Earlier this year in March, Bayer released financial projections showing expected earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization of between 9.6 billion and 10.1 billion euros for 2026. This represents growth from the company’s 2025 EBITDA figure of 9.669 billion euros.
The tariff policy stems from an executive order signed by President Donald Trump last week, targeting brand-name prescription drugs brought into the United States from overseas. Companies can avoid these fees by agreeing to government pricing negotiations or promising to manufacture their products domestically.
Implementation of these tariffs is set to begin in September for most pharmaceutical companies.
While sixteen major global drugmakers have already negotiated agreements with federal officials to exempt billions of dollars in medications from the new tariffs, Bayer was not included in those initial discussions. Guth would not discuss whether his company has since engaged with the Trump administration about potential exemptions.
The executive also highlighted a separate trade agreement between Britain and the United States as a potential model for other nations. Under that arrangement, British pharmaceutical companies receive tariff-free access to American markets in exchange for higher domestic drug prices.
The British deal requires increasing medicine expenditures from 0.3 percent of the country’s gross domestic product to 0.35 percent by 2028, eventually reaching 0.6 percent by 2035. Guth suggested this framework could guide how other wealthy nations approach pharmaceutical pricing reforms.
“There’s an acknowledgment that it isn’t going to happen overnight, but will happen over time,” Guth said regarding these gradual pricing adjustments.
A new study from the Dallas Federal Reserve Bank indicates that prolonged disruptions to global oil shipping due to the Iran conflict could push U.S. inflation rates above 4% before the end of this year, with potentially steeper short-term spikes possible.
However, the research published Tuesday suggests that while headline inflation numbers may climb, the impact on long-term inflation expectations would remain relatively small. Federal Reserve officials closely monitor these expectations and have found reassurance in their current stability.
“There is little evidence of higher gasoline prices being passed through to core inflation or long-run inflation expectations becoming unanchored,” the Dallas Fed study authors stated.
The research comes as Middle East tensions reached a critical point Tuesday, with President Donald Trump demanding Iran reopen the Strait of Hormuz or face attacks on its infrastructure including power facilities and transportation networks.
The Dallas Fed analysis examined various scenarios involving the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway that handles one-fifth of global oil shipments and has been effectively blocked for five weeks.
According to the study, a three-month closure of the strait could spike inflation by 5.2 percentage points on an annual basis during March, though this surge would fade quickly, leaving fourth-quarter inflation only 0.35 percentage points higher.
A more prolonged nine-month blockade would drive oil prices from their current $115 per barrel to $167, potentially boosting fourth-quarter inflation by up to 1.8 percentage points, researchers determined.
Current inflation measured by the personal consumption expenditure index stood at 2.8% in January, compared to the Federal Reserve’s 2% target.
Core inflation, which strips out volatile food and energy costs, would see smaller increases of 0.18 percentage points for a three-month closure or 0.49 percentage points for a nine-month disruption. Core inflation measured 3.1% in January.
The study found that household inflation expectations would see more limited increases. Short-term expectations spanning one year could climb by as much as 0.8 percentage points, while longer-term five to ten-year expectations that concern Fed officials most would rise by no more than 0.09 percentage points.
A Freeze Warning is now in effect for northern Delaware and parts of New Jersey, with dangerous sub-freezing temperatures expected overnight into Wednesday morning.
The National Weather Service Mount Holly issued the warning at 2:18 PM Tuesday, forecasting overnight lows between 25 and 30 degrees from midnight tonight through 9:00 AM Wednesday. The warning covers New Castle County in Delaware, along with multiple New Jersey counties including Salem, Gloucester, Camden, Cumberland, Atlantic, Cape May, and portions of Burlington County.
These frigid conditions pose serious risks to tender plants, crops, and unprotected outdoor plumbing. Frost and freeze damage could kill sensitive vegetation that may have already begun spring growth.
Residents should take immediate action to protect their property. Bring potted plants indoors, cover sensitive garden plants with blankets or tarps, and ensure outdoor water pipes are insulated or have water dripping to prevent freezing.
Looking ahead, meteorologists are monitoring another potential freeze event Wednesday night into Thursday morning, with a Freeze Watch already posted for the same areas.
The current Freeze Warning expires at 9:00 AM Wednesday, but residents should stay tuned to TV Delmarva for updates on the developing weather pattern.
Maryland’s Pesticide Advisory Committee has announced plans to convene virtually on April 22, 2026, for a two-hour session beginning at 10 a.m.
The committee gathering will run until 12 p.m. and will be conducted entirely online. Participants can join the discussion through a Google Meet video conference link at https://meet.google.com/gqv-tmwb-xrq.
Those preferring to participate by telephone can dial (US) +1 402-921-2196 and enter PIN: 693 591 915# when prompted.
The meeting agenda shows that opening remarks and roll call will take place during the first 15 minutes, with Dr. Frederick Kutz serving as committee chair and delivering introductory comments.
Moody’s Ratings downgraded its assessment of U.S. business development companies this Tuesday, shifting from a stable to negative outlook due to increased investor withdrawal demands, elevated debt levels, and diminished access to capital markets.
The rating agency noted a dramatic change in financial conditions for perpetual non-traded BDCs, which experienced robust capital inflows during the third quarter of 2025 but then faced unprecedented outflows during the first quarter of 2026.
These perpetual non-traded BDCs operate as closed-end investment funds that provide financing to private businesses. Unlike publicly traded companies, they don’t appear on stock exchanges and have no set expiration date, enabling them to raise money continuously while providing investors with restricted, occasional opportunities to withdraw funds.
Artificial intelligence technology has created another layer of risk, especially for BDCs that have significant investments in software companies.
This worry is intensifying challenges within private credit markets, which have already been a consistent source of difficulty for alternative investment managers, as investors fear AI could fundamentally threaten software investment portfolios – a major focus area for the $2 trillion sector.
While industry leaders have consistently characterized these worries as excessive, investors continue to feel anxious. Large funds have seen withdrawal requests spike as concerns mount that investment quality may decline as artificial intelligence technology advances.
BDCs, which provide loans to many of the same mid-sized companies that private credit funds target, serve as an early warning system for problems within the industry.
Weather forecasters have issued a freeze warning beginning Sunday at 11:01 AM EDT and continuing until Monday morning at 9:00 AM EDT, according to the National Weather Service office in Mount Holly, New Jersey.
The warning alerts residents to prepare for potentially damaging cold temperatures that could harm sensitive vegetation and outdoor plants. Officials recommend taking precautions to protect tender plants and ensure proper winterization of outdoor plumbing and equipment.
The freeze warning covers the period when temperatures are expected to drop to levels that could cause frost formation and potential agricultural impacts. Residents should monitor local weather conditions and take appropriate measures to safeguard temperature-sensitive items.
