Medical officials in Gaza report that four Palestinians were killed Sunday when Israeli forces conducted an airstrike in the northern part of the territory, marking another deadly incident that threatens an already unstable ceasefire.
According to local medics, the strike hit a group of individuals on Jaffa Street near the Darraj neighborhood in Gaza City, resulting in four fatalities and additional injuries.
Israeli military officials have not yet provided a response regarding the incident.
Both Hamas militants and Israeli forces have accused each other of breaking the ceasefire terms that were established last October, bringing an end to two years of intense warfare.
Gaza’s health ministry reports that Israeli military actions have resulted in at least 700 Palestinian deaths since the ceasefire took effect. Israeli officials state that four of their soldiers have been killed by militants during the same timeframe.
Last week, representatives from Hamas met with mediators from Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey in Cairo to provide their preliminary response to a weapons surrender proposal that was presented to the organization last month, according to two Egyptian sources and a Palestinian official.
The organization has informed mediators it will not consider disarmament discussions without assurances that Israel will completely withdraw from Gaza, as outlined in President Donald Trump’s “Board of Peace” disarmament plan, three sources told Reuters on Thursday.
The question of Hamas giving up its weapons remains a major obstacle in negotiations to move forward with Trump’s plan for the Palestinian territory and strengthen the ceasefire agreement.
Israeli casualty figures show that Hamas’ attacks on October 7, 2023, resulted in 1,200 deaths.
The subsequent two-year Israeli military campaign has killed more than 72,000 Palestinians, with the majority being civilians according to Gaza health officials. The conflict has also caused widespread hunger, destroyed most structures, and forced repeated displacement of nearly the entire population.
The Buffalo Sabres have officially broken their historic 14-year absence from the NHL playoffs, marking the end of the longest postseason drought in league history. The milestone was reached Saturday despite Buffalo falling 6-2 to Washington, as Detroit’s regulation defeat to the New York Rangers earlier that day secured the Sabres’ playoff position.
Washington goaltender Logan Thompson turned away 37 shots in the Capitals’ dominant performance against Buffalo.
The Capitals received strong offensive contributions from Jakob Chychrun, Aliaksei Protas, and Connor McMichael, who each recorded one goal and one assist. Washington has captured four victories in their last five contests and jumped ahead 3-0 within the opening two and a half minutes of play.
Buffalo got scoring from Rasmus Dahlin, who notched a goal and assist, along with Beck Malenstyn. The Sabres now sit tied on points for second place in the Atlantic Division standings.
In other Saturday action, Oliver Kapanen delivered the decisive goal in the fifth round of a shootout, extending Montreal’s winning streak to eight games with a 4-3 victory over New Jersey in Newark. Cole Caufield remains one goal short of the 50-goal milestone but contributed two assists in the triumph. Ivan Demidov, Jayden Struble, and Lane Hutson found the net for Montreal, while Jakub Dobes recorded 35 saves. Jack Hughes, Timo Meier, and Dawson Mercer scored for New Jersey, with Jake Allen making 26 stops.
Colorado defeated Dallas 2-0 in a matchup between the Western Conference’s top two teams. Martin Necas and Nathan MacKinnon broke open a scoreless contest with goals in the final 9:21. MacKinnon extended his league-leading goal total to 52 with an empty-net strike after Necas scored his career-best 36th goal. Scott Wedgewood earned his third shutout of the campaign with 17 saves, while Casey DeSmith made 20 stops for Dallas, which has struggled to a 3-6-2 record following a 14-0-1 surge.
Los Angeles edged Toronto 7-6 in overtime, with Quinton Byfield netting his second goal of the night at 2:33 of the extra period. The Kings built a 6-4 advantage with three goals in 1:36 during the third period before Toronto forced overtime. Adrian Kempe contributed two goals and two assists for Los Angeles, while Matthew Knies recorded two goals and an assist for the Maple Leafs. Joseph Woll made 33 saves for Toronto.
Pittsburgh demolished visiting Florida 9-4 behind Evgeni Malkin’s first hat trick in over four years. Sidney Crosby moved past Steve Yzerman into seventh place on the NHL’s all-time points list with two assists, giving him 1,756 career points. A dozen Pittsburgh players earned at least one point in the victory, while Florida’s hopes of a three-peat officially ended as they became the first defending Stanley Cup champion to miss the following season’s playoffs since Los Angeles in 2015.
Winnipeg defeated Columbus 2-1 on Kyle Connor’s two-goal performance, keeping the Jets in contention for the Western Conference’s final wild-card position. The loss left Columbus tied with Ottawa, Detroit, and Philadelphia, with the Senators holding the tiebreaker advantage.
Vegas moved within one point of the Pacific Division lead with a 5-1 victory over Edmonton. Jeremy Lauzon and Brett Howden each had a goal and assist for the Golden Knights, who won their third consecutive game under new coach John Tortorella. Carter Hart stopped 31 shots for Vegas, while Edmonton’s five-game winning streak came to an end.
Carolina topped the New York Islanders 4-3, with Seth Jarvis scoring twice and adding an assist. Sebastian Aho’s short-handed goal with 3:43 left in the second period gave the Hurricanes their first lead of the game. Brandon Bussi made 13 saves to improve to 29-6-1.
Nashville moved into the Western Conference’s second wild-card spot with a 6-3 victory over San Jose. Tyson Jost set up the game-winner and insurance goal before adding an empty-netter, while Filip Forsberg scored twice and added an assist for the Predators.
Tampa Bay clinched its ninth consecutive playoff appearance with a 3-1 win over Boston, featuring a franchise-record 21st goal by defenseman Darren Raddysh. The Lightning scored three times in the third period to secure the victory.
Chicago defeated Seattle 4-2, with Sacha Boisvert scoring his first NHL goal. The loss further damaged Seattle’s playoff hopes, dropping them to seventh in the Western Conference wild-card race, six points out of the final spot.
Utah beat Vancouver 7-4 behind Clayton Keller’s third career hat trick in a four-point performance. Dylan Guenther and Lawson Crouse each had a goal and assist for Utah, which moved closer to clinching a playoff berth.
Calgary upset Anaheim 5-3, with Morgan Frost scoring twice and Joel Farabee and Matvei Gridin each recording a goal and assist. Devin Cooley made 36 saves for the Flames, while Anaheim remained winless in five games.
New York shut down Detroit 4-1, with rookie Gabe Perreault scoring twice in the third period for his first career hat trick. Jonathan Quick made 31 saves and nearly earned a shutout before allowing a goal with 33 seconds remaining.
Minnesota defeated Ottawa 4-1, with Ryan Hartman scoring twice. Jesper Wallstedt stopped 33 shots for the Wild, who won consecutive games for the first time in a month. Ottawa remains in the Eastern Conference’s second wild-card spot despite losing four of five.
Oil-producing nations in the OPEC+ alliance are weighing a production increase during Sunday’s meeting, according to four sources within the organization, though any boost would exist primarily on paper since major members cannot actually increase output due to the ongoing U.S.-Israeli war with Iran.
The conflict has effectively blocked the Strait of Hormuz – the planet’s most crucial oil shipping channel – since late February, cutting off exports from key OPEC+ nations including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait and Iraq. These four countries were the only members of the group capable of substantially boosting production before hostilities began.
Meanwhile, other alliance members like Russia face their own production constraints due to Western sanctions and infrastructure damage from the ongoing Ukraine conflict.
Throughout the Gulf region, missile and drone strikes have caused extensive damage to oil facilities. Multiple Gulf officials indicate it would require several months to restore normal operations and meet production goals, even if fighting ceased and the Hormuz strait reopened immediately.
During OPEC+’s previous gathering on March 1, which coincided with the start of major oil supply disruptions, the group authorized a small production bump of 206,000 barrels daily for April.
One month following that decision, what experts describe as the most significant oil supply crisis ever recorded has eliminated between 12 and 15 million barrels per day from global markets – representing up to 15% of worldwide supply.
Oil prices have climbed to four-year peaks near $120 per barrel. JPMorgan analysts warned Thursday that crude could surge beyond $150 – setting a new record – if Hormuz shipping disruptions continue through mid-May.
Sunday’s discussions will focus on establishing OPEC+ production quotas for May, according to sources familiar with the agenda.
Any production increase would have minimal immediate effect on available supply but would demonstrate the alliance’s willingness to boost output once the Hormuz strait becomes accessible again, OPEC+ sources explained. Energy consulting firm Energy Aspects described such an increase as “academic” while strait disruptions persist.
JDEIDEH, Lebanon (AP) — Rev. Maroun Ghafari never imagined he would spend this Holy Week away from his home parish. For years, the priest delivered Easter messages to his congregation in Alma al-Shaab, a Christian village in southern Lebanon close to the Israeli border.
Now he stands before worshippers in a Beirut suburb, speaking next to a cardboard replica of his actual church in Alma al-Shaab, which has become trapped in the ongoing battle between Israeli military forces and Hezbollah militants.
The conflict that began last month between Israel and the Iranian-supported Hezbollah organization — part of the broader regional tensions involving the U.S. and Iran — has resulted in more than 1,400 deaths in Lebanon and forced over one million residents to abandon their homes.
Thousands of Christians from the conflict zone in southern Lebanon are among those who have been uprooted. These families now find themselves separated from the historic churches where their communities have worshipped for generations, maintaining their faith through Byzantine, Arab and Ottoman rule, as well as numerous contemporary conflicts.
Lebanon’s Christian population represents approximately one-third of the nation’s 5.5 million residents. With twelve different Christian denominations, Lebanon has the highest percentage of Christians among all Arab nations.
Christian communities that remained in southern Lebanon, defying Israeli evacuation orders for the region, have become increasingly isolated as intense fighting surrounds their villages.
While residents of Alma al-Shaab had been displaced during the 2024 Israel-Hezbollah conflict, they were determined not to abandon their homes again this time, even as air attacks moved progressively closer to their village.
The community took shelter inside their church as Israeli aircraft bombarded extensive areas of southern and eastern Lebanon, while Israeli ground forces intensified their invasion and Hezbollah continued launching rockets toward Israel.
During his Easter address, Patriarch Beshara al-Rai of Lebanon’s Maronite Church criticized both Hezbollah and Israel for the devastation caused by the ongoing war.
“The country is going through a critical situation due to Iranian interference through Hezbollah and Israeli aggression,” he said. “Our hearts bleed for the victims of the conflict imposed on Lebanon.”
Among those who took refuge in the Alma al-Shaab church was Sami Ghafari, the 70-year-old brother of Rev. Maroun Ghafari.
However, he briefly left the church on March 8 to care for his garden and was fatally struck by an Israeli drone attack. His death convinced the remaining villagers — including his brother — to gather their possessions and leave.
United Nations peacekeepers in the region — the UNIFIL force that has supervised the area for nearly fifty years — transported them to northern Beirut suburbs.
“We wanted to stay, but it was always possible that one of us could be targeted or killed at any moment,” Rev. Maroun Ghafari told The Associated Press from St. Anthony Church in the northern Beirut suburb of Jdeideh, where displaced residents from Alma al-Shaab gathered for Saturday worship.
“Everyone is tired, and we see that war brings nothing but destruction, death and displacement.”
Lebanese Christians traditionally observe Holy Saturday — the day between Good Friday, which honors the crucifixion and death of Jesus, and Easter Sunday, which celebrates his resurrection according to Christian scripture — by visiting the burial sites of deceased family members.
This year, displaced Christians can only remember from a distance.
Nabila Farah, wearing black clothing for the Saturday service at St. Anthony Church, was among the final residents to evacuate Alma al-Shaab. She remains devastated one month after leaving.
“You miss the smell of home, the lovely traditions and customs, the sounds of the bells of three churches ringing,” she said, recalling her village. “As much as we experience the Easter atmosphere here, it will never be as it is over there.”
Those who have stayed behind encounter different difficulties.
Marius Khairallah, a priest in the southern Lebanese city of Tyre, where much of the Christian population has remained, explains that he and his parishioners are staying “not out of stubbornness, but out of a sense of mission, to remain alongside their fellow faithful, as witnesses.”
“A significant number of parishioners have been displaced or are absent,” he said. “Yet churches still open their doors. Prayers are still raised — even with fewer voices.”
Christians in the area are growing increasingly concerned as the Lebanese military — which attempts to remain neutral in the Israel-Hezbollah conflict — withdraws from portions of southern Lebanon, leaving them vulnerable to Israeli forces advancing further into the territory.
St. Antony’s lead priest, Rev. Dori Fayyad, used his Good Friday message to acknowledge the war’s expanding impact on southern Lebanese Christians, as congregants recited prayers in Arabic and Syriac, a form of the Aramaic language that Jesus spoke.
“Today, you understand what the cross means, not as an idea, not as a concept, but because you are going through it,” he told the packed sanctuary, with the crowd so large that many people had to stand or sit on the rear steps.
Some worshippers shed tears as Fayyad individually mentioned the southern churches, represented by the cardboard displays beside the altar.
“These churches in these villages are not only places of worship,” he said. “They are silent witnesses to suffering and to faith.”
Taiwan-based Foxconn, recognized globally as the largest contract electronics manufacturer and Nvidia’s primary server producer, announced Sunday that its first-quarter revenue surged 29.7% compared to the same period last year, driven by robust artificial intelligence market demand.
The company disclosed that revenue for the January through March period reached T$2.13 trillion, equivalent to $66.60 billion. This figure came close to analyst expectations of T$2.148 trillion, according to LSEG SmartEstimate projections that prioritize forecasts from consistently accurate analysts.
The strong financial performance reflects the growing demand for AI-related technology and services in the global marketplace.
Los Angeles Angels outfielder Jo Adell turned in a defensive masterpiece Saturday night, making three spectacular home run-robbing catches to preserve his team’s narrow 1-0 victory over the Seattle Mariners in Anaheim, California.
Adell’s defensive brilliance included denying Cal Raleigh in the opening frame, Josh Naylor in the eighth, and J.P. Crawford in the ninth with outstanding catches in right field. The Angels managed just their second victory in seven games. The final catch proved most dramatic as Adell tumbled over the short wall in right field’s corner into the stands while securing the ball, though the play was reviewed and confirmed.
Starting pitcher Jack Kochanowicz (1-0) delivered 5 2/3 scoreless innings, surrendering four hits for Los Angeles. Zach Neto provided the game’s only offense with a first-inning leadoff home run, his 10th career leadoff blast, and finished with two hits.
Seattle’s Emerson Hancock (1-1) pitched effectively, giving up just one run on six hits across 6 2/3 innings. Julio Rodriguez collected two of the Mariners’ five hits, while Cal Raleigh’s power drought continued through nine games after launching 60 home runs last season.
In New York, Giancarlo Stanton delivered a crucial two-run single with two outs in the eighth inning, helping the Yankees overcome a four-run deficit to defeat the visiting Miami Marlins 9-7. Cody Bellinger contributed three RBIs as New York continued its strong season start. The Yankees managed just six hits but drew ten walks from Miami’s pitching staff. Brett Headrick (1-0) earned the victory after ending the eighth inning following Javier Sanoja’s game-tying double.
Pittsburgh rallied past Baltimore 3-2 when Nick Yorke connected for the game-winning double in the ninth inning. Dennis Santana (2-0) earned the win with one inning of shutout relief, while Yorke’s decisive hit came off Ryan Helsley (0-1). The Orioles had led since the fourth inning on RBI singles from Dylan Beavers and Leody Taveras.
Detroit powered past St. Louis 11-6 in a weather-shortened contest that ended after 8 1/3 innings due to poor field conditions. Kerry Carpenter, Zach McKinstry, and Matt Vierling each launched two-run homers for the Tigers. Jordan Walker responded with a grand slam for the Cardinals, driving in five runs total.
Chicago defeated Toronto 6-3 behind home runs from Munetaka Murakami and Colson Montgomery during a decisive sixth-inning rally. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. hit his first home run of the season for the Blue Jays, a two-run shot that briefly gave Toronto a 2-1 advantage.
Milwaukee and Kansas City split their doubleheader, with the Brewers taking the opener 5-2 behind Garrett Mitchell’s five-RBI performance that included a double and home run. The Royals bounced back in the nightcap 8-2, sparked by Salvador Perez’s sixth-inning home run that ignited a decisive six-run frame.
Philadelphia extended its winning streak to four games with a 2-1 victory over Colorado in Denver. Jesus Luzardo (1-1) dominated with 11 strikeouts over 6 2/3 innings, while Trea Turner delivered the game-winning RBI.
Los Angeles Dodgers overwhelmed Washington 10-5 as Andy Pages collected three hits including a three-run homer, and Freddie Freeman drove in four runs with two doubles. The Dodgers managed 16 hits in the victory, though they lost shortstop Mookie Betts to lower back pain in the first inning.
San Diego edged Boston 2-1 on Ramon Laureano’s two-out RBI single in the ninth inning. Fernando Tatis Jr. set up the winning run with a clutch double over center fielder Ceddanne Rafaela’s head.
Arizona defeated Atlanta 2-1 behind Michael Soroka’s five strong innings against his former team. The Diamondbacks scored both runs without benefit of a hit in the second inning when a throwing error allowed two runners to score.
Cincinnati blanked Texas 2-0 as Rhett Lowder (1-0) tossed six shutout innings, allowing just three hits. The Reds scored both runs in the first inning on RBI singles from Elly De La Cruz and Sal Stewart.
Tampa Bay cruised past Minnesota 7-1 with Jonathan Aranda and Yandy Diaz each driving in two runs. Steven Matz (2-0) limited the Twins to two hits and one run over six innings.
Houston demolished Oakland 11-0 in West Sacramento, collecting 18 hits in the rout. Christian Walker and Cam Smith homered for the Astros, while Tatsuya Imai (1-0) earned his first major league victory with 5 2/3 scoreless innings.
New York Mets completed their second straight blowout victory over San Francisco with a 9-0 shutout. Tyrone Taylor capped a five-run fifth inning with a pinch-hit home run, while Clay Holmes threw seven shutout innings for his first victory of the season.
A significant blaze erupted at one of Russia’s largest oil refineries following what officials describe as a drone strike, according to regional authorities.
The NORSI petroleum facility, which ranks as the nation’s fourth-largest refinery, caught fire after the unmanned aircraft attack, Nizhny Novgorod region Governor Gleb Nikitin announced via Telegram on Sunday.
The incident also caused damage to an electrical power facility and multiple residential properties in the area, Nikitin reported. Initial reports indicate no casualties resulted from the attack, the governor stated.
Ramon Laureano came through in the clutch Saturday night, delivering a game-winning RBI single with two outs in the ninth inning that lifted the San Diego Padres to a 3-2 victory over the Boston Red Sox in the middle game of their three-game series.
The decisive rally unfolded against Boston’s closer Aroldis Chapman (0-1), who suffered the loss. Fernando Tatis Jr. sparked the winning sequence by smashing a double that sailed over center fielder Ceddanne Rafaela’s head, positioning himself perfectly for Laureano’s clutch hit to left field that brought home the go-ahead run.
Miguel Andujar turned in an outstanding offensive performance for the Padres, collecting three hits in five at-bats while adding a double and crossing the plate once.
The Padres’ offense struggled through the middle innings, managing only two hits from the fourth through seventh frames, which allowed Boston to level the score. Adrian Morejon (1-0) picked up the victory despite surrendering a potential save opportunity, while Mason Miller locked down his third save of the season by striking out three consecutive batters in the ninth.
Boston’s offense was paced by Rafaela and Roman Anthony, who each collected a pair of hits. Anthony showcased his power with a triple during the fifth inning.
The Red Sox mounted their comeback in the eighth frame when Rafaela and Anthony opened with consecutive singles. Pinch-hitter Andruw Monasterio then worked a grueling nine-pitch at-bat that resulted in an RBI on a fielder’s choice. San Diego appeared ready to escape further damage with a potential 1-4-3 double play, but Jake Cronenworth’s error on Morejon’s throw to second base prevented the inning-ending play.
Following Boston starter Connelly Early’s escape from an early two-on, two-out situation, San Diego grabbed the initial advantage in the second inning on Bryce Johnson’s RBI groundout. The run scored Freddy Fermin, who had drawn a leadoff walk and advanced to third base on Ty France’s single that bounced off the outfield wall.
Boston answered immediately in the bottom half of the second when Willson Contreras led off with a single to left field and came around to score on Marcelo Mayer’s sacrifice fly, knotting the game at 1-1.
The Padres reclaimed the lead in the third inning through a pair of well-placed doubles. Andujar started the rally by driving a one-out double into the left-field corner, and after Manny Machado drew a walk to keep the inning alive, Fermin delivered a two-out liner that eluded the diving attempt of Boston third baseman Caleb Durbin, restoring San Diego’s 2-1 advantage.
Offensive production stalled for both clubs over the next several innings, although the Red Sox created multiple scoring chances with four hits spread across the fourth and fifth innings.
San Diego’s Randy Vasquez navigated around three singles in the fourth inning, ending the threat by striking out Mayer with two runners in scoring position. The following inning, Anthony was left stranded despite his booming two-out triple to deep right field.
Vasquez completed six solid innings, surrendering just one run while recording three strikeouts.
Early struggled with his command, requiring 88 pitches to get through only four innings. He allowed two runs on three hits and four walks while striking out four batters.
Chicago rookie Sacha Boisvert found the back of the net for the first time in his professional career as the Blackhawks handed the Seattle Kraken a costly 4-2 defeat on Saturday evening, dealing another blow to the home team’s postseason aspirations.
Ilya Mikheyev contributed both a goal and an assist for Chicago, while Teuvo Teravainen and Tyler Bertuzzi each found the scoresheet. Wyatt Kaiser recorded two helpers for the Blackhawks (28-35-14, 70 points), who are now playing the role of playoff spoiler after their own postseason elimination following Thursday’s 3-1 defeat in Edmonton. Netminder Arvid Soderblom turned away 25 shots for the victory.
For Seattle, Jaden Schwartz managed a goal and assist while Kaapo Kakko also lit the lamp for the Kraken (32-32-11, 75 points). The defeat marked their fourth consecutive loss and eighth setback in nine contests, dropping them to seventh position in the Western Conference wild-card standings, now trailing the final playoff spot by six points. Goalie Philipp Grubauer made 27 saves on 30 attempts.
Seattle mounted a comeback attempt when Schwartz narrowed the deficit to 2-1 at the 10:48 mark of the final frame during a quick transition play. Eeli Tolvanen carried the puck down the left side before delivering a feed to the goalmouth, where Schwartz battled past Kaiser to deflect the puck past Soderblom’s blocker.
The 18-year-old Boisvert, selected 18th overall in last year’s draft and appearing in only his fifth NHL contest, restored Chicago’s two-goal cushion at 13:08. The young forward received a feed from Kevin Korchinski in the high slot and fired a one-timer that beat Grubauer cleanly.
Kakko managed to capitalize on a loose puck at 14:18 to bring the Kraken back within one goal at 3-2, but Mikheyev sealed the outcome by finding the vacant net with 1:12 remaining on the clock.
The opening frame remained scoreless despite Chicago holding a 10-4 shot advantage, with all four Seattle attempts originating from their blue-line corps.
Teravainen broke the deadlock during a man-advantage situation at 9:15 of the middle period. After taking a pass from Connor Bedard near the left corner, he found himself with ample space and opted to carry the puck toward the goal. The Finnish forward managed to squeeze the puck through Grubauer’s leg pads, with the rubber barely crossing the goal line.
Chicago expanded their lead to 2-0 with just 23 seconds left in the second period during a three-on-two opportunity. Bertuzzi fed Mikheyev along the left boards as he approached the net. Despite facing away from the goal, Mikheyev delivered a backhand pass toward the slot that deflected off Schwartz’s skate and settled near the crease. Bertuzzi quickly collected the rebound and elevated it over Grubauer’s glove into the top right portion of the net.
Iranian military forces claim they shot down multiple American military aircraft on Sunday during what officials described as a rescue operation for a stranded US pilot, according to reports from the Tasnim news agency.
The Revolutionary Guards announced that multiple hostile aircraft were eliminated during a coordinated military response involving various Iranian defense units. “During a joint operation (Aerospace, Ground Force, Popular Units, Basij and Police command), enemy flying objects were destroyed,” Iranian forces stated following reports that an American C-130 had been brought down south of Isfahan.
A representative from Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, which serves as the coordinated command center for Iran’s military branches, confirmed that the aircraft shot down included one C-130 military transport aircraft along with two Black Hawk helicopters.
Iranian army officials also reported earlier Sunday that they had successfully downed an Israeli unmanned aircraft in the same regional area.
ANAHEIM, Calif. — When a nine-time Gold Glove winner famous for spectacular catches declares what you just accomplished as “probably the greatest defensive game I’ve ever seen,” you know you’ve achieved something extraordinary.
That’s exactly what happened to Los Angeles Angels outfielder Jo Adell, who delivered a historic defensive performance by preventing three home runs during Saturday night’s 1-0 victory against the Seattle Mariners. The most dramatic moment came in the ninth inning when Adell made a spectacular jumping catch while tumbling into the seats behind the right-field foul pole.
“I’ve never seen three home run robberies in one game, and I’ve never seen a guy on the third one fall into the stands, catch the ball and keep his feet in like he’s a wide receiver,” commented 50-year-old Torii Hunter, who serves as a special assistant to the general manager and witnessed the performance from the dugout. “I was jumping up and down. I almost passed out.”
Adell, whose defensive struggles in previous seasons transformed into a Gold Glove nomination in 2024, first soared above the yellow warning line in center-right field to rob Cal Raleigh of a solo home run during the opening inning. He repeated the feat with an almost identical catch against Josh Naylor in the eighth frame.
The climactic moment arrived when J.P. Crawford opened the ninth with a drive toward the right-field corner. Adell sprinted to the ball’s location, launched himself upward to secure it, flipped over the short wall and landed in the front row before triumphantly displaying his glove to show the successful catch, which officials confirmed following video review.
“After the first one, I was pretty fired up,” Adell explained. “When I got to the second one, which looked identical to the first, I thought, ‘Wow, my routes are on point tonight.’ The third one was just grit. Top of the ninth, you have to get it done. It was crazy.
“You just get there, then it’s decision-making. The ball was hit high enough to where I could get there. I watched it (into my glove), fell over and ended up in somebody’s lap. I don’t know who it was, but it was a softer landing than I expected. The fans were as fired up as me.”
Data from Inside Edge shows Adell has prevented 10 home runs since 2020, matching Kyle Tucker of the Dodgers for the major league lead. The outfielders who prevented the most home runs throughout the entire 2025 season were Washington’s Jacob Young and San Diego’s Fernando Tatis, each with four.
Baseball historians believe this marks the first instance of a player preventing three home runs during a single contest.
“It was like a movie scene,” Hunter described regarding Adell’s final catch. “It was like the music was playing, then he caught the ball, then he went down and we didn’t see him anymore. The music paused, he came up and said, ‘Yeah!’ I started cheering and almost blacked out.”
Hunter, the former star for Minnesota, Los Angeles and Detroit, has collaborated closely with Adell on defensive fundamentals over recent years.
“His impact has been huge,” Adell acknowledged. “It’s mental when you’re out there — it’s a mindset of going to get the baseball, being aggressive. Early, I was caught in between on some plays, and sometimes that happens.
“When you err on the side of being aggressive and trying to make the plays, you’d be surprised at how many plays you make. That’s the mindset Torii had all those years, winning all those Gold Gloves.”
YAOUNDE, Cameroon — Legislators in Cameroon have voted decisively to restore the vice presidency role through a constitutional change that opposition leaders claim will expand the already extensive authority of 93-year-old President Paul Biya.
Biya stands as the globe’s most senior head of state and has governed the central African country for more than four decades since taking power in 1982. He secured his eighth presidential term in a contested election last year that drew widespread criticism.
During Saturday’s combined legislative session involving both chambers, lawmakers passed the controversial measure by a vote of 200 in favor, 18 opposed, and 4 abstentions. The primary opposition party refused to participate in the proceedings, and Biya is anticipated to formally enact the legislation.
Under the new constitutional provision, the elderly president gains complete discretion over the vice presidential role, including the power to select and remove the officeholder without restriction. The deputy would only possess authority specifically granted by Biya. Should the president pass away, step down, or become unable to serve, the vice president would assume temporary leadership for the balance of the seven-year term.
Legislators from the governing Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement praised the new law as essential for maintaining governmental continuity. Opposition voices, however, condemned the measure as an attack on democratic values that substitutes presidential selection for electoral legitimacy.
In an official statement, the opposition Social Democratic Front declared the constitutional change “fails to guarantee democratic legitimacy, inclusiveness, and proper institutional balance.”
SDF parliamentarian Fusi Namukong spoke to The Associated Press about his concerns regarding the legislation’s implications. “It’s not democratic. This is a republic, and in a republic, those who wield power at the highest level of the state should be elected and not appointed,” Namukong stated, adding that the law creates conditions for monarchical rule.
The Cameroon Bar Association has also expressed alarm, cautioning that the amendment “erodes the democratic legitimacy (of) the presidential office” and weakens the nation’s constitutional framework.
Cameroon eliminated the vice presidential position in 1972 through a constitutional vote.
Questions about Biya’s physical condition have persisted as he frequently travels to Europe for extended periods, delegating administrative duties to senior party members and relatives. His victory in the 2025 election triggered significant demonstrations that resulted in at least four fatalities, highlighting increasing friction between the nation’s predominantly youthful population and its elderly president.
Denver’s Nikola Jokic put together a masterful 40-point performance, capping it off with a crucial 7-foot shot late in overtime, as the Nuggets defeated San Antonio 136-134 on Saturday night, bringing the Spurs’ remarkable 11-game winning streak to an end.
The Serbian center dominated the extra period with seven points to help Denver secure its eighth consecutive victory, despite an outstanding effort from San Antonio’s Victor Wembanyama. The young French star delivered 34 points and pulled down 18 rebounds while converting an impressive 16 of 17 free throw attempts.
Supporting Jokic’s stellar night, Christian Braun contributed 21 points for the Nuggets. Jamal Murray recorded a double-double with 15 points and 10 assists, while Cam Johnson added 17 points to the winning effort. Aaron Gordon chipped in 15 points and Tim Hardaway Jr. provided 10 points for Denver, which trailed by six points with just 1:39 remaining in regulation before mounting their comeback.
San Antonio received strong contributions across their roster, with Stephon Castle leading the way with 20 points. Devin Vassell and Julian Champagnie each scored 18 points, while De’Aaron Fox added 14 points to the effort. Dylan Harper contributed 12 points and Keldon Johnson scored 10 for the Spurs, who entered the contest having won 27 of their previous 29 games.
In other NBA action, Detroit secured the Eastern Conference’s top seed with a decisive 116-93 road victory over Philadelphia. Tobias Harris led the Pistons with 19 points, while Daniss Jenkins recorded 16 points and 14 assists in the win.
The victory gives Detroit home-court advantage throughout the Eastern Conference playoffs for the first time since 2007. The Pistons have maintained their strong play despite star guard Cade Cunningham being sidelined with a collapsed lung, posting an 8-2 record during his absence.
Philadelphia struggled offensively in the second half, managing just 33 points after halftime while shooting 34.2% from the field. Tyrese Maxey scored 23 points and Paul George added 20 for the 76ers, who played without Joel Embiid on the second night of back-to-back games.
Miami dominated Washington 152-136 in another high-scoring affair, led by Jaime Jaquez Jr.’s season-best 32 points. Kel’el Ware had a standout performance with 24 points, 19 rebounds, and seven blocks for the Heat.
The Heat controlled the game early, building leads as large as 35 points in the second quarter before resting their starters. The victory marked Miami’s third 150-point game in franchise history.
Washington continued their struggles, losing their 21st game in the last 22 contests. Will Riley provided a bright spot with 31 points on efficient 12-of-17 shooting, while Sharife Cooper scored 20 points and Jaden Hardy added 19 for the Wizards.
Egypt’s private sector economy outside the oil industry experienced its steepest decline in nearly two years during March, as ongoing Middle East warfare increased business expenses and reduced customer demand, according to a key business survey released Sunday.
The S&P Global Egypt Purchasing Managers’ Index dropped for the fourth month in a row, falling to 48.0 in March compared to 48.9 in February. This marked the weakest performance since April 2024.
The index stayed below the critical 50.0 mark that indicates whether business activity is expanding or shrinking, though it remained close to the survey’s historical average of 48.2.
Production levels and incoming orders were the primary factors pulling down the index, with both measurements reaching their weakest points in almost two years. Companies consistently pointed to the regional conflict as reducing customer demand, particularly as it intensified pricing pressures.
For the first time, business outlook for the next year turned negative, with firms pointing to war-related uncertainty as a primary source of pessimism, although the level of concern was characterized as moderate.
Despite the decline, David Owen, senior economist at S&P Global Market Intelligence, observed that “the latest figure of 48.0 still relates to annual GDP growth of around 4.3%,” and noted that “recent data suggests the domestic non-oil sector is on a solid underlying growth path.”
Rising expenses continued to pose significant challenges for businesses. Input costs jumped at their steepest rate in 18 months, with companies reporting higher fuel expenses and other war-driven commodity price increases, made worse by a strengthening U.S. dollar.
Companies responded by increasing their prices at the quickest pace in 10 months, although the overall price hikes remained relatively small.
Iranian officials carried out death sentences Sunday for two men who were found guilty of attempting to break into a military installation and gain access to weapons during January’s civil unrest, according to the country’s judicial news service Mizan.
The executed individuals were named as Mohammadamin Biglari and Shahin Vahedparast, who were part of a four-person group facing capital punishment in the same legal proceeding, human rights organization Amnesty International reported.
Iran’s highest court confirmed the death penalties for the pair, who were classified among “rioters who sought to commit mass murder” through their alleged attempts to obtain firearms and military supplies, the judicial outlet reported.
The executions follow last week’s killing of 18-year-old Amirhossein Hatami, who received the death penalty in the identical case connected to the country-wide demonstrations against the government that Iran’s Islamic Republic violently suppressed in what represents the most extensive government crackdown in the nation’s modern era.
Amnesty International’s latest findings indicate that 11 men currently face the possibility of immediate execution for their involvement in the protest activities.
According to the human rights group, these individuals were “subjected to torture and other ill-treatment in detention” prior to being found guilty in “grossly unfair trials that relied on forced confessions.”
Delaware drivers are being urged to exercise extreme caution as dense fog has enveloped communities across the First State, creating hazardous driving conditions with severely reduced visibility.
The Delaware Department of Transportation reports that fog of varying thickness has been spotted throughout all three counties, prompting safety concerns for morning and evening commuters.
Transportation officials recommend that motorists reduce their speed, increase following distance, and use low-beam headlights when navigating through the foggy conditions. Drivers should avoid using high beams, which can reflect off the fog and further reduce visibility.
The weather phenomenon has created particularly dangerous situations on major roadways where visibility can drop to just a few hundred feet or less in the heaviest fog banks.
TEL AVIV, Israel — Humanitarian organizations are sounding the alarm that ongoing Middle East warfare is severely hampering their capacity to deliver essential food and medical supplies to millions of vulnerable people worldwide, warning that continued violence will worsen the crisis.
The conflict has not only blocked crucial shipping lanes and triggered a worldwide energy crisis, but has also thrown supply chains into chaos for relief organizations, compelling them to rely on more expensive and lengthy alternative routes.
Critical waterways like the Strait of Hormuz have been essentially closed off, while shipping routes from major logistical centers including Dubai, Doha and Abu Dhabi have also suffered disruptions. Transportation expenses have skyrocketed due to increased fuel prices and insurance premiums, resulting in fewer supplies being delivered for the same budget.
The World Food Program reports tens of thousands of metric tons of food supplies experiencing significant transit delays. The International Rescue Committee has pharmaceuticals worth $130,000 destined for conflict-ravaged Sudan sitting stranded in Dubai, while nearly 670 containers of therapeutic nutrition for severely undernourished children in Somalia remain stuck in India. The U.N. Population Fund indicates delays in shipping equipment to 16 nations.
Dramatic U.S. reductions in foreign aid funding had already weakened numerous relief organizations, who report the conflict is making matters worse.
United Nations officials describe this as the most severe supply chain breakdown since the COVID pandemic, with shipping costs rising up to 20% and significant delays as cargo gets redirected. The warfare is also generating fresh humanitarian crises, including in Iran and Lebanon where at least one million people have been forced from their homes.
“The war on Iran and disruption to the Strait of Hormuz risk pushing humanitarian operations beyond their limits,” stated Madiha Raza, associate director for public affairs and communications for Africa for the International Rescue Committee.
She noted that even after hostilities end, the damage to worldwide supply networks could continue delaying life-saving assistance for months.
The conflict has compelled organizations to develop alternative transportation methods, with some avoiding the Strait of Hormuz and Suez Canal entirely and sending ships around Africa, extending delivery times by weeks.
Other groups are employing combined approaches using land, sea and air transport, which increases expenses.
Jean-Cedric Meeus, chief of global transport and logistics for UNICEF, explained his organization is utilizing mixed land and air routes to deliver vaccines to Nigeria and Iran to meet vaccination campaign deadlines, though costs have surged.
Prior to the war, UNICEF shipped vaccines to Iran via direct flights from suppliers worldwide. Currently, vaccines are flown to Turkey and transported overland into Iran, increasing costs by 20% and adding 10 days to delivery schedules, he explained.
Save the Children International, which previously shipped supplies via ocean freight from Dubai to Port Sudan, must now truck materials from Dubai through Saudi Arabia and transport them by barge across the Red Sea. This route extends delivery by 10 days and raises costs approximately 25%, while over 19 million Sudanese face severe food shortages. The delays threaten more than 90 primary healthcare facilities across Sudan with running out of vital medicines.
Price increases also force organizations to make difficult priority decisions.
“In the end, you sacrifice either the number of children that you serve … or you sacrifice the number of items that you can afford to buy,” explained Janti Soeripto, president of Save the Children for the United States. The organization maintains stockpiles in countries where it operates, but some could be depleted within weeks.
Increased costs are also affecting people’s ability to access help within their own countries.
Doctors Without Borders reported that rising fuel costs across Somalia — where approximately 6.5 million people face acute food insecurity — have increased transportation and food expenses, making healthcare access more difficult. In Nigeria, the IRC reports fuel prices have jumped 50% and medical facilities are struggling to power equipment like generators, while mobile health teams have reduced operations.
Global hunger represents one of the most serious concerns regarding the war’s impact.
WFP cautions that if fighting continues through June, an additional 45 million people will face acute hunger, adding to nearly 320 million people experiencing food insecurity globally.
Approximately 30% of the world’s fertilizer passes through the Strait of Hormuz, and with planting seasons approaching in regions like East Africa and South Asia, small farmers in developing nations will face severe hardships. Sudan imports over half its fertilizer from the Gulf region while Kenya receives roughly 40% from there, according to aid organizations.
The U.N. secretary-general has created a task force to facilitate fertilizer trade — based on the Black Sea Grain Initiative model. However, aid groups argue this won’t suffice. Without a ceasefire, governments must provide additional funding for organizations to address rising expenses, they maintain.
Humanitarian specialists note a slower international funding response during this conflict compared to previous wars like Ukraine, possibly reflecting increased pressure to prioritize security investments over aid during global instability.
“They’re making hard choices between defense security and humanitarian aid,” said Sam Vigersky, an international affairs fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations who has analyzed the war’s impact on aid.
He noted that while the U.S. typically includes aid provisions when engaging in warfare, it hasn’t been “activating” those provisions. “It’s not a capacity issue, it’s a policy decision,” he stated.
Tommy Pigott, principal deputy spokesperson for the U.S. State Department, emphasized that the U.S. has been the “most generous country in the world” regarding humanitarian assistance.
The department announced it’s providing an additional $50 million in emergency aid to Lebanon, including support for the World Food Program, and is collaborating closely with the United Nations and other organizations to address humanitarian requirements.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has voiced worries that an extended Middle East conflict involving Iran could diminish America’s military assistance to Ukraine, particularly affecting shipments of vital Patriot missile defense systems.
During an exclusive interview with The Associated Press in Istanbul on Saturday, Zelenskyy emphasized Ukraine’s urgent need for additional U.S.-manufactured Patriot defense systems to defend against Russia’s daily missile attacks.
Russia’s continuous bombardment of civilian areas since launching its full-scale invasion over four years ago has resulted in thousands of civilian deaths. Moscow has also systematically attacked Ukraine’s power infrastructure to disrupt production of Ukraine’s domestically developed weapons while depriving citizens of heating and water during winter months.
“We have to recognize that we are not the priority for today,” Zelenskyy said. “That’s why I am afraid a long (Iran) war will give us less support.”
Recent U.S.-mediated negotiations between Russian and Ukrainian representatives concluded in February without any progress. Zelenskyy, who has criticized Russia for “trying to drag out negotiations” while continuing its offensive, confirmed Ukraine maintains communication with American negotiators regarding a possible agreement to conclude the conflict and continues pushing for enhanced security assurances.
However, he noted that even these conversations demonstrate a wider shift in attention away from Ukraine.
Zelenskyy’s primary worry centers on Patriot systems — crucial for stopping Russian ballistic missiles — since Ukraine currently has no viable substitute.
These American defense systems were never provided in adequate numbers initially, Zelenskyy explained, and if the Iran conflict continues, “the package — which is not very big for us — I think will be smaller and smaller day by day.”
“That’s why, of course, we are afraid,” he said.
Zelenskyy had hoped European allies would assist with Patriot acquisitions despite tight availability and restricted U.S. manufacturing capacity.
However, the Iran conflict, now entering its sixth week, has created ripple effects throughout the global economy and drawn in much of the broader Middle East, further stretching these already scarce resources, redirecting stockpiles and leaving Ukrainian cities more vulnerable to missile strikes.
For Ukraine, a primary goal involves weakening Russia’s economy and making the conflict financially unsustainable. Rising oil prices caused by Iran’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz are undermining this approach by increasing the Kremlin’s petroleum revenues and strengthening Moscow’s ability to continue its military campaign.
During his AP interview, Zelenskyy noted that Russia benefits economically from the Middle East conflict, pointing to the partial relaxation of American sanctions on Russian oil.
“Russia gets additional money because of this, so yes, they have benefits,” he said.
To maintain Ukraine’s prominence on the international stage, Zelenskyy has proposed sharing Ukraine’s combat experience with the United States and allies to create effective defenses against Iranian attacks.
Ukraine has countered Russia’s evolving deployment of Iranian-manufactured Shahed drones with increasing sophistication, technological creativity and cost efficiency.
Russia substantially altered the original Shahed-136, renaming it the Geran-2, improving its capacity to avoid air defenses and enable mass production. Ukraine countered with rapid innovations, including affordable interceptor drones designed to track and eliminate incoming threats.
Zelenskyy indicated Ukraine is prepared to share with Gulf Arab nations targeted by Iran its knowledge and technology, including interceptor drones and naval drones, which Ukraine manufactures in surplus quantities with funding from American and European partners.
In exchange, these nations could assist Ukraine “with anti-ballistic missiles,” Zelenskyy said.
In late March, as the Iran conflict intensified, Zelenskyy traveled to Gulf Arab states to promote Ukraine’s unique expertise in countering Iranian-made Shahed drones, resulting in new defense cooperation partnerships.
Zelenskyy has also presented Ukraine as a potential ally in protecting global shipping lanes, offering help in reopening the Strait of Hormuz by sharing Ukraine’s knowledge of securing maritime passages in the Black Sea.
Zelenskyy was in Istanbul for discussions with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, one day after the Turkish leader conversed with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Zelenskyy said they explored peace negotiations and a potential leaders’ summit in Istanbul. He also mentioned that new defense agreements between the two nations could be finalized soon.
Each year as weather conditions improve, Russia intensifies its grinding war of attrition. Nevertheless, it has failed to capture Ukrainian cities and has achieved only marginal advances across rural territories. Russia controls approximately 20% of Ukraine, including the Crimean Peninsula, which Russia annexed in 2014.
Along the roughly 1,250-kilometer (750-mile) battle line extending across eastern and southern Ukraine, undermanned Ukrainian forces are preparing for a renewed offensive by Russia’s larger military.
The commander-in-chief of Ukraine’s armed forces, Gen. Oleksandr Syrskyi, reported that Russian forces have recently made coordinated attempts to penetrate defense positions in multiple strategic locations.
One principle Zelenskyy says he has maintained and will continue to uphold — territorial concessions and surrendering land will not be part of Ukraine’s negotiating position.
A U.S. military pilot who disappeared after Iranian forces brought down an American fighter aircraft has been successfully recovered, President Donald Trump announced on social media early Sunday morning.
The rescue operation concluded an intense search effort that began Friday when an F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jet crashed, with Iranian authorities offering bounties for anyone who could capture the “enemy pilot.” Another crew member from the same aircraft had been recovered in an earlier operation.
“This brave Warrior was behind enemy lines in the treacherous mountains of Iran, being hunted down by our enemies, who were getting closer and closer by the hour,” Trump wrote.
According to Trump’s statement, the rescued aviator sustained injuries but “will be just fine.” The president detailed that the recovery mission utilized “dozens of aircraft” and that American forces had maintained constant surveillance of the pilot’s position “24 hours a day, and diligently planning for his rescue.”
This marks the initial U.S. military aircraft lost over Iranian soil since hostilities commenced in late February.
Trump declared last week that America had “decimated” Iran and would conclude the conflict “very fast.” However, just two days following that statement, Iranian forces successfully destroyed two U.S. military aircraft, demonstrating the continued dangers of the aerial campaign and Iran’s capacity to retaliate despite military setbacks.
The conflict initiated with combined U.S.-Israel military strikes on February 28 and has resulted in thousands of casualties, disrupted international markets, blocked critical shipping lanes, and driven up energy costs. Both nations have targeted and struck civilian infrastructure, prompting warnings about potential war crimes.
The second aircraft lost was a U.S. A-10 attack plane. Military officials have not disclosed the condition of that crew or the precise crash location.
Trump issued fresh ultimatums for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a vital passage for worldwide energy transport that Tehran has blocked, demanding compliance by Monday or threatening severe retaliation. In a Saturday social media message, he stated: “Remember when I gave Iran ten days to MAKE A DEAL or OPEN UP THE HORMUZ STRAIT. Time is running out — 48 hours before all Hell will reign down on them.”
Iranian General Ali Abdollahi Aliabadi from the nation’s joint military command responded Saturday evening through state media, warning that “The doors of hell will be opened to you” if Iran’s infrastructure faces attack. The general also threatened all U.S. military facilities throughout the region.
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Tahir Andrabi informed The Associated Press that his nation’s ceasefire mediation efforts remain “right on track” following Islamabad’s announcement last week about hosting upcoming U.S.-Iran negotiations.
Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araghchi stated that Iranian representatives “have never refused to go to Islamabad.”
Diplomatic sources indicate that mediators from Pakistan, Turkey, and Egypt are working to facilitate negotiations between Washington and Tehran, according to two regional officials.
The potential agreement involves halting military actions to enable diplomatic resolution, based on information from a regional official participating in the mediation and a Gulf diplomat briefed on the discussions. Both sources requested anonymity due to the confidential nature of the diplomatic process.
A U.S. official, speaking anonymously about sensitive military matters, confirmed that another American Air Force combat aircraft went down in the Middle East on Friday. The circumstances remain unclear regarding whether the plane crashed or was shot down, and Iranian involvement has not been confirmed.
Iranian state media reported that their defense forces struck down a U.S. A-10 attack aircraft over the Persian Gulf.
Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, Iran’s parliamentary speaker, issued an indirect threat Friday evening to disrupt shipping through the Bab el-Mandeb, another strategically important regional waterway.
This passage, spanning 32 kilometers (20 miles), connects the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean. Over ten percent of global seaborne oil shipments and twenty-five percent of container vessels transit through this strait.
“Which countries and companies account for the highest transit volumes through the strait?” Qalibaf wrote.
Casualty figures show more than 1,900 deaths in Iran since fighting began.
In Gulf Arab nations and the occupied West Bank, over two dozen people have perished, while Israel reports 19 deaths and the U.S. military has lost 13 service members. Lebanon has experienced more than 1,400 fatalities with over one million people displaced, while ten Israeli soldiers have died in that country.
The United Kingdom is actively pursuing artificial intelligence company Anthropic to establish a larger presence in Britain, seeking to benefit from tensions between the AI firm and US military officials, according to a Financial Times report published Sunday.
Government officials in Britain have presented various incentives to Anthropic, including opportunities for expanding operations in London and pursuing a dual stock listing arrangement, the publication reported, citing sources familiar with the discussions.
Neither Anthropic nor Britain’s Department of Science, Innovation and Technology provided immediate responses when contacted for comment.
The department’s efforts have received backing from Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s administration, with plans to present these proposals directly to Anthropic’s chief executive Dario Amodei during his scheduled visit in late May, according to the Financial Times.
The courtship comes after US officials placed Anthropic on a national security blacklist, labeling the company as a supply-chain security threat following the firm’s refusal to permit military use of its Claude AI chatbot for surveillance operations or autonomous weapons systems.
Currently, a federal judge has issued a temporary order halting the blacklisting action, while Anthropic pursues a second legal challenge against the supply-chain risk classification.
The U.S. military successfully retrieved an injured American pilot after conducting what officials described as an extraordinarily bold rescue mission in Iran, government sources confirmed early Sunday morning.
The operation concluded a high-stakes crisis for President Donald Trump as the conflict with Iran enters its sixth week, after Iranian forces shot down an American F-15 fighter aircraft.
In a statement released through White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt on social media platform X, Trump described the mission as exceptional. “Over the past several hours, the United States Military pulled off one of the most daring Search and Rescue Operations in U.S. History,” the statement read.
While Trump confirmed the rescued crew member sustained injuries, he assured the public that “he will be just fine.”
Iranian officials announced Friday that their air defense systems had successfully targeted the F-15, which carried two personnel. News reports from Friday indicated that military forces had already recovered the first crew member, sparking an intense competition between Iranian and American forces to locate the remaining pilot.
As the holiday season approached in 2025, Julie Hart found herself trapped in a cycle of overthinking. Years of wrestling with a persistent issue had left her second-guessing every decision and dwelling on past choices throughout each day.
While traditional weekly therapy seemed like an option, Hart chose to explore single-session counseling instead. This approach offered just one hour to address her concerns, and the results exceeded her expectations.
“It helped me get unstuck, is how I would describe it, in a very positive, meaningful and effective way,” said Hart, who lives in Springfield, Virginia.
Mental health professionals report that Hart represents a growing trend of individuals choosing focused, one-time counseling over the extended commitment typically associated with conventional therapy.
This therapeutic approach delivers exactly what its name suggests: a single hour-long meeting where a mental health professional guides clients toward practical solutions for specific challenges. The goal isn’t to eliminate problems entirely, but to equip people with useful techniques for managing them.
“Those strategies made all kinds of sense,” Hart explained. “But you can’t identify them when you’re in it.”
While this concept isn’t revolutionary—even Sigmund Freud provided such services—its popularity has surged as mental health care access becomes increasingly challenging, according to Jessica Schleider, a psychology professor at Northwestern University who directs the Lab for Scalable Mental Health.
Traditional therapy costs have climbed to hundreds of dollars monthly, and even individuals with insurance coverage or financial means face extensive waiting periods for appointments.
“Even if we doubled miraculously the number of trained mental health professionals overnight, we still wouldn’t come anywhere close to meeting the need for mental health support,” Schleider explained.
Additional obstacles include work schedules that prevent people from attending regular weekly appointments.
Statistics reveal that most therapy clients attend only one session anyway, as many begin treatment but don’t return for follow-up visits, Schleider noted.
“It’s a really elegant solution to get people support they need at the moment that need arises,” she said.
Sharon Thomas, a psychologist who oversees single-session therapy at Washington, D.C.’s Ross Center, emphasizes that both therapist and client begin with clear expectations: “That the client will be able to have meaningful change in their life, and that we’ll see an improvement in both their self-efficacy and a decline in their symptoms in just one visit.”
Instead of conducting comprehensive evaluations of a client’s history and current situation, therapists concentrate on one particular issue. Sessions conclude with clients receiving written action plans outlining steps to address their concerns.
“Not everyone wants to discuss childhood trauma,” Thomas noted. “It’s very much focused on what the client wants to focus on in that moment.”
Arnold Slive, a psychology professor at Our Lady of the Lake University in Texas who helped establish walk-in single-session therapy centers in Canada during the 1990s, believes most people can gain value from this approach. Whether dealing with immediate stressors like workplace conflicts or ongoing issues such as anxiety, clients can find relief.
Slive emphasizes that therapists must still evaluate suicide risk, and individuals with severe mental health conditions may require traditional therapy or medication.
“It’s not meant to replace all those other things that mental health professionals do, but it can help people feel better,” Slive said.
This approach assumes every client possesses inherent strengths to tackle their problems. Single sessions often appeal to people who question whether conventional therapy suits their needs.
“It’s like putting a toe in the water,” Slive described.
Research supporting single-session interventions has expanded significantly, with Schleider noting that studies have “blossomed in the past five or 10 years to where this has become a more well-established form of mental health support.”
Her laboratory analyzed 415 clinical trials and discovered that single-session methods typically decreased mental health symptoms across various conditions, including depression and anxiety, for people of all ages.
Months after her session, Hart continues to feel improvement and reports increased confidence knowing she can return if needed.
Military officials have confirmed the successful recovery of an American service member who had been missing since Iranian forces downed a U.S. fighter aircraft on Friday.
Two defense officials, speaking anonymously before any formal Pentagon announcement, revealed Sunday that the airman was found following an intensive search and rescue mission. The crew member had been unaccounted for since Iran destroyed a U.S. F-15E Strike Eagle. Military personnel had already recovered a second crew member from the same aircraft earlier.
The incident has intensified tensions in what has now become a six-week military engagement. Iran’s destruction of two American military aircraft, combined with their public appeal to locate the “enemy pilot,” has significantly escalated the conflict.
President Donald Trump has issued an ultimatum to Iran regarding the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, setting Monday as his deadline for the waterway to remain accessible.
The military confrontation, which commenced with coordinated American-Israeli operations on February 28, has resulted in thousands of casualties and created widespread global disruption. International markets have experienced significant volatility, critical maritime shipping lanes have been blocked, and energy costs have surged dramatically.
Both nations have targeted civilian infrastructure and issued threats against non-military sites, prompting international concerns about potential violations of warfare laws.
The conflict’s economic ripple effects are being felt worldwide, with Senegal announcing travel restrictions for government officials as part of emergency cost-cutting measures. Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko explained that his administration is implementing severe spending limitations due to the energy crisis.
“I have taken a number of drastic measures to restrict everything related to government spending, including the cancellation of all nonessential missions abroad,” Sonko stated to the government publication Le Soleil.
Senegal’s economy faces particular vulnerability since the nation imports the majority of its petroleum needs. The shipping disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz have caused crude oil prices to nearly double from the projected $62 per barrel to approximately $120.
American consumers are experiencing the conflict’s impact through rising mortgage rates, which have climbed to 6.46% this week – the highest level in nearly seven months. The increase represents a significant jump from late February rates of just under 6%.
“The war in Iran has seriously complicated the spring buying season,” explained Joel Berner, a senior economist with Realtor.com. “I expect that many buyers will be put off by rising rates and mounting economic uncertainty, choosing to bide their time rather than jumping on board for a purchase before rates go up.”
During a cloudy pre-Easter afternoon, approximately a dozen students filed into a Rochester Cathedral annex where an age-old ritual began to unfold.
The children shed their everyday school gear and donned traditional burgundy robes topped with white vestments. Moving into the main cathedral space, they lifted their voices in unified song. This casual group of youngsters had transformed into a formal choir, carrying forward an English church musical heritage that has remained virtually intact for nearly five centuries.
“I think for me, it’s one of the sounds of our country,” said Adrian Bawtree, the choir’s music director. “All of our cathedrals are beautiful, sacred spaces where you can come and just sit and be and you can be immersed, bathed, nourished, sent out back into the world transformed by an experience in 30 minutes.”
The pinnacle of this ancient practice is Choral Evensong, a twilight worship service featuring hymns, biblical psalms and spiritual prayers designed by Archbishop Thomas Cranmer, the Church of England’s initial Protestant leader, in 1549. During this ceremony, the choir provides all musical elements while worshippers participate through listening alone.
However, this centuries-old custom faces serious challenges as contemporary lifestyle pressures, shrinking religious participation and limited financial resources create obstacles in recruiting and developing future choir members.
Advocates are working to change this trajectory by promoting a governmental initiative to designate English cathedral music as significant British cultural heritage through a United Nations framework designed to safeguard “intangible cultural heritage” alongside physical monuments and environmental treasures.
British officials are currently collecting suggestions for a national catalog of cultural practices — ranging from Morris dancing to traditional stone wall construction — deserving preservation. Government leaders emphasize that protecting these customs strengthens local community bonds and supports the national economy through heritage tourism worth billions annually.
Though many recognize English cathedral music through the celestial sounds of young singers in ceremonial garments performing at royal ceremonies and Christmas celebrations, these choirs actually perform daily in far more modest environments.
Many face financial difficulties, reports the Cathedral Music Trust, established in 1956 to address post-World War II church music decline. The organization distributed 500,000 pounds ($661,000) to 28 religious institutions nationwide last year.
The expenses can be substantial. Rochester Cathedral allocates approximately 250,000 pounds ($330,000) annually for musical programs, representing a significant investment for a regional cathedral, though some spend considerably more.
Trust officials believe official recognition would generate public awareness and essential funding for these choirs, which serve as vital training centers for future musicians in both religious and secular fields.
“Whilst it happens every day, it is actually quite fragile,” trust CEO Jonathan Mayes said. “It takes an awful lot of work and it takes a lot of funding to actually make it happen and that doesn’t come without effort.”
Maintaining Evensong carries historical significance because these services played a crucial role in developing and spreading contemporary English language, explained Diarmaid MacCulloch, a Christianity scholar and emeritus Oxford University professor.
The ceremony draws from the Book of Common Prayer, created by Cranmer to establish English as the Church of England’s primary language following its separation from the Latin-focused Catholic Church during the Protestant Reformation.
The goal was establishing inclusive worship services for all participants.
“It is very much a drama, and it is a drama which has been performed by the people of England from 1549 through to the present day,” MacCulloch said. “It’s far more a vehicle of public consciousness performance than any play of Shakespeare.”
While increasing numbers of choirs like Rochester now welcome both male and female participants, most other aspects remain unchanged from centuries past.
“The service would be really quite recognizable to Queen Elizabeth I as much as Queen Elizabeth II,” MacCulloch said. “And that’s quite remarkable.”
Bawtree, Rochester Cathedral’s musical leader, dedicates himself to preserving this tradition while guiding the youngest performers, ages 9-13, called choristers, plus an older youth ensemble. Professional adult vocalists support both groups.
Bawtree recalls being captivated by church music during his first encounter with organ and choral sounds around age 9. Today he emphasizes that services like Evensong welcome anyone to experience exceptional choral performances regardless of personal faith.
“When I heard it, it was like big octopus arms came and grabbed me and said, ‘You’ve got to be part of this.’ So I think I am trying to speak to that 9-year-old child and saying actually this is something that could speak to most people, if not everyone.
“And because I had that experience, I would like to share that with future generations and be passionate about that,” he said. “We talk in the world of mindfulness and the power of music to transform lives. This is an extraordinary arena where that can happen.”
A father in Chicago is seeking justice after his 3-year-old daughter allegedly endured sexual abuse while spending five months in federal immigration custody, according to a new lawsuit.
The legal permanent U.S. resident waited desperately for his toddler’s release after she and her mother crossed the border near El Paso in September. Only after turning to the courts did he discover the horrific truth about what happened to his daughter in a Texas foster home.
“She was so long in there,” the father told reporters, speaking anonymously to protect his daughter’s identity. “I just think that if they would have moved faster, nothing like that would have happened.”
The case highlights how new Trump administration policies have dramatically extended detention periods for immigrant children. Average custody times have skyrocketed from 37 days when Trump took office to nearly 200 days by February.
Immigration officials separated the mother and daughter after the mother faced charges for false statements. The child was then placed with the Office of Refugee Resettlement, which oversees care for immigrant minors in shelters and foster homes.
For months, the father’s reunion efforts hit roadblock after roadblock as officials claimed they couldn’t schedule his fingerprinting appointment.
During this extended separation, court records reveal the girl reported being sexually abused multiple times by an older child in the Harlingen, Texas foster home. A caregiver discovered the girl’s underwear was backwards and noticed bleeding, prompting the child to disclose the repeated abuse.
Federal officials only told the father there had been an “accident” requiring medical examination.
“I asked them, ‘What happened? I want to know. I’m her father. I want to know what’s going on,’ and they just told me that they couldn’t give me more information, that it was under investigation,” he recalled.
The girl underwent forensic examination and interviews. While the father wasn’t informed of results, the accused older child was removed from the foster program. Local law enforcement received reports of the alleged abuse.
“To have your child abused while in the government’s care, to not understand what has happened or how to protect them, to not even be told about the abuse, it is unimaginable,” said Lauren Fisher Flores, the girl’s attorney. “Children deserve safety and they belong with their parents.”
The lawsuit names the Office of Refugee Resettlement and the Department of Health and Human Services, neither of which responded to requests for comment.
New Trump administration rules have created additional barriers for sponsors seeking to retrieve children. Enhanced documentation requirements, pressure on unaccompanied minors to self-deport, and ICE arrests of sponsors during the release process have all contributed to longer separations.
Legal advocates have increasingly filed emergency habeas corpus petitions to force quicker releases. Fisher Flores, who directs the American Bar Association’s ProBar project, said her organization has handled eight such emergency cases this year for children held an average of 225 days—a type of petition they never needed before this administration.
Legal intervention finally broke the logjam in February, prompting officials to schedule the father’s fingerprinting, home visit, and DNA testing. But even then, officials provided no release timeline.
Only after attorneys filed the emergency court petition did officials release the girl two days later. It was during lawsuit preparation that the father learned the “accident” was actually alleged sexual abuse.
“Increasingly, we have to turn to the federal courts to challenge these harmful legal violations and demand that children be released,” Fisher Flores explained.
Neha Desai from the National Center for Youth Law called the case “yet another version of family separation.”
“A bipartisan Congress designed protections around the simple principle that children should be released to their family quickly and safely. This administration has been consistently flouting its legal obligations to release children to their families, profoundly jeopardizing children’s health and well-being,” Desai stated.
When father and daughter finally reunited, both cried with joy. However, the five-month separation left lasting impacts. The father noticed his daughter now suffers nightmares and becomes easily upset—behaviors she never displayed before.
The family currently lives in Chicago with the girl’s grandparents while navigating immigration court proceedings.
A three-week labor dispute at a major Colorado beef processing plant has come to an end after the company agreed to restart contract negotiations with its workforce.
Approximately 3,800 employees at the JBS facility in Greeley, Colorado will head back to work following the company’s commitment to resume talks on April 9th and 10th. The workers had walked off the job last month demanding wage increases that keep pace with inflation and an end to company fees for replacing safety gear.
The timing of this labor action coincides with unprecedented challenges in the beef industry, as cattle supplies have plummeted to their lowest levels in three-quarters of a century. This shortage has driven beef prices to historic highs, creating record costs for processing companies like JBS when purchasing livestock for slaughter, even as they benefit from elevated meat prices.
“Workers remain united and will continue to fight until JBS fully ends its unfair labor practices,” stated Kim Cordova, who leads the local union representing the Greeley employees.
Cordova emphasized that workers are seeking a contract agreement that provides proper protection, demonstrates appropriate respect, and ensures livable compensation.
A company representative confirmed to Reuters that no new agreement has been reached and the original contract proposal remains unchanged.
“We are pleased to welcome our team members back and are preparing to resume and ramp up operations at the Greeley plant next week,” the JBS spokesperson stated via email.
This work stoppage has reduced America’s meat processing capabilities at a time when the industry is already facing constraints. Tyson Foods shuttered a Nebraska beef facility earlier this year and scaled back operations at a Texas location.
The labor conflict involves workers represented by United Food and Commercial Workers Local 7 union and comes during a period when meat processing companies typically aim to maximize plant efficiency and capacity to help offset substantial operational expenses.
South Korea’s Finance Minister Koo Yun-cheol held discussions with diplomatic representatives from Gulf nations on Friday to address concerns about energy security and maritime safety in a crucial shipping corridor, according to a ministry announcement released Sunday.
During the diplomatic meeting, Koo requested that ambassadors from the Gulf Cooperation Council guarantee continued deliveries of oil, liquefied natural gas, naphtha, urea and other essential materials. He also emphasized the need for protection of South Korean ships and their crews operating near the strategically important Strait of Hormuz.
The diplomatic envoys responded by describing South Korea as a “top priority” nation and promised to maintain close coordination with Seoul to guarantee reliable supply chains, according to the ministry’s official statement.
South Korea, similar to many other Asian nations, depends significantly on imported energy resources, much of which travels through the Strait of Hormuz. This waterway previously handled 20% of global oil shipments before conflict erupted on February 28 when the U.S. and Israel initiated military action. Iran’s subsequent actions have essentially blocked the passage, causing energy costs to surge and raising concerns about potential worldwide economic downturn.
The Gulf Cooperation Council includes six member nations: Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman and Bahrain.
A vehicle collision has forced authorities to shut down all northbound lanes of Interstate 495 at East 12th Street, according to the Delaware Department of Transportation.
The complete closure is affecting all traffic heading north on the major highway, with DelDOT reporting the incident through their traffic monitoring system.
No details about the severity of the crash, number of vehicles involved, or potential injuries have been released at this time.
Motorists are advised to seek alternate routes and expect significant delays in the area until the roadway can be cleared and reopened.
Thousands of employees at a massive Colorado beef processing facility have decided to end their three-week walkout and head back to work after the company agreed to restart contract talks, union officials said Saturday.
The labor action at the Swift Beef Co. facility in Greeley, Colorado, started on March 16 when United Food and Commercial Workers Local 7 members walked off the job seeking improved wages and healthcare benefits.
This work stoppage occurred during a time when the nation’s cattle population has dropped to its lowest point in 75 years, caused partly by drought conditions and poor pricing for ranchers. At the same time, consumer beef costs have reached unprecedented heights, contributing to broader economic concerns across the country.
Union representatives stated that employees will clock back in on Tuesday morning following JBS USA’s commitment to restart discussions later this week.
“Workers remain united and will continue to fight,” said local union president Kim Cordova in a statement.
Company spokesperson Nikki Richardson confirmed that JBS USA is “preparing to resume and ramp up operations at the Greeley plant next week.”
“Our Last, Best and Final offer remains on the table,” Richardson said in an email that did not include terms. “We hope employees will have the opportunity to review and vote on it soon.”
This Greeley walkout marks the first time U.S. slaughterhouse workers have gone on strike since employees at a Hormel facility in Minnesota left their posts in 1985. That previous strike extended beyond a year and featured violent clashes between law enforcement and demonstrators.
JBS operates as the globe’s biggest meat processing corporation with a $17 billion market value. The company serves as Greeley’s largest employer in this city of roughly 114,000 residents located 50 miles northeast of Denver.
Union leaders launched the Greeley strike citing allegations that Swift Beef Co. management took retaliatory actions against employees and engaged in other unfair labor practices.
The union reported that the company proposed annual wage increases of less than 2%, falling short of Colorado’s inflation rate. JBS USA has rejected claims of labor law violations and maintained that its contract proposal was reasonable.
Industry analyst Abby Greiman from Ever.Ag noted that the Greeley facility handles approximately 6% of the nation’s total beef slaughterhouse capacity.
A prolonged work stoppage could have disrupted the entire industry and potentially pushed consumer prices even higher, according to Jennifer Martin from Colorado State University’s animal sciences department.
Federal statistics show that ground chuck beef prices have more than doubled in the past twenty years, jumping from $2.55 to $6.07 per pound.
The Colorado labor dispute followed January’s closure of a Tyson Foods processing plant in Lexington, Nebraska, which was anticipated to impact the local economy significantly. Tyson Foods blamed the shutdown on reduced cattle herds and projected losses in the millions this year.
JBS received approval for New York Stock Exchange trading last May despite environmental protests and a federal investigation that resulted in the company’s October guilty plea for bribing Brazilian officials to secure financing for U.S. expansion.
At the Greeley location, union officials accused the company of attempting to pressure workers into leaving the union through individual meetings, according to union general counsel Matt Shechter.
Fourth-seeded American tennis player Tommy Paul secured his spot in the U.S. Men’s Clay Court Championship final after defeating compatriot and second-seed Frances Tiafoe 7-5, 4-6, 7-6 (7) during Saturday’s semifinal action in Houston.
The victory marks Paul’s fourth straight triumph against Tiafoe and earns him his debut appearance in an ATP clay-court final. The marathon contest lasted 2 hours and 45 minutes, with weather disruptions causing delays throughout the match, including a lengthy 90-minute rain interruption during the second set.
Paul dominated the serving statistics with 14 aces and zero double faults, while successfully capitalizing on two of his five break-point chances in the decisive third set. The final set featured dramatic momentum swings, with Tiafoe securing an early break only to see Paul immediately respond with a break of his own. The pattern repeated itself as Paul gained a service break, but Tiafoe answered back in the following game.
During the crucial tiebreaker, Paul appeared to have the match sealed with a 6-4 lead and two match points, but failed to convert either opportunity. He ultimately prevailed by claiming two consecutive points to break a 7-7 deadlock and secure the victory.
The other semifinal featured an all-Argentine matchup, with Roman Andres Burruchaga dominating Thiago Agustin Tirante 6-1, 6-1 to earn his place opposite Paul in the final. Burruchaga was flawless on serve, never facing a break point while converting five of eight break opportunities. Tirante struggled with consistency, committing 25 unforced errors compared to Burruchaga’s 10.
At the Grand Prix Hassan II in Marrakech, Morocco, Argentine qualifier Marco Trungelliti continued his remarkable tournament run by eliminating top-seeded Italian Luciano Darderi 6-4, 7-6 (2). The 36-year-old Trungelliti, ranked 117th in the world, has now become the oldest first-time finalist in ATP Tour history.
Trungelliti’s path to the final included victories over the tournament’s fifth, third, and top seeds. He converted four of six break-point opportunities while taking advantage of Darderi’s eight double faults to prevent the Italian from defending his title from the previous year.
Spain’s Rafael Jodar will face Trungelliti in the final after dismantling Argentine Camilo Ugo Carabelli 6-2, 6-1 in just 63 minutes. The 19-year-old Jodar never lost his serve and accumulated a commanding 23-8 advantage in winners. This represents Jodar’s first tour-level clay court tournament since making his professional debut at this year’s Australian Open.
In Bucharest, Romania, at the Tiriac Open, Spanish qualifier Daniel Merida Aguilar staged a comeback victory over third-seeded Hungarian Fabian Marozsan, winning 6-7 (4), 6-3, 6-1. After losing the opening set, Merida Aguilar found his rhythm and converted four of six break-point chances across the final two sets while recording 35 winners.
Despite committing 39 unforced errors, Merida Aguilar’s exceptional defensive play proved decisive as he saved 17 of 18 break points faced to reach his first tour-level final. Seventh-seeded Argentine Mariano Navone survived two match points to defeat eighth-seeded Dutchman Botic van de Zandschulp 5-7, 7-6 (3), 7-5.
Navone benefited from van de Zandschulp’s 65 unforced errors while breaking serve six times and maintaining an impressive 82% first-serve percentage. The Argentine will seek his first tour-level championship after falling short in the 2024 Bucharest final.
FAIRFAX, Va. – Salisbury University’s track and field athletes delivered an outstanding performance during the second day of competition at the George Mason Dalton Ebanks Invitational, establishing three additional school records while competing against universities from multiple NCAA divisions.
The Sea Gulls faced tough competition from Division I, Division II, and Division III programs throughout the meet held in Fairfax, Virginia. The record-breaking performances capped off an impressive showing for the Salisbury University track and field program at the prestigious invitational event.
A drunk driver crashed into a crowd of festival-goers during a Lao New Year parade in rural Louisiana on Saturday, leaving approximately 15 people injured, law enforcement officials reported.
Police quickly apprehended the driver and filed impaired driving charges against the suspect.
Social media footage from the annual celebration in Broussard and New Iberia captured multiple victims lying on the ground. The clips revealed emergency responders treating someone pinned under the vehicle, which came to rest in a roadside ditch after plowing through the parade.
About 15 individuals sustained injuries in the crash, with several in serious condition, the Iberia Parish Sheriff’s Office confirmed.
“Based on the preliminary investigation, this does not appear to be an intentional act,” stated sheriff’s office spokesperson Rebecca Melancon.
Acadian Ambulance reported deploying 10 ambulances and one helicopter to the scene around 2:30 p.m. The private emergency service transported two critically injured patients by air.
Louisiana State Police identified the suspect as a 57-year-old Jeanerette resident who showed signs of intoxication upon officers’ arrival. Blood tests revealed elevated alcohol levels, leading to charges for impaired, reckless and negligent operation, plus possession of an open alcoholic beverage in his vehicle.
The procession was part of a three-day New Year festival held in Lanxang Village, a Laotian community near New Iberia housing hundreds of families, adjacent to the Wat Thammarattanaram Buddhist temple complex.
The annual celebration draws thousands of visitors for authentic Southeast Asian cuisine, live entertainment, parades and family activities.
Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry released a public statement addressing the tragedy. “Sharon and I are praying for all those affected, and are grateful for the first responders who have responded to the scene,” he said.
Festival coordinators posted a Facebook message expressing their devastation over the incident.
“We are praying for the victims and for their families during this difficult time,” the statement read.
While organizers cancelled all remaining Saturday activities, they announced plans to proceed with Sunday’s religious ceremonies.
Ukrainian tennis player Yuliia Starodubtseva delivered a remarkable performance Saturday, defeating fifth-seeded Madison Keys 6-1, 6-4 to advance to the Charleston Open championship match. The former Old Dominion University player successfully defended six of eight break point opportunities during her impressive semifinal victory.
Starodubtseva’s path to the final has been unconventional – she originally entered the tournament as a qualifier but earned a spot in the main draw after another player withdrew. Now the Ukraine native has a chance to capture her first professional WTA championship.
Her opponent in the final will be top-seeded Jessica Pegula, who is seeking to defend her Charleston title. Pegula advanced with a hard-fought 6-4, 5-7, 6-3 victory over fourth-seeded Iva Jovic, recording 23 winning shots while committing 25 unforced errors. This marks the fourth consecutive match in Charleston where Pegula has needed three sets to secure victory.
In tournament action from Bogota, Colombia, top-seeded Czech player Marie Bouzkova reached the Copa Colsanitas final with a 7-6 (5), 6-2 win over Argentina’s Jazmin Ortenzi. Bouzkova successfully saved five of seven break point opportunities during the match.
After building a 5-2 advantage in the first set, Bouzkova saw Ortenzi mount a comeback that forced a tiebreaker. However, the Czech player regained control and dominated the second set to secure her championship match berth.
Bouzkova will meet eighth-seeded Hungarian player Panna Udvardy in the final. Udvardy staged a dramatic comeback to defeat Colombia’s Emiliana Arango 6-7 (8), 6-3, 7-6 (5). The local favorite Arango held a 5-2 lead in the deciding set before Udvardy rallied to win four consecutive games and claim the victory.
A major satellite imaging company has announced it will stop releasing pictures of Iran and Middle East war zones indefinitely after receiving a directive from the U.S. government.
Planet Labs, headquartered in California, informed its customers via email on Saturday that federal officials had requested all satellite imagery companies halt distribution of visuals from the conflict areas.
This new restriction builds on a previous two-week delay the company had already put in place last month for Middle Eastern imagery. Planet Labs had explained that earlier measure was designed to stop enemies from using their satellite pictures to target American forces and allied nations.
According to the company’s announcement, they will block all imagery going back to March 9 and anticipate maintaining this policy until hostilities conclude.
The current conflict started when American and Israeli forces struck Iran on February 28. The situation escalated across the region after Iran retaliated with its own strikes against Israeli targets and U.S. military installations in Gulf nations, including Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Bahrain.
Satellite technology serves multiple military functions, including identifying targets, guiding weapons systems, tracking missiles and enabling communications. Defense experts warn that Iran may be obtaining commercial satellite images through adversarial nations. These images also provide valuable information for news organizations and researchers studying remote locations.
Planet Labs operates an extensive network of Earth-observation satellites and markets regularly updated imagery to government agencies, private companies and media organizations. The company declined to provide additional comments when contacted.
Pentagon officials stated they do not discuss matters related to intelligence operations.
In their customer notification, Planet Labs explained they would transition to a “managed distribution of images” system for visuals determined to be safe for release. This new approach will allow the company to provide imagery on an individual basis for urgent operational needs or matters of public importance.
“These are extraordinary circumstances, and we are doing all we can to balance the needs of all our stakeholders,” the company stated in their message.
Vantor, previously known as Maxar Technologies, told reporters they had not received contact from federal authorities. A company representative explained that Vantor has long maintained policies allowing them to “implement enhanced access controls during times of geopolitical conflict” and currently applies such measures to portions of the Middle East.
These restrictions may limit who can order new satellite images or purchase existing photographs of areas where American military and allied forces are “actively operating,” as well as locations “actively targeted by adversaries,” according to the spokesperson.
BlackSky Technology, another commercial satellite provider contacted for comment, had not responded by publication time.
The Delaware State University Hornets softball team completed a series sweep against Morgan State with a 6-4 victory, showcasing strong pitching and timely hitting throughout the contest.
The Hornets managed to control the game despite a competitive effort from the Bears, maintaining their lead to secure the important conference win and sweep the entire series.
Delaware State’s pitching staff delivered a stellar performance, recording eight strikeouts during the game while limiting Morgan State’s offensive opportunities at crucial moments.
The victory adds to the Hornets’ conference record as they continue their season campaign, with the team demonstrating both offensive production and defensive reliability in the win.
Delaware State will look to build on this momentum as they prepare for their next series, having shown the ability to close out games and complete series sweeps against conference opponents.
The University of Delaware softball squad made program history this weekend by completing their first-ever Conference USA series sweep with a 6-3 victory over UTEP in Sunday’s concluding matchup.
The Blue Hens dominated throughout the three-game series against the Miners, capping off the weekend with the decisive win that secured the milestone sweep in conference competition.
This achievement represents a significant step forward for Delaware’s softball program as they continue to establish themselves within Conference USA play.
The National Basketball Association continues its examination of the conflict between Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo and team officials regarding the former MVP’s fitness to compete, league representatives confirmed Saturday.
The league provided an update on their inquiry one day after Antetokounmpo publicly stated to reporters from the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel and The Athletic that his health has returned and he desires to return to action.
The Greek forward last appeared in a game on March 15 during Milwaukee’s win against Indiana, exiting after an awkward landing following a dunk attempt. Team medical staff listed him as unavailable for Sunday’s contest versus Memphis, extending his absence to 11 consecutive games.
According to an NBA representative, the league’s Player Participation Policy review has uncovered conflicting accounts between the parties involved. “The NBA’s Player Participation Policy investigation into the Milwaukee Bucks and Giannis Antetokounmpo is ongoing and certain facts remain in dispute,” the spokesperson stated. “The investigation has found that the Bucks scheduled Giannis to work out last week in three-on-three scrimmages as part of his return-to-play process, but he declined to participate. There is a disagreement as to whether the team requested that Giannis participate in a group workout earlier this week, and the league is continuing to monitor the situation.”
ESPN initially broke news of the league’s investigation.
Milwaukee’s medical staff has continuously listed Antetokounmpo as unavailable due to left knee hyperextension and bone bruising sustained in the Indiana matchup. Despite the injury designation, the star player has participated in pregame preparation activities without visible restrictions.
Speaking to media members prior to Friday’s 133-101 defeat to Boston, Antetokounmpo expressed frustration with the situation. “I’m healthy,” he declared. “I hate it when people force me to do things against my nature. I’m a player. I get paid to play.”
Milwaukee’s postseason hopes officially ended on March 28, breaking their streak of nine consecutive playoff qualifications.
This season marks a career-worst 42 games missed for the 31-year-old Antetokounmpo, who also dealt with multiple calf injuries and an adductor strain earlier in the campaign.
The veteran forward, who has spent his entire 13-season professional career with Milwaukee after being selected 15th overall in 2013, believes team leadership should understand his competitive nature better given their lengthy relationship.
“You know who you’re dealing with,” Antetokounmpo commented Friday. “So, for somebody to come and tell me to not play or to not compete, it’s like a slap in my face.”
This disagreement emerges during widespread discussion about Antetokounmpo’s long-term commitment to Milwaukee.
The star becomes eligible for a four-year extension worth as much as $275 million this October. Without signing such a deal, he could enter free agency following the 2026-27 season, potentially prompting Milwaukee to explore trade scenarios.
Head coach Doc Rivers expressed disappointment that private matters became public knowledge following Monday’s game. “I just don’t like that this is so public,” Rivers commented. “This is where grown men get in a room and they talk it out. Whether they agree or disagree, that doesn’t matter. But this should not be public, and I don’t like that.”
Rivers emphasized his preference for internal resolution, stating “this is a grown man’s game, and it should be handled that way by everybody.”
ROCKINGHAM, N.C. — Taking command of Saturday’s North Carolina Education Lottery 250 Presented by Black’s Tire following a lap 172 restart, 19-year-old William Sawalich dominated the remaining 79 circuits to capture his maiden NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series triumph at Rockingham Speedway.
The teenage driver’s breakthrough performance made him the youngest competitor to claim victory at the 0.94-mile facility across NASCAR’s three premier divisions. Sawalich commanded the race for 80 total laps.
The Joe Gibbs Racing driver crossed the checkered flag with a 0.863-second margin over teammate Brandon Jones, halting JR Motorsports’ five-race victory streak while extending JGR’s series record to six consecutive wins.
“It means everything,” Sawalich expressed after advancing three spots to 11th in championship standings. “Honestly, it was a tough year last year and a tough start to the year this year. Gosh, it feels good to get it done here at Rockingham in front of an awesome crowd.”
“Our Supra was on rails today, obviously. Good in Stage 1 (fifth), Stage 2 (second) and obviously amazing in clean air. Lapped traffic took me out last year (in a 25th-place finish), so that was running through my head a little bit, but, man, I just studied the race last year, calmed down—and everything’s fine.”
Sawalich’s triumph secures his spot in next Saturday’s inaugural Dash 4 Cash competition at Bristol Motor Speedway. The Rockingham race’s top four finishers—Sawalich, Jones, plus third and fourth-place drivers Justin Allgaier and Rajah Caruth—will battle for a $100,000 bonus, awarded to whichever driver finishes highest among the quartet.
Caruth earned his Dash 4 Cash berth through a dramatic three-wide maneuver past Sheldon Creed and Carson Kvapil with nine circuits remaining. Kvapil claimed fifth position ahead of Creed in sixth, with Taylor Gray, Parker Retzlaff, Ryan Sieg, and pole-sitter Corey Day completing the top 10.
During the race’s opening portion, Day showcased the strongest machine. The 20-year-old paced the field for a race-best 118 of 250 laps while capturing both opening stages—his first career stage victories.
However, Day surrendered five positions during a sluggish pit stop at the second stage break and couldn’t regain his earlier form. A lap 174 unscheduled stop for a loose wheel forced him to rally from 24th position through the final 70 laps, ultimately securing his seventh consecutive top-10 result.
“We had a couple of bad pit stops,” Day reflected. “We got behind there, and it was hard to dig ourselves out of the hole.”
Runner-up Jones viewed his performance as significant improvement from recent struggles.
“I left Martinsville a little frustrated at myself last week (after finishing 18th),” Jones explained. “We weren’t quite aggressive enough at times, so today, I was super adamant on being super aggressive. I am going to take all of the runs I can get. I’m going to put people in bad situations, if I can, and just move forward.”
“I think we did a really good job of it. We kept fighting both sides of it with balance today. Sam (McAuley, crew chief) did a great job taking all of my feedback and making a car, I think, capable of winning. It was just a matter of trying to get some track position, and he (Sawalich) got such a big restart on that last restart (after the seventh caution on Lap 206) that it was hard to catch him.”
Third-place finisher Allgaier departed Rockingham maintaining a commanding 126-point championship advantage over second-place Jesse Love. Love’s title hopes suffered when he contacted the outside barrier following contact from Caruth, necessitating an unscheduled pit visit on lap 153 that relegated him to a 27th-place finish, two laps behind the leaders.
The Goldey-Beacom Lightning softball squad delivered an impressive performance at the Jackson Athletic Complex, capturing both contests in their doubleheader matchup against Bowie State University.
The Lightning controlled the first game, defeating the Bulldogs 8-4 to set the tone for the afternoon. The second contest proved more dramatic, with Goldey-Beacom pulling off a nail-biting 9-8 walk-off victory to complete the sweep.
The doubleheader sweep showcased the Lightning’s ability to perform under pressure, particularly in the second game where they managed to score the winning run in their final at-bat. The home crowd at Jackson Athletic Complex witnessed an exciting day of collegiate softball as Goldey-Beacom demonstrated both offensive power and clutch hitting when it mattered most.
A missing person alert for a New Castle man has been lifted after he was safely found.
The Gold Alert that had been issued for Charles Chard was canceled after authorities confirmed he had been located. Gold Alerts are typically issued for missing adults who may be suffering from dementia or other cognitive impairments.
Officials have not provided additional details about the circumstances surrounding Chard’s disappearance or where he was found.
Canada’s national soccer organization made a bold and playful move this weekend, targeting devastated Italian football fans after their team’s latest World Cup disappointment.
Following Italy’s elimination from World Cup qualifying after losing to Bosnia on Tuesday, Canada Soccer launched a tongue-in-cheek recruitment campaign aimed at the four-time champions’ supporters.
“Dear Italian soccer fans, Don’t wait four more years. Swap your jersey for Canada,” the governing body wrote on social media platform X on Friday, encouraging supporters to meet at Cafe Diplomatico, a well-known establishment in Toronto’s Little Italy district.
The playful outreach came after Italy experienced their third straight failure to reach the World Cup, a devastating blow that resulted in coach Gennaro Gattuso and federation president Gabriele Gravina stepping down from their positions.
Recognizing an opportunity, Canada – which will serve as a co-host nation for the upcoming World Cup along with Mexico and the United States – decided to capitalize on the moment by inviting disheartened Italian fans to join their cause.
According to local news outlets, hundreds of people lined up for the jersey swap event, though the exchange turned out to be more about goodwill than actual trading. Canada Soccer distributed 2026 tournament shirts and promotional materials to attendees without requiring anyone to surrender their Italian jerseys in return.
President Donald Trump and Israeli leaders intensified their demands on Iran Saturday, threatening attacks on energy facilities unless Tehran reopens the crucial Strait of Hormuz shipping lane, as military forces from both nations continue searching for a missing American service member.
The president issued a stark 48-hour ultimatum to Iran, marking the latest escalation in the six-week-old conflict that began with coordinated U.S.-Israeli strikes on February 28.
“Remember when I gave Iran ten days to MAKE A DEAL or OPEN UP THE HORMUZ STRAIT. Time is running out — 48 hours before all Hell will reign (sic) down on them. Glory be to GOD!” Trump posted on Truth Social.
Throughout the conflict, Trump’s public statements have alternated between suggesting diplomatic breakthroughs and threatening to bomb Iran “back to the Stone Ages.”
Following Trump’s ultimatum, a high-ranking Israeli defense official revealed that Israel is preparing strikes against Iranian energy infrastructure and awaits U.S. authorization. The official indicated such operations could occur within the coming week, aligning with Trump’s previous threats against Iranian power facilities.
Tehran responded with its own warning, telling U.S. and Israeli forces that the “entire region will become a hell for you” if military actions continue to escalate, Iranian media outlets reported.
The conflict has reached a critical juncture as it enters its sixth week, with American forces facing the possibility of a service member captured or hiding within Iranian territory, diminishing prospects for diplomatic resolution, and declining domestic support for the military campaign.
Despite Iran’s unwavering stance since hostilities began, Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi indicated potential openness to peace negotiations through Pakistani mediation, though he showed no indication of yielding to American demands.
“We are deeply grateful to Pakistan for its efforts and have never refused to go to Islamabad. What we care about are the terms of a conclusive and lasting END to the illegal war that is imposed on us,” Araqchi wrote on social media platform X.
Following a fourth strike near the Bushehr nuclear facility Saturday, Araqchi sent a letter to the United Nations warning of an “intolerable situation that poses a serious risk of radiological release,” according to Iranian state media.
The ongoing warfare has resulted in thousands of casualties, triggered a global energy crisis, and threatens long-term economic damage worldwide. Iran has effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz, a waterway that typically handles approximately one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments.
Iranian forces have launched extensive drone and missile attacks against Israel while also targeting Gulf nations allied with the United States, though these countries have avoided direct military involvement to prevent further escalation.
Iranian state television reported military strikes against U.S. radar facilities and an American-linked aluminum facility in the United Arab Emirates, as well as U.S. military command centers in Kuwait, describing these as retaliation for deadly attacks on Iranian industrial sites.
Earlier, Iranian forces targeted an Israeli-connected vessel with a drone attack in the strait, igniting the ship, state media reported, citing the Revolutionary Guards naval commander.
Yemen’s Iran-supported Houthis announced Saturday they had launched ballistic missiles and drones at Israel in coordination with Iran’s Revolutionary Guards, the Iranian military, and Lebanon’s Hezbollah. The group provided no evidence of resulting damage.
Israeli officials have not acknowledged the reported attack.
The loss of two American military aircraft demonstrates ongoing risks for U.S. and Israeli pilots, despite claims by Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth that American forces maintain complete aerial dominance over Iran.
Iranian defensive fire brought down a two-person U.S. F-15E fighter jet, with officials from both countries confirming Friday that rescue teams recovered one crew member.
Two Black Hawk helicopters involved in the search mission for the missing airman came under Iranian fire but successfully escaped Iranian airspace, U.S. officials told Reuters.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps reported conducting search operations in a southwestern region near the downed aircraft’s crash site, while the local governor offered rewards for anyone who captures or kills “forces of the hostile enemy.”
In a separate incident, an A-10 Warthog attack aircraft was struck and crashed over Kuwait, with the pilot successfully ejecting, according to U.S. officials.
Iranians, who have endured weeks of aerial bombardment since the U.S.-Israeli campaign began, celebrated these defensive victories.
The Khatam al-Anbiya joint military command announced the deployment of a new air defense system Friday, which successfully engaged a U.S. fighter aircraft, three unmanned drones, and two cruise missiles.
“The enemy should know that we rely on new air-defence systems built by the young, knowledgeable, and proud people of this country, unveiling them one after another in the field,” a Khatam al-Anbiya representative stated, according to Iranian state media.
The Revolutionary Guards reported launching multiple missiles and drones targeting various locations across Israel. Israeli media confirmed that two warheads from an Iranian cluster munition struck near Israel’s Kirya military headquarters in Tel Aviv.
Later Saturday, the Israel Defense Forces detected additional missiles fired from Iran toward Israeli territory.
Iranian state media documented airstrikes at a petrochemical complex in southwestern Iran, resulting in five injuries. Officials later reported that fires at the facility had been extinguished.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed Israel conducted the strike against the plant, which an Israeli military spokesperson said manufactured materials for explosives and missile production.
Israel continues conducting a separate military campaign against Iran-backed Hezbollah forces in Lebanon after the militant organization launched attacks against Israel in support of Iran.
Early Saturday, Israeli military forces announced strikes against militant infrastructure locations in Beirut. Officials later confirmed an Israeli soldier was killed during combat operations in southern Lebanon.
PRINCETON, N.J. – A trio of University of Delaware track and field throwing specialists took part in Saturday’s Sam Howell Invitational at Princeton University on April 4th.
The Blue Hens athletes traveled to New Jersey to compete in the throwing events at the Princeton-hosted meet, representing Delaware in the specialized competition.
The University of Maryland Eastern Shore baseball team suffered a 13-9 defeat to first-place Fairleigh Dickinson University on Saturday, despite a standout offensive performance from Jonathan Gonzalez Perez.
Gonzalez Perez powered the Hawks’ offense with five runs batted in during the series finale, including his seventh home run of the 2026 season. The strong individual showing, however, wasn’t enough to prevent UMES from dropping the final game of their weekend series against the conference-leading Knights.
The loss concludes what proved to be a challenging series for the Hawks against FDU, who maintained their position atop the conference standings with the victory. Despite falling short in the high-scoring affair, the Hawks demonstrated offensive firepower throughout the contest.
Gonzalez Perez continues to be a key contributor for UMES this season, with his latest home run adding to an impressive power display that has made him one of the team’s most reliable offensive threats.
Security concerns are mounting across Europe as Jewish communities observe Passover and Christians celebrate Easter amid a wave of attacks targeting synagogues and Jewish institutions from Belgium to Britain.
The heightened vigilance stems from recent incidents that security analysts believe are connected to escalating tensions between the United States, Israel, and Iran. Since late February, what started as regional Middle Eastern conflicts has evolved into a complex web of threats involving extremist groups, Iranian-backed networks, and antisemitic violence targeting symbolic religious holidays.
The timing carries particular weight for Jewish communities, who remember the devastating 2002 Passover massacre at the Park Hotel in Netanya, where a Palestinian suicide bomber killed 30 people during a holiday celebration on March 27. That attack during one of Judaism’s most sacred observances created lasting concerns about vulnerability during religious gatherings.
This year’s calendar compounds those worries. Passover began at sunset on April 1 and continues through April 9, while Easter Sunday falls on April 5, following Good Friday on April 3. These dates create what experts call high-value targets due to large gatherings and symbolic significance that can amplify the psychological impact of even smaller-scale violence.
Daniele Garofalo, who specializes in counterterrorism and extremist groups, explained that holiday periods have always been a security concern, but current global conflicts have transformed the threat environment.
“The possibility of attacks against American, Israeli, and Jewish targets during festive periods is a variable that security services constantly monitor, regardless of specific crises. In the current context, any increase in risk would not automatically depend on a potential US ground maneuver, but rather on three concrete operational factors,” Garofalo told The Media Line.
Those factors, he explained, include political intent, operational capability, and available opportunities.
“First, there is the political and strategic willingness of Iran to activate instruments of indirect projection abroad. Tehran tends to operate through proxies and clandestine networks, avoiding direct attribution,” he noted.
“Second, there is the operational capability of affiliated or aligned actors, such as Hezbollah, which has historically demonstrated external planning capacity, particularly in contexts with lower protection or less robust security infrastructures,” he continued.
Garofalo identified the third element as opportunity levels—accessible targets, public gatherings, and symbolic timing such as holidays that maximize visibility and psychological impact.
While cautioning against overstating Hezbollah’s direct operational presence in Italy, Garofalo emphasized that Iran’s broader network still poses risks.
“Iranian networks operate transnationally, so if assets are activated in countries like Germany, France, or the Balkans, Italy automatically falls within the operational perimeter,” he said.
Garofalo noted that Hezbollah’s European presence has historically focused more on logistics and financing than operations, with Italian activities primarily involving fundraising, logistical support, and diaspora connections. “The real risk is indirect escalation, through Iran, proxies, and local actors rather than classic Hezbollah structures,” he commented.
Recent European incidents align with this assessment rather than following traditional mass-casualty terrorism patterns. On March 9, an explosion damaged a synagogue in Liège, which Belgian authorities classified as an antisemitic attack. March 13 saw an arson attack on a Rotterdam synagogue, leading to multiple arrests as Dutch prosecutors determined the incident had terrorist intent.
The following day brought an explosion at a Jewish school in Amsterdam, which the city’s mayor called deliberate. Belgium investigated additional arson in Antwerp, while London police are treating the burning of four Hatzola Northwest ambulances—belonging to a Jewish volunteer service—in Golders Green as an antisemitic hate crime.
Authorities have responded with visible security increases. Belgium deployed soldiers to protect Jewish institutions in Brussels, Antwerp, and Liège. British police and community security networks expanded patrols before Passover and added visible protection around Jewish sites. Italy’s annual intelligence assessment warned that Iran-related escalations are raising terrorist risks, particularly for Israeli, Jewish, and American interests.
Garofalo argued that the primary danger comes not from spectacular, centrally coordinated operations but from hybrid and indirect approaches.
“The real risk, as often happens, is more plausibly linked to opportunistic or low-complexity actions, the activation of sleeper cells already present, and the possible mobilization of radicalized individuals who are inspired rather than directly directed,” he noted.
He emphasized that current threats shouldn’t be understood solely through the lens of Islamic State-style attacks.
“This is a hybrid, state-linked, and indirect threat,” he said, explaining that European security services have recently raised alert levels for Iran-attributable activities, often through proxies or indirect networks. “European intelligence explicitly speaks of an evolution toward hybrid threats, meaning a combination of terrorism, criminality, and clandestine state operations,” he added.
Supporting this assessment is the emergence of Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamia, a previously unknown group claiming responsibility online for several European attacks on Jewish and Israeli-linked sites. The group had no detectable public presence before March, and analysts note its messaging first appeared through pro-Iran channels and networks connected to Hezbollah, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, and Iraqi Shiite armed groups rather than through independent propaganda systems.
Sharon Adarlo, a conflict analyst and operations director at Militant Wire, said the group should be understood within the context of deniable hybrid tactics rather than as a conventional armed organization.
She confirmed that countries like Iran—and previously Russia—have developed hybrid tactics that fall short of kinetic warfare but constitute definite sabotage. Recently, they have recruited what she termed ‘disposable agents’ or volunteers, compensating them with fees often paid in cryptocurrency, and directing them to conduct sabotage operations including bombings, arson, espionage, and various low-level but disruptive attacks. “What we’re seeing now is that Iran appears to have adopted similar tactics,” Adarlo told The Media Line.
The operational structure appears designed to obscure the true directors of the violence.
“I think what they’ve done is try to put several steps between the disposable agents who carry out the attacks and whoever is actually directing them. That creates confusion, but it also gives Iran plausible deniability. It looks like it could be Iran, it could not be Iran, but at the same time it very much seems like it is,” she observed.
Attribution for these incidents remains incomplete. British, Belgian, and Dutch authorities are investigating the attacks and verifying the group’s claims, but no European government has publicly established direct Iranian command-and-control over the incidents. This gap between suspicion and evidence reflects hybrid warfare logic: sufficient violence to intimidate, enough ambiguity to complicate responses.
According to Adarlo, multiple indicators suggest an Iran-linked network.
“The reason why we think it’s Iran-linked—even though there are some weird or atypical signatures—is because the group models itself after Iran’s Axis of Resistance. You see it in their logo, in their use of Quranic references, and in their statements where they invoke early Islamic battles like the conquest of Mecca,” she said.
Adarlo noted that the content first surfaced on pro-Iran Telegram, Twitter, and other platform channels, quickly amplified by pro-Iranian networks and so-called news organizations that openly endorsed the attacks. Some channels distributing this content also associate with Iranian-backed Iraqi militias, suggesting possible Iraqi connections as well.
Adarlo dismissed suggestions that the phenomenon represents fabrication by anti-Iran actors.
“Some people online are saying this could be a false flag operation, that it might be Mossad or something like that. … I really don’t think that’s the case here. The fact that it was disseminated first in pro-Iranian channels, praised in Farsi and Arabic-speaking spaces, and only later dismissed in English-language discourse strongly suggests it’s not a false flag. I think it’s a manufactured front for an Iranian operation,” she asserted.
While Adarlo’s described methods differ from Sunni extremist organizations like ISIS, the current crisis timing means both threat streams are simultaneously active.
Lucas Webber, a senior threat intelligence analyst at Tech Against Terrorism, said ISIS propagandists have framed the war as an opportunity to encourage Western attacks precisely because the conflict creates emotional volatility and perceptions that security services are overextended.
“Since the US-Israel versus Iran war began in late February, Islamic State propagandists have intensified their online messaging across social media and encrypted platforms, explicitly telling supporters not to rally behind Iran or US-backed governments but instead to carry out attacks against ‘near’ and ‘far’ enemies wherever they are,” he told The Media Line.
“The narrative frames the state-on-state conflict as a moment of strategic distraction, arguing that Western security services are focused on geopolitical escalation and therefore less able to monitor individuals moving from online radicalization to real-world action,” he added.
He said the online messaging deliberately targets opportunistic violence.
The propaganda emphasizes wartime grievances, graphic imagery, and revenge calls, he noted, while presenting mass protests and heightened political tensions as ideal conditions for supporters or small cells to mobilize. “The goal is not necessarily large, coordinated operations but rather opportunistic attacks by self-radicalized individuals who interpret the chaos as permission and encouragement to act,” he added.
Webber also highlighted a specific ISIS-linked New York case illustrating how online war-related incitement can translate into attempted violence in politically charged environments.
He said the attempted March 7 bombing in New York City occurred near the mayor’s official residence during an anti-Islam protest, where a homemade explosive device was thrown toward the crowd but failed to fully detonate and caused no injuries. Federal investigators later charged two suspects with offenses including aiding ISIS and attempting to carry out an explosive attack. The suspects had pledged ISIS support and expressed desires to carry out something larger than the Boston Marathon bombing.
“Officials described the plot as ISIS-inspired and said there was no evidence linking it to Iran, which shows how the broader security environment created by the war can still be exploited by other jihadist actors seeking to capitalize on tensions for their own ideological objectives,” Webber explained.
He said distinguishing between Sunni jihadi opportunism and Iran-linked hybrid intimidation is critical for understanding the evolving threat landscape.
Webber argued that two distinct but overlapping dynamics exist: ISIS is using the war to encourage decentralized jihadi violence, and Hakarat Ashab al-Yamin is leveraging the same geopolitical tension to amplify Iran-aligned messaging and psychological warfare. “In both cases, the online ecosystem functions as the connective tissue, enabling rapid dissemination, radicalization, and operational signaling across borders,” he concluded.
LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles Lakers announced Saturday that guard Austin Reaves has suffered a Grade 2 oblique muscle injury that will keep him out for the remainder of the regular season, joining teammate Luka Doncic on the sidelines.
Both Reaves and Doncic sustained their injuries during Thursday’s matchup in Oklahoma City, creating a major setback for the Lakers (50-27) as they prepare for the postseason. Doncic will be unavailable for a minimum of two weeks after pulling his left hamstring during the team’s decisive defeat to the Thunder.
The two players were hurt in the opening half of Thursday’s contest but continued playing. Doncic received his diagnosis Friday for what marks his second major hamstring problem, while Reaves underwent an MRI Saturday before the Lakers declared him unavailable. The team faces Dallas on Sunday.
Medical experts typically expect both types of injuries to require a month or longer for complete recovery, though the Lakers have not made any predictions about player availability beyond their next five contests.
Reaves has emerged as a premier NBA offensive threat and has served as a crucial scoring complement to Doncic and LeBron James throughout the Lakers’ championship pursuit of the Pacific Division crown. The previously undrafted player is posting averages of 23.3 points, 5.5 assists and 4.7 rebounds across 51 appearances in his fifth Lakers campaign.
The guard previously sat out 19 contests following a Christmas Day left calf strain. His scoring average would rank him 11th in the league if he had met the minimum games requirement.
Los Angeles has captured 16 victories in their past 19 outings to climb into third place in the Western Conference standings. Playoff action commences in two weeks.
Prior to learning the full extent of Reaves’ condition, Lakers head coach JJ Redick addressed media members in Dallas on Saturday, emphasizing the team’s continued focus despite Doncic’s absence.
“Our mission, it hasn’t changed,” Redick said. “The rest of these guys and my staff, we’re going after the 3-seed, and we’re going to try to win a playoff series.”
Following his breakthrough offensive performance in his first complete season playing alongside Doncic, Reaves will have the opportunity to negotiate a substantial contract extension this summer if he opts out of his player option for the 2026-27 campaign as anticipated. Both Reaves and the Lakers organization expect him to remain with the franchise.
The Lakers will conclude their regular season schedule on April 12 when they host Utah at home.
VATICAN CITY — Pope Leo XIV led his inaugural Easter vigil ceremony Saturday evening, beginning Christianity’s most celebrated holiday by carrying a towering lit candle through the darkened St. Peter’s Basilica while appealing for global unity and an end to worldwide conflicts.
The Easter celebration marks Christians’ belief in Jesus Christ’s victory over death through his resurrection after being crucified. Before entering the basilica, the pontiff lit the ceremonial candle and declared: “The light of Christ who rises in glory.”
As the procession moved through the cathedral’s central aisle, candle holders illuminated congregants’ candles, creating a wave of flickering light throughout the darkened space until full lighting was restored when the pope reached the ornate main altar, accompanied by white-robed cardinals.
During his sermon, Leo described sin as “a heavy barrier that closes us off and separates us from God, seeking to kill his words of hope within us,” comparing it to the stone that sealed Jesus’ tomb before being discovered rolled away, revealing Christ’s resurrection.
The pope explained that modern society faces similar stones representing sins that need removal, with some “so heavy and so closely guarded that they seem to be immovable.”
“Some weigh heavily on the human heart, such as mistrust, fear, selfishness and resentment; others stemming from these inner struggles, sever the bonds between us through war, injustice and the isolation of peoples and nations.
“Let us not allow ourselves to be paralyzed by them!” Leo declared, encouraging believers to commit “so that the Easter gifts of harmony and peace may grow and flourish everywhere and always throughout the world.”
Amid ongoing conflicts including the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran entering its second month and Russia’s continued military action in Ukraine, Leo has consistently advocated for ending hostilities. During Palm Sunday services, he stated that God doesn’t hear prayers from those who wage war or invoke God to justify violent acts.
Following Easter tradition, the pontiff baptized 10 adults from various countries during the service.
Throughout Leo’s inaugural Holy Week, known for its demanding schedule, the pope carried the cross through all 14 stations during Good Friday’s Way of the Cross ceremony, marking the first time in decades a pope has completed the entire ritual. On Holy Thursday, he performed the traditional foot-washing ceremony for 12 priests, returning to a practice his predecessor Pope Francis had modified to include laypeople and non-Christians.
Sunday morning will feature Leo celebrating an outdoor Mass in St. Peter’s Square, followed by his Easter address and the traditional “Urbi et Orbi” blessing “to the city (of Rome) and the world,” which typically addresses global concerns and challenges.
University of Delaware men’s tennis player Tobey Lock reached a significant personal milestone during his team’s recent match against UNC Wilmington, even as the Blue Hens fell short in a close 4-3 defeat.
Lock’s performance in the match allowed him to equal the university’s all-time record for career individual doubles victories, marking a notable achievement in his collegiate tennis career.
The narrow loss to UNCW demonstrated the competitive nature of the match, with the outcome decided by just a single point difference between the two teams.
While the team result was disappointing for the Blue Hens, Lock’s historic accomplishment provided a bright spot for the Delaware program as he continues to make his mark in the university’s tennis record books.
Fifteen people were rushed to hospitals Saturday after a vehicle crashed into a crowd gathered for a cultural celebration in New Iberia, Louisiana, according to local law enforcement.
The crash happened near festivities for the Lao New Year, leaving several victims with critical injuries, said Rebecca Melancon, a spokesperson for the Iberia Parish Sheriff’s Office. Authorities have taken a suspect into custody, though investigators have not yet determined whether the driver intentionally targeted the crowd, Melancon explained.
Emergency responders from Acadian Ambulance transported 13 victims to area medical facilities, the service reported on social media. The most severely injured patients required helicopter transport to trauma centers, according to the ambulance company’s post on X.
The investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash continues as officials work to determine what led to the incident during the community celebration.
Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Mookie Betts departed Saturday’s matchup with the Washington Nationals early after experiencing discomfort in his lower right back, according to team officials.
The injury appeared to happen as Betts was running the base paths during the opening frame. After drawing a walk, he came home to score on a two-run double by Freddie Freeman, but was seen moving gingerly as he made his way back to the team’s dugout following the play.
Team officials indicated they will provide additional details about Betts’ condition following the completion of the game.
The 33-year-old veteran has struggled at the plate early this season, managing just a .179 batting average with 5 hits in 28 at-bats across eight contests, though he has contributed two home runs and seven RBIs.
Miguel Rojas stepped in to take over shortstop duties after Betts’ departure.
Good evening, Delmarva! We’re looking at a pleasant Saturday evening with temperatures starting around 56 degrees, but don’t let that fool you – we’ll actually see a warming trend overnight as temps climb to around 64 degrees. Keep an eye on the sky after 8pm tonight, as we have a 40% chance of light rain showers moving through. With southeast winds at 10-15 mph and partly cloudy skies, any rainfall should be minimal – less than a tenth of an inch.
Sunday brings more active weather as showers and thunderstorms develop, pushing our high up to 72 degrees. It’s a great day to have indoor backup plans for any outdoor activities. The good news? This system moves through quickly, leaving us with partly cloudy skies Sunday night as temperatures drop to a crisp 41 degrees.
Monday looks absolutely gorgeous with sunny skies and a comfortable high near 60 degrees – perfect spring weather to start your week! Stay dry tonight, and we’ll see you tomorrow. This is your Delmarva weather team keeping you informed!
Listen to the Evening Delmarva Farm Report Update — April 4, 2026
DELMARVA — A week of shifting weather patterns across Delmarva has kept growers busy with early spring field work while monitoring soil conditions ahead of planting season.
Across the peninsula, farmers have been taking advantage of drier stretches to finish pre-emergence herbicide applications and prepare equipment. The week brought mixed conditions with alternating dry spells and scattered precipitation, keeping planters parked but allowing fertilizer spreaders to stay busy. Many operations used the time to soil test, calibrate equipment, and finalize seed selections for corn and soybeans.
Markets
Corn futures closed Friday at $4.38 per bushel, down $0.03 on the week. Soybeans settled at $10.71, up $0.05 from last Friday. Wheat finished at $5.16, nearly unchanged. Local cash prices on Delmarva saw number 2 yellow corn at $4.15, and soybeans bringing $10.45 at area elevators.
Forecast
Rain is expected to move in Saturday night and continue through Sunday. Temperatures will reach 78 degrees Saturday evening with a slight chance of showers, then drop to 53 overnight as showers and thunderstorms become more likely. Sunday brings widespread showers and thunderstorms with a high near 70 degrees and southwest winds 10 to 15 miles per hour. That system clears out Sunday night with temperatures falling to 41.
Field work will be limited through the weekend, but conditions improve Monday with sunshine and 58 degrees.
This article is based on the Delmarva Farm Report Update Evening Edition, April 4, 2026. Hosted by Tom Bradley.
ROME, Italy (AP) — Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni praised law enforcement officials Saturday evening following the capture of a suspected organized crime leader who had been among the country’s most sought-after fugitives.
Police announced they had taken Roberto Mazzarella, 48, into custody during Friday’s operation at a luxury residence along the Amalfi Coast in southern Italy. Investigators say he had allegedly secured the upscale property using fraudulent identification documents.
Speaking from her current diplomatic trip through Gulf nations, Meloni characterized Mazzarella’s capture as “an important blow against the Camorra,” the infamous criminal syndicate that has its roots in Naples.
“This sends a clear message that the state will not back down,” Meloni stated in a social media message.
Mazzarella faces charges related to a deadly 2000 shooting incident that occurred at a delicatessen in downtown Naples.
A tragic case of mistaken identity during a military operation in southern Lebanon resulted in the death of one Israeli soldier and left another with severe injuries early Saturday morning.
The fallen serviceman was identified as 21-year-old Sgt. First Class Guy Ludar from Yuvalim, who served with the elite Maglan Unit within the Commando Brigade. The fatal incident took place around 3 a.m. during a mission in the village of Shebaa, where special forces were conducting a raid to apprehend an individual suspected of providing assistance to Hezbollah.
Preliminary findings from the Israel Defense Forces investigation reveal that a soldier mistakenly opened fire on two of his own unit members, believing them to be captured Hezbollah operatives attempting to escape. The confusion led to Ludar’s death and left his fellow soldier with life-threatening wounds.
This mission was conducted as part of Israel’s continued military operations in the region, which escalated after Hezbollah became involved in the broader conflict. The militant organization entered the fighting following the killing of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
The latest casualties bring the total number of Israeli military personnel killed in Hezbollah-related operations to 11 since March 2nd.
During Saturday evening’s Easter vigil ceremony at St. Peter’s Basilica, Pope Leo delivered a powerful message to Catholics worldwide, encouraging them to resist becoming desensitized to global warfare and instead actively pursue peace.
The pontiff, who has become increasingly vocal in his opposition to the Iran conflict, warned that distrust and fear have been permitted to “sever the bonds between us through war, injustice and the isolation of peoples and nations.”
“Let us not allow ourselves to be paralyzed!” declared the first American pope during the sacred Easter vigil service, which marks the most significant celebration in the Catholic faith when Christians commemorate Jesus Christ’s resurrection.
While presiding over the ceremony that included the baptism of 10 new adult Catholic converts, Pope Leo avoided naming specific wars or conflicts in his remarks.
Speaking to the thousands gathered in Christianity’s most prominent cathedral, the pope encouraged Catholics to emulate the saints who fought for justice, hoping that “Easter gifts of harmony and peace may grow and flourish everywhere.”
Pope Leo, recognized for his deliberate choice of words, has intensified his condemnation of the Iran conflict in recent weeks.
Just last Sunday, the pope declared that God turns away from the prayers of war-starting leaders whose “hands full of blood.” Earlier this week on Tuesday, he made a direct plea to President Donald Trump, asking the commander-in-chief to locate an “off-ramp” to conclude the war.
The pope’s Easter observances will wrap up Sunday morning with a public Mass in St. Peter’s Square, where he will offer a special blessing and address that typically includes significant international appeals.
Toronto has completed a transaction with San Francisco on Saturday, bringing infielder Tyler Fitzgerald to their organization in exchange for monetary compensation.
The 28-year-old player had been removed from San Francisco’s roster earlier this week following the start of the current campaign at their Triple-A affiliate in Sacramento. The Giants’ offseason signing of infielder Luis Arraez resulted in Fitzgerald moving further down their organizational depth chart.
Toronto has assigned Fitzgerald to their Triple-A club in Buffalo following the transaction.
This season, Fitzgerald has struggled offensively, going hitless through 12 plate appearances with Sacramento. During his tenure with San Francisco spanning portions of three major league seasons, he compiled a .252 batting average while contributing 21 home runs and driving in 53 runs across 178 games. His removal from the roster came after the Giants completed a deal to bring reliever Dylan Smith over from Detroit.
SALISBURY, Md. – Salisbury University’s nationally-ranked men’s lacrosse team delivered a crushing performance against Mary Washington, overwhelming the Eagles 22-3 in their second Coastal Lacrosse Conference matchup of the season.
The Sea Gulls, currently ranked seventh in the nation, established complete control early in the contest, building a commanding 12-goal advantage by the intermission before cruising to the lopsided victory.
Following the impressive win, Salisbury University hosted its annual Youth Day celebration, sponsored by SeaSide Smiles, giving young fans a chance to interact with the team and celebrate the dominant performance.
The victory continues the Sea Gulls’ strong conference play as they maintain their position among the top programs in Division III lacrosse.
Miami Heat’s Jaime Jaquez Jr. faces a whirlwind weekend of coast-to-coast travel after receiving approval from coach Erik Spoelstra to support his sister in Sunday’s national championship game.
The former UCLA star will fly to Phoenix to watch Gabriela Jaquez and the Bruins take on South Carolina in the women’s basketball title contest.
While Jaquez won’t miss any Heat games, his travel itinerary will be demanding. Miami hosts the Washington Wizards on Saturday, then travels to face the Toronto Raptors on Tuesday.
The journey requires a 2,000-mile flight from Miami to Phoenix, followed by a 1,900-mile trip from Arizona to Toronto.
The older Jaquez brother had a stellar college career, guiding UCLA to the men’s 2021 Final Four and capturing 2023 Pac-12 Player of the Year honors along with second-team All-America recognition. Miami selected him in the first round of the 2023 draft.
Gabriela Jaquez ranks third on UCLA’s scoring list, averaging 13.3 points per game while contributing 5.4 rebounds and 2.0 assists. The senior has been instrumental in the Bruins’ remarkable 36-1 season and their second straight Final Four run as they pursue the program’s first women’s basketball championship.
In Friday’s 51-44 national semifinal win over Texas, she contributed 10 points, two assists and four rebounds.
PRAGUE – Czech law enforcement officials announced Saturday they have apprehended two additional suspects linked to last month’s arson incident at a defense manufacturing facility in the country’s eastern region.
The fire occurred March 20 at an industrial facility in Pardubice, located approximately 75 miles east of the Czech capital. A pro-Palestinian activist organization, previously unknown to authorities, has taken credit for the attack.
Since the blaze targeted facilities operated by Czech defense contractor LPP Holding, law enforcement had already announced the arrest of five individuals, including suspects from Egypt and the United States.
Polish law enforcement revealed Wednesday that two Polish nationals were also taken into custody in relation to the incident.
Czech officials confirmed Saturday that one person was detained that day, while another individual was apprehended Friday in Bulgaria, with extradition proceedings expected to follow. Both suspects are foreign nationals, according to Czech authorities.
The activist organization claiming responsibility stated online that the targeted company was manufacturing weapons for Israel. While LPP Holding had announced intentions in 2023 to partner with Israeli defense firm Elbit Systems, the company maintains those collaboration plans were never executed.
LPP’s manufacturing operations include drone production for export to Ukraine, which continues defending against Russian military forces following Moscow’s comprehensive invasion in 2022.
President Trump delivered a stark ultimatum to Iran on Saturday, giving the nation just 48 hours to reopen the critical Strait of Hormuz shipping lane or face what he described as devastating retaliation.
Taking to Truth Social, the President declared: “Remember when I gave Iran ten days to MAKE A DEAL or OPEN UP THE HORMUZ STRAIT. Time is running out – 48 hours before all Hell will reign down on them. Glory be to GOD!” The message represents a significant intensification of tensions over the vital maritime corridor.
Just one day earlier, Trump had suggested more aggressive action regarding the waterway, posting on social media: “With a little more time, we can easily OPEN THE HORMUZ STRAIT, TAKE THE OIL, & MAKE A FORTUNE.”
The narrow waterway serves as a crucial chokepoint for global energy supplies, with one-fifth of all international oil and natural gas shipments passing through its waters. Iran has implemented selective restrictions on vessel passage, blocking ships from nations it considers adversaries, including the United States, Israel, and their allies. Meanwhile, Tehran continues permitting vessels from Russia, China, Pakistan, India, and other nations to use the route.
Iranian officials announced Friday they would allow Iraqi ships to pass despite the ongoing restrictions. Government spokesman Ebrahim Zolfaghari stated on state-controlled television: “We announce that our brotherly country of Iraq is exempt from any restrictions we have imposed on the Strait of Hormuz, and these restrictions only apply to enemy countries.”
The shipping disruptions have triggered dramatic increases in worldwide energy costs. Brent crude oil prices have jumped dramatically from approximately $65 per barrel to a range of $100 to $120 per barrel in early April 2026, demonstrating the significant economic consequences of the strait’s partial closure on global markets.
Six individuals sustained minor injuries Saturday when Iran conducted a series of ballistic missile attacks against central and southern Israel, with debris from the strikes landing close to Israel’s primary military command center in Tel Aviv.
Throughout Saturday, Iran fired repeated waves of ballistic missiles, many equipped with cluster warheads that scattered smaller explosive devices across civilian areas. More than a dozen locations throughout central Israel reported direct hits from the assault.
Debris from the missile attack fell into a parking area adjacent to the Kirya military complex in Tel Aviv. The surrounding communities of Ramat Gan and Bnei Brak experienced damage to residential buildings and automobiles. Emergency response teams conducted search operations in Ramat Gan after a building suffered severe structural damage, looking for anyone potentially trapped beneath the debris. Medical personnel treated a man in his fifties for minor wounds, while a 45-year-old resident of Bnei Brak required care after being cut by flying glass.
The city of Rosh Ha’ayin also experienced infrastructure damage when a missile struck an electrical transmission line, leaving portions of the community without power.
South of Beersheba, a ballistic missile equipped with a large conventional explosive device hit the Ne’ot Hovav industrial complex, igniting a blaze at the facility.
According to the Israel Defense Forces, Home Front Command rescue units were sent to numerous impact locations, and officials warned civilians to avoid the affected zones due to potential dangers from unexploded munitions and falling wreckage.
Connecticut basketball coach Geno Auriemma has issued an apology following a heated confrontation with South Carolina coach Dawn Staley during the closing moments of their women’s Final Four matchup in Phoenix. The incident occurred as South Carolina secured a 62-48 victory on Friday night, with an agitated Auriemma approaching Staley and appearing to criticize her actions. Coaching staff from both programs intervened to separate the two coaches. After the final buzzer, Auriemma departed directly to the locker room without participating in the traditional post-game handshakes with South Carolina personnel.
In NHL news, the Buffalo Sabres have finally broken through to end professional sports’ longest active playoff drought. After 14 consecutive seasons without postseason play – an NHL record – the Sabres secured their playoff berth on Saturday when the New York Rangers defeated Detroit in regulation. During their extended absence from the playoffs, Buffalo never finished higher than 19th in league standings. Their drought ranked as the second-longest among major North American sports franchises, trailing only the NFL’s New York Jets, who haven’t reached the playoffs since 2010.
At Augusta National, Colombia’s Maria Jose Marin captured the Augusta National Women’s Amateur championship after California teenager Asterisk Talley suffered a dramatic collapse. The Arkansas junior fired a final-round 68 to establish a tournament record at 14-under 202, becoming the third collegiate champion to win the event alongside Jennifer Kupcho and Rose Zhang. Talley’s chances evaporated during a disastrous sequence at the par-3 12th hole, where she found the water twice from a greenside bunker, resulting in a quadruple-bogey that dropped her five strokes back. Talley finished with a 75 and tied for fourth place.
The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame announced its latest class of inductees during Friday’s women’s Final Four festivities in Phoenix. WNBA stars Candace Parker and Elena Delle Donne will be enshrined alongside Chamique Holdsclaw and the entire 1996 U.S. Olympic women’s basketball team. Additional inductees include former NBA players Amar’e Stoudemire, coaches Mike D’Antoni, Doc Rivers, and Gonzaga’s Mark Few, plus longtime NBA referee Joey Crawford. The formal induction ceremony is scheduled for August at the Hall of Fame facility in Springfield, Massachusetts.
The Milwaukee Brewers have acquired an unusual new team mascot after manager Pat Murphy’s television interview took an unexpected turn. During Friday’s pregame coverage, Murphy produced a tortoise named Bobby Jr. when told he couldn’t showcase his signature “pocket pancakes” – a reference to his viral moment last season when he pulled pancakes from his hoodie during a game interview. What Murphy believed was a turtle turned out to be a tortoise, and due to airline restrictions on reptiles, reporter Tricia Whitaker had to leave the creature with the team in Kansas City.
Manchester City advanced to the FA Cup semifinals with a commanding 4-0 victory over Liverpool, powered by Erling Haaland’s explosive 18-minute hat trick. The Norwegian striker opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 39th minute, added a header just before halftime, and completed his first hat trick of the season with a 57th-minute finish off the crossbar. Liverpool’s struggles were compounded by Mohamed Salah’s missed penalty, intensifying pressure on manager Arne Slot. City’s semifinal berth extends their record streak to eight consecutive seasons. Chelsea also progressed by demolishing third-division Port Vale 7-0.
Detroit Tigers veteran Justin Verlander’s homecoming has been delayed after the team placed him on the 15-day injured list with left hip inflammation. The 43-year-old pitcher, baseball’s oldest active player, was set to make his first start at Comerica Park in a Tigers uniform since August 20, 2017, when he was traded to Houston. Verlander rejoined Detroit in February on a one-year, $13 million deal after spending last season with San Francisco.
Colorado Avalanche defenseman Brent Burns achieved a rare milestone by becoming just the second NHL player to appear in 1,000 consecutive games. The 41-year-old veteran reached the mark during Saturday’s game against Dallas, receiving recognition from the home crowd and traveling fans alike. Burns’ streak began on November 21, 2013, while playing for San Jose and has continued through stops with Minnesota and Carolina. Phil Kessel holds the all-time record with 1,064 straight regular-season appearances from 2009-2023.
South Carolina returns to familiar territory, reaching the NCAA championship game for the fourth time in five seasons after their defensive masterpiece against UConn. The Gamecocks will face UCLA, making their first-ever title game appearance, as both teams seek basketball’s ultimate prize. South Carolina’s 62-48 semifinal victory ended UConn’s remarkable 54-game winning streak, while UCLA earned their spot with a gritty 51-44 triumph over Texas. The Gamecocks are pursuing their fourth national championship in nine years under coach Dawn Staley.
UCLA secured their historic first NCAA championship game berth with a defensive struggle against Texas, prevailing 51-44 behind Lauren Betts’ 16 points and crucial late-game block. The Bruins (36-1) dominated the team that handed them their only loss this season, effectively neutralizing All-American Madison Booker while building a 13-point fourth-quarter advantage. After being overwhelmed by eventual champion UConn in last year’s Final Four, UCLA has authored the greatest season in program history and now stands one victory away from their first national title.
TEL AVIV, Israel — U.S. military forces entered their second day of searching for an American pilot downed in a remote Iranian region, as President Donald Trump renewed his ultimatum to Tehran on Saturday with a stark warning about his Monday deadline for reopening the Strait of Hormuz: “Time is running out.”
Iran identified the downed American aircraft as an F-15E Strike Eagle, one of two planes attacked on Friday. Tehran has offered a bounty for anyone who captures the “enemy pilot.” Iranian military leadership claimed on Saturday that they also brought down two U.S. Black Hawk helicopters on Friday, though The Associated Press could not confirm this independently.
The conflict, which has now entered its sixth week, started with coordinated U.S.-Israeli military strikes on February 28 and has resulted in thousands of casualties, disrupted international markets, blocked critical shipping lanes, and driven up fuel costs. The hostilities continue to escalate as Iran launches retaliatory strikes throughout the region.
“We will continue to crush them,” declared Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Saturday. Israel’s armed forces verified they targeted a petrochemical facility in Mahshahr, which Netanyahu claimed finances the ongoing conflict. Iranian state media reported five fatalities from the strike, according to a provincial security official.
During a Wednesday national speech, Trump claimed the U.S. had “beaten and completely decimated Iran.” However, on Saturday, what appeared to be an Iranian drone struck Oracle’s headquarters in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Warning of potential war crimes, international observers noted that both nations have targeted and attacked civilian infrastructure and non-military sites.
Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization reported that an air attack occurred near the Bushehr nuclear plant, resulting in one security guard’s death and damage to a support structure. Rosatom’s director announced the evacuation of 198 personnel. This marked the fourth assault on the facility.
Diplomatic Efforts Underway
Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Tahir Andrabi informed the AP that his nation’s ceasefire mediation efforts are “right on track.” Pakistan announced last week it would host negotiations between Washington and Tehran.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that Iranian representatives “have never refused to go to Islamabad.”
According to two regional officials, mediators from Pakistan, Turkey, and Egypt are working to facilitate U.S.-Iran negotiations. They reported efforts to reconcile both nations’ conditions for ending hostilities and reopening the vital Strait of Hormuz.
The potential agreement involves halting military actions to enable diplomatic resolution, according to a regional official participating in the mediation and a Gulf diplomat briefed on the discussions. Both requested anonymity due to the confidential nature of the diplomatic process.
Trump reiterated his deadline through social media: “Remember when I gave Iran ten days to MAKE A DEAL or OPEN UP THE HORMUZ STRAIT. Time is running out — 48 hours before all Hell will reign down on them.”
Search for American Airman
The rescue operation for the U.S. pilot centers on a mountainous area in Iran’s southwestern Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad province. A broadcaster on an Iranian state television affiliate called on local residents to surrender any “enemy pilot” to authorities.
According to a Pentagon email obtained by the AP, military officials received word of “an aircraft being shot down” in the Middle East.
One U.S. crew member was successfully recovered. The Pentagon informed the U.S. House Armed Services Committee that a second service member’s condition remained unknown.
Trump informed NBC News that the incident would not impact potential negotiations with Iran.
A U.S. official, speaking anonymously about sensitive military matters, confirmed that a second U.S. Air Force combat plane went down in the Middle East on Friday. It remained unclear whether the aircraft crashed or was attacked, or if Iran played a role.
Iranian media outlets reported that Iran’s defense systems struck a U.S. A-10 attack plane, causing it to crash in the Persian Gulf.
Oracle Building Attacked
Oracle’s Dubai offices sustained damage after Iran’s Revolutionary Guard threatened the company. AP-verified footage from the UAE revealed a significant hole in the building’s southwestern section.
Dubai’s government media office described a “minor incident caused by debris from an aerial interception that fell on the facade,” reporting no injuries. Austin, Texas-based Oracle Corp. did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
The Revolutionary Guard has labeled several major U.S. technology firms as participants in “terrorist espionage” activities against Iran and declared them valid targets. Previous drone attacks have hit Amazon Web Services installations in the UAE and Bahrain.
Second Strait Threatened
Late Friday, Iran’s parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf made an indirect threat to block traffic through another crucial regional waterway, the Bab el-Mandeb.
This 32-kilometer (20-mile) wide passage connects the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean. Over ten percent of global maritime oil shipments and twenty-five percent of container vessels travel through it.
“Which countries and companies account for the highest transit volumes through the strait?” Qalibaf posted.
The conflict has claimed more than 1,900 lives in Iran since fighting began.
In Gulf Arab nations and the occupied West Bank, casualties exceed two dozen, while Israel has reported 19 deaths and the U.S. has lost 13 service members. Lebanon has suffered over 1,400 fatalities with more than one million people displaced. Ten Israeli soldiers have perished there.
NEWARK, Del. – A significant milestone was reached Saturday for University of Delaware women’s tennis as head coach Pablo Montana celebrated his 100th career victory at the helm of the program.
The Blue Hens secured Montana’s centennial win with a commanding 6-1 victory against Johns Hopkins University at the DFH Outdoor Courts on the Newark campus.
The achievement marks a notable accomplishment for Montana during his tenure leading the Delaware women’s tennis program. The decisive win over Johns Hopkins helped the team continue building momentum in their season while providing their coach with a memorable career landmark.
Saturday’s match showcased the program’s strength as the Blue Hens dominated play against their visiting opponents, winning six of seven total matches contested during the afternoon competition.
The University of Delaware baseball team wrapped up their Conference USA road series against New Mexico State this week in Las Cruces.
The Blue Hens completed their multi-game series against the Aggies as part of their ongoing conference schedule. The series marked another chapter in Delaware’s Conference USA campaign this season.
The road trip to New Mexico State represents part of the Blue Hens’ conference obligations as they continue their spring baseball season in Conference USA play.
The University of Delaware men’s lacrosse team made program history Saturday afternoon, capturing their inaugural Atlantic 10 Conference win with a commanding 12-6 victory over the Hobart Statesmen at Delaware Stadium in Newark.
Leading the charge for the Blue Hens was Keegan Lathrop, who delivered a standout performance by netting four goals – the most he’s scored in a single game during his collegiate career. The milestone victory moves Delaware’s record to 3-7 overall and 1-2 in Atlantic 10 play.
The Fightin’ Blue Hens dominated throughout the contest against Hobart, which saw their record fall to 2-8 overall and 0-3 in conference competition. Saturday’s triumph represents a significant breakthrough for Delaware’s lacrosse program as they continue building their presence in the Atlantic 10.
The decisive win at home gives the Blue Hens momentum as they work to establish themselves as competitors in their relatively new conference affiliation. Lathrop’s explosive offensive showing proved to be the difference-maker in what became a historic afternoon for Delaware athletics.
Delaware State Police have taken a 60-year-old Bethel man into custody on felony charges after he crashed his motorcycle outside a Laurel restaurant while allegedly under the influence for the sixth time.
Officers responded to Tacos Chabelita on Sussex Highway around 9 p.m. Friday evening after receiving reports of a collision in the restaurant’s parking lot. According to investigators, Wade Bowersox was riding a Harley-Davidson when he collided with the passenger side of a parked Ford Explorer.
After the impact, authorities say Bowersox lifted his motorcycle and relocated it behind the restaurant before going inside and sitting down to eat. When troopers found him in the establishment, they noticed indicators that he was impaired.
While officers were escorting Bowersox outside, he tried to hide a small package containing what appeared to be cocaine in one of his motorcycle’s storage compartments, according to police. He was taken into custody without resistance.
A thorough examination of the motorcycle uncovered several items of concern to investigators:
• About 1.68 grams of what is believed to be cocaine • A digital scale • More alcoholic beverages
Police records show Bowersox has been convicted of DUI-related offenses five times previously and was operating the motorcycle despite having a suspended license.
Authorities transported Bowersox to Troop 5, where they secured a court order to collect a blood sample. Following his arraignment at Justice of the Peace Court 3, he was sent to Sussex Correctional Institution with bail set at $30,602 cash.
The charges against Bowersox include:
• Felony sixth offense driving under the influence • Possession of a controlled substance • Possession of drug paraphernalia • Driving with a suspended license • Additional traffic violations
DALLAS — Colorado Avalanche defenseman Brent Burns reached a remarkable milestone Saturday night, becoming only the second player in National Hockey League history to participate in 1,000 straight games during Colorado’s matchup with the Dallas Stars.
The 41-year-old veteran, known for his distinctive beard, received recognition from the Stars organization on the arena’s video display during the early moments of the contest. Both Dallas supporters and traveling Colorado fans applauded Burns for his extraordinary achievement.
The NHL record for consecutive regular-season appearances belongs to Phil Kessel, who participated in 1,064 straight contests spanning from November 3, 2009, through April 13, 2023. Kessel accomplished this feat while suiting up for Toronto, Pittsburgh, Arizona, and Vegas.
Burns’ incredible durability streak began on November 21, 2013, while he was playing for San Jose. Throughout his career, he has also worn uniforms for Minnesota and Carolina before joining Colorado this season.
In his inaugural campaign with the Avalanche, Burns has netted 11 goals, making him and Hockey Hall of Famer Nicklas Lidstrom the only defensemen in NHL history to record double-digit goal totals at age 40 or beyond.
Saturday’s contest marked Burns’ 1,572nd career regular-season appearance. He entered the game having accumulated 941 career points, consisting of 272 goals and 669 assists. The veteran blueliner spent 11 of his 22 NHL seasons with the San Jose Sharks.
DETROIT — A much-anticipated homecoming for veteran pitcher Justin Verlander has been delayed after the Detroit Tigers sidelined him Saturday due to injury.
The 43-year-old hurler, who holds the distinction of being baseball’s oldest active player, was added to the 15-day injured list because of inflammation in his left hip. Verlander had been slated to take the mound Sunday evening for his first appearance in a Tigers jersey at Comerica Park since August 20, 2017.
The veteran pitcher was traded to the Houston Astros during the 2017 trade deadline. Following a stint with the San Francisco Giants last year, Verlander rejoined Detroit in February after signing a one-year deal worth $13 million.
During his initial tenure with Detroit spanning 2005 through 2017, Verlander took the mound for 380 starts. His 2024 season debut against Arizona on Monday proved challenging, as he surrendered five runs on six hits across 3 2/3 innings and was credited with the defeat.
The Tigers have called up right-handed pitcher Keider Montero from their Triple-A affiliate in Toledo, with Montero expected to take the mound for the concluding game of their three-game series against St. Louis.
HOUSTON (AP) — A space film featuring Ryan Gosling has earned enthusiastic approval from astronauts currently traveling more than halfway to the moon.
Jeremy Hansen, the Canadian astronaut participating in the Artemis II mission, revealed on Saturday that he and his fellow crew members had the opportunity to screen “Project Hail Mary” alongside their families prior to embarking on their lunar journey. Hansen described the viewing experience as “a real treat” while preparing for his upcoming space mission.
The Canadian actor Gosling extended his well-wishes to all four astronauts before their Wednesday departure.
“Art imitates science and vice versa,” Hansen commented during a live broadcast organized by the Canadian Space Agency. “I thought it was just such an inspirational example — somebody who goes out there and just gets what was done to save humanity. It’s a pretty extraordinary example that we can all follow.”
Hansen holds the distinction of being the first international astronaut to travel to the moon.
SALISBURY, Md. – Salisbury University’s baseball squad struggled offensively during Saturday’s Coast-to-Coast Athletic Conference matchup, falling 2-0 to visiting Christopher Newport University at Donnie Williams Sea Gull Baseball Stadium.
The Sea Gulls, currently ranked ninth nationally, were held scoreless by the 16th-ranked Captains in what proved to be a defensive battle between the two conference opponents.
The loss marks a setback for Salisbury as they continue their campaign in C2C play, with Christopher Newport managing to secure the victory on the road in Maryland’s Eastern Shore region.
Canada’s premier soccer league has become the first professional testing ground for a groundbreaking new offside regulation that could transform the sport worldwide.
The Canadian Premier League launched its season Saturday with FIFA’s experimental “daylight” offside rule, designed to eliminate lengthy video reviews and reduce disputes over close calls while giving attacking players an advantage.
“I see this as an opportunity to grow as a coach. It’s going to give me more tools for the future,” Atletico Ottawa head coach Diego Mejia told reporters.
The revolutionary regulation changes how officials determine offside violations. Now, attacking players remain onside as long as any scoring body part stays level with or behind the second-last defender. Officials only call offside when clear space – the “daylight” – exists between the offensive player and defender.
Former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, currently FIFA’s global football development chief, has promoted this approach for years to minimize frustrating marginal decisions and reduce post-match controversies that can last for days.
Wenger described the Canadian trial as “an important pilot.”
The season opener between defending champions Atletico Ottawa and Forge FC provided the first real-world test, including a video review following a disputed penalty call.
Canada’s modified system permits head coaches two challenges per game for crucial decisions, with referees using video technology to examine each appeal.
The opening review lasted over five minutes, though it didn’t focus on offside positioning. Officials examined two potential offside situations, a possible foul during the buildup, and a goalkeeper-striker collision that resulted in the penalty call.
The challenge was ultimately rejected.
A subsequent offside decision using the new daylight standard proceeded smoothly without disrupting game flow.
Saturday also marked the Canadian league’s first use of video assistance technology. Some analysts noted that officials will need adjustment time for both the modified offside interpretation and the new technology. The system uses FIFA’s streamlined Football Video Support model rather than full VAR.
Canada’s adoption of this rule provides FIFA with a professional testing environment that European leagues have declined to offer.
Some critics worry the change might force defenders, especially center-backs, into more conservative positioning.
Others suggest it could create additional midfield space as defenders maintain deeper defensive lines.
Edmonton Oilers forward Zach Hyman will be sidelined for as long as two weeks while dealing with an injury that team officials have not disclosed, head coach Kris Knoblauch announced to media on Saturday.
The 33-year-old veteran has been battling through the injury while continuing to play, recording 51 points this season with 31 goals and 20 assists across 57 games. Hyman logged 16 minutes and 40 seconds of ice time during Thursday’s 3-1 victory against Chicago at home.
“If this was a playoff game, he’d be playing,” Knoblauch explained following Saturday’s morning practice session. “We feel it’s best to give him some rest and let him be healthy and not aggravate anything.”
“A lot of our players are going through something, but it’s something that wasn’t getting better and we wanted to give him some rest (so he) can heal and then he can be 100 percent for the playoffs. Whether that’s five days or 14 days, something in that window, then we should be good.”
Throughout his NHL career spanning 710 games between Toronto (2015-21) and Edmonton (2021-present), Hyman has accumulated 494 points with 261 goals and 233 assists. The Florida Panthers selected him in the fifth round of the 2010 draft.
Meanwhile, star player Leon Draisaitl, who has been recovering from a lower-body injury since March 15, is scheduled to return to skating practice next week when the team travels for a three-game road series, according to Knoblauch. Initial expectations were that the German forward would remain out for the remainder of the regular season.
The 30-year-old Draisaitl ranks second on Edmonton’s scoring chart with 97 points, including 35 goals and 62 assists in 65 games this campaign. The former Hart Memorial Trophy winner from 2019-20 has earned three All-Star selections during his 12-year career.
Selected third overall by Edmonton in 2014, Draisaitl has amassed 1,053 career points with 434 goals and 619 assists over 855 NHL contests.
FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – Salisbury University’s women’s lacrosse squad continued their perfect season on Saturday, defeating the Mary Washington Eagles 14-7 in Fredericksburg.
The Sea Gulls, currently ranked fourth nationally, dominated their opening conference game of the year with a strong performance that kept their undefeated streak alive.
The victory marks an important milestone for Salisbury as they begin conference play, showcasing the team’s ability to maintain their high level of performance against league opponents.
With this win, the Sea Gulls demonstrate why they’ve earned their top-five national ranking and position themselves well for continued success in conference competition.
The University of Maryland Eastern Shore men’s volleyball team delivered a commanding performance against Long Island University, securing a straight-sets victory that extended their impressive home court dominance.
The Hawks swept the Sharks 3-0, marking their ninth consecutive triumph on their home court. The victory brings UMES to an even 4-4 record in Northeast Conference competition this season.
The dominant home performance continues a strong trend for the Hawks, who have turned their home venue into a fortress for visiting opponents. The team’s ability to maintain this level of success at home has been a key factor in their conference play this year.
With the sweep complete, UMES moves forward with momentum as they work to climb above .500 in NEC standings. The Hawks will look to build on this successful outing as conference play continues.
The University of Maryland Eastern Shore softball team struggled at the plate in their season series finale, managing only two hits while being shut out by Coppin State.
The Hawks were unable to generate any offensive momentum against the Eagles’ pitching staff, resulting in a scoreless performance that ended their series on a disappointing note.
UMES will look to regroup and refocus as they continue their season following this challenging outing against their conference rivals.
Motorists traveling on southbound Interstate 95 are experiencing significant delays this morning after a vehicle fire forced authorities to close four left lanes just before Exit 5.
The Delaware Department of Transportation reports that only the right lanes remain open to traffic as emergency crews respond to the incident. Drivers are advised to expect delays and consider alternate routes if possible.
Officials have not yet released information about the cause of the vehicle fire or whether anyone was injured in the incident. The timeline for reopening the closed lanes has not been announced.
The Goldey-Beacom Lightning baseball team continued their impressive winning streak, capturing their ninth consecutive victory with a commanding 13-3 road triumph over Georgian Court University.
The Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference matchup took place in Jackson, New Jersey, where the Lightning dominated their opponents to maintain their perfect record over the past nine games.
The decisive victory showcases the team’s strong momentum as they continue their conference play this season.
The wait is finally over in Buffalo as the Sabres have secured their first playoff appearance since 2011, ending an unprecedented 14-year absence from postseason hockey.
The team officially earned their playoff spot Saturday when the New York Rangers beat Detroit in regulation time. This historic drought spanned an NHL-record 14 seasons, making it the second-longest active streak among major North American sports, trailing only the New York Jets who haven’t reached the playoffs since 2010.
Buffalo locked up their postseason berth with six games remaining in the regular season, ahead of their Saturday night matchup in Washington. Currently sitting at 46-22-8, the Sabres are even positioned to potentially capture the Eastern Conference’s number one seed.
The transformation has been nothing short of extraordinary for a franchise that has endured 5,458 days since their last playoff game – a Game 7 first-round loss to Philadelphia on April 26, 2011, under then-coach Lindy Ruff.
During this lengthy absence from the playoffs, Buffalo has occupied the league’s basement four separate times while cycling through seven different head coaches, including Ruff’s current return, and four general managers, with Jarmo Kekalainen now at the helm.
The team’s dramatic rise coincided with Kekalainen’s promotion from senior adviser to general manager on December 15, taking over after Kevyn Adams was dismissed following more than five seasons in charge.
Buffalo had already strung together three consecutive victories when the management change took place, then proceeded to match a franchise record with 10 straight wins. The momentum has continued unabated, with the Sabres posting a 14-3-2 record since the Olympic break, and their worst stretch since December being just a three-game winless streak.
While the coaching change provided a spark, Buffalo’s improved health also played a crucial role in their success.
The return of Josh Norris and Jason Zucker strengthened the top two forward lines, while goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen overcame early-season injury troubles to split starting duties with Alex Lyon. After a shaky 4-5-1 start, Luukkonen has compiled an impressive 15-4-2 record since December 21.
Kekalainen also bolstered the roster at last month’s trade deadline, bringing in center Sam Carrick, forward Tanner Pearson, and defensemen Logan Stanley and Luke Schenn.
Leading the charge are two of Buffalo’s most experienced players: captain Rasmus Dahlin, selected first overall in 2018, and forward Tage Thompson, who arrived via the Ryan O’Reilly trade to St. Louis that same summer.
Dahlin entered Saturday ranked sixth among NHL defensemen with 67 points, while Thompson was tied for 11th league-wide with 38 goals.
Buffalo’s next challenge will be capturing their first playoff series victory since defeating the Rangers in six games during the 2007 second round.
This resurgence has reinvigorated a fanbase that had grown frustrated with consistent losing, multiple failed rebuilding attempts, and watching talented players like O’Reilly and Jack Eichel leave town only to win Stanley Cups elsewhere. Eichel was traded to Vegas in November 2021 after a prolonged dispute over his neck injury treatment.
The Sabres remain without a Stanley Cup championship in their 54-year franchise history.
Fan enthusiasm has returned in full force, with Buffalo recording 21 home sellouts this season, including 15 consecutive games, compared to just five sellouts the previous year.
The team has demonstrated remarkable resilience this season, entering Saturday with 19 comeback victories, tied for seventh in the NHL. Their most dramatic rally came against Tampa Bay last month, winning 8-7 after trailing 7-5 with only nine minutes remaining in regulation.
Tampa Bay also secured their playoff spot on Saturday.
The Los Angeles Lakers face mounting injury concerns as star guard Austin Reaves is scheduled for an MRI examination on Saturday to evaluate his midsection, according to multiple reports.
Reaves sustained the rib and oblique injury during Thursday’s defeat against the Oklahoma City Thunder. The same contest also saw fellow star guard Luka Doncic suffer a left hamstring injury that will likely sideline him for the remaining five regular season games.
“I went back to get a rebound, overextended a little bit and I felt something,” Reaves explained following the Thunder defeat.
While Doncic has been ruled out for Sunday’s road matchup against the Dallas Mavericks, Reaves’ availability remains uncertain. The Lakers may also be without guard Marcus Smart due to an ankle issue.
Los Angeles had entered the Oklahoma City game with momentum and optimism about their playoff chances, having won 13 of their last 14 contests to climb to third place in the Western Conference standings. However, the Thunder matchup proved damaging beyond just the 139-96 defeat.
The 27-year-old Reaves has posted career-high numbers this season, averaging 23.3 points along with 4.7 rebounds and 5.5 assists across 51 games with 45 starts. He previously missed 19 straight games this season due to a calf problem.
Throughout his five-year career, all spent with the Lakers, Reaves has compiled averages of 15.8 points, 3.9 rebounds and 4.5 assists over 331 games with 216 starts.
Doncic currently tops the NBA in scoring with 33.5 points per game while also contributing 8.3 assists and 7.7 rebounds. He recently earned Western Conference Player of the Month honors for March, during which he averaged 37.5 points, 8.0 rebounds, 7.4 assists and 2.3 steals.
The head coach of the University of Connecticut women’s basketball team issued a public apology Saturday following a heated confrontation with his counterpart from South Carolina after Friday night’s Final Four matchup in Phoenix.
Geno Auriemma found himself at the center of controversy when his team fell to the Gamecocks 62-48, ending UConn’s perfect season. As time expired, both Auriemma and South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley moved toward center court in what appeared to be a customary post-game handshake.
Instead of extending his hand, Auriemma spoke to Staley, prompting an angry response from the South Carolina coach. Staff members from both teams quickly intervened to separate the coaches. After being led away initially, Auriemma returned and walked past Staley again as she continued her animated reaction before her assistants worked to calm the situation.
In his official statement, Auriemma took full responsibility for the incident. “There’s no excuse how I handled the end of the game vs. South Carolina,” Auriemma said in a statement. “It’s unlike what I do and what our standard is here at Connecticut. I want to apologize to the staff and team at South Carolina. It was uncalled for in how I reacted. The story should be how well South Carolina played, and I don’t want my actions to detract from that. I’ve had a great relationship with their staff, and I want to sincerely apologize to them.”
When questioned by ESPN immediately after the game about what sparked the disagreement, Staley expressed confusion about Auriemma’s behavior. “I have no idea. But I’mma let you know this: I’m of integrity. I’m of integrity. So if I did something wrong to Geno, I had no idea what I did,” Staley explained.
The South Carolina coach speculated about a possible misunderstanding regarding pre-game protocol. “I guess he thought I didn’t shake his hand at the beginning of the game. I didn’t know. I went down there pregame, shook everybody on his staff’s hand. I don’t know what he came with after the game. But hey, sometimes things get heated, we move on,” she added.
During her post-game press conference, Staley emphasized that Auriemma initiated the exchange. “You can ask Geno the question — he’s the one that initiated the conversation. I don’t want what happened to dampen what we were able to accomplish today,” Staley stated.
Auriemma’s frustration appeared to stem from officiating concerns during the contest. Speaking to ESPN, he voiced displeasure with the third quarter’s foul distribution. “There were six fouls called that (third) quarter, all of ’em against us. And they’ve been beating the s— out of our guys down there the entire game. Now I’m not making excuses because we haven’t been able to make a shot, but this is ridiculous. Their coach rants and raves on the sideline and calls the referees some names you don’t wanna hear. And now we got six to zero, and I got a kid with a ripped jersey and (the refs) say, ‘I didn’t see it.’”
The victory advances Staley’s Gamecocks to the championship game with a 36-3 record, positioning them one victory away from capturing their third NCAA title in five seasons and Staley’s fourth as head coach. The 55-year-old coach has built South Carolina into a national powerhouse.
For the 72-year-old Auriemma, the loss marked his team’s first defeat of the season, concluding UConn’s campaign with a 38-1 record. Despite the disappointing finish, Auriemma remains college basketball’s most successful coach with 12 national championships, including last year’s title for the Huskies.
Ottawa Senators defenseman Jake Sanderson stepped back onto the ice Saturday during their matchup with the Minnesota Wild after being sidelined for over a month.
The 23-year-old defender had been out of action since March 7, when Ottawa beat Seattle 7-4, due to an upper-body injury that kept him away from the team for 13 contests.
Sanderson’s comeback couldn’t come at a better time for Ottawa, which sits at 39-26-20 with 88 points. While the Senators currently occupy the second wild-card position in the Eastern Conference based on tiebreakers heading into Saturday’s contest, their playoff spot remains uncertain. Detroit, Columbus, and Philadelphia each have identical 88-point totals and are ready to capitalize on any missteps to secure the final postseason position.
This season, Sanderson has compiled 48 points through 62 games, recording 11 goals and 37 assists to lead all Ottawa defensemen in scoring.
Ottawa selected the Montana-born player fifth overall in the 2020 NHL Draft.
Prior to Saturday’s game, Sanderson had accumulated 175 points across 298 career NHL appearances, including 36 goals and 139 assists.
Authorities have successfully located Colin Byrd, the New Castle teenager who had been reported missing, and have officially canceled the Gold Alert that was issued in connection with his disappearance.
The teen has been found safe, bringing relief to his family and the community members who were concerned about his welfare.
Goldey-Beacom’s women’s tennis squad delivered a dominant performance on the road, blanking Kutztown University 7-0 in Pennsylvania.
The Lightning secured victories across all seven matches in what marked their second-to-last competition of the season. The team traveled to Kutztown, PA for the matchup that resulted in a complete shutout of their opponents.
The decisive win showcases the strength of Goldey-Beacom’s tennis program as they near the conclusion of their current campaign.
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Milwaukee Brewers have gone from carrying “pocket pancakes” to adopting a pocket reptile as their latest good luck charm.
The unusual story requires some background context.
Last August, Brewers manager Pat Murphy gained internet fame when he was spotted eating a pancake from his hoodie pocket during a live dugout interview against the Washington Nationals. Murphy has a reputation for keeping various snacks nearby during games, including waffles and egg rolls, but the nationally televised moment went viral instantly. The team capitalized on the attention by selling “Murph’s Pocket Pancakes” at Sunday home games.
The latest chapter unfolded before Friday’s rainout against the Kansas City Royals. During a pregame chat with Apple TV reporter Tricia Whitaker, Murphy revealed he’d been warned about his snacking habits.
“This is Bobby Jr.,” Murphy announced, producing what he called a pocket turtle after being told “under no uncertain circumstances, no pocket pancakes” during the interview. He named the creature after longtime friend Bobby Witt and his son, Royals player Bobby Witt Jr. “I didn’t want to pull out pancakes so here we are.”
After Whitaker shared the moment on social media, fans quickly corrected the identification. The reptile was actually a Sulcata tortoise, a species that can reach 100 pounds and live seven decades.
“How am I supposed to fly this home?” Whitaker wondered aloud.
That question proved prophetic. American Airlines maintains a strict policy against transporting reptiles, leaving Bobby Jr. stranded in Kansas City. Whitaker announced on social media that the Brewers would temporarily care for the tortoise.
By Saturday, the reptile had settled into the visiting clubhouse at Kauffman Stadium under a warming lamp, though team officials plan to find a permanent home soon. The tortoise won’t be joining road trips for the remainder of the season.
“It was suggested by one player,” Whitaker explained, “that they get to keep the ‘rally turtle’ if they win today. If they lose, I am hoping, consideration will be given to send me the tortoise.”
WASHINGTON — Federal lawyers representing the Trump administration are warning that a recent court decision stopping work on a $400 million White House ballroom poses serious security threats as they petition an appeals court to reverse the ruling.
National Park Service attorneys filed paperwork Friday claiming the federal judge’s construction suspension order creates “threatening grave national-security harms to the White House, the President and his family, and the President’s staff.”
“Time is of the essence!” the legal team emphasized, pointing to specialized materials needed for what they describe as a “heavily fortified” venue. According to court documents, the ballroom project encompasses bomb shelters, military installations and medical facilities as part of President Donald Trump’s broader Washington renovation agenda.
Earlier this week, U.S. District Judge Richard Leon issued a temporary construction freeze on the project, which has involved tearing down the White House East Wing. Leon determined that without Congressional authorization, the preservation organization challenging the work would likely prevail because “no statute comes close to giving the President the authority he claims to have.”
The judge provided a 14-day grace period before his order takes effect, anticipating an administrative appeal.
Leon’s decision coincided with final project approval from a regional federal construction oversight agency.
The judge, appointed during George W. Bush’s presidency, acknowledged in his ruling that “halting an ongoing construction project may raise logistical issues” when he granted the temporary delay.
Regarding security concerns, Leon reviewed classified government materials and determined that stopping construction would not compromise national security. His injunction specifically excludes any work essential for White House safety and protection.
Trump criticized the ruling while noting it permits continued work on underground bunkers and other security enhancements around the White House complex — funded by taxpayers. The president has promised that he and private contributors will finance the ballroom construction.
However, National Park Service lawyers contend the president possesses “complete authority to renovate the White House” and argue the current construction zone makes White House protection more difficult.
“Canvas tents, which are necessary without a ballroom, are significantly more vulnerable to missiles, drones, and other threats than a hardened national security facility,” their legal filing states.
The administration wants the appeals court to rule on their request by Friday and seeks a two-week extension of Leon’s 14-day suspension to allow time for a potential Supreme Court appeal.
Detroit Tigers veteran pitcher Justin Verlander will have to wait longer before taking the mound at his home stadium again.
On Saturday, the Tigers moved the accomplished right-handed pitcher to the 15-day injured list due to inflammation in his left hip. The roster move takes effect retroactively from Wednesday.
The 43-year-old pitcher was scheduled to make his Sunday appearance at Detroit his first home game as a Tiger since the 2017 season.
To fill Verlander’s spot, the Tigers brought up right-handed pitcher Keider Montero from their Triple-A affiliate in Toledo. Verlander had rejoined Detroit in February after signing a one-year deal worth $13 million.
In his season opener, Verlander struggled against Arizona, giving up five runs and six hits, including a home run, during 3 2/3 innings in Detroit’s 9-6 defeat to the Diamondbacks.
Throughout his major league career, Verlander has compiled 266 wins against 159 losses with a 3.33 earned run average. He has recorded 3,554 strikeouts and issued 1,006 walks across 3,571 1/3 innings in 556 regular-season starts. His career has spanned multiple teams including Detroit (2005-17), Houston (2017-20, 2022, 2023-24), the New York Mets (2023), and San Francisco (2025). He sat out the entire 2021 campaign following Tommy John elbow surgery performed in September 2020.
The veteran pitcher earned American League Rookie of the Year recognition in 2006 and captured both MVP and Cy Young Award honors in 2011. He added two more Cy Young Awards while playing for Houston in 2019 and 2022.
Detroit originally drafted Verlander as the second overall selection in the 2004 MLB Draft from Old Dominion University.
Montero, age 25, recorded five wins and three losses with a 4.37 ERA across 20 games last season for Detroit, making 12 starts among those appearances.
Nine basketball legends will receive the sport’s highest honor when the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame welcomes its 2026 class, officials announced Saturday.
Among the distinguished group are two active head coaches and three former WNBA stars, along with the complete 1996 U.S. women’s Olympic team that captured gold in Atlanta under coach Tara VanDerveer.
The North American Committee chose Gonzaga’s Mark Few and Milwaukee Bucks coach Doc Rivers for their coaching achievements. Former NBA star Amar’e Stoudemire, who earned six All-Star selections, also made the cut, alongside longtime NBA official Joey Crawford, who worked 39 seasons in the league.
The Women’s Committee honored the entire 1996 Olympic squad while also selecting three individual players: Elena Delle Donne, a two-time WNBA MVP; Chamique Holdsclaw, a six-time WNBA All-Star; and Candace Parker, who claimed two MVP awards and three WNBA championships.
Additionally, the Contributors Committee recognized Mike D’Antoni, who coached NBA teams for 16 seasons across stops in Phoenix, New York, Los Angeles, and Houston.
Few has led Gonzaga to an unprecedented 26 straight NCAA Tournament appearances, reaching the championship game twice in 2017 and 2021. Since the 1999-2000 campaign, his Bulldogs have never won fewer than 23 games in a season.
With 1,191 career wins, Rivers sits sixth on the NBA’s all-time coaching victories list. He led Boston to the 2008 NBA championship during his 27-year coaching career. As a player, Rivers spent 13 seasons in the league, including eight years with Atlanta from 1983-91, and earned an All-Star selection in 1988.
During his 14-year playing career from 2002-16, Stoudemire made six All-Star teams while starring primarily with Phoenix in his first eight seasons. He captured Rookie of the Year honors in 2002-03 and finished with career averages of 18.9 points and 7.8 rebounds per game.
Crawford officiated 2,561 regular season NBA games, trailing only Dick Bavetta in league history. He also holds the record for playoff games officiated with 374 and worked 50 NBA Finals contests.
Parker claimed three WNBA titles with different franchises during her 16-season career from 2008-23, earning MVP honors in 2008 and 2013. The seven-time All-Star also won back-to-back college championships at Tennessee in 2007 and 2008, plus Olympic gold medals in 2008 and 2012.
Delle Donne earned WNBA MVP recognition in 2015 and 2019, leading Washington to the 2019 championship. She made seven All-Star appearances across 10 seasons split between Chicago from 2013-16 and Washington from 2017-19 and 2021-23.
The formal induction ceremony will take place August 14-15 in Springfield, Massachusetts.
San Francisco Giants pitcher Jose Butto is set to have surgery to remove a blood clot discovered in his throwing arm, following his placement on the injured list Thursday due to arm fatigue.
The right-handed reliever had been dealing with discomfort in his arm prior to making three appearances out of the bullpen this season, posting a difficult 22.50 ERA across just two innings of work. Throughout his five-year major league career split between the New York Mets and Giants, Butto holds a record of 13-10 with four saves and a 3.76 ERA.
The Giants moved Butto to the 15-day injured list earlier this week and brought up right-hander Blade Tidwell from their Triple-A affiliate in Sacramento. Tidwell made an impressive debut Thursday night, throwing three shutout innings in relief against the New York Mets to earn his first major league save.
Both Tidwell and Butto joined the Giants organization last July as part of a trade package that also included outfielder Drew Gilbert, with all three players coming from the Mets in exchange for right-handed pitcher Tyler Rogers.
A high-ranking Israeli defense official disclosed Saturday that the country is making preparations to launch strikes against Iranian energy infrastructure while seeking approval from the United States before moving forward.
The official indicated that any military operations would likely take place within the coming week, according to reports from Jerusalem.
These developments follow President Donald Trump’s issuance of a 48-hour deadline, which has intensified speculation about whether Washington will support additional Israeli military operations targeting Iran.
The University of Georgia has announced that women’s basketball head coach Katie Abrahamson-Henderson will no longer lead the program, with both parties reaching a mutual agreement to separate on Saturday.
The 59-year-old coach compiled a 69-59 overall record during her four-year tenure leading the Bulldogs. Abrahamson-Henderson took over the program from Joni Taylor, who had succeeded longtime coach Andy Landers following his retirement in 2015.
The Bulldogs concluded this season with a 22-10 record after falling to Virginia 82-73 in overtime during the opening round of the NCAA Tournament. Georgia also made a tournament appearance in 2022, where they were eliminated in the second round by Iowa, led by star player Caitlin Clark.
Athletic director Josh Brooks expressed gratitude for Abrahamson-Henderson’s contributions to the program. “We would like to thank Coach Abe for her leadership and wish her well moving forward,” Brooks stated. “We are committed to building on the proud tradition of Lady Bulldog basketball and will continue to support our program with the necessary resources for future success.”
Brooks also outlined the university’s approach to finding a replacement. “We have an outstanding group of alumni and a dedicated fan base. Our search for a new head coach will focus on someone who will carry on this legacy and connect with our student-athletes, alumni and supporters in an impactful way.”
Prior to joining Georgia, Abrahamson-Henderson served as head coach at Missouri State, Albany, and UCF, guiding multiple teams to NCAA Tournament berths throughout her coaching career.
New Castle County police are actively searching for a missing 14-year-old boy and have activated a Gold Alert to help locate him.
Colin Byrd vanished Friday evening, April 3, 2026, from the 500 block of Frank Orchards Lane in New Castle around 10:00 p.m., according to the New Castle County Division of Police.
Law enforcement officials report they have conducted thorough search efforts but have been unsuccessful in finding or making contact with the teenager.
PHOENIX — Basketball legends Candace Parker and Elena Delle Donne will join their childhood heroes from the 1996 U.S. Olympic women’s basketball team in this year’s Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame induction class.
Parker expressed her excitement about being enshrined alongside players she grew up admiring, including Chamique Holdsclaw and the groundbreaking 1996 Olympic squad.
“I am so happy for Chamique and I am so happy that she is getting her flowers. She deserves them,” Parker shared with The Associated Press. “Obviously, Elena Della Donne and I grew up battling against one another and the ’96 team, I think we were all inspired by that. So I just think it’s, it’s truly special.”
The 2026 Hall of Fame class also features Amar’e Stoudemire, Mike D’Antoni, Joey Crawford, Doc Rivers and Mark Few, creating what Parker calls an exceptional group of honorees.
“It means so much, just to be in a club of people that I’ve always admired and looked up to and have paved the way. I think it’s super special,” Parker commented.
Parker’s illustrious career includes championships with three different WNBA franchises: Los Angeles, Chicago and Las Vegas. She holds the unique distinction of being the only player to capture both MVP and Rookie of the Year honors in a single season.
Her trophy case also contains two collegiate championships from Tennessee under legendary coach Pat Summitt, two Olympic gold medals and two WNBA MVP awards.
Holdsclaw reflected on how the 1996 Olympic team inspired her own journey, recalling the photos she kept of team members during her youth in New York. That squad launched an unprecedented streak of eight consecutive Olympic gold medals for American women’s basketball and helped establish the WNBA.
“There’s four or five players on that team who I have pictures of at my home, Lisa Leslie, Dawn Staley, Teresa Edwards,” Holdsclaw recalled.
During her time at Tennessee, Holdsclaw achieved three consecutive championships from 1996-98, making history as part of the first team to accomplish that feat. The 1998 title came during an undefeated 39-0 campaign that set NCAA records. Parker later contributed to Summitt’s final two championships in 2007-08.
“She would be so proud right now,” Holdsclaw said of her former coach. “I know she loved us both.”
Following an 11-year WNBA career, Holdsclaw credits the 1996 Olympic team with creating the foundation for professional women’s basketball leagues. The team’s undefeated performance at the Atlanta Games and their nationwide promotional tour generated unprecedented fan interest.
“The ’96 Olympic team was a really incredible group of women that were on a mission and accomplished the mission,” coach Tara VanDerveer explained. “It helped establish the ABL and the WNBA and I think it really was the rocket that was the foundation for the women’s basketball landscape now. I think it’s very exciting for all the players on the team and the coaches.”
Delle Donne earned league MVP recognition in 2015 and 2019, with her second award coming during Washington Mystics’ championship season. She made history by becoming the first WNBA player to achieve the rare combination of shooting above 50% from the field, 40% from three-point range and 90% from the free-throw line.
Among the male inductees, Stoudemire stands as the sole NBA player in this year’s class. The 2003 NBA Rookie of the Year and six-time All-Star spent his first eight seasons with Phoenix, where he played under D’Antoni’s innovative system.
“It means everything from a basketball point of view,” Stoudemire told the AP. “When you look back at my career not only as a pro, but even high school and, and nationally, and since I was a kid playing the game of basketball. I love the game. You play the game because you love it, and then you work to become the best you can possibly be, despite circumstances, and to get into the Hall of Fame, it shows that the voters appreciate it. And now we’re enshrined forever.”
Rivers brings 1,180 career victories to his Hall of Fame resume, ranking eighth all-time. He guided Boston to the 2008 NBA championship and later coached the Los Angeles Clippers during their celebrated Lob City period.
Few has accumulated 773 wins during his tenure at Gonzaga, establishing an NCAA Division I record by winning 81 games in his first three seasons. He led the Bulldogs to national championship games in both 2017 and 2021.
Crawford officiated 2,561 regular-season contests and 50 Finals games across his 39-year NBA career before retiring in 2016.
D’Antoni revolutionized basketball strategy with his fast-paced offensive approach, compiling nearly 1,200 career victories and earning NBA Coach of the Year honors twice.
For the first time, the Hall of Fame celebrated its incoming class during the women’s Final Four on Friday evening. Parker, Holdsclaw, members of the 1996 Olympic team, Stoudemire and D’Antoni all attended the special recognition ceremony.
The official enshrinement ceremony is scheduled for August at the Hall of Fame facility in Springfield, Massachusetts.
WASHINGTON — Federal officials have canceled the legal immigration status of at least four Iranian citizens who had ties to Iran’s current or previous government leadership, with two individuals now detained by immigration officers awaiting removal from the country.
These recent decisions occurred this week after Secretary of State Marco Rubio concluded the individuals no longer qualified for permanent resident privileges or permission to remain in America. The moves build upon earlier actions from late last year when officials also canceled documentation for multiple diplomats and staff members working at Iran’s United Nations mission.
According to a Saturday announcement from the State Department, immigration agents arrested the niece and grand-niece of deceased Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps leader Qassem Soleimani on Friday evening following Rubio’s decision to cancel their permanent resident cards. Soleimani died in an American military strike at Baghdad’s airport during 2020.
“Hamideh Soleimani Afshar and her daughter are now in the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement,” the announcement stated, noting that Afshar’s spouse has also been prohibited from entering American territory.
According to the official statement, Afshar and her daughter had maintained an extravagant way of life in Los Angeles over many years while openly endorsing Iran’s government and attacks against Americans.
Describing her as “an outspoken supporter of the Iranian regime who celebrated attacks on Americans and referred to our country as the ‘Great Satan,’” Rubio wrote on X. “The Trump administration will not allow our country to become a home for foreign nationals who support anti-American terrorist regimes.”
Iran’s United Nations mission declined to provide any response on Saturday.
These two women represent the most recent Iranians whose American legal standing has been eliminated by Rubio, who also recently canceled documentation for Fatemeh Ardeshir-Larijani, a scholar and daughter of Iran’s previous national security advisor Ali Larijani, who died in a joint U.S.-Israeli military operation last month. Officials also revoked her spouse Seyed Kalantar Motamedi’s documentation, though neither individual remains on American soil.
During early December, well ahead of widespread anti-government demonstrations in Iran and current military conflicts, the State Department canceled or refused to extend documentation for multiple Iranian diplomatic personnel, including the deputy representative and other staff at Iran’s United Nations office.
Officials confirmed Friday that these measures occurred on December 4th but refused additional details “for privacy and security reasons,” noting only that the timing was unconnected to either the demonstrations or ongoing warfare.
The University of Delaware Blue Hens baseball team encountered another setback in their ongoing series against New Mexico State, falling short in the second contest between the two programs.
The loss marks another disappointing result for the Blue Hens as they continue to face challenges in their matchup against the Aggies. Delaware was unable to capitalize on opportunities to even the series after dropping the opening game.
The Blue Hens will need to regroup quickly as they look to salvage at least one victory from their remaining games in the series. The team’s performance in this series will be crucial as they work to build momentum for the remainder of their season.
A federal court has temporarily blocked the Trump Administration from moving forward with a controversial requirement that would force colleges and universities to demonstrate they are not considering race in their admissions processes.
On Saturday, the federal judge issued the ruling, describing the administration’s rollout of the data collection mandate as having been implemented in a “rushed and chaotic” manner.
The legal challenge represents the latest development in ongoing disputes over college admissions policies and how institutions handle diversity considerations in their student selection processes.
The temporary halt prevents the administration from immediately collecting the requested information from higher education institutions while legal proceedings continue.
The Brooklyn Nets have locked in guard Malachi Smith with a multi-year agreement, the team announced Saturday.
Financial details of Smith’s new contract remain undisclosed. The 26-year-old former Gonzaga standout went undrafted but earned his way onto the roster after completing two separate 10-day contracts with Brooklyn.
Coming off the bench in 10 appearances this season, Smith has contributed 7.3 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 2.0 assists while playing an average of 18.2 minutes per game. His standout performance came during Brooklyn’s matchup with Sacramento on March 22, when he posted a personal-best 18 points.
Before joining the Nets, Smith spent the past two seasons developing his skills in the NBA G League. He played for the Rip City Remix during the 2023-24 campaign, followed by stints with both the Wisconsin Herd and Memphis Hustle in 2024.
The Toronto Blue Jays have sidelined catcher Alejandro Kirk for at least 10 days after he suffered a fractured left thumb, the team announced Saturday. To fill the roster spot, the organization has promoted catcher Brandon Valenzuela from their Triple-A affiliate in Buffalo.
Kirk sustained the injury when a foul ball struck his glove during Friday night’s matchup with the Chicago White Sox, forcing him to leave the game early. Through the first five contests of the season, the veteran backstop was struggling at the plate, managing just three hits in 20 at-bats for a .150 average, though he did contribute one home run and two RBIs.
The 27-year-old has spent his entire seven-year major league career with Toronto, compiling a .267 batting average along with 52 home runs and 265 RBIs across 569 games. Kirk earned All-Star recognition in both 2022 and 2025 for his contributions behind the plate.
For Valenzuela, this marks his debut in the major leagues at age 25. The Blue Jays acquired him through a trade with the San Diego Padres during the previous season.
During spring training, Valenzuela impressed with a .304 batting average, recording one home run and five RBIs in 11 appearances. In his brief stint with Buffalo this season, he collected three hits in 15 at-bats while adding one homer and four RBIs over four games.
Ukrainian leadership announced Saturday that American diplomats Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner may make a trip to Kyiv during April, as diplomatic efforts to restart stalled peace negotiations with Russia continue.
Kyrylo Budanov, a senior advisor to Ukraine’s president, indicated the visit could happen following Orthodox Easter celebrations on April 12. “Kushner, Witkoff, Lindsey Graham — those are the ones expected to come. Who else will be there — we’ll see,” Budanov stated in remarks to Bloomberg.
The planned journey would mark the first time either Witkoff or Kushner has made an official diplomatic trip to the Ukrainian capital. While both representatives have previously held discussions with Ukrainian officials on American soil, they have also conducted negotiations in Moscow with Russian leadership.
Diplomatic initiatives led by Washington to bring an end to Russia’s four-year military campaign in Ukraine have reached an impasse following recent military actions in the Middle East. The peace process encountered significant obstacles after American and Israeli forces conducted strikes against Iran, which subsequently led to a series of retaliatory attacks across multiple Middle Eastern nations.
