Pakistan announced Tuesday its willingness to facilitate another round of diplomatic discussions between the United States and Iran, as American leaders indicate recent negotiations may be moving forward.
According to Pakistani government sources who requested anonymity due to lack of authorization to speak publicly, Islamabad has extended an invitation for a second round of U.S.-Iran discussions to take place in their capital city within the coming days, potentially before any current ceasefire expires.
The diplomatic developments come after Vice President JD Vance indicated that recent negotiations with Iran “did make some progress” and President Donald Trump stated Monday that “we’ve been called by the other side” and “they want to work a deal.”
Pakistani sources emphasized that the location for potential talks could change based on preferences from both participating nations. One official noted that despite the first round of discussions concluding without a formal agreement, they represented part of a continuing diplomatic effort rather than an isolated attempt.
Meanwhile, tensions remain high in the Middle East as a senior Hezbollah representative declared Monday that the Lebanese militant organization would not honor any agreements emerging from direct Lebanon-Israel negotiations scheduled to begin Tuesday in Washington.
Lebanese leadership hopes to negotiate an end to the Israel-Hezbollah conflict, which has resulted in at least 2,089 deaths in Lebanon. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated his opposition to a ceasefire, emphasizing goals of Hezbollah’s disarmament and a potential peace treaty between Lebanon and Israel.
The diplomatic efforts unfold against a backdrop of escalating tensions, as a U.S. blockade of Iranian ports initiated Monday and Iran’s threatened response create significant risks for global economic stability and raise concerns about potential ceasefire breakdown.
In related developments, Chinese President Xi Jinping presented a four-point peace initiative for the Middle East during Tuesday meetings with Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, according to China’s official Xinhua news agency.
Xi’s framework emphasizes regional peaceful coexistence, respect for national sovereignty, and coordination between development and security priorities. “Safeguard the authority of the international rule of law. It can’t be ‘use it when it suits us, discard it when it doesn’t,’ and we cannot allow the world to revert to the law of the jungle,” Xi stated.
Financial markets responded positively to diplomatic prospects, with Asian stock indexes climbing while oil prices declined Tuesday. Benchmark U.S. crude dropped 1.7% to $97.37 per barrel in early trading, while Brent crude fell 0.9% to $98.49 per barrel.
Tokyo’s Nikkei 225 gained 2.3% to reach 57,804.81, and South Korea’s Kospi surged 2.7% to 5,968.06. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng increased 0.5% to 25,783.41, while Shanghai’s Composite index rose 0.5% to 4,007.93.
The Baltimore Orioles pulled off a stunning comeback Monday night, erasing a six-run deficit to defeat the Arizona Diamondbacks 9-7 in their series opener.
Baltimore found itself trailing 7-1 entering the bottom of the sixth inning before mounting their remarkable rally. Leody Taveras started the comeback with an RBI single, followed by Jeremiah Jackson’s grand slam that cut Arizona’s lead to 7-6. Pete Alonso then delivered the decisive blow with a two-run homer in the seventh inning that gave Baltimore their first lead of the game. Jackson capped the rally with his second home run in the eighth inning.
The Orioles’ comeback overshadowed outstanding performances from Arizona’s Ketel Marte and Nolan Arenado, who both hit two home runs. Marte opened the game by taking Baltimore starter Dean Kremer deep on the very first pitch and added another solo shot in the third inning. Arenado finished the night with five RBIs.
Baltimore collected eight hits and drew four walks while extending their winning streak to three games and capturing their sixth victory in seven contests. Gunnar Henderson contributed a run-scoring triple for the Orioles, who posted their highest run total of the season.
In other MLB action Monday:
The New York Yankees ended a five-game losing streak with an 11-10 thriller over the Los Angeles Angels. Jose Caballero scored the winning run on a wild pitch by Jordan Romano. Trent Grisham homered twice and drove in five runs, including a two-run blast in the ninth that tied the game 10-10. Aaron Judge also went deep twice, surpassing Mickey Mantle for second-most multi-homer games in Yankees history with his 47th career two-homer performance.
Mike Trout powered the Angels with his 31st career multi-homer game, hitting his 407th and 408th career home runs while driving in five runs.
Minnesota dominated Boston 13-6 as Ryan Jeffers went 3-for-4 with a homer and three RBIs. Victor Caratini also homered and drove in three runs for the Twins, who have won seven of their last eight games. Boston ace Garrett Crochet struggled mightily, allowing a career-high 11 runs in just 1 2/3 innings.
Seattle completed a four-game sweep of Houston with a 6-2 victory. Josh Naylor hit his first two extra-base hits of the season, both home runs, while driving in five runs. The loss extended Houston’s losing streak to eight games and capped a disastrous 1-9 road trip.
Pittsburgh routed Washington 16-5 behind Brandon Lowe’s five RBIs, his second consecutive five-RBI performance. Paul Skenes earned the win, striking out six while allowing one run over six innings.
Philadelphia defeated Chicago 13-7 as Kyle Schwarber homered twice and drove in three runs while scoring four times. The Phillies bounced back after losing four of five games.
Miami snapped out of an offensive slump with a 10-4 victory over Atlanta, collecting 16 hits after scoring just three runs in a weekend sweep at Detroit. Agustin Ramirez homered and drove in four runs for the Marlins.
Cleveland beat St. Louis 9-3 behind Brayan Rocchio’s two-run homer and multi-RBI performances from Daniel Schneemann and Steven Kwan.
Los Angeles blanked New York 4-0 as Justin Wrobleski pitched eight scoreless innings, allowing just two hits. Andy Pages hit a three-run homer for the Dodgers. The loss extended the Mets’ losing streak to a season-high six games.
Texas defeated Oakland 8-1 as Jake Burger hit two home runs and drove in four runs while Nathan Eovaldi threw seven shutout innings. The victory snapped Oakland’s five-game winning streak.
The Los Angeles Kings secured their spot in the Western Conference playoffs Monday night after defeating the Seattle Kraken 5-3, powered by a two-goal performance from forward Quinton Byfield.
Trevor Moore and Alexis Laferriere each contributed one goal and one assist, while Adrian Kempe found the net once and goalie Anton Forsberg turned away 28 shots for Los Angeles (35-26-19, 89 points). The Kings have now won five consecutive games, marking their longest winning streak this season. With regular season contests remaining Tuesday in Vancouver and Thursday at Calgary, Los Angeles could still secure a top-three position in the Pacific Division or claim a wild-card position.
For Seattle (34-35-11, 79 points), Adam Larsson, Frederick Gaudreau and Bobby McMann each scored while Matty Beniers recorded two assists. The loss ended the Kraken’s two-game winning streak. Rookie netminder Nikke Kokko, making only his second NHL appearance due to injuries to Joey Daccord and Philipp Grubauer and Matt Murray’s absence for family reasons, made 25 saves on 29 shots.
Byfield’s quickness resulted in two unassisted scores during the opening period.
His first goal came after Seattle’s Jordan Eberle won a faceoff in the offensive zone and sent the puck back toward Ryan Lindgren at the left point. Byfield reached the puck first, bounced it off the boards to bypass Lindgren, and created a 2-on-1 opportunity. He then fired a wrist shot from just inside the faceoff circle that hit the top of the net at 2:43.
Byfield’s second tally occurred at 13:19 when Eberle’s pass back to Lindgren at the point bounced over the defenseman’s stick, creating a breakaway opportunity down the right side. He deked as if moving across the crease before lifting a forehand shot over Kokko’s glove hand.
Los Angeles increased their advantage to 3-0 at 7:13 of the second period when Laferriere’s shot from the left faceoff circle bounced energetically off the end boards back to Moore, who buried a wrist shot from the slot.
Seattle mounted a comeback effort in the final period.
Larsson connected on a wrist shot from the left point through traffic past Forsberg at 1:53, ending the goaltender’s chance for consecutive shutouts.
Gaudreau cut the deficit to 3-2 at 8:08, receiving a feed from Kaapo Kakko and hammering the puck home from just outside the left post.
Los Angeles restored their two-goal cushion as Kempe received a pass from Anze Kopitar during a 2-on-1 break and scored with a snap shot at 12:29. The goal was Kempe’s team-high 35th of the campaign.
With Kokko pulled for an additional skater, McMann fired a wrist shot from the slot at 17:33 to bring Seattle within one goal.
Laferriere sealed the win with an empty-net goal at 19:58.
Left-handed pitcher Justin Wrobleski delivered eight dominant shutout innings while Andy Pages connected on a decisive three-run blast, leading the Los Angeles Dodgers to a 4-0 triumph over the New York Mets in Monday’s series opener at Dodger Stadium.
The southpaw Wrobleski (2-0) held New York hitless until Jorge Polanco broke through with a single to right field in the fifth inning’s opening at-bat. Wrobleski surrendered only two hits while issuing no free passes and recording two strikeouts across his stellar outing.
Miguel Rojas collected three hits to pace the Dodgers’ offense. Despite going hitless in four plate appearances, Shohei Ohtani managed to reach base and push his consecutive on-base streak to 47 games, matching the second-longest such run since the franchise relocated to Los Angeles.
Ohtani took a 94 mph sinker from Mets starter David Peterson to his right shoulder on the game’s opening pitch but continued playing. The two-way star is slated to take the mound Wednesday.
Peterson (0-3) surrendered four runs on five hits across five innings of work, walking four batters while striking out seven. The Mets managed only three singles as their losing skid reached a season-worst six games to begin a six-game road swing.
Tommy Pham, making his 2024 Mets debut after inking a minor league contract in late spring, went hitless in three at-bats with one strikeout.
Los Angeles nearly broke the contest wide open in the opening frame. Following Ohtani’s hit-by-pitch on Peterson’s third delivery, Kyle Tucker drew a walk before Will Smith delivered an RBI single. Teoscar Hernandez walked to fill the bases, but Peterson escaped further damage by striking out Freddie Freeman, Pages and Max Muncy in succession.
The third inning saw Tucker and Hernandez work walks ahead of Pages’ two-out, three-run homer that sailed down the left field line. The blast marked Pages’ fifth of the campaign, as he continues leading Major League Baseball with a .417 batting average and 25 hits. His 20 RBIs also top the majors.
Major Australian businesses are beginning to feel significant financial strain from the ongoing Middle East conflict, as escalating fuel costs and declining confidence signal potential economic trouble ahead.
Two of the country’s largest corporations – Qantas Airways, the nation’s leading airline, and Westpac Banking Corp, Australia’s second-biggest bank – have issued warnings that their earnings face pressure from skyrocketing energy prices and customer impacts, concerns previously raised by the nation’s central banking authority.
“With the supply shock from the energy market disruption expected to result in higher inflation and higher interest rates, an expected slowing in economic growth will create a more challenging environment for some customers,” Westpac stated.
These corporate announcements represent the most concrete evidence to date of how the Middle Eastern warfare and resulting energy crisis are affecting Australian company profits.
The warnings coincided with survey data revealing sharp drops in both business and consumer confidence, while Reserve Bank of Australia Deputy Governor Andrew Hauser warned the nation might be confronting “the central bank’s nightmare: the stagflationary shock – inflation up, activity down.”
Qantas disclosed that its aviation fuel expenses for the latter half of its fiscal year ending in June could reach A$800 million ($567 million), representing a 32% increase over earlier projections due to oil price surges. The carrier has responded by reducing flight schedules and increasing ticket prices.
“Jet fuel prices have more than doubled and remain highly volatile,” Qantas reported in its market announcement, noting it was carefully watching the “dynamic environment” and might implement additional measures to counteract rising fuel expenses.
The airline also postponed a planned A$150 million share repurchase program due to increased market uncertainty.
Westpac expanded its credit loss reserves, expecting borrowers to face greater difficulties amid rising costs and interest rates. The bank noted its provisioning reached levels not seen since the COVID-19 pandemic.
Market reaction was more severe for Westpac than for Qantas, with banking shares dropping 3.7% compared to the airline’s 1% decline.
“Westpac is interesting because they’re talking about potentially higher bad debts on some of their energy-exposed customers,” commented Omkar Joshi, chief investment officer at Opal Capital Management.
Market analysts suggested that prolonged Middle Eastern conflict would create increasingly significant financial impacts, likely triggering additional profit warnings across industries.
The National Australia Bank’s business confidence indicator plummeted 29 points to -29 in March, a decline typically associated with major economic crises like the 2020 pandemic. Consumer sentiment separately fell 12.5% in April to its weakest point in over two years.
The ripple effects extended beyond Australia, with New Zealand’s a2 Milk reducing its 2026 profit outlook on Monday, attributing the change to supply chain disruptions from the Middle Eastern conflict.
Joshi from Opal Capital Management characterized recession or stagflation as “definitely a real risk.”
“And has the risk increased in the last six weeks? I’d say definitely it has,” he added.
Iran’s petroleum minister announced Tuesday that strong oil sales in recent weeks will help fund reconstruction efforts for industrial infrastructure damaged during military strikes.
Oil Minister Mohsen Paknejad stated that petroleum workers successfully kept facilities operational throughout the conflict period, preventing any disruption to the nation’s oil exports. According to Paknejad, exports continued without interruption, “even for a single day,” from critical shipping locations including Kharg Island.
The announcement comes as Iranian crude oil prices have seen substantial increases, according to statements the minister made last month. Paknejad indicated that a portion of these enhanced revenues will now be directed toward repairing war-related damage to the country’s industrial sector.
NEW YORK — What started as a regular baseball matchup between Aaron Judge and Mike Trout quickly escalated into an epic power display between two of the game’s biggest stars.
The Angels superstar launched his second homer of the night deep into left-center field, the ball ricocheting off the back wall beyond the bullpen area to give Los Angeles a two-run advantage in the eighth inning. This came after Judge had already connected twice to help the New York Yankees build their lead.
The historic showdown marked the first time in seven decades that two players who have each won three MVP awards hit multiple home runs in the same contest.
Trent Grisham delivered his second blast of the night — matching his season total — to even the score in the ninth frame. José Caballero crossed home plate when Jordan Romano’s wild pitch ended the game, securing an electrifying 11-10 Yankees victory on Monday that snapped a five-game skid.
“It was great. That’s baseball for you,” Trout marveled. “It’s what fans want, and to be able to see something like that, pretty cool.”
According to STATS Perform, such a performance between two three-time MVP winners had occurred just once previously.
The last instance happened on June 21, 1956, when Stan Musial connected twice before Roy Campanella launched a game-tying three-run shot in the ninth for his second homer of the day. Don Zimmer then delivered a walk-off single as the Brooklyn Dodgers defeated the St. Louis Cardinals 9-8 at Ebbets Field.
Trout came close to a third home run, flying out to Cody Bellinger near the center-field wall with the bases loaded in the fourth inning. This occurred after the Angels had knotted the game 4-4 with four unearned runs following Caballero’s fielding mistake on Trout’s leadoff ground ball to short.
Judge had anticipated meeting up with Trout in the Yankee Stadium weight room.
“I was going to talk some smack to him after the one he hit all the way to the warning track,” Judge said, “but I didn’t get a chance to and then he answers right back with two big homers for him. You put that guy in a clutch situation, a big moment and he’s going to show up every single time, so it’s fun going back and forth with a guy like that, especially in New York and the Bronx.”
The Yankees had dropped five consecutive games following an 8-2 beginning and entered the night winless in six one-run contests.
Seven long balls combined to travel 2,846 feet — exceeding half a mile — with New York accounting for five of them. Judge’s opening blast sailed 456 feet into the left-field bleachers, leaving his bat at 116.2 mph for the season’s hardest-hit home run.
Both Grisham and Trout drove in five runs apiece, while Judge contributed three RBIs.
The game featured the sport’s top four active home run hitters. Judge, now with 374, moved one ahead of teammate Paul Goldschmidt. Yankees slugger Giancarlo Stanton, who leads active players with 454, missed by approximately a foot with a fifth-inning double off the center-field wall. Trout sits at 408 career homers.
The 34-year-old Trout captured AL MVP honors in 2014, 2016, and 2019 but has battled injuries throughout much of the last five seasons.
“He’s the greatest of all time. It’s been fun to watch his whole career, coming up at such a young age and instantly just putting yourself at the top of the list. It’s special,” Judge said.
Judge, who celebrates his 34th birthday on April 26, earned AL MVP recognition in 2022, 2024, and 2025.
“Those are two of the greats, so it’s really fun to watch,” Yankees starter Will Warren said.
Both Judge and Caballero launched two-run shots off Yusei Kikuchi during a four-run second inning on an unusually warm 77-degree evening. Following Caballero’s defensive miscue that led to unearned runs against Warren, Grisham entered as a pinch-hitter in the fifth and connected for a three-run drive against Shaun Anderson, extending the lead to 7-4.
Trout responded with a three-run blast in the sixth against Jake Bird, who was sent down to Triple-A following the game.
Judge’s homer off Anderson to start the bottom half gave him 47 multi-homer performances, surpassing Mickey Mantle by one and trailing only Babe Ruth’s 68 among Yankees players.
“To be surrounded by some greats like that, it’s special,” Judge said.
Josh Lowe tied the game at 8 with a seventh-inning sacrifice fly, and Trout’s two-run shot in the eighth off Camilo Doval pushed the Angels ahead 10-8 with his 31st multi-homer game. Judge, observing from right field, shook his head in disbelief.
“Every time he comes to the Bronx, man, he puts on a show,” Judge said. “I hate to see it, but it’s fun competing against a guy like that.”
Jazz Chisholm Jr. opened the ninth with a single against Jordan Romano, and Grisham reached down to pull a slider into the right-field seats as the closer placed both hands on his head in dismay.
Caballero doubled and stole third base without a throw. After Austin Wells drew a walk, Caballero scored when Romano bounced a full-count slider to Ryan McMahon to the backstop on the ninth pitch of the at-bat.
The Yankees hadn’t won while surrendering double-digit runs since defeating Minnesota 14-12 on July 23, 2019.
Yankees manager Aaron Boone described his emotions as “tough … for the belly.”
He then shifted focus to his team.
“You get a lead, then you get another lead, and then it’s gone,” he said. “For the guys, maybe it was good to have a game like that where it was a little messy.”
GENEVA — While luxury timepieces are making a comeback, the ongoing Middle East conflict is casting uncertainty over the high-end watch market as Geneva prepares for its most important industry gathering.
Beginning Tuesday, the Swiss city will welcome thousands to the “Watches and Wonders” exhibition, the industry’s premier annual event. The timing comes as watchmakers hope to recover from two consecutive years of declining sales, particularly in the wealthy Gulf Arab nations.
However, the military conflict between the United States, Israel and Iran that started February 28th has created ripple effects throughout the global economy. Energy costs have surged, fertilizer shipments have stalled, and air travel has faced disruptions — all impacting the luxury timepiece sector.
Rising costs for precious metals including gold and silver, combined with President Trump’s Liberation Day tariffs from last year, had already created market pressures before the current crisis emerged.
Fresh inflationary concerns and weakening consumer sentiment are now adding additional challenges to an industry worth tens of billions annually.
Philippe Pegoraro, chief economist at the Federation of the Swiss Watch Industry, explained that official March export data won’t be available until month’s end.
“At this point, we’re expecting a sharp drop” due to both shipping complications and declining demand, Pegoraro explained.
While buyers in the United Arab Emirates continue making purchases, tourist spending at locations like Dubai’s airport has suffered following Iranian attacks on the nation, according to Pegoraro.
“Rebuilding confidence is going to take some time,” he noted.
The exclusive trade show features 65 participating brands from across the globe, representing just a fraction of Switzerland’s 450 watchmaking companies. Organizers anticipate approximately 60,000 attendees.
A February report from Morgan Stanley and LuxeConsult revealed Swiss watch exports fell 1.7% in value during the previous year, marking the industry’s second consecutive annual decline.
“When you look back at a year ago, the sort of theme was: The tariffs and the uncertainty,” industry analyst Ming Liu observed. “Unfortunately, we aren’t anywhere closer to certainty, probably even less with what’s happening in the Middle East.”
“That’s obviously going to have a cloud over Watches and Wonders,” she added. “But it has a cloud over everything, right?”
Like other luxury sectors, market dominance is concentrating among top brands. Four Swiss companies — Rolex, Cartier, Patek Philippe and Omega — control more than half the total Swiss retail market share.
The ultra-premium segment continues expanding, with handmade timepieces costing over 50,000 francs ($63,000) representing 37% of total Swiss export value last year, up from 33.5% in 2024.
Swiss-manufactured watches dominate approximately 96% of the global luxury timepiece market, defined as pieces retailing for at least 2,000 francs ($2,200).
Japan’s Grand Seiko emerged as the “most credible non-Swiss challenger” while India’s Titan is pursuing top-tier status, according to the Morgan Stanley analysis.
The Swiss industry weathered significant challenges last year when Trump implemented severe U.S. tariffs reaching 39% — the steepest imposed on any developed Western nation.
Swiss business leaders visited the White House in November, presenting Trump with gifts including a Rolex timepiece. The following month, an agreement was reached substantially reducing U.S. tariffs on Swiss products.
The businessman who established China Evergrande, one of the world’s most debt-burdened property companies, has admitted to criminal wrongdoing in a Chinese courtroom, according to court documents released Tuesday.
Hui Ka Yan, who also goes by Xu Jiayin, entered guilty pleas to multiple criminal charges during proceedings that took place Monday and Tuesday at the Shenzhen Intermediate People’s Court. The charges include unlawfully collecting public deposits, fraud, and corporate bribery, the court announced via WeChat.
Chinese authorities arrested Hui in September 2023 while investigating suspected criminal activity. Court officials said the defendant showed regret during the proceedings, though sentencing will be announced at a future date.
Additional accusations against Hui encompass unlawful lending practices, misuse of company funds, and violating regulations regarding the disclosure of important business information, according to the court statement.
The courtroom included representatives from previous fundraising activities and members from China’s National People’s Congress, the nation’s parliament.
By 2024, when a Hong Kong court issued a liquidation ruling, Evergrande had become the globe’s most debt-heavy real estate company, owing more than $300 billion to creditors.
Hui established the company during the mid-1990s, and by the time of the 2024 court decision, more than 90% of its holdings were located within mainland China. The Hong Kong Stock Exchange delisted China Evergrande shares in 2025.
Evergrande joined dozens of other property developers that failed to meet debt obligations after Chinese authorities implemented stricter lending rules for the real estate sector in 2020. These companies found themselves unable to secure new financing, making their massive debts to lenders and buyers impossible to maintain.
The regulatory crackdown triggered a widespread crisis in China’s property market, weakening the world’s second-biggest economy and creating financial instability both within China and internationally.
Throughout the court proceedings, China Evergrande Group confronted accusations including illegally collecting public deposits, fundraising fraud, corporate bribery, and unauthorized lending. The company’s mainland property division, Evergrande Real Estate Group, faced additional allegations of fraudulent securities offerings.
KABUL, Afghanistan — Frustration boiled over for residents in one of Afghanistan’s capital city’s most impoverished areas as they face a mounting water emergency.
In the muddy streets of Kabul’s Deh Mazang district, 52-year-old Marofa expressed her anger while adjusting her headscarf to show her graying hair. “You see this hair? Even I with my white hair, I have to carry water,” said Marofa, who uses only one name like many Afghans. “These containers are heavy. We have no strength left in our backs, no strength left in our legs.”
A local mosque provides free water from its well, but the liquid is yellowish and salty, making it unsuitable for drinking despite requiring manual transport. Clean water arrives via three-wheeled motorcycles for purchase, but many residents cannot afford the cost.
“We have no money for food. How can we get water?” demanded 90-year-old Wali Mohammad, another neighborhood resident expressing his frustration.
Both residents explained that several months following the Taliban’s return to power in Afghanistan during 2021, new leadership severed pipes that some community members had installed to channel water from a shared well directly to their residences.
“They cut off our water. They are powerful and they don’t even give us a reason why,” Mohammad stated.
However, 32-year-old neighborhood resident Najibullah Rahimi offered a different perspective, explaining that the residential pipes caused the well’s water levels to decline significantly, leaving residents at higher elevations completely without access. “So the government came and cut the pipes.”
Located within a mountainous valley of the Hindu Kush range at high elevation, Kabul is experiencing rapid water depletion. The city’s inhabitants depend primarily on underground water sources accessed through wells. However, these underground reserves have been declining at a concerning pace, with some wells requiring excavation to depths of 150 meters (approximately 500 feet) to locate water.
A report released in April 2025 by humanitarian organization Mercy Corps revealed that Kabul’s underground water reserves had decreased by 25-30 meters (roughly 80-100 feet) during the previous ten years. These underground reserves store vast quantities of water beneath the earth’s surface. Water accumulates in them gradually over extended periods as rainfall slowly penetrates downward. Excessive extraction from these reserves, combined with climate variations reducing water input, results in depletion.
“Without large-scale changes to Kabul’s water management dynamics, the city faces an unprecedented humanitarian disaster within the coming decade, and likely much sooner,” the report warned.
Environmental changes, primarily resulting from fossil fuel combustion, have contributed to the problem. Recurring dry periods have decreased snowfall, whose slow melting process typically refills underground water sources. Instead, Kabul experiences more intense, brief rainfall events that create flooding but fail to adequately reach underground reserves.
Environmental shifts have intensified what has been a developing emergency for years, according to Najibullah Sadid, a water resources and environmental specialist based in Germany with the Afghanistan Water and Environment Professionals Network.
“Even without climate change Kabul would have seen this crisis, with the enormous, unprecedented increase in population and urbanization,” Sadid explained.
The metropolitan area has expanded by more than 100% over the last twenty years. Kabul experienced a significant influx of Afghan nationals returning from neighboring nations after the Taliban’s initial removal in 2001. The city is witnessing another wave currently, as Pakistan and Iran initiated Afghan deportations in 2023. Growing from approximately 2.5 million residents in 2001, Kabul now houses an estimated 6 million people.
In certain areas, surface-level underground water sources have completely dried up, Sadid noted. Recent precipitation provides minimal benefit since Kabul has become so heavily developed that little natural, unpaved terrain remains where water can seep through.
“Even if it is raining every day, it will not impact groundwater levels anymore, because there is no place to impact the groundwater,” Sadid explained.
Poor water resource management has worsened the situation, he noted, specifically criticizing beverage manufacturers and greenhouse operations that consume substantial amounts of underground water.
Government officials recognize the severity of the situation.
“The water situation in Kabul city is in a critical state,” stated Ministry of Water and Energy spokesman Qari Matiullah Abid. “The main reasons are that the population has increased significantly, rainfall has decreased and consumption has increased.”
He indicated the government is implementing measures. Officials have established limitations on underground water extraction by beverage manufacturers, agricultural producers and other commercial operations. Water monitoring devices have been installed and usage limits imposed on enterprises including vehicle washing facilities and large structures, with those exceeding limits instructed to relocate outside Kabul.
To assist in refilling underground water supplies, small temporary barriers across waterways have been built in Kabul’s 14 districts, and thousands of drainage wells designed to handle storm runoff have been excavated, Abid reported.
He also referenced the completion of Kabul’s Shah wa Arous Dam, officially opened in 2024 and engineered to contain 10 million cubic meters (353 million cubic feet) of water, plus the extraction of millions of tons of sediment from the Qargha Dam, expanding the reservoir’s storage capacity.
However, these measures remain insufficient.
Two significant projects that could substantially reduce the emergency have experienced postponements.
One involves a approximately 200-kilometer (124-mile) water pipeline from the Panjshir River located north of Kabul, while the other is a proposed dam and water storage facility called the Shah Toot Dam situated about 30 kilometers (18 miles) southwest of the metropolitan area. Combined, these projects could supply water for roughly 4 million residents, according to the Mercy Corps analysis.
“A combination of both would be a sustainable solution for the future,” Sadid stated. While dam construction would require multiple years, the pipeline could be finished in relatively less time, he noted.
Shafiullah Zahid, Kabul Zone Director for Afghanistan’s Urban Water Supply and Sewage state corporation, confirmed the Panjshir pipeline’s approximately $130 million budget has received approval. The initial assessment, finished under the former government, “has been completely revised, and now another review is needed,” he stated. Following that completion, “practical work can begin.”
The Shah Toot Dam, announced months prior to the Taliban takeover, was planned as a collaborative Afghan-Indian initiative. It has also encountered funding obstacles. Should construction commence, completion would require six to seven years, Zahid indicated.
However, Sadid criticized Afghanistan’s leadership, both current and former, for emphasizing other infrastructure development over essential water initiatives.
“Numerous roads are being built, flyovers are being built with a lot of money. But there is no priority for water projects,” he stated. “They are just doing the projects which are eye-catching and not the projects which are fundamental to the people’s health and people’s fundamental rights. Water is essential. Water is more important than roads.”
Rural Nevada experienced a significant 5.7 magnitude earthquake Monday evening, with the epicenter located east of Carson City, the state’s capital.
According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the seismic event occurred shortly before 6:30 p.m. The earthquake’s center was positioned 12.9 miles east of Silver Springs at a shallow depth of 3.1 miles below ground.
Footage captured in Fallon revealed the quake’s impact on local businesses, with broken glass and food products strewn across grocery store floors.
Local resident Trina Enloe was helping her daughter with homework in their dining room when the earthquake began.
“You could hear the rumbling just coming before it even got to us,” Enloe said. She described the shaking as lasting approximately one minute. While the tremor toppled some cast iron candle holders in her Fallon home, Enloe reported no visible cracks or structural damage.
Federal geological officials confirmed that people in surrounding areas experienced intense to very intense ground movement, resulting in minor to moderate property damage throughout the region.
The Danish pharmaceutical company behind the popular weight-loss medications Wegovy and Ozempic announced Tuesday it will collaborate with artificial intelligence leader OpenAI to enhance its operations across multiple business areas.
Novo Nordisk revealed the partnership as it works to catch up with competitor Eli Lilly in the rapidly expanding obesity treatment market, which analysts project could generate over $100 billion annually within the next ten years.
The collaboration will utilize OpenAI’s advanced technology to examine complicated data sets, pinpoint potential new medications, and enhance operational efficiency in production, supply management, distribution, and corporate functions.
The pharmaceutical industry is increasingly turning to artificial intelligence to simplify the more routine aspects of medication development, including locating clinical trial volunteers, choosing research locations, and completing regulatory paperwork. However, industry leaders acknowledge the technology hasn’t yet achieved its full potential in the more challenging area of discovering breakthrough new compounds.
This strategic move comes as Novo Nordisk faces intensified competition from Indianapolis-based Lilly, which recently received U.S. regulatory approval for its weight-loss pill Foundayo. Novo had launched its oral version of Wegovy in January.
While the Danish company did not reveal the financial details of the arrangement, it stated that initial test programs will commence across research, development, manufacturing, and commercial divisions, with complete implementation scheduled for completion by late 2026.
The partnership will also focus on educating Novo’s global employees, enhancing their understanding of AI technology and increasing workplace efficiency across all departments.
“The aim here is not replacing our scientists. It’s about supercharging them,” stated CEO Mike Doustdar during an interview.
Doustdar explained that the collaboration isn’t designed to reduce the company’s existing staff, but rather to enhance productivity and slow down future recruitment needs. He noted that AI will enable workers to perform more quickly and effectively, decreasing the necessity to expand personnel as extensively as previously required. Following his appointment as CEO last year, Doustdar implemented organizational changes that eliminated 9,000 positions.
“AI is reshaping industries and in life sciences, it can help people live better, longer lives,” OpenAI CEO Sam Altman said in a statement. “This collaboration with Novo Nordisk will help them accelerate scientific discovery, run smarter global operations, and redefine the future of patient care.”
Novo emphasized that the partnership incorporates comprehensive data security measures, oversight protocols, and human supervision, building upon the company’s current AI projects with other technology partners and research institutions.
American diplomatic officials have expressed serious reservations about the economic strategies proposed by France’s far-right National Rally party, according to two diplomatic sources who spoke on condition of anonymity.
The concerns emerged following meetings between U.S. Ambassador Charles Kushner and his team with National Rally leaders, including Marine Le Pen and her 30-year-old ally Jordan Bardella. These discussions were part of broader diplomatic outreach to potential French presidential candidates ahead of the 2027 election.
The National Rally has risen to become France’s dominant parliamentary force by combining strict anti-immigration positions with populist promises to protect employment and consumer spending power. However, their traditional support for government intervention and trade protectionism has created anxiety among major French corporations and financial investors.
According to the diplomatic sources, American officials found the party’s approaches to reducing France’s substantial budget deficit, attracting U.S. investment, and stimulating economic growth to be particularly troubling. While the U.S. representatives weren’t especially impressed with any of the French political candidates they encountered, the National Rally’s economic positions stood out as especially concerning.
These diplomatic reservations mirror worries expressed by France’s business community about whether the National Rally possesses the necessary experience or knowledge to guide the heavily indebted French economy toward sustainable growth while stabilizing government finances. France’s economy currently faces sluggish expansion, elevated borrowing expenses, and a debt load reaching 115.6% of GDP – among Europe’s highest.
The National Rally has outlined economic priorities including enhancing household spending power through tax reductions, cutting government expenditures and France’s European Union budget payments, and reforming social programs to favor French citizens. However, comprehensive policy details remain absent, with critics arguing the party lacks a unified economic platform.
American officials were particularly troubled by contradictory economic messaging from the party, including their support for reversing expensive 2023 pension reforms that increased retirement ages, combined with vague strategies for deficit reduction, the sources indicated.
The party also drew criticism for supporting a budget proposal that would double a digital services tax to 6%, which Washington opposes because it primarily affects American technology companies. Though this amendment didn’t survive in the final 2026 budget, it highlighted policy disagreements.
When contacted for response, the National Rally did not reply to requests for comment regarding the American officials’ assessments. A senior aide to Bardella mentioned the party continues developing its economic program, including potentially controversial structural changes to France’s expensive pension system.
A State Department representative declined to discuss what they termed “private diplomatic exchanges.”
Business executives have previously told reporters they’re confused by conflicting economic philosophies within the party leadership, with Le Pen viewed as favoring high government spending while Bardella appears to pursue more business-friendly policies.
This internal contradiction initially helped the National Rally expand its voter base but has become problematic as the party attempts to demonstrate governing credibility, according to business leaders.
Despite electoral gains, the National Rally – historically rejected by France’s political and business establishments – continues struggling to win over major corporations.
However, signaling corporate interest in understanding the party’s economic agenda as the April 2027 election approaches, Le Pen conducted meetings with executives from luxury conglomerate LVMH, energy giant TotalEnergies, insurance company AXA, and automaker Renault on April 7, according to two additional officials.
Fund manager François Durvye, who serves as Bardella’s economic advisor, helped arrange the meeting, one official noted. The same source characterized the session as an intense question-and-answer exchange.
A senior National Rally figure described the meeting’s purpose as dispelling “the stereotypes frequently associated with our program, which actually represents the most growth-oriented and business-friendly platform across the entire political landscape.”
Questions about the National Rally’s economic competence could create electoral challenges in France and influence American decisions about whether to publicly endorse the party in 2027, when polling suggests they could achieve victory.
President Donald Trump’s administration has supported ideological partners across Europe, though with inconsistent outcomes. American efforts to assist Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s re-election campaign ultimately failed when he lost power after 16 years in office on Sunday.
One diplomatic source noted no evidence that National Rally leaders are actively seeking American support, and European far-right and populist movements that previously celebrated Trump are increasingly cautious about appearing too closely aligned with the United States.
Businesses throughout Australia and New Zealand are reporting mounting financial pressures stemming from the Middle East conflict between the U.S.-Israel alliance and Iran, with escalating fuel costs driving up inflation and dampening both business and consumer confidence.
On Tuesday, two major Australian corporations – Westpac Banking Corp and Qantas Airways – issued warnings that rising fuel prices and economic pressures on consumers dealing with elevated costs and borrowing rates could significantly affect their bottom lines.
The following companies across both nations have reported impacts from the ongoing Middle Eastern tensions:
Air New Zealand
The country’s national airline withdrew its annual earnings forecast in early March and implemented fare increases citing instability in jet fuel markets, making it among the first carriers to announce such price hikes. On April 7, the carrier announced flight reductions through May and June, impacting approximately 4% of scheduled flights and 1% of total passenger volume.
a2 Milk
The New Zealand-based company reduced its fiscal 2026 profit projections due to increased shipping expenses and temporary disruptions to supply chains caused by the conflict, which have affected the distribution of its China-branded infant formula products in that key market.
Cleanaway Waste Management
This waste management firm reduced its annual operating earnings projection by approximately A$20 million ($14.17 million), primarily due to increased operational costs, reduced business activity, and delays in cost recovery processes.
Fonterra
New Zealand’s major dairy manufacturer reported that the conflict is disrupting its supply chain operations and may lead to higher inventory levels and increased costs during the year’s second half, while also contributing to instability in worldwide commodity pricing.
Orora
The packaging corporation lowered its yearly earnings expectations for its French subsidiary Saverglass and suspended its share repurchase program due to war-related impacts. The company also halted bottle manufacturing at its glass facility in Ras al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates, because of shipping route closures.
Qantas
Australia’s flagship airline increased its fuel expense forecast for the year’s latter half by as much as A$800 million and postponed its planned A$150 million share buyback program, attributing these decisions to dramatically higher and unstable jet fuel costs. To counteract rising expenses, Qantas is increasing ticket prices and redirecting flights to more profitable routes like Paris and Rome where passenger demand stays strong, while reducing domestic flight capacity by roughly 5 percentage points during the June quarter.
Virgin Australia
In mid-March, Virgin Australia announced fare adjustments as increasing costs throughout the aviation industry are “exacerbated by the situation in the Middle East.”
Westpac
Australia’s second-largest bank by assets reported that energy market disruptions from the conflict are creating profit pressures during the first half of the financial year ending March 31, leading the institution to boost credit provisions. The bank’s net interest margin in its treasury and markets division weakened due to interest-rate instability connected to the conflict, with deteriorating prospects already driving increased credit provisioning. Westpac’s provisions for potential loan defaults have reached their highest level since the COVID-19 pandemic.
The creator of China Evergrande Group has admitted to multiple financial crimes in a Shenzhen courtroom, marking a significant development in one of the world’s largest corporate debt crises.
Hui Ka Yan, whose company became the globe’s most heavily indebted real estate firm, acknowledged guilt on charges of fund misappropriation, fundraising fraud, and unlawfully accepting public deposits, according to court officials in the southern Chinese city.
During Monday and Tuesday court sessions, Hui “pleaded guilty and expressed remorse” for his actions, the Shenzhen Municipal Intermediate People’s Court announced through its official WeChat social media platform.
Evergrande has been unable to meet obligations on most of its $300 billion debt load since 2021, along with failing to honor billions in wealth management payments to investors. These financial troubles reflect broader challenges facing China’s real estate industry, which has significantly impacted the nation’s economic expansion.
The court representatives for Evergrande’s liquidation process refused to provide statements regarding the ongoing legal proceedings.
Hui has remained out of public view since Chinese officials took him into custody in 2023, following his company’s financial collapse. Attempts to reach him for comment have been unsuccessful.
China’s financial regulatory body imposed a $6.6 million penalty on Hui last year and permanently banned him from securities markets. This action came after investigators discovered that Evergrande’s primary subsidiary had artificially inflated its financial performance and committed securities violations.
Additional charges against Hui and his company include unauthorized lending activities, fraudulent security issuance, and bribery involving subsidiary operations, the court stated. Officials indicated that final judgments will be announced at a future date, though no specific timeline was provided.
Global advertising powerhouse Publicis delivered first-quarter results that surpassed industry competitors on Tuesday, posting organic net revenue growth of 4.5% that matched company forecasts and exceeded peer performance, driven by artificial intelligence initiatives and strategic purchases in major markets like the United States and China.
The French advertising giant anticipates stronger performance in the upcoming second quarter and confirmed its annual projection for organic net growth between 4% and 5%.
Company leader Arthur Sadoun restated plans to deploy “the billion in cash” earmarked for this year toward strategic acquisitions instead of shareholder dividends or stock repurchases, focusing on expanding capabilities to serve client needs.
Throughout the opening quarter, Publicis completed two notable acquisitions: content measurement technology firm AdgeAI for an undisclosed sum and sports marketing company 160over90 in a $500 million transaction.
Sadoun emphasized that Publicis retained its dominant position in securing new client contracts in both China and the U.S. markets, even amid the IPG-Omnicom consolidation.
Speaking with reporters during a conference call, he voiced optimism that Publicis would maintain its competitive edge as the company broadens its market reach, noting how the sector has consolidated from six major global players to just three within six years.
Sadoun credited the strong results to advantages gained from deploying their proprietary AI system Marcel internally beginning in 2017 for task automation.
The corporation nearly doubled its earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) across eight years, climbing from 1.7 billion euros in 2017 to 3.2 billion euros in 2025, despite workforce expansion.
The Paris-headquartered firm recorded first-quarter revenue increases of 6.4% year-over-year, totaling 4.2 billion euros ($4.93 billion), with net revenue hitting 3.5 billion euros.
The company noted that marketing services, comprising 86% of overall revenue, expanded 7.6% organically, while technology services declined “slightly” as Middle East conflicts impacted large-scale IT capital expenditures without affecting marketing spending.
ALGIERS, Algeria (AP) — The first American pope is making history this week with an unprecedented papal journey to Algeria, where he’s paying tribute to the 5th-century Christian scholar who has shaped his entire pontificate.
Pope Leo XIV traveled to Annaba, formerly known as Hippo, on his second day in the North African nation. The pilgrimage represents a deeply personal mission for the pontiff, who has repeatedly called himself a follower of St. Augustine, the legendary theologian who lived, ministered and died in this ancient city.
The papal visit comes during a turbulent period marked by the ongoing U.S.-Israel conflict in Iran, with Leo’s peace advocacy creating tensions with U.S. President Donald Trump back home.
Since his election, Leo has consistently referenced Augustine’s teachings and declared himself “a son of St. Augustine” on the evening he became pope. For this groundbreaking trip, he’s highlighting Augustine’s role as someone who brought different communities together.
The journey also shines light on Augustine’s African heritage, which scholars say has often been overshadowed by European perspectives on his legacy. Despite spending just five years in Italy, Augustine is frequently viewed through a Western lens as one of Christianity’s greatest intellectual giants for his profound writings on truth, evil, creation and divine grace.
Augustine entered the world in 354 in Thagaste, now the Algerian town of Souk Ahras near Tunisia’s border. His mother was Berber and his father Roman, living when this region belonged to the Roman Empire. He studied and taught public speaking in Carthage, located in present-day Tunisia.
In 383, Augustine departed for Rome, then Milan, where he embraced Christianity. He soon returned home, established a monastery at Hippo, rose to bishop, and penned masterworks including “Confessions” and “The City of God.”
Catherine Conybeare, who studies Augustine at Bryn Mawr College in Pennsylvania, has written “Augustine the African,” examining the scholar from his North African viewpoint. She describes someone who saw Rome as his world’s center but felt self-conscious about his Punic-influenced Latin.
“One of the most important thinkers in the Western intellectual tradition actually came from Africa, spent almost his whole life in Africa,” Conybeare explained to The Associated Press. “How does that change things?”
“Of course, because his successors — the people who carried on his heritage — were in Europe, they got to tell the story,” she noted. Europe also claimed his remains: following his death in Hippo, Augustine’s body was eventually moved to Pavia, Italy, though one forearm stays in Annaba’s basilica.
Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune welcomed Leo by expressing the “immense pride” his people feel regarding St. Augustine. He described the saint as “a cherished son of this land, which having been his first cradle, proudly became his initial resting place.”
During his flight to Algeria and in speeches to government officials, Leo emphasized how personally meaningful this visit is due to his spiritual bond with Augustine. He had previously visited twice as head of the Augustinian religious order.
“This journey, which is very special for several reasons, was supposed to be the first of my pontificate,” Leo explained to journalists aboard the papal aircraft. “As early as last May, I had said that on my first journey, I would like to visit Africa. Several people immediately suggested Algeria because of St. Augustine.”
Though other travels took precedence, he maintained his commitment to this trip.
The saint represents “a very important bridge in interreligious dialogue” that today’s world desperately needs, he explained.
“We must always seek bridges to build peace and reconciliation,” he stated. “This journey, then, truly represents a valuable opportunity to continue with the same voice, with the same message, that we wish to convey: to promote peace, reconciliation, respect and consideration for all peoples.”
During his time in Annaba, Leo toured the archaeological remains of ancient Hippo, including its amphitheater, marketplace and public baths. Vatican officials noted the site contains remnants of the basilica where Augustine delivered sermons and the connected baptistry.
The pope also met with a community of nuns and local Augustinian friars in Annaba. He concluded his day leading Mass at the Basilica of St. Augustine, constructed in the 1890s, which houses the saint’s relic. The basilica welcomes thousands of visitors annually, including Muslim pilgrims.
BEIJING (AP) — Chinese President Xi Jinping and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez committed Tuesday to deepening bilateral ties and promoting international cooperation during a high-level meeting in Beijing, as global conflicts continue to impact nations worldwide.
During the reception at the Great Hall of the People, Xi emphasized the importance of collaboration between the two nations. “We should strengthen communication, consolidate mutual trust, cooperate closely, oppose the world’s retrogression to the law of the jungle, and jointly safeguard genuine multilateralism,” the Chinese leader stated.
The Spanish Prime Minister echoed these sentiments, expressing confidence that their partnership could make a meaningful difference globally. Sánchez noted that both countries “can contribute to finding solutions to the various trade tensions that exist, to the geopolitical difficulties and complexities of today’s world, to the wars, to the environmental and social challenges that afflict the world.”
This marks Sánchez’s fourth visit to China in slightly more than three years, highlighting Spain’s commitment to building stronger relationships with the world’s second-largest economy.
The diplomatic meeting occurs as Spain seeks to expand both political and economic partnerships with Beijing, particularly as Sánchez navigates challenging relations with the United States due to his stance opposing the conflict in Iran.
HONG KONG (AP) — Financial markets throughout Asia posted strong gains Tuesday, mirroring positive performance on Wall Street, while petroleum prices dropped as investors grew increasingly optimistic about potential renewed diplomatic discussions between the United States and Iran regarding an end to the ongoing Iran conflict.
Japan’s Nikkei 225 index climbed 2.4% to reach 57,842.72, while South Korea’s Kospi surged 3.4% to 6,004.30.
In Hong Kong, the Hang Seng index increased 0.4% to 25,759.75, and China’s Shanghai Composite index advanced 0.6% to 4,010.45. Chinese officials reported Tuesday that export growth reached only 2.5% in March, falling short of projections for the initial month following the start of the Iran conflict.
Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 posted a 0.3% increase, while Taiwan’s Taiex index jumped 2.2%.
Market participants remain optimistic about a sustainable reduction in tensions from the Iran conflict, now entering its seventh week, as reports suggest both the United States and Iran are considering additional negotiations before the current temporary ceasefire arrangement concludes next week. Washington initiated a blockade of Iranian ports Monday, intensifying pressure on Tehran after weekend ceasefire discussions between both nations concluded without reaching an accord.
However, U.S. President Donald Trump indicated Monday that America remains open to diplomatic engagement with Tehran. “I can tell you that we’ve been called by the other side,” he stated, declining to provide additional specifics.
Petroleum prices continued their retreat Tuesday following earlier increases. Brent crude, the global benchmark, declined 1.3% to $98.12 per barrel after reaching nearly $104 early Monday morning due to Iran conflict concerns following limited progress in weekend ceasefire negotiations.
U.S. benchmark crude dropped 2.2% in early Tuesday trading to $96.92 per barrel.
The worldwide energy crisis resulting from shipping disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, through which approximately one-fifth of global oil typically passes, has caused fuel prices to spike and threatens to increase inflation across numerous nations while potentially hampering economic expansion.
U.S. markets advanced Monday, with the S&P 500 rising 1% to 6,886.24. The Dow Jones Industrial Average increased 0.6% to 48,218.25, while the Nasdaq composite grew 1.2% to 23,183.74.
Goldman Sachs investment bank shares fell 1.9% despite the company reporting quarterly earnings that exceeded analyst expectations.
In additional trading activity, precious metals prices increased Tuesday. Gold advanced 0.6% to $4,796.60 per ounce, while silver gained 1.8% to $77.05 per ounce.
The U.S. dollar weakened to 159.08 Japanese yen from 159.45 yen. The euro traded at $1.1768, rising from $1.1759.
ANNAPOLIS, Md. — A push by Maryland Governor Wes Moore to alter the state’s congressional districts in favor of Democratic candidates has collapsed after facing resistance within his own party during the legislative session that concluded Monday evening.
The redistricting initiative became a victim of Democratic infighting, with the Maryland Senate ultimately keeping the legislation trapped in committee. Senate Democrats expressed worry that the plan might backfire if challenged in court.
This wave of mid-decade redistricting began after President Donald Trump urged Texas Republicans to redraw their congressional boundaries last year. The trend is set to continue with upcoming efforts in Florida by Republicans and a voter referendum in Virginia backed by Democrats.
However, Maryland Democrats will miss an opportunity to potentially gain an additional House seat, as the proposed district lines would have made it more challenging for the state’s only Republican congressman to retain his position.
Moore, who some view as a possible 2028 presidential contender, expressed his disagreement with Senate President Bill Ferguson regarding “what is required to be able to make sure we’re fighting back” against Trump.
“This is not a political game to me,” Moore told The Associated Press. “I don’t look at this as some kind of political talking point. I look at the fact that I think Donald Trump is actively trying to manipulate and change the rules around the November election and beyond because he knows he cannot win on his policies.”
Ferguson maintained that pursuing redistricting could actually harm Democrats in Maryland, as any resulting court battle might lead to a judicial mandate for new maps that could be worse for the party. He stood firm despite pressure from both Moore and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries.
During a Thursday appearance at the National Action Network in New York alongside Rev. Al Sharpton, Moore criticized Trump for encouraging redistricting in some states while advising others to “sit on your hands.”
“Don’t play with me,” Moore declared. “And if the rest of the country is going to have this conversation about mid-decade redistricting, then so should Maryland, and so should every other state. Because until it is done nationally, we have to make sure that this election is not stolen right before our face so this pain is made permanent.”
Despite establishing a commission in November to develop the new district map, Moore was unable to convince the Democratic-majority Maryland Senate to support his proposal.
In January, the governor urged state lawmakers to take action against what he termed “political redlining” by Trump in other states, arguing it would reduce Black representation in Congress.
Moore, currently the nation’s sole Black governor, drew parallels between Trump’s redistricting push and discriminatory housing policies, stating that the president and his supporters “are doing everything in their power to silence the voices and trying to eliminate Black leadership — elected leadership — all over this country.”
Maryland’s Democratic voters outnumber Republicans by a 2-to-1 margin, and Democrats currently control seven of the state’s eight House seats. Representative Andy Harris serves as the lone Republican in the delegation.
While the Maryland House of Delegates approved the redistricting measure in early February, it faced strong opposition from Ferguson in the Senate.
Ferguson referenced a 2021 map that would have threatened Harris’s seat but was struck down by a judge who characterized it as “a product of extreme partisan gerrymandering.” Maryland subsequently adopted different boundaries in 2022, leading both parties to abandon their legal disputes.
Looking at redistricting efforts elsewhere this month:
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has called a special legislative session for next week, allowing the Republican-controlled legislature to create new congressional districts. Republicans currently hold 20 of Florida’s 28 House seats.
Any Republican-favorable redistricting in Florida could significantly impact Trump’s broader strategy to reshape districts in GOP-controlled states, potentially helping Republicans gain seats in midterm elections and maintain control of the narrowly divided House.
Virginia voters are already casting early ballots on a constitutional amendment for new congressional boundaries next week.
Following this series of redistricting initiatives, Republicans estimate they could secure up to nine additional House seats across Texas, Missouri, North Carolina, and Ohio. Democrats project they could gain six seats combined in California and Utah, with Virginia potentially adding four more Democratic seats.
California Democratic Congressman Eric Swalwell has withdrawn from the state’s gubernatorial race and announced his departure from Congress after facing sexual assault allegations that surfaced earlier this week. The 45-year-old lawmaker denies all accusations against him.
Until recently, Swalwell was considered a top contender among Democrats seeking to succeed Governor Gavin Newsom, who is term-limited and cannot run for a third consecutive term in the country’s largest state.
The congressman’s political future collapsed rapidly after the San Francisco Chronicle published a report detailing allegations that he sexually assaulted a female employee on two separate occasions – once in 2019 and again in 2024. According to the report, the woman claimed she was too intoxicated to provide consent in both instances and didn’t file police reports because she feared not being believed.
Additional allegations emerged when CNN reported that multiple women accused Swalwell of sending inappropriate messages and explicit photographs.
On Sunday, Swalwell suspended his gubernatorial campaign, writing on social media: “I will fight the serious, false allegations that have been made — but that’s my fight, not a campaign’s.”
By Monday, facing mounting pressure from both parties in Congress for his expulsion, Swalwell announced he would resign from the House on his own terms. He stated it would be unfair to his constituents to remain in office while dealing with these distractions from his congressional responsibilities.
Swalwell’s departure creates opportunities for remaining candidates to court his former supporters as the June 2 primary approaches without a clear frontrunner. Key Democratic competitors include former Representative Katie Porter and billionaire Tom Steyer, who previously ran for president in 2020.
The Republican side features Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco and former Fox News personality Steve Hilton, who has received President Donald Trump’s endorsement.
California’s unique primary system allows only the two highest vote-getters to advance to November’s general election, regardless of party membership. With seven established Democrats still competing, party leaders worry about vote-splitting that could potentially allow Republicans to claim both spots on the November ballot in this deeply blue state.
Although Swalwell has exited the race, his name will still appear on primary ballots due to timing constraints. The House Ethics Committee had initiated an investigation into the sexual misconduct allegations, though such inquiries typically end when members resign.
Swalwell hasn’t specified his exact departure date from Congress. Once he officially leaves, California law requires the governor to schedule a special election within two weeks of the vacancy.
The seven-term congressman, originally from Iowa, first won his House seat in 2012, representing a district east of San Francisco. He briefly pursued the presidency in 2019 before ending that campaign after several months.
During his congressional tenure, Swalwell served as a House manager during Trump’s second impeachment proceedings in early 2021 and participated in investigations examining connections between Trump associates and Russian officials while serving on the House Intelligence Committee.
Delaware Department of Transportation crews are conducting construction work that has forced the temporary closure of a section of southbound Route 13.
The affected stretch runs between New Sweden Street and Millside Drive, with the roadway remaining closed to traffic until 6 a.m.
Motorists traveling in the area should plan alternate routes and expect potential delays during the closure period. DelDOT has not provided additional details about the nature of the construction work being performed.
A Kentucky-based bourbon company has stepped into ongoing merger discussions between the maker of Jack Daniel’s whiskey and a major French spirits corporation, according to sources close to the negotiations.
Sazerac, a privately-owned distillery, recently contacted Brown-Forman about a possible deal while the Louisville company was already in talks with Paris-based Pernod-Ricard, industry insiders revealed Thursday. The unexpected move comes as alcohol companies seek to expand their operations amid declining sales and rising costs.
Despite Sazerac’s overture, Brown-Forman continues its discussions with Pernod-Ricard, a second source confirmed. Industry experts believe the French company maintains the advantage in securing a deal.
Market analysts suggest Pernod-Ricard holds the upper hand because it could structure the transaction as a stock exchange rather than a cash buyout. This approach would allow the Brown family, which has controlled the bourbon maker since 1870, to retain some ownership and influence over the company.
All three companies declined to provide comments about the potential transactions.
A successful merger between Brown-Forman and Pernod-Ricard would create the world’s second-largest spirits company by revenue, trailing only London-based Diageo. Financial experts estimate the combined entity could reduce annual expenses by up to $450 million, helping counter the downturn in alcohol sales that has occurred since pandemic-era consumption peaks.
Both companies have seen their stock values drop approximately 60% over the past five years as the industry grapples with changing consumer habits and economic pressures.
Pernod-Ricard operates extensive distribution networks across Europe and Asia and dominates the Scotch whisky market with brands like Chivas and The Glenlivet. Brown-Forman is renowned for Jack Daniel’s but also owns significant tequila brands including Herradura and El Jimador.
While the United States represents 44% of Brown-Forman’s revenue, domestic demand has been sluggish. Morningstar analyst Kristoffer Inton believes partnering with Pernod would offer superior growth prospects compared to joining with Sazerac, particularly in emerging markets like India and Latin America where whiskey consumption continues expanding.
“If it takes off, that will be the brand in the market that people recognize, and it will probably get a little bit of cachet,” Inton explained.
Financial analysts from Bernstein noted that cost reductions would primarily come from streamlining American and European operations, helping offset increased whiskey production expenses Brown-Forman has faced recently.
Sazerac’s pursuit of Brown-Forman represents a shift from its typical acquisition strategy, which has focused on purchasing struggling brands from large corporations or smaller emerging labels. The company recently acquired Svedka vodka from Constellation Brands in 2024 and has targeted younger brands like BuzzBallz.
The New Orleans-based company’s familiarity with Brown-Forman stems from their shared roots in Louisville’s tight-knit bourbon community. A merger between the two Kentucky distillers would strengthen their bargaining power with major American distributors, according to industry merger advisors.
However, such a combination could face regulatory challenges. The merged company would control 13% of the American spirits market, just behind Diageo’s 15% share, and would command 30% of the American whiskey segment alone, Jefferies analysts calculated. This concentration could require selling off certain brands to gain approval.
“The strategic logic is less compelling vs a Pernod deal,” Jefferies researchers concluded.
Sazerac, owned by the Goldring family, would likely need to purchase Brown-Forman outright with cash, forcing the Brown family to surrender control entirely. Such a transaction would probably involve significant borrowing, creating a more debt-heavy combined company.
In contrast, Pernod could offer a stock-based transaction that would give the Browns ownership stakes in the new entity along with some governance authority, sources familiar with the discussions explained.
The Brown family controls more than 50% of Brown-Forman’s voting shares, while the Ricard family holds 21% of Pernod’s voting rights. Even in a deal structured as an equal merger, the extent of control the Brown family would maintain remains uncertain.
“A merger still has complications, especially when families are involved,” Barclays analysts observed in a recent research note.
MILAN – Seven months after taking the helm at luxury conglomerate Kering, CEO Luca de Meo has successfully stabilized the company’s financial position. Now comes his biggest test: breathing new life into the struggling Gucci brand.
The former Renault executive has worked quickly since assuming leadership in September, divesting assets to strengthen Kering’s financial foundation, establishing fresh partnerships, and bringing in automotive industry colleagues to drive transformation at the French luxury giant.
Investors are now turning their attention to a more complicated objective: restoring momentum at Gucci, the company’s flagship label that once served as its primary revenue generator but has become its most significant ongoing concern.
This effort faces additional hurdles from deteriorating market conditions linked to the Iran conflict, as evidenced by lackluster first-quarter performance at competitor LVMH. Kering will announce quarterly results on Tuesday, followed by de Meo’s inaugural capital markets presentation in Florence, where Gucci was founded.
“Investor focus will simply be Gucci, Gucci, Gucci,” commented Bassel Choughari, a portfolio manager at Comgest.
De Meo arrived at Kering with credentials earned outside the luxury sector, having transformed Renault through streamlined strategy, enhanced discipline and elimination of corporate inefficiencies. His approach at Kering has followed similar principles.
Early in his tenure, he halted the planned purchase of Italian fashion house Valentino. He also negotiated a 4-billion-euro deal to transfer Kering’s complete beauty division to L’Oreal and generated approximately 1.5 billion euros through premium real estate sales in New York and Milan, addressing worries about the company’s debt burden.
These actions have strengthened Kering’s financial stability and changed the narrative. With liquidity assured and debt concerns diminished, attention has returned to its traditional focus: Gucci.
The brand that once drove the group’s profitability has seen revenues drop to nearly half their highest point under previous creative director Alessandro Michele. Extended periods of steep price increases, evolving design direction and leadership turnover have distanced portions of its clientele.
De Meo’s strategy has involved questioning established practices within Kering. He has criticized the organization’s historic dependence on Gucci and recognized that mistakes in pricing decisions required correction.
The Italian executive, who mentioned to employees at a technology conference in January that he could manage an entire corporation using only a smartphone and WhatsApp, has also centralized oversight from Paris headquarters, limiting the independence traditionally granted to Kering’s individual brands, including Yves Saint Laurent and Balenciaga.
Marketing operations and supply networks are undergoing closer coordination, an initiative designed to reduce expenses while restoring organizational consistency.
To implement these changes, de Meo has positioned several trusted associates from the automotive sector – many former Renault colleagues – in roles spanning manufacturing and human resources to investor communications and artificial intelligence.
For a luxury organization traditionally rooted in creative culture, this represents a significant shift. “The level of bullshit has decreased,” de Meo told reporters in February, characterizing his initial months.
This straightforward approach has resonated with investors. Kering stock has climbed roughly 13% since his appointment, exceeding the performance of rivals LVMH and Hermes during the same timeframe, despite those companies reporting substantially stronger sales figures. Expectations have improved, though starting from a modest baseline.
The financial impact is evident. Kering recorded a 29 million euro net loss from continuing operations last year, compared to peak profits of 3.6 billion euros in 2022. Its recurring operating margin reached only 11%, down from a high of 28% in 2021.
Addressing these issues, however, extends beyond de Meo’s efforts alone. Success also depends on Demna, Gucci’s current creative director.
After replacing Sabato de Sarno, who served less than two years, the Georgian designer has presented two collections featuring intentionally bold, eye-catching designs that have generated mixed reviews from critics.
These creations are just now appearing in retail locations, making concrete sales information limited, with first-quarter numbers likely affected by the Iran conflict and uncertain consumer sentiment.
De Meo’s challenge on Thursday will be convincing investors that while the recovery may not yet be apparent, progress is underway.
Global financial markets showed signs of recovery Tuesday as investors held onto hope for a diplomatic solution between Iran and the United States, despite ongoing military action affecting oil supplies worldwide.
While the U.S. military has implemented a blockade of Iranian ports, creating additional strain on global energy markets, trading floors remained optimistic about potential negotiations between the two nations.
Although weekend diplomatic discussions between Iranian and American representatives ended without success, Reuters sources indicated that communication channels between the countries remain open. A U.S. official suggested progress was being made toward reaching an accord.
On Monday, President Donald Trump stated that Iran was interested in negotiating a deal, while emphasizing he would reject any agreement permitting Tehran to develop nuclear weapons capabilities.
This news was sufficient to fuel a recovery in international stock markets, with Asian shares climbing higher along with American and European market futures. Meanwhile, crude oil prices dropped back under the $100 per barrel mark.
However, global economic challenges persist. Rising energy costs will continue creating inflationary pressure on businesses and consumers as long as the Strait of Hormuz remains closed to shipping traffic.
Singapore’s central bank responded Tuesday by implementing stricter monetary policies, citing inflation concerns stemming from the Middle Eastern conflict.
Additionally, China’s export sector experienced a significant slowdown in March, falling well short of analyst predictions as artificial intelligence market enthusiasm collided with wartime economic realities.
The current U.S. corporate earnings season will provide important insight into how American companies are managing the conflict’s economic impact.
Financial reports from JPMorgan Chase, Wells Fargo and Citigroup are expected later Tuesday, following Goldman Sachs’ Monday announcement of quarterly profits exceeding forecasts, boosted by strong performance in deal-making and stock trading divisions.
Tuesday’s key market-moving events include earnings releases from major banks and Johnson & Johnson, U.S. March Producer Price Index data, and speeches from multiple Federal Reserve officials including Barr, Collins, Barkin, Paulson, and Goolsbee.
BUDAPEST, Hungary (AP) — A stunning election upset in Hungary on Sunday saw young voters play a decisive role in toppling Prime Minister Viktor Orbán after his 16-year hold on the nation’s leadership. The youth demographic was instrumental in bringing Péter Magyar’s Tisza party to victory, with many young participants expressing heartfelt reactions following the historic results.
This represents a curated collection of photographs compiled by Associated Press photo editors documenting the momentous political shift.
Chinese export growth experienced a dramatic decline in March, falling to just 2.5% compared to the same period last year, according to data released Tuesday by China’s customs agency. This represents a steep drop from the robust 21.8% growth rate recorded during January and February combined.
The March figures fell short of what analysts had predicted and highlight growing concerns about the impact of the Iran conflict on international trade. Meanwhile, China’s imports jumped significantly by 27.8% last month, an increase from the 19.8% year-over-year growth seen in the first two months of 2026.
Early this year, China’s strong export performance was driven largely by technology-related products, particularly semiconductor shipments that benefited from the global artificial intelligence surge. However, economists warn that the ongoing Iran war could dampen worldwide appetite for Chinese goods throughout the remainder of 2026.
“China’s exports have decelerated as the Iran war starts to affect global demand and supply chains,” said Gary Ng, a senior economist for Asia Pacific at French bank Natixis.
Bank of America economists, led by Helen Qiao, noted in a recent analysis that while China saw strong export recovery in the first two months of the year, demand will likely soften due to energy market disruptions caused by the conflict. They warned that risks will “arise from a persistent global slowdown in overall demand if the conflict lasts longer than currently expected.”
Trade tensions with the United States have also created challenges for Chinese exporters. President Donald Trump’s increased tariffs on Chinese goods and ongoing diplomatic friction between Washington and Beijing have pressured China’s shipments to American markets in recent months. In response, China has expanded its export focus to alternative markets in Europe, Southeast Asia, and Latin America.
Market watchers are paying close attention to Trump’s scheduled Beijing visit in May for meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping, which was postponed due to the Iran conflict.
For 2026, Chinese officials have established an economic growth target between 4.5% and 5%, marking the most conservative goal since 1991. China successfully achieved its “around 5%” growth objective for 2025, largely driven by strong export performance that generated a record $1.2 trillion trade surplus. Economists believe exports will remain crucial for sustaining economic growth this year, particularly as China’s domestic real estate sector continues to struggle, limiting internal demand and investment opportunities.
NEW YORK — Disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein is returning to a New York courtroom to face rape charges once again, following years of legal battles and imprisonment stemming from the #MeToo movement.
The former film executive’s latest court proceedings could begin jury selection as soon as Tuesday, marking the third time a panel will consider allegations that he sexually assaulted actress and hairstylist Jessica Mann at a Manhattan hotel in 2013.
Weinstein’s new legal representative, Marc Agnifilo, recently informed Judge Curtis Farber that this proceeding won’t replicate previous trials.
Unlike earlier cases that involved multiple accusers and various charges, this trial centers on a single allegation from one complainant, rather than the numerous accusations presented in his prior New York and Los Angeles proceedings. The Academy Award-winning producer maintains his innocence regarding all allegations and stated in court this past winter that while he “acted wrongly,” he “never assaulted anyone.”
The presiding judge has suggested he may reconsider certain evidentiary decisions regarding what information about Weinstein and Mann’s relationship history will be admissible. Additionally, Weinstein’s recent attorney change could influence the trial’s approach and strategy.
Agnifilo and his legal team assumed representation only this past February, after Arthur Aidala, Weinstein’s long-standing counsel, withdrew from the retrial to concentrate on the former studio executive’s appeals and civil litigation. While both Aidala and Agnifilo are prominent New York criminal defense lawyers, their courtroom approaches contrast significantly — Aidala employs a more casual style, whereas Agnifilo presents a more formal demeanor.
The former producer once commanded considerable influence within Hollywood, having established his career through acclaimed films including “Shakespeare in Love,” “Pulp Fiction,” and “Chocolat.” He also maintained a high profile as a Democratic Party contributor.
However, multiple sexual harassment and assault accusations against Weinstein surfaced in media reports during 2017, catalyzing the widespread #MeToo movement.
Criminal charges were filed against him in New York during 2018, followed by additional charges in Los Angeles two years afterward.
Weinstein faced trial and received convictions on certain charges in both jurisdictions, though not on all counts. His original New York convictions were later reversed, necessitating last year’s retrial.
The retrial produced split results: Weinstein was found guilty of compelling production assistant and producer Miriam Haley to perform oral sex in 2006, but was cleared of similar charges involving model-turned-therapist Kaja Sokola from the same year. The jury failed to reach a decision on the rape charge concerning Mann after the jury foreman declined to continue deliberations.
Following the proceedings, Weinstein reportedly contemplated accepting a plea agreement, according to Aidala. Ultimately, Weinstein appears to have declined that option.
Mann previously testified that she maintained a consensual, intermittent relationship with Weinstein, who was married at the time. However, she described an incident where he trapped her in a Manhattan hotel room during a weekend trip, and despite her protests of “I don’t want to do this,” she told jurors he persisted with his advances and demands until she “just gave up.”
While Weinstein has not provided testimony in any of his trials, his defense attorneys have argued that all sexual encounters were consensual.
The defense maintained that Mann and other accusers voluntarily engaged with his advances because they sought his assistance in advancing their entertainment careers. The accusers, however, testified that Weinstein used his Hollywood power to lure them into his sphere before victimizing them.
His conviction for sexually assaulting Haley could result in up to 25 years imprisonment, though no sentencing date has been scheduled. The pending rape charge represents a lesser felony with a maximum four-year sentence. The 73-year-old Weinstein has already served more than that duration.
Weinstein experiences multiple health issues and requires a wheelchair for mobility. During a January court appearance, he expressed fear about potentially dying in New York’s Rikers Island facility.
“My mental state is collapsing. … My spirit is breaking,” he addressed the judge.
Weinstein’s legal team has contended that his New York conviction last year was compromised by juror conflicts. He is simultaneously appealing his Los Angeles verdict.
Personal tragedies and housing instability derailed Jevona Anderson’s educational journey when she was just months away from earning her bachelor’s degree. At 59, the University of Baltimore student watched her grades plummet as family deaths and homelessness overwhelmed her ability to focus on coursework.
Anderson became part of what educators call “stopouts” – approximately 38 million working-age Americans who have abandoned their college studies before graduation. These individuals often carry student debt without the credential needed to increase their earning potential.
Though most students who leave college express intentions to return, very few actually do. Recent initiatives by educational institutions and local governments are changing that trend. Data shows stopout reenrollment climbed to over 1 million during the 2023-2024 academic year, marking a 7% jump from the previous year.
For Anderson, a specialized scholarship program became her pathway back to education. The financial assistance enabled her to resume studies at the University of Baltimore.
“It was so easy for someone my age to stop, because I have a lot of professional skills to get a job to continue to just live,” said Anderson, who aspires to become an educator. “It’s bigger than that.”
Despite the long-term financial benefits of completing a degree, countless students abandon their academic pursuits even after investing substantial money and time. The challenges are multifaceted – higher education demands significant time and financial resources while presenting complex administrative requirements. Simple obstacles like outstanding fees, confusing paperwork, or difficulties managing childcare, employment, health concerns, and transportation can derail academic progress.
“Life is always changing. Everybody is going through something,” said Nina Diggs-Pindell, a University of Baltimore student who has interrupted her studies multiple times due to parenting duties and work obligations.
Anderson initially enrolled at the University of Baltimore in 2019 to study environmental sustainability. Her diverse work background included roles as a fingerprint technician and fitness director, but her career vision became clear during substitute teaching assignments in urban schools.
Childhood memories of playing outdoors combined with observations about the lack of green spaces in low-income urban areas motivated her educational goals. She sought a bachelor’s degree to potentially teach and share environmental knowledge with children through interactive learning experiences.
“I needed to make sure that I get this degree so I can get back to them somehow, some way,” said Anderson, now 60.
Balancing academic demands with life responsibilities proved challenging for Anderson. Fellowship opportunities provided valuable experience but minimal compensation. Grief from losing family members intensified her financial difficulties, and the eviction made concentration nearly impossible.
“I’m looking at my grades go from A’s and B’s to, like, ‘what is this?’ … to ‘I have to take this class again,” Anderson said.
Following extensive discussions with her student support coordinator, she chose to temporarily suspend her studies.
According to National Student Clearinghouse data, the overall stopout population continues expanding despite decreasing annual dropout rates and increasing reenrollment numbers. Recent departures significantly exceed the number of students returning to their studies.
Nevertheless, states are making progress through deliberate efforts providing financial support or eliminating administrative barriers such as account holds.
When Anderson’s circumstances improved late last year and she felt prepared to return, academic advisers informed her about a university scholarship program targeting students near degree completion, primarily funded by the Carnegie Corporation. The assistance covered her remaining credit hours and housing expenses. She now approaches graduation.
“Higher education continues to have great unmet potential to help people live better lives, and we’re talking about a group of Americans that have already started down to that path; they’re close to the finish line,” said James Kvaal, former undersecretary of education during the Biden administration who currently oversees Carnegie’s educational and democracy grantmaking.
Maryland institutions reenrolled 25,068 students from across the country during 2023-2024, an increase of 2,259 from the previous year. However, this represents a small fraction compared to the 600,000 working-age adults who had withdrawn from Maryland schools without completing degrees.
Multiple states have collaborated with ReUp, a company facilitating reenrollment through coaching services and data analysis tools that help schools improve outreach strategies. The organization also connects students with appropriate college programs based on academic records, personal circumstances, and career objectives.
Many institutions utilize data analytics to identify individuals with substantial credit accumulation, focusing on specific support services to help them complete their degrees.
Tracking and reengaging people who have deprioritized education presents significant challenges. ReUp research indicates an average of 24 contact attempts – including text messages, emails, and meetings – before a stopout reenrolls.
Many colleges consider this a worthwhile investment and less demanding than recruiting completely new students, according to Jennifer Latino of education research firm EAB, which has examined reenrollment strategies.
When Richie Ince established a stopout scholarship at Colorado’s Pueblo Community College approximately ten years ago, he discovered many former students left due to what he terms “life happens moments.” Gentle encouragement through social media advertising and personalized communication – combined with a scholarship now valued at roughly $2,000 – frequently succeeded in bringing students back.
“We just heard a lot of students say this was the kind of kick in the pants they needed, or that they just needed someone to reach out,” said Ince, the college’s director of enrollment management.
Scholarship recipients must pass their first semester back with C grades or better before receiving funds. This requirement helps ensure the program produces graduates, Ince explained. Staff members also assist returning students with financial aid applications and provide regular check-ins to maintain progress.
The scholarship provided the support Melody Blair, 55, needed to pursue an associate’s degree in health information management. She has worked decades of night shifts at a call center – employment that covers expenses but causes exhaustion. “There are days I just want to take the headset off and say ‘no more,’” she said.
Blair, who was adopted as an infant, is now pursuing a career in genomic registry work, assisting people who lack access to their medical histories. “It’s one of those jobs I know I can wake up and look forward to doing.”
While Anderson expects to graduate after this semester, she felt disappointed realizing she couldn’t afford graduation regalia. The school’s student center has since offered to loan her a cap and gown. Regardless, she emphasized that the most important aspect is the opportunity to work with children again soon.
“Me and God made a pact — I am graduating this spring,” she said.
House lawmakers will cast votes Tuesday evening on aviation safety legislation developed in response to the tragic January collision between a commercial airliner and military helicopter near Washington DC that claimed 67 lives, though several senators and grieving families believe the proposed law requires additional strengthening.
Known as the Alert Act, the House legislation has gained support from major industry organizations. The National Transportation Safety Board recently indicated that the updated bill now incorporates their recommendation mandating aircraft operating near high-traffic airports to install advanced positioning systems that provide pilots with precise real-time information about surrounding air traffic.
The NTSB has advocated for these technological improvements since 2008, with Chairwoman Jennifer Homendy stating that implementing such systems would have averted the catastrophic crash between the American Airlines aircraft and Army Black Hawk helicopter that crashed into the frigid Potomac River on January 29, 2025.
Two major House committees gave unanimous approval to the measure last month. The legislation now moves to a full House vote under procedures that prohibit any modifications. However, families who lost loved ones emphasize the importance of including firm deadlines to ensure reform implementation.
Co-sponsored by Republican Sam Graves and Democrat Rick Larens, the bill must obtain support from two-thirds of House members to proceed to Senate consideration. Alternative legislation known as the ROTOR Act, developed by the Senate, fell just one vote short during House deliberations. Senators Ted Cruz and Maria Cantwell have indicated the Alert Act requires further enhancements.
NTSB Chairwoman Homendy delivered harsh criticism earlier this year regarding the bill’s initial draft, describing it as a “watered down” proposal insufficient to prevent future catastrophes. The safety board now says the updated version addresses deficiencies their investigation revealed and mandates action from the Federal Aviation Administration, Transportation Department and military branches.
During late January hearings, National Transportation Safety Board officials expressed serious concern about years of unheeded warnings regarding helicopter traffic hazards and additional safety issues that preceded the collision.
All passengers and crew aboard the American Airlines flight from Wichita, Kansas, and the military helicopter perished in the crash. The incident represents the most devastating aviation disaster on American territory since 2001, with casualties including 28 individuals from the figure skating world.
Investigators determined that a helicopter corridor intersecting with a Reagan National Airport runway approach failed to maintain adequate spacing between helicopters and aircraft using the airport’s alternate runway, and officials did not conduct regular evaluations of this route. The flawed design of this flight path contributed significantly to the accident, along with air traffic controllers depending excessively on pilots’ visual detection and avoidance of other aircraft.
The current legislation mandates aircraft installation of Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast In technology capable of receiving location data from nearby aircraft. Supporters argue these systems would have provided earlier warning to American Airlines pilots about the approaching collision with the Black Hawk. Most commercial aircraft already carry the corresponding ADS-B Out equipment that transmits their positions.
While the NTSB identified systemic failures and years of overlooked safety warnings as primary crash factors, Homendy emphasized that equipping both the airliner and Black Hawk with operational ADS-B In systems would have prevented the collision. Army regulations at the time required helicopters to operate without this technology activated to maintain location secrecy, despite this particular helicopter conducting routine training rather than classified operations.
LOS ANGELES (AP) — California’s gubernatorial campaign has entered a new phase following the stunning collapse of Democratic Congressman Eric Swalwell’s candidacy.
Swalwell, who had emerged as a prominent contender to succeed outgoing Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom, ended his campaign and announced his congressional resignation after facing sexual assault accusations. The remaining candidates are set to make their first joint public appearance Tuesday in Sacramento since Swalwell’s exit dramatically altered the competitive landscape.
Additional misconduct allegations against Swalwell are expected to be presented by attorneys Tuesday in Beverly Hills.
With no frontrunner emerging in the heavily Democratic state’s crowded field, Swalwell’s withdrawal creates opportunities for remaining contenders to court his former backers just weeks before early May mail-in voting begins. The June 2 primary featuring more than 50 candidates remains highly unpredictable.
For months, Democrats have worried that the extensive candidate roster could split votes enough to exclude the party entirely from November’s general election, potentially leaving only Republican nominees on the ballot due to state electoral procedures.
Republican candidates have also struggled to unite behind a single choice. While President Donald Trump has backed conservative media personality Steve Hilton, state party convention delegates declined to endorse any gubernatorial candidate, with support divided between Hilton and Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco.
Swalwell ended his campaign Sunday following reports in the San Francisco Chronicle and CNN detailing the allegations. He maintained his innocence, stating, “I will fight the serious, false allegations that have been made — but that’s my fight, not a campaign’s.”
The following day, he announced plans to step down from Congress without specifying a timeline. In a post on X, he explained it would be unfair to constituents to remain distracted from his duties. He pledged to continue challenging the accusations while acknowledging, “I must take responsibility and ownership for the mistakes I did make.”
Political analysts find it challenging to predict where Swalwell’s base will migrate, with supporters likely dispersing among the seven remaining established Democratic candidates or potentially disengaging from the race entirely.
Nationally recognized as a House manager during Trump’s second impeachment proceedings in early 2021, Swalwell lacked extensive Democratic connections beyond his San Francisco Bay Area constituency.
Billionaire hedge fund executive turned progressive activist Tom Steyer has invested heavily in media advertising using personal funds. Former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa seeks political redemption after his unsuccessful 2018 gubernatorial bid, while Katie Porter stands among leading Democratic hopefuls following her unsuccessful 2024 Senate campaign.
Porter shared a San Francisco Chronicle opinion piece on X stating “Democrats can pull victory from the jaws of defeat by coalescing around Porter.” Steyer announced endorsements from several legislators, including Representative Jared Huffman, whose coastal district neighbors Swalwell’s territory north of San Francisco. Villaraigosa launched new advertising promising relief from gas and grocery expenses in the notoriously expensive state.
Despite suspending his campaign, Swalwell’s name will remain on ballots.
“Nobody has really caught fire,” observed Democratic strategist Andrew Acosta, who remains uninvolved in the campaign. Swalwell’s backers “will scatter out to other candidates.”
Many Democrats had hoped former Vice President Kamala Harris or Senator Alex Padilla would join the race, but both declined participation.
Several Sacramento lawmakers quickly transferred their endorsements from Swalwell to Steyer. Democratic Assemblymember Nick Schultz expressed confidence that Steyer would develop strong legislative relationships. Steyer’s business experience without prior elected office positions him to challenge existing practices, Schultz noted.
Democratic Assemblymember Corey Jackson, also switching to Steyer, said he wanted to support a viable candidate. He stated in a release that he and Steyer share a “commitment to building an economy rooted in dignity for working people.”
San Jose Democratic Mayor Matt Mahan, pursuing his first statewide office, attempted to differentiate himself from both Steyer and Republican candidate Hilton, known for his six-year Fox News hosting tenure.
With Swalwell eliminated, “now we have a field that’s got a billionaire who made his fortune investing in private prisons, ICE facilities, oil and gas companies … and a MAGA-backed TV commentator on the other hand,” Mahan said during an MSNBC “Morning Joe” appearance.
“California deserves so much better,” Mahan declared.
Swalwell’s rapid political demise occurred amid mounting pressure for his congressional departure. He previously lost backing from influential labor organizations supporting his candidacy, along with former allies including California Senator Adam Schiff and Representative Jimmy Gomez.
A dramatic public confrontation has erupted between President Donald Trump and Pope Leo XIV, marking an unprecedented clash between two of the world’s most influential American leaders. The dispute centers on the ongoing conflict in Iran and reveals stark differences in how each views warfare and diplomacy.
Trump launched a social media attack calling Leo XIV ‘Weak’ and influenced by the ‘Radical Left,’ even claiming the Pope owed his position to Trump’s influence. Meanwhile, Leo XIV has condemned Trump’s military threats against Iran as ‘truly unacceptable’ and has directed Catholics to scripture and church teachings about war and peace.
‘I’m not afraid of the Trump administration,’ Leo said Monday on the way to Africa, ‘or of speaking out loudly about the message of the Gospel, which is what the Church works for.’
This extraordinary public dispute involves two Americans wielding unprecedented global influence for the first time in history. Their conflict has deep roots.
EARLY POSITIONS: During Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, the future pope served as a bishop in Peru and didn’t hesitate to blame Moscow directly. On the Peruvian program ‘Weekly Expression,’ Prevost called it an ‘imperialist invasion in which Russia wants to conquer territory for reasons of power given Ukraine’s strategic location.’
This footage gained attention in Italian media after his papal election on May 8, 2025.
Earlier in 2025, Cardinal Prevost shared social media content criticizing Vice President JD Vance, a Catholic convert, for defending strict immigration policies by claiming Christianity prioritizes caring for family and citizens over foreigners.
‘JD Vance is wrong: Jesus doesn’t ask us to rank our love for others,’ read the headline the future pope shared.
SIGNIFICANCE: While Catholic bishops frequently comment in local media, they differ widely in their political specificity. Many limit themselves to broad doctrinal statements rather than challenging individual politicians. Prevost’s Peru comments and his rare social media sharing as a cardinal demonstrated his engagement with global affairs and willingness to speak directly.
TRUMP’S INITIAL RESPONSE: ‘Congratulations to Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, who was just named Pope,’ Trump posted on Truth Social on May 8, 2025. ‘It is such an honor to realize that he is the first American Pope. What excitement, and what a Great Honor for our Country. I look forward to meeting Pope Leo XIV. It will be a very meaningful moment!’
Trump later told the White House press that ‘we were a little bit surprised and very happy’ with Leo’s election.
By Monday, he was claiming credit for Leo’s selection on Truth Social: ‘He wasn’t on any list to be Pope, and was only put there by the Church because he was an American, and they thought that would be the best way to deal with President Donald J. Trump.’
ANALYSIS: Trump views Leo through the lens of national pride and personal loyalty. His immediate interest in meeting Leo (which hasn’t occurred) reflects his typical attraction to power and celebrity, regardless of political compatibility. Trump’s perspective lacks understanding of Leo’s background or Vatican-U.S. relations.
The College of Cardinals has historically approached the U.S. with caution — particularly regarding Washington’s military and economic policies affecting global poverty, and general reluctance to give the papacy to someone from the world’s dominant superpower.
Leo was raised, educated and ordained in America but spent decades leading churches elsewhere, including impoverished South American regions. ‘He was the least American of the Americans,’ said Steven Millies, a professor at Chicago’s Catholic Theological Union, where young Leo earned his master of divinity.
LEO’S FIRST WORDS: ‘Peace with you all … the first greeting of the risen Christ, the Good Shepherd who gave his life for the flock of God.’
These were Leo’s initial words from St. Peter’s balcony. During his first Sunday blessing, he addressed Russia’s war on Ukraine and Israel-Gaza violence, lamenting a ‘third world war in pieces.’ The next Monday, Leo began a journalist audience by quoting Jesus. ‘In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus proclaimed: ‘Blessed are the peacemakers,” the pontiff said.
SIGNIFICANCE: Leo’s earliest papal statements centered ‘peace’ as Jesus’s core message — previewing a major theme of his papacy. Mentioning Ukraine, Russia, Israel and Palestine showed his readiness to move beyond theory and apply doctrine to current global suffering.
LANGUAGE CHOICES: Equally significant as Leo’s peace-focused words were the languages this polyglot chose: None were English.
At his St. Peter’s Square introduction, Leo spoke Italian, then used Spanish to address Peruvian Catholics where he’d served. His Sunday blessing was in Italian. He briefly greeted journalists in English with obvious Chicago inflection, but quickly switched to Italian for his remarks. Even in recent reporter encounters, Leo opens in Italian before answering in English.
MEANING: While Latin and Italian are Vatican’s official languages, Leo’s conscious choice to use fluent Italian and Spanish emphasizes his role leading a global institution with 1.4 billion followers.
‘He doesn’t want to be perceived, I think, as coming from the American side or as relying on his authority as American,’ said Catholic University professor William Barbieri. ‘He wants to speak in the name of the church.’
EASTER CONFRONTATION: Trump intensified Iran threats around Easter, when Christians commemorate Jesus’s resurrection. Leo used his Palm Sunday message to call Jesus the ‘King of Peace’ and say God ‘does not listen to the prayers of those who wage war, but rejects them, saying: ‘Even though you make many prayers, I will not listen: your hands are full of blood.”
Trump hosted conservative religious leaders at the White House for Holy Week observance. His spiritual adviser Paula White compared the president to Jesus, saying they’re both persecuted figures who endured.
In Rome, Leo washed others’ feet, as the Last Supper records Jesus doing for his disciples. Speaking to reporters, Leo named Trump directly for the first time and said he hoped the president would seek an ‘off-ramp’ in Iran. On Easter, Trump threatened extensive bombing of Iran’s civilian infrastructure and destruction of a ‘whole civilization.’ Leo called that threat ‘truly unacceptable.’
SIGNIFICANCE: Their contrasting viewpoints and personalities, combined with the Iran war’s seriousness, finally eliminated any possibility that Trump and Leo could avoid direct engagement.
CURRENT EXCHANGE: In Trump’s Sunday post attacking Leo as ‘weak,’ among other criticisms, the president said, ‘I don’t want a Pope who criticizes the President of the United States because I’m doing exactly what I was elected, IN A LANDSLIDE, to do.’ He added that Leo should ‘focus on being a Great Pope, not a Politician.’
Leo, meanwhile, reiterated that he’s not speaking politically.
‘To put my message on the same plane as what the president has attempted to do here, I think is not understanding what the message of the Gospel is,’ Leo told The Associated Press aboard the papal flight to Algeria. ‘And I’m sorry to hear that but I will continue on what I believe is the mission of the church in the world today.’
BROADER IMPLICATIONS: This represents an unusual situation for the papacy, whose occupants typically comment on global affairs without specifically naming secular politicians. While Trump routinely attacks perceived enemies, these dynamics are uncommon for him too: This time, Trump is confronting someone who rejects the president’s terms and faces no political pressure to comply.
Chinese President Xi Jinping welcomed Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez to Beijing on Tuesday for high-level discussions focused on strengthening bilateral relations between their nations.
During their meeting, both leaders committed to enhancing cooperation while working to protect international peace and stability. Xi characterized the current global situation as a “crumbling” international order during their talks.
The diplomatic meeting underscores efforts by both countries to deepen their partnership as they navigate an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape.
BEIJING, April 14 – Chinese President Xi Jinping urged stronger collaboration with Arab nations on Tuesday, emphasizing the need for enhanced partnerships during a period of global transformation.
During discussions with Abu Dhabi’s visiting crown prince, Xi stressed that increased coordination and cooperation are essential as humanity confronts critical decisions between peace and conflict, as well as unity versus division, according to media pool reports.
Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s diplomatic visit takes place amid heightened regional tensions following unsuccessful weekend negotiations between Washington and Tehran aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict in Iran that has persisted for weeks.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent recommended Monday that the Federal Reserve adopt a cautious stance on interest rate reductions while monitoring the ongoing conflict in Iran, according to comments made to Semafor’s Editor-in-Chief Ben Smith.
During the interview, Bessent characterized the U.S. economic performance in the first two months of the year as “very strong” and endorsed the Fed’s current approach, stating they are “doing the right thing by sitting and watching” as events unfold in the region.
Regarding European monetary policy, Bessent expressed surprise at the possibility of rate increases, noting “I would be shocked, for instance, if (the European Central Bank) hiked (rates).” He also pointed out differences in economic support measures, saying “Although I will say that many European countries, (such as) the UK, and Asian countries, are subsidizing demand, which we haven’t done in the U.S.”
The Treasury Secretary voiced optimism that current price spikes will not become “going to get embedded into inflation expectations.”
Economic data from March showed consumer prices climbing at their fastest pace in nearly four years, driven largely by the Iranian conflict’s impact on energy costs. The war has created significant challenges for President Donald Trump’s administration as public dissatisfaction grows regarding economic management.
Global oil markets have experienced dramatic volatility, with crude prices jumping over 30 percent due to the conflict. This surge has pushed average gasoline prices nationwide beyond $4 per gallon, marking the first time this threshold has been crossed in more than three years.
When questioned about the war’s long-term economic implications for America, Bessent offered a measured perspective: “I think we will look back and say – I don’t know the number of days – whether it’s 50 or 100 or more (days) for 50 years of stability.”
BEIJING – China experienced a notable decline in export momentum during March as geopolitical tensions in the Middle East overshadowed the technology sector’s artificial intelligence boom, according to customs data released Tuesday.
The world’s second-largest economy saw overseas shipments increase by only 2.5% compared to the same period last year, representing the weakest performance in five months. This figure fell dramatically short of economist predictions of 8.3% growth and marked a steep drop from the robust 21.8% expansion recorded during the first two months of 2024.
Meanwhile, China’s imports surged 27.8% annually, achieving the strongest showing since late 2021 and exceeding both the previous period’s 19.8% rise and analyst forecasts of 11.2% growth.
The March data represents the initial major test of whether artificial intelligence enthusiasm and demand for related semiconductors and computing equipment could counterbalance disruptions caused by Iran’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial passage handling one-fifth of global oil and natural gas transportation.
Energy imports took a significant hit, with natural gas purchases declining 10.7% year-over-year to reach the lowest point since October 2022. Crude oil imports also decreased by 2.8%, partly due to Chinese vessels being stranded in the strategic waterway.
China had started 2024 with impressive export performance that exceeded projections, driven primarily by technology product sales and raising possibilities of surpassing last year’s record $1.2 trillion trade surplus. However, the ongoing Middle Eastern conflict has introduced uncertainty about maintaining this upward trend.
Despite China’s reputation for government-subsidized manufacturing that undercuts global competitors, even Chinese producers face challenges as rising fuel and shipping costs reduce international buyers’ spending capacity.
Fred Neumann, HSBC’s chief Asia economist, suggested Chinese manufacturers might still capture market share as customers look for more affordable alternatives. He noted that China’s extensive commodity reserves accumulated over decades have helped cushion the impact of raw material price volatility on production costs.
Chinese refined petroleum product exports climbed 20.5% from the previous month, totaling 4.6 million metric tons.
Xu Tianchen, senior economist at the Economist Intelligence Unit, pointed out that seasonal factors from a delayed Lunar New Year holiday also influenced the numbers, as manufacturing facilities typically close during the celebration period.
“This explains the decline across the low-value added sectors, textiles, garments, bags, toys, furniture, as they are reliant on migrant workers,” Xu said.
The comparison was also affected by elevated figures from March 2023, when Chinese factories accelerated shipments to avoid President Donald Trump’s April 2 tariff implementation deadline.
South Korean exports to China, considered an indicator of Chinese economic demand, jumped 62.4% in March, led by a 151.4% increase in semiconductor shipments driven by higher memory chip prices and strong AI server demand.
Recent manufacturing data from China indicated that goods exports continued supporting economic growth, though Middle Eastern tensions dampened business confidence as commodity prices increased sharply, raising production costs.
China recorded a trade surplus of $51.13 billion in March, down from $214 billion during the January-February period.
President Trump is anticipated to visit China for discussions with President Xi Jinping in May, with analysts expecting potential agreements on agricultural products and aircraft components while seeing limited progress on contentious issues like Taiwan.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex touched down in Melbourne on Tuesday, marking their first return to Australia since departing their senior royal positions in 2020.
Harry and Meghan’s four-day journey represents a significant shift from their previous 2018 visit as newlyweds, when they conducted an official 16-day royal tour across Australia, New Zealand, Fiji and Tonga.
The couple has emphasized that this trip is self-financed, traveling on a commercial Qantas flight from Los Angeles in business class. However, taxpayer-funded security expenses for police departments have sparked public debate as the Sussexes plan stops in Melbourne, Canberra and Sydney.
Unlike their 2018 tour that drew massive crowds at public gatherings, this visit will be more subdued due to security cost considerations. Their two children, 6-year-old Prince Archie and 4-year-old Princess Lilibet, remained in California. Notably, Meghan revealed her first pregnancy while in Sydney during their previous Australian visit.
Local media coverage has been mixed, with Melbourne’s Herald Sun newspaper calling the trip a “faux royal tour to shore up Brand Sussex.” Additional criticism has emerged regarding the couple’s participation in ticketed events during their stay.
The Sussexes have pushed back against characterizations of the visit as a publicity campaign. Their office released a statement explaining: “The program is rooted in long-standing areas of work for the Duke and the Duchess, with a clear focus on amplifying organizations delivering measurable impact. The visit prioritises listening, learning and supporting communities rather than promotion.”
The statement also mentioned “a small number of private engagements” designed to “support broader commercial, charitable and commercial objectives.”
Royal family media expert Afua Hagan defended the couple’s approach, noting that the Sussexes are often portrayed negatively by news outlets. “This is a privately funded trip. To pay for that, they’re going to have to have some commercial interest,” Hagan explained to Australian Broadcasting Corp.
Hagan continued: “If they didn’t have commercial interest, the problem would be: ‘Oh my goodness, these people are leeching off the Royal Family and the taxpayers whether or not they’re making their own money. How dare they make their own money.’ They can’t do right for doing wrong.”
The couple’s Melbourne itinerary includes visits to a children’s hospital, a women’s shelter and a veterans’ art museum. Harry will make a solo trip to the Australian War Memorial in Canberra, while both will participate in an Invictus Australia sailing event on Sydney Harbor.
The Invictus Games connection holds special significance for the couple, as they hosted the opening ceremonies in Sydney during 2018. Harry established the sporting competition in 2014 as a platform for wounded military personnel and veterans to compete.
Drivers using southbound Route 113, also known as DuPont Boulevard, should expect delays this evening as construction crews continue work that has closed the left travel lane.
According to the Delaware Department of Transportation, the lane closure will remain in place until 11:30 PM tonight. Motorists are advised to use caution when traveling through the construction zone and allow extra time for their commute.
The ongoing construction work is causing the temporary lane restriction, though DelDOT has not provided additional details about the specific nature of the project or its expected completion date.
President Donald Trump has selected former California Representative Michelle Steel for the position of U.S. Ambassador to South Korea, the White House revealed Monday, filling a diplomatic role that has remained empty throughout Trump’s current presidency.
Steel’s appointment requires Senate confirmation before she can officially take the post representing American interests in Seoul, one of the nation’s most important strategic partnerships in Asia.
According to media reports, South Korean presidential officials expressed optimism Tuesday about Steel’s potential appointment, stating they anticipate she would help strengthen the relationship between both nations and foster deeper connections between American and South Korean citizens.
The ambassadorial position has been temporarily filled by State Department official Kevin Kim since October, around the time of Trump’s diplomatic visit to South Korea. The previous Senate-confirmed ambassador was Philip Goldberg, who received his appointment under former President Joe Biden’s administration.
Steel, who is Korean-American and represents conservative Republican values, recently concluded her congressional career after losing a close reelection battle in Orange County to Democratic challenger Derek Tran, a Vietnamese-American candidate, following two complete terms in office.
Media coverage of that 2024 congressional race described it as particularly contentious, with both Steel and Tran trading accusations of using divisive red-baiting strategies against one another during the campaign.
Police in New York City took nearly 100 protesters into custody Monday as demonstrations erupted demanding the United States halt weapons shipments to Israel and cease military assistance to the Middle Eastern ally.
The antiwar organization Jewish Voice for Peace reported that roughly 90 individuals were detained during the demonstrations. Notable among those arrested was Chelsea Manning, the former Army soldier turned whistleblower who previously leaked classified information to WikiLeaks.
While the New York City Police Department confirmed “multiple” arrests occurred, officials declined to specify an exact number of those taken into custody.
Video footage from the demonstrations revealed crowds assembled outside the offices of Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and fellow Democratic Senator Kirsten Gillibrand.
Activists could be heard shouting various slogans including “stop the bombs,” “end the killings” and “free Palestine” as they voiced their opposition to joint U.S.-Israeli military actions against Iran, Israel’s operations in Lebanon, and the ongoing assault on Gaza.
Additional chants heard throughout the protest included “let Gaza live,” “let Iran live” and “let Lebanon live.”
The demonstrations come amid escalating Middle East tensions following joint U.S.-Israeli strikes against Iran on February 28. Iran retaliated with its own attacks targeting Israel and Gulf nations that house American military installations. The combined U.S.-Israeli operations in Iran and Israeli military actions in Lebanon have resulted in thousands of deaths and displaced millions of civilians.
The Trump administration has implemented strict measures against similar protests, including attempts to deport international students, threats to cut university funding where demonstrations occurred, and requirements for screening immigrants’ social media activity. These enforcement efforts have encountered legal challenges in the courts.
New York City became a focal point for pro-Palestinian demonstrations throughout 2024.
American military assistance to Israel has drawn increased criticism from human rights organizations during Israel’s Gaza conflict, which has claimed tens of thousands of lives, created widespread hunger, forced the displacement of Gaza’s entire population, and prompted genocide allegations from academic experts and United Nations investigators.
Israel maintains its military actions constitute legitimate self-defense following the Hamas-led attack in October 2023 that killed 1,200 people and resulted in more than 250 hostages being taken.
E-commerce giant Amazon is reportedly close to finalizing an acquisition of satellite telecommunications company Globalstar, according to Bloomberg News sources on Monday.
The purchase would strengthen Amazon’s efforts to develop its own satellite network capabilities as the company expands beyond its traditional retail operations.
Sources familiar with the negotiations told Bloomberg that an official announcement regarding the transaction could come as early as Tuesday.
Reuters has not been able to independently verify the reported deal at this time.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex touched down in Australia on Tuesday, beginning a four-day tour that will address mental health initiatives, veterans’ support, and community outreach programs.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s itinerary kicks off with a stop at a Melbourne children’s hospital, followed by the Duchess visiting a shelter for women experiencing domestic violence, according to their official statement.
“Their programme will focus on mental health, community resilience and support for veterans and their families, alongside private meetings and special projects,” the statement said.
The royal couple’s schedule includes traveling to Canberra on Wednesday for meetings with military veterans, participating in a Melbourne mental health summit Thursday, and concluding their visit with sailing and rugby activities in Sydney on Friday.
This marks the Sussexes’ return to Australia since their 2018 visit as active working royals, when they announced Meghan’s first pregnancy shortly after landing in Sydney. The couple stepped away from royal duties in 2020, relocating to the United States while seeking financial independence and privacy from intense media scrutiny.
While their current visit has generated public interest in Australia, where King Charles serves as head of state despite growing republican sentiment, the reception appears markedly different from their previous trip. Television coverage showed the pair arriving via commercial aircraft from Los Angeles, with no fanfare or large crowds present at the airport.
The couple is personally financing their travel expenses, though Australian taxpayers will cover some security costs, prompting a protest petition that has gathered over 45,000 signatures from local media reports.
Unlike their previous official visit, the Sussexes plan to engage in commercial ventures during this trip. Meghan will remain in Australia beyond the tour to facilitate a wellness retreat at an upscale Sydney beachside resort over the weekend.
The retreat experience, featuring yoga sessions, manifestation workshops, and sound healing activities, carries a starting price of 2,699 Australian dollars (approximately $1,912 USD) per participant.
ROME, April 13 (Reuters) – The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization warned Monday that an extended conflict in the Strait of Hormuz could lead to a worldwide food emergency by interrupting fertilizer and energy shipments, causing food costs to soar and reducing agricultural production.
According to FAO Chief Economist Maximo Torero, developing nations face the greatest risk because their agricultural timing schedules mean that interruptions in essential farming supplies could rapidly result in reduced harvests, increased inflation, and weakened economic growth worldwide.
Global financial markets responded positively Tuesday to renewed diplomatic signals between the United States and Iran, with stock indices climbing while oil prices and the dollar weakened on hopes for peaceful resolution.
Despite the breakdown of weekend peace negotiations, sources indicate both Washington and Tehran remain open to continued diplomatic discussions. A U.S. official reported progress in efforts to reach an agreement.
Asian markets led the rally, with the MSCI Asia-Pacific index excluding Japan climbing 1% during early trading sessions. Japan’s Nikkei and South Korea’s KOSPI each surged more than 2%.
U.S. market futures showed modest gains, with Nasdaq futures up 0.13% and S&P 500 futures remaining flat following Monday’s Wall Street rally. European markets also showed strength, with EUROSTOXX 50 futures gaining 0.63% and DAX futures adding 0.77%.
“Markets are trading hope, not resolution,” explained Charu Chanana, chief investment strategist at Saxo.
“The failed weekend talks did not produce a deal, but they also did not close the door on diplomacy, and that is enough for equities to keep pushing higher for now.”
President Donald Trump announced Monday that Iran had “called this morning” and “they’d like to work a deal,” though Reuters was unable to independently confirm this claim.
Simultaneously, U.S. military forces initiated a blockade of Iranian ports as a pressure tactic against Tehran. Trump has warned that Washington would intercept Iranian vessels and any ships paying related fees, threatening to destroy Iranian “fast-attack” ships approaching the blockade zone.
“The U.S. has actually played that trump card. To me it’s important because they forced the onus back on Iran to open the Strait without the need to put those boots on the ground,” noted Tony Sycamore, a market analyst at IG.
“It’s now forced the Iranians back to the drawing board.”
Energy markets reflected the diplomatic optimism, with oil prices declining as resolution hopes overshadowed supply disruption concerns. Brent crude futures dropped 2.7% to $96.66 per barrel, while U.S. crude futures fell 3% to $96.13 per barrel.
Currency markets saw the dollar weaken to a six-week low of 98.328 against a basket of major currencies as improved risk sentiment reduced demand for the safe-haven currency. The euro gained 0.05% to $1.1764, while the British pound reached a six-week high of $1.3514.
“The U.S. and Iran have started to walk down the path of coming up to an agreement,” said Joseph Capurso, a strategist at Commonwealth Bank of Australia.
However, he cautioned that “the markets are still facing a global economic outlook that is deteriorating, and I think the risks are high that you get equity markets and credit markets and the like fall again, and that would push up the U.S. dollar against probably all currencies.”
U.S. Treasury yields showed little movement, with two-year yields at 3.7722% and benchmark 10-year yields at 4.2854%.
The recent surge in energy prices has led investors to anticipate potential interest rate increases from major central banks, representing a significant shift from pre-conflict expectations of rate cuts or extended pauses.
Precious metals benefited from the risk-on sentiment, with spot gold rising 0.7% to $4,771.81 per ounce. Cryptocurrency bitcoin also gained 1.5% to approximately $74,312.
YOKOHAMA, Japan – Japanese automaker Nissan Motor announced Tuesday its intention to reduce its worldwide vehicle offerings by cutting 11 models from its current roster of 56, bringing the total down to 45 models globally.
The automotive manufacturer also revealed plans to incorporate artificial intelligence driving technology into 90% of its vehicle lineup as part of its long-term strategic vision.
According to a company announcement, Nissan has set ambitious sales targets for key markets by the 2030 financial year. The automaker aims to achieve annual sales of 1 million vehicles in the United States market and reach 550,000 annual vehicle sales in its home market of Japan by that timeframe.
SYDNEY, April 14 – Business confidence in Australia experienced a dramatic collapse in March, with concerns over the Iran conflict triggering economic uncertainty not witnessed since major financial downturns, according to new survey data released Tuesday.
National Australia Bank’s latest survey revealed that business confidence dropped by 29 points to reach -29 in March, marking the second-steepest monthly decline on record. However, actual business conditions remained relatively stable at +6.
Sales figures showed a minor decrease of 1 point to +11, maintaining relatively solid ground, while profit margins took a hit, declining from +4 to +1. This downturn reflects companies facing pressure from rising purchase costs, which surged 3% during the quarter ending in March.
Companies appear to be having difficulty transferring increased costs to customers, as retail price growth slowed to a quarterly rate of 0.5% compared to the previous 0.9%.
The Reserve Bank of Australia implemented its second interest rate increase in March, bringing rates to 4.1% and reversing two of the three rate reductions made the previous year. The central bank projects that elevated fuel prices resulting from Middle Eastern conflicts will push overall inflation to approximately 5% during the second quarter.
Additional survey data released Tuesday indicated that consumer sentiment dropped to its lowest point in over two years during April. An index tracking consumer willingness to make major purchases plummeted 15% as households became more cautious with spending.
A California man is now facing attempted murder charges after allegedly launching a Molotov cocktail attack against the residence of OpenAI’s chief executive officer, according to law enforcement officials.
The incident took place in San Francisco, where authorities say the suspect targeted the home of the artificial intelligence company’s leader. Law enforcement agencies have confirmed that nobody sustained injuries during the attack on either the executive’s residence or at OpenAI’s corporate facilities.
San Francisco law enforcement held a press conference on Monday, April 13, 2026, where FBI San Francisco Acting Special Agent in Charge Matt Cobo addressed the media alongside San Francisco Police Chief Derrick Lew and San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins.
The case represents a serious escalation in threats against technology executives, as the artificial intelligence industry continues to face scrutiny and controversy over its rapid development and potential societal impacts.
Investigators have not released additional details about the suspect’s motivations or the specific circumstances surrounding the alleged attack. The case remains under active investigation by federal and local authorities.
BOGOTA – During a Monday cabinet meeting broadcast on television, Colombian President Gustavo Petro clarified that his nation’s recently imposed 100% tariffs on imports from Ecuador will not cover every product category.
The president explained that his administration plans to implement subsidies along with what he called “smart tariffs” as part of the policy. The tariff increase came after Colombia responded to similar trade restrictions Ecuador had put in place just one day before, escalating tensions between the two South American nations.
The trade measures represent the latest development in an ongoing commercial and diplomatic conflict between Colombia and its neighboring country.
SEOUL, South Korea — Kim Jong Un oversaw additional weapons testing from his newest naval vessel this past weekend, according to state-controlled media reports released Tuesday, while promising to strengthen his navy’s combat readiness through an expanding arsenal of nuclear-armed weaponry.
The state-run Rodong Sinmun newspaper reported that Kim witnessed the firing of two strategic cruise missiles and three anti-ship weapons on Sunday from his 5,000-ton destroyer called the Choe Hyon, which made its debut in April 2025. According to the publication, the cruise missiles remained airborne for over two hours while the anti-ship weapons flew for more than half an hour, following predetermined flight paths across the nation’s western waters before successfully hitting their intended targets.
The Korean Central News Agency, another government media outlet, released images showing Kim and other high-ranking officials observing from a dock as a missile created a trail of gray smoke while launching from the naval vessel.
Kim had previously directed two separate missile testing sessions from the Choe Hyon during the previous month while promising to speed up his navy’s nuclear weapons development. Following Sunday’s launches, he declared his administration’s continued commitment to the “limitless expansion” of nuclear capabilities and assigned unspecified new objectives to enhance the nation’s nuclear strike and quick-response abilities. The leader also examined blueprints for weapons systems intended for his third and fourth destroyers currently under construction, according to Rodong Sinmun.
Kim has praised the creation of the Choe Hyon as a significant advancement in extending his military’s operational range and first-strike potential. Government media sources claim the vessel can accommodate various weapon systems, including air defense and anti-ship armaments along with nuclear-capable ballistic and cruise missiles. South Korean authorities and defense analysts believe the ship was probably constructed with Russian technical support as military cooperation between the countries has intensified, though some specialists doubt whether it’s prepared for actual deployment.
North Korea revealed a second destroyer of identical specifications in May of last year, but it suffered damage during a failed launch at Chongjin port in the north, triggering an angry reaction from Kim. The nation subsequently announced the vessel, designated Kang Kon, was relaunched in June following repairs, though outside analysts have expressed doubts about its full operational status.
Government media reports indicate a third destroyer being constructed at the Nampo shipbuilding facility on the western coastline should be finished by the ruling Workers’ Party’s founding celebration in October.
The most recent launches from the Choe Hyon contribute to a series of recent weapons evaluations as North Korea works to expand its nuclear-armed forces aimed at neighboring South Korea amid deteriorating relations and stalled diplomatic efforts.
North Korea carried out multiple tests the previous week that state media described as involving different new weapons platforms, including ballistic missiles equipped with cluster-bomb payloads, while senior officials made harsh statements mocking South Korean desires for improved relations.
Kim has halted substantive negotiations with Washington and Seoul following the breakdown of his diplomatic engagement with U.S. President Donald Trump in 2019. He has since taken a confrontational approach toward South Korea, currently characterizing it as his “most hostile” opponent, and has declined U.S. proposals to restart discussions as Trump begins his second presidency, demanding Washington abandon its insistence on denuclearization as a requirement.
Russia has become a primary foreign policy focus for Kim in recent years, with North Korea deploying thousands of soldiers and substantial weapons supplies to assist Moscow’s military campaign in Ukraine. He has also strengthened relationships with China, the North’s longtime partner and economic supporter, and expressed backing for Beijing’s promotion of a “multipolar world” during talks last week with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.
Military officials announced Monday that U.S. forces conducted a fatal strike against a vessel suspected of drug trafficking in the Pacific Ocean’s eastern waters, resulting in two deaths.
This ongoing military operation targeting alleged narcotics smuggling boats in Latin American waters has now lasted over seven months, continuing despite the military’s focus on the Iran conflict for more than six weeks.
Monday’s action marked the second consecutive day of announced strikes by U.S. Southern Command through social media channels. Officials reported Sunday that forces destroyed two vessels in the eastern Pacific on Saturday, resulting in five deaths and one survivor whose current status remains unknown.
Following Monday’s operation, the death toll from these maritime strikes has reached at least 170 people since the campaign launched in early September, occurring months before the January U.S. operation that resulted in the capture of former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. Maduro now faces drug trafficking charges in New York and has entered a not guilty plea.
U.S. Southern Command reiterated earlier statements claiming the strikes targeted suspected drug traffickers operating along established smuggling corridors. Military officials did not present evidence confirming the vessel was transporting narcotics. They shared footage on X depicting a small watercraft before an explosion engulfs it in smoke.
President Donald Trump has characterized the U.S. as being in “armed conflict” with Latin American cartels, defending these operations as essential escalation to reduce drug imports and American overdose deaths. However, his administration has provided minimal evidence supporting claims of eliminating “narcoterrorists.”
Trump appeared to reference these maritime strike tactics Monday while issuing fresh warnings to Tehran as an Iranian port blockade commenced.
“Warning: If any of these ships come anywhere close to our BLOCKADE, they will be immediately ELIMINATED, using the same system of kill that we use against the drug dealers on boats at Sea,” Trump posted on Truth Social.
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — California’s race for governor has been thrown into chaos after Representative Eric Swalwell unexpectedly withdrew from the contest, leaving Democrats without a clear frontrunner as mail-in ballots are set to go out in less than four weeks.
The Golden State’s unique primary system has party leaders worried about being completely shut out come November. Under California’s top-two format, all candidates appear on a single ballot, with only the highest two vote-getters moving forward regardless of political affiliation. Democratic officials are concerned their large field of contenders could split their voter base, potentially allowing two Republican candidates to claim both spots in the general election.
The battle to succeed Governor Gavin Newsom, who cannot seek reelection due to term limits, has become increasingly contentious as hopefuls clash over debate participation rules and identity-based campaign strategies.
Among the leading Republican contenders is Chad Bianco, the Riverside County Sheriff who took office in 2018. Bianco has been a vocal advocate for former President Donald Trump’s agenda throughout his three-decade career in law enforcement.
Recently, Bianco made headlines by confiscating over 500,000 ballots from a November special election, claiming he was looking into vote counting irregularities. Multiple lawsuits have been filed challenging this action, and California’s highest court has ordered him to halt the investigation.
Steve Hilton brings a media background to the Republican field, having hosted a program on Fox News for six years while also serving as an advisor to former British Prime Minister David Cameron.
Last week, Trump praised Hilton as “a truly fine man” and gave him his endorsement. However, the state Republican Party chose not to back any candidate during their recent convention.
On the Democratic side, Katie Porter stands out as a former House representative famous for using whiteboards during congressional hearings to challenge corporate executives. She first won her Orange County seat in 2018 by defeating a Republican incumbent, though her 2024 Senate bid was unsuccessful.
Porter faced controversy last year when she nearly ended a television interview early following a tense exchange with the interviewer. She has also dealt with accusations regarding her management style with staff members.
Porter represents one of just two prominent female candidates in the race. California has never had a woman serve as governor.
Tom Steyer, a billionaire who made his fortune in hedge funds before becoming a liberal political activist, is largely self-funding his gubernatorial campaign. The progressive candidate also mounted an unsuccessful White House run in 2020.
Steyer has recently faced increased scrutiny over his previous financial involvement with coal mining operations and private prison facilities that now house immigration detainees.
Matt Mahan, currently serving as San Jose’s mayor, emerged as a frequent critic of Newsom before officially entering the race this past January. Positioning himself as a centrist Democrat, he has rapidly secured millions in backing from Silicon Valley executives and other business interests.
Mahan’s political career began in 2020 when he won a city council seat, followed by his mayoral victory in 2022, marking his initial foray into elected positions.
Betty Yee brings extensive state government experience, having previously held the controller position and served as vice chair of the state Democratic Party. In her role as the state’s chief financial officer, she managed fund distribution, conducted government audits, and participated in more than 70 boards and commissions.
While Yee has attempted to establish herself as a progressive leader, her campaign has failed to build significant support despite launching her gubernatorial bid over two years ago.
Xavier Becerra served as President Biden’s Secretary of Health and Human Services, leading the federal COVID-19 response efforts. He also held the position of California Attorney General during Trump’s initial presidency and spent more than twenty years in Congress.
Even with his statewide electoral success, Becerra’s campaign has struggled to gain momentum. His former chief of staff was charged with federal corruption last year for allegedly stealing campaign funds from Becerra, though Becerra himself faces no accusations.
Antonio Villaraigosa made history in 2014 when he became Los Angeles mayor, the first Latino to hold that office in over 100 years. His political background includes time in the state Legislature, where he served as Assembly Speaker.
This marks Villaraigosa’s second gubernatorial attempt, having lost to Newsom in the 2018 primary without reaching the general election.
Tony Thurmond has overseen the state’s education system as Superintendent of Public Instruction since 2019. He gained attention for fighting against policies that would require school personnel to inform parents when students change their pronouns or gender identity. He previously served in the state Legislature.
Newly released police body camera footage reveals a St. Louis officer shooting 17-year-old Emeshyon Wilkins in the back of the head as he ran away, directly challenging the department’s initial claim that the teenager had aimed a weapon at law enforcement.
The footage was made public Monday after family attorney Al Watkins secured it through federal court proceedings. Watkins says his attempts to obtain the video through standard public records channels were unsuccessful.
“They fought that video issue for over a year,” Watkins told The Associated Press. “We had to file a federal lawsuit to get it. That’s not transparent. That’s not integrity. Indeed, it’s irresponsible.”
The fatal shooting occurred in June 2024, just two weeks following Wilkins’ 17th birthday. According to Watkins, the Black teenager had no previous criminal record.
The incident began when detectives tried to pull over an SUV that had been reported as stolen, according to police reports. While authorities described a brief chase, Watkins characterized it as a low-speed pursuit with the vehicle traveling approximately 10 mph.
The chase concluded when Wilkins abandoned the SUV and ran on foot, with two officers following behind. Court documents indicate one officer carried a taser while the other was armed with a firearm.
The recorded footage captures the gun-carrying officer shouting commands for the teenager to lie down while raising his weapon. The officer can be heard ordering the teen to drop a gun. As Wilkins continues fleeing, the officer opens fire.
According to the lawsuit, one of four bullets hit the teenager in the back of his head, causing his death. While a firearm was discovered in Wilkins’ pocket, the lawsuit states it was broken apart into several pieces and could not be fired.
The video evidence does not show Wilkins holding or pointing any weapon at the pursuing officer.
“There was no threat to the public, and you look at the video, and there were no furtive movements,” Watkins said.
Following Monday’s video release, police officials admitted that “information provided by a third-party to investigators in the immediate aftermath of the incident was not consistent with the actual events or what was initially shared with the community.”
The department announced it now deploys a member of its body-worn camera unit to such incidents so footage can be examined by investigating supervisors before detailed public statements are issued.
“In this case, an earlier review of body-worn camera footage would have provided greater clarity than what was available in the initial moments following the incident,” the statement says.
The shooting brings back painful memories of the 2014 killing of 18-year-old Michael Brown, an unarmed Black teenager, by a white Ferguson police officer in the St. Louis area. Some witnesses claimed Brown had raised his hands in surrender. The officer was cleared of criminal charges and later resigned, while Brown’s death sparked months of demonstrations.
Watkins noted that officials promised reforms would follow that incident. However, he points out that the officer who killed Wilkins remains on administrative duty with full pay, questioning why the investigation is proceeding so slowly.
“The family needs answers, and the only way answers can be given is if there is justice that is open and transparent,” Watkins said.
The St. Louis Circuit Attorney’s Office confirmed receiving the police investigation report in October. However, officials say they conduct their own “review of the evidence and law to determine whether there is a basis for criminal liability.”
“The CAO is committed to reviewing each matter as expeditiously as possible while ensuring that all available evidence and legal considerations are carefully and thoroughly evaluated,” the statement says.
Currency markets showed little movement Tuesday as traders evaluated the potential economic impact of escalating Middle East tensions alongside ongoing diplomatic efforts between the United States and Iran.
The greenback’s performance index, which tracks the currency against major international counterparts like the euro and yen, climbed a modest 0.04% to reach 98.38. The euro gained 0.03% to $1.1761 during trading.
Against the Japanese yen, the dollar weakened slightly by 0.08% to 159.3 yen per dollar, while the British pound advanced 0.03% to $1.3508.
Market analyst Terumasa Kawakami from Mitsubishi UFJ Bank noted the cautious optimism among investors. “Expectations that the negotiations will continue are helping to stem the worsening of sentiment in financial markets,” Kawakami wrote in his analysis.
The currency stability comes as President Donald Trump announced Monday that US naval forces have initiated a blockade of vessels departing Iranian ports. Iran has responded with threats to target neighboring Gulf nations’ shipping facilities after weekend peace negotiations in Pakistan collapsed without agreement.
Despite the heightened tensions, Reuters sources indicate that diplomatic channels between Washington and Tehran remain active following the unsuccessful Islamabad meetings. Trump stated Monday that Iranian officials have maintained contact and expressed interest in reaching an agreement, while Vice President JD Vance indicated in a recent interview that the administration anticipates Iranian cooperation in reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
Commonwealth Bank of Australia currency expert Carol Kong warned that the naval blockade could challenge the fragile ceasefire established last week, potentially driving the dollar higher if the situation deteriorates.
Oil markets reflected the uncertainty, with US crude futures dropping more than $2 during early Asian trading to $96.99 per barrel.
The geopolitical instability has also influenced expectations for Japanese monetary policy. The Bank of Japan, previously expected to raise interest rates this month, now appears less likely to act as regional conflicts create market volatility and economic uncertainty, according to Reuters sources.
Tokyo market data showed interest rate swap indicators reflecting a 40% probability of a BOJ rate increase this month, down from 57% on Friday.
National Australia Bank’s forex strategy chief Ray Attrill warned of potential currency intervention if current trends continue. “We’re very much of the view that if the BOJ decides to stand pat at the end of April, then the risks are that the dollar-yen exchange rate is going to punch up through 160 (yen against the dollar),” Attrill said in a recent podcast.
The 160-yen threshold represents a significant psychological barrier that many traders believe could trigger government currency market intervention.
Bank of Japan Governor Kazuo Ueda emphasized Monday the importance of monitoring Middle East developments when considering future monetary policy decisions, departing from the central bank’s previous commitment to continued rate increases.
Other Pacific currencies showed mixed results, with the Australian dollar declining 0.04% to $0.7091, while New Zealand’s currency strengthened 0.03% to $0.5868.
Cryptocurrency markets bucked the cautious trend, with bitcoin jumping 1.70% to $74,438.67 and ethereum surging 5.32% to $2,373.32.
WASHINGTON, April 13 – The chief executive of United Airlines discussed a possible merger with American Airlines during a February meeting with President Donald Trump, according to two sources familiar with the conversation.
Scott Kirby, who leads United Airlines, brought up the merger topic at the conclusion of a White House discussion that was originally scheduled to address future plans for Dulles airport, the sources revealed.
When contacted for a response, United Airlines chose not to provide any statement. The White House has not yet replied to requests seeking comment on the reported discussion.
Two key New York Yankees starting pitchers are approaching their return to action after extended injury recoveries, according to manager Aaron Boone’s comments to media before Monday’s matchup with the Los Angeles Angels.
Star right-hander Gerrit Cole and left-handed pitcher Carlos Rodon could both begin minor league rehabilitation assignments within the coming week as they work their way back from elbow procedures.
Cole, who had Tommy John surgery 13 months ago, has been gradually building up his arm strength. While he appeared in a pair of spring training contests, the organization slowed his progression to align with his recovery timeline. On Sunday, the veteran hurler completed live batting practice, reaching 42 pitches during the session, Boone reported.
Meanwhile, Rodon underwent surgery following last season to have bone chips removed from his elbow. The southpaw, coming off his most successful Yankees season with an 18-9 record, 3.09 ERA, and 1.05 WHIP in 2025, threw 50 pitches during Monday’s live batting practice.
Both pitchers will take their next turn after four days of rest, though team officials haven’t determined whether that will come in an actual game setting or another batting practice session.
“I don’t have an opinion one way or the other,” Cole said. “I just want to make sure we do what’s right, really. So I think we’re just taking in a little bit more information over the next couple of days before we make that call.”
The Yankees’ current rotation has performed exceptionally well through 15 games, posting a major league-leading 2.67 ERA while tying Pittsburgh for the fewest home runs allowed with just three.
The 35-year-old Cole captured the Cy Young Award in 2023 after going 15-4 with a league-best 2.63 ERA across 209 innings. Throughout his career, he’s been selected as an All-Star six times, earning recognition with Pittsburgh in 2015, Houston in 2018 and 2019, and the Yankees from 2021-2023.
Over 12 major league seasons, Cole has compiled a 153-80 record with a 3.18 ERA in 317 starts.
Rodon, 33, brings an 93-72 record and 3.73 ERA over 231 games across 11 big league seasons. He’s also earned All-Star selections with three different organizations: Chicago White Sox in 2021, San Francisco Giants in 2022, and the Yankees last year.
Additionally, Boone announced that shortstop Anthony Volpe is scheduled to participate in four games with Double-A Somerset this week, pending medical clearance. Volpe played through most of last season with a partially torn labrum in his left shoulder and had corrective surgery during the offseason.
A top-tier basketball recruit has reversed course on his college plans, withdrawing his pledge to the University of North Carolina after meeting with the program’s new coaching staff.
Dylan Mingo, ranked as the eighth-best prospect nationally in the 2027 graduating class by 247Sports, announced Monday that he is backing out of his February commitment to UNC and will explore other college options. The 6-foot-5 versatile guard from Long Island Lutheran in New York had originally pledged to play for former head coach Hubert Davis on February 17.
The decision comes after UNC brought in Michael Malone as the new head coach on April 7, replacing Davis who was dismissed from his position. Mingo spent time with Malone and his coaching staff during the weekend before making his announcement.
Since Mingo never signed an official letter of intent with North Carolina, he remains free to consider other programs. His original list of finalists included Baylor, Penn State, and Washington, while he also received scholarship offers from Alabama, Illinois, Louisville, UConn, and Texas.
The talented guard’s senior season was largely derailed by an ankle injury, which kept him sidelined for most games and prevented his selection to the prestigious McDonald’s All-American roster. Despite the setback, Mingo demonstrated his abilities last summer by earning Most Valuable Player honors at the NBPA Top 100 camp, where he averaged 23.8 points, 6.8 assists, and 6.5 rebounds per contest.
In limited action during 12 regular-season games with the PSA Cardinals in the Nike EYBL circuit, Mingo still managed impressive numbers, posting 19.3 points, 7.8 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 2.3 steals per game.
When he initially committed to the Tar Heels, Mingo expressed his championship aspirations to ESPN, stating: “I feel like from Day 1, my role will be a player who impacts winning in every aspect. Honestly, I am just a person who will give it his all to win a national championship.”
SAO PAULO, April 13 – Three major Brazilian healthcare companies have called off discussions to form a joint venture, according to a report from local publication O Globo on Monday, which cited unnamed sources.
• Last month, Fleury, Porto, and Oncoclinicas had signed a preliminary agreement that gave them 30 days of exclusive negotiating rights to work out final terms for the partnership.
• The proposed arrangement would have seen Oncoclinicas bring its cancer treatment facilities and liabilities worth as much as 2.5 billion reais (equivalent to $500.44 million) to the new entity.
• Meanwhile, Fleury and Porto had planned to combine forces and put 500 million reais into the venture through a joint holding structure.
• When contacted for comment, representatives from all three companies did not respond immediately.
Motorists traveling northbound on Route 896 will need to find alternate routes as the roadway remains completely blocked at Old Baltimore Pike for construction activities.
According to DelDOT traffic reports, the northbound lanes are expected to stay closed until 6:00 AM while crews complete their work in the area.
Drivers are advised to plan extra travel time and seek alternative routes to avoid delays during the closure period.
Motorists should expect delays on a stretch of McKennan’s Church Road as construction crews continue work that requires periodic lane closures.
The affected roadway runs from Newport Gap Pike to Bardell Drive, where workers are causing intermittent lane restrictions that will remain in place until 6 AM.
Drivers are advised to plan alternate routes or allow extra travel time when using this section of McKennan’s Church Road during the construction period.
Drivers traveling on northbound Interstate 95 near Wilmington should expect delays as construction crews have shut down the two right lanes between Chapman Road and Exit 5A.
According to the Delaware Department of Transportation, the lane restrictions will remain in place until 5:00 AM. Motorists are advised to use caution when traveling through the work zone and allow extra time for their commute.
The construction activity is affecting traffic flow in the area, and drivers should consider alternate routes if possible to avoid potential backups.
Motorists traveling on East Market Street should expect lane restrictions overnight as construction crews work in the area.
The Delaware Department of Transportation has closed the left lanes in both eastbound and westbound directions on East Market Street from Parsons Lane to Murry Lane. The lane closures are scheduled to remain in effect until 6 a.m.
Drivers are advised to use caution when traveling through the work zone and to allow extra time for their commute. Traffic may be slower than usual in the affected area due to the reduced number of available lanes.
Authorities in the Bahamas have freed a Michigan man who had been detained while investigators looked into his wife’s mysterious disappearance during a boating trip earlier this month.
Police Commissioner Shanta Knowles confirmed Monday that Brian Hooker, 59, was released from custody after being taken into custody on April 8. He had originally been brought in for questioning as a witness before his arrest.
Hooker’s attorney, Terrel Butler, maintains her client did nothing wrong. She said authorities moved Hooker from Abaco, where initial questioning took place, to Grand Bahama, the island chain’s second-largest population center.
The incident occurred on April 4 when Hooker and his 55-year-old wife Lynette were traveling between Hope Town, Abaco, and Elbow Cay, according to initial police reports.
The Michigan couple was aboard an 8-foot hard-bottom dinghy named “Soulmate” when Lynette reportedly fell into the water while holding the vessel’s keys, police stated. Brian told authorities he paddled to shore after losing sight of his wife in the water.
Once he reached land, Brian notified someone about what had happened, and law enforcement was contacted, the report indicated.
Butler said police later brought Hooker back out on the water to help locate the Soulmate vessel, keeping him in handcuffs throughout the search “despite the choppy and dangerous sea conditions.”
During that search operation, Hooker “lost his footing and fell overboard,” sustaining a knee injury and cuts, his attorney explained.
Medical personnel treated Hooker’s injuries at a hospital on Grand Bahama, Butler confirmed.
Motorists traveling northbound on South DuPont Highway should expect delays this morning due to ongoing construction work in New Castle County.
Delaware Department of Transportation officials have closed the right lane of northbound traffic on the busy highway between the Route 10 intersection and Old North Road. The lane restriction is part of construction activities in the area.
The closure is expected to remain in place until 6:30 AM, according to DelDOT’s traffic incident reporting system. Drivers are advised to allow extra travel time and merge safely into the remaining open lanes when approaching the work zone.
South DuPont Highway serves as a major north-south corridor through New Castle County, connecting communities between Wilmington and the Delaware-Maryland border.
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — University of North Carolina first-year player Caleb Wilson has officially declared his intention to enter the NBA draft, concluding what he described as an unforgettable season with the Tar Heels despite being hampered by injuries.
The basketball program shared a video announcement Monday featuring the 6-foot-10 forward, who is widely considered among the elite prospects for the upcoming June draft. Wilson’s declaration confirms his single-season college career, following a cryptic “#8out” post he shared on social media in recent weeks that hinted at his professional aspirations.
“I am grateful for the opportunity I had to represent North Carolina,” Wilson said. “Wearing No. 8, running out of that historic tunnel every day for practice and games, and i’m happy to say every day I gave it my all.”
The talented forward put up impressive numbers with 19.8 points and 9.4 rebounds per game during an outstanding campaign that was unfortunately derailed by multiple injuries. His season was first interrupted by a fractured bone in his left hand, occurring just days following an exciting victory over conference rival Duke. Later, as Wilson prepared to make his comeback, he suffered a broken right thumb during a non-contact practice session, ultimately ending his season just before a second matchup with the Blue Devils.
Despite the shortened season, Wilson earned recognition as a second-team Associated Press All-American, an achievement that guarantees his jersey number will be displayed among the honored players in the Smith Center rafters.
A Brazilian senator announced Monday that Alexandre Ramagem, who previously led the country’s intelligence services, has been detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials and is seeking political asylum in America.
Ramagem, who also served as a congressman, received a 16-year prison sentence in September for participating in the coup attempt orchestrated by former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro’s supporters in 2023. Brazilian federal authorities reported that he escaped the South American country before beginning his prison term.
Senator Jorge Seif posted on social media that he contacted the U.S. embassy in Brasilia, arguing that Ramagem should be released from detention because he faces political persecution in his homeland. Seif did not provide specifics about the circumstances of the former intelligence director’s arrest.
ICE’s online detainee records showed Ramagem in custody as of Monday, though the specific detention location was not disclosed.
“The political persecution against President Bolsonaro, his sons and his allies is now hitting an elected lawmaker in foreign soil,” Seif stated. “In our document (to the U.S. embassy) we showed all the reasons that justify and defend the concession of political asylum to Ramagem and his family.”
In December, Ramagem lost his congressional position as a direct result of his conviction in the coup case from the previous month.
Brazilian federal police issued a statement Monday confirming that a “fugitive of the country’s justice was arrested” in Orlando, though they did not specifically name Ramagem.
The federal police also noted that this unnamed fugitive had recently been convicted by Brazil’s highest court on identical charges to those in Ramagem’s case.
Neither ICE officials nor Ramagem’s legal representation provided responses to requests for comment from The Associated Press.
PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti — Seven individuals are now in custody following a devastating stampede that claimed the lives of at least 25 people at a historic fortress in northern Haiti over the weekend, according to police officials who announced the arrests Monday.
The detained suspects include five law enforcement officers and two workers from Haiti’s Institute for the Preservation of National Heritage, the organization responsible for managing La Citadelle. This imposing fortress, constructed in the early 1800s, sits atop a mountain in the town of Milot and was the site of Saturday’s tragic incident.
The stampede left dozens wounded, with 30 individuals still receiving medical treatment at hospitals as of Sunday. Investigators have not yet determined what triggered the deadly crush of people, and the probe continues.
Officials have not disclosed whether formal charges have been filed against the police officers or heritage institute workers.
Speaking to Magik9 radio on Monday, Milot Mayor Wesner Joseph revealed that local government officials had no knowledge of any scheduled activities at La Citadelle that day. He said investigators later discovered that a local DJ had used TikTok to invite people to an event at the fortress, drawing many young people and teenagers.
Social media footage from before the gathering shows hundreds of youth undertaking the challenging 8-kilometer climb up the steep mountainside to reach La Citadelle, while others chose to make the journey on horseback.
Additional video evidence captured two young Haitians promoting the event through loudspeakers more than a week prior, saying “You have to hurry to make sure you’re in the line.”
Those wanting to participate in the event were required to pay approximately $8 for admission. Organizers promised complimentary water and fruit beverages, instructing attendees to gather at 7 a.m. at the park situated below La Citadelle and emphasizing that everyone needed to arrive by 10 a.m.
Romuald Wadagni, who serves as Benin’s Finance Minister, claimed a commanding presidential victory in the West African country’s election held April 12th, capturing more than 94% of votes cast according to preliminary results released Monday by election officials.
The head of Benin’s independent electoral commission, Sacca Lafia, made the announcement during a televised broadcast, explaining that the figures reflected tallies from over 90% of ballots counted and demonstrated Wadagni’s overwhelming advantage.
Election participation reached 58.78% of eligible voters, according to Lafia’s statement.
Earlier Monday, opposition contender Paul Hounkpe acknowledged his loss in the race.
WASHINGTON – American military forces conducted a deadly operation Monday in the Eastern Pacific Ocean, resulting in the deaths of two individuals involved in drug trafficking activities.
U.S. Southern Command confirmed the military action through a statement posted on social media platform X, explaining that intelligence gathering had verified the targeted vessel’s involvement in illegal narcotics operations.
“Intelligence confirmed the vessel was transiting along known narco-trafficking routes in the Eastern Pacific and was engaged in narco-trafficking operations,” the command stated in their announcement.
The military operation represents ongoing U.S. efforts to combat international drug smuggling networks operating in Pacific waters.
Australia’s flagship carrier Qantas Airways announced Tuesday that it has dramatically increased its fuel expense projections and postponed a planned stock repurchase program due to skyrocketing aviation fuel costs triggered by Middle Eastern conflicts that have disrupted global oil supplies.
The carrier revealed that aviation fuel costs have increased by more than 100%, pushing its projected fuel expenses for the latter half of fiscal year 2026 to between A$3.1 billion and A$3.3 billion ($2.20 billion to $2.34 billion), a substantial jump from its previous estimate of A$2.2 billion.
This dramatic increase highlights how rapidly international conflicts can impact airline operating expenses, as aviation fuel costs have skyrocketed due to refineries being compelled to reduce production following the disruption of crude oil supplies from Middle Eastern regions.
Although Qantas has implemented hedging strategies to protect against much of its crude oil price exposure, the company stated it remains substantially vulnerable to the sharp increase in jet fuel price spreads.
In response to escalating expenses, Qantas is implementing higher ticket prices and redirecting aircraft toward more profitable destinations like Europe, where passenger demand continues to hold steady, while simultaneously reducing domestic flight capacity by approximately 5 percentage points during the June quarter.
The airline indicated that revenue per available seat kilometer (RASK), a crucial indicator of pricing strength, is projected to increase between 4% and 6% for international services and approximately 5% for domestic routes in the six-month period ending in June, demonstrating the impact of increased fares, though noted that roughly half of fourth-quarter bookings were secured prior to the crisis.
“Qantas continues to see strong demand for international travel to Europe as customers seek alternative routes. In response, the Group has redeployed capacity from the U.S. and its domestic network to increase flights to Paris and Rome,” the company stated.
Despite these adjustments, the magnitude and rapid pace of the fuel price shock has led to a more conservative approach to capital allocation, with company leadership choosing to delay a previously announced A$150 million stock buyback program.
Federal authorities have filed charges against a 20-year-old Texas resident accused of launching a firebomb attack on the San Francisco home of artificial intelligence company CEO Sam Altman.
Daniel Moreno-Gama faces federal charges after surveillance cameras captured him lobbing an incendiary device at the residence of OpenAI’s chief executive, according to an FBI affidavit submitted to federal court Monday.
When San Francisco police took Moreno-Gama into custody, investigators say he was carrying a handwritten document expressing opposition to artificial intelligence technology.
The FBI stated that Moreno-Gama’s written manifesto, which authorities are using to establish his motive, included specific threats targeting Altman personally.
U.S. Attorney Craig Missakian indicated prosecutors may pursue domestic terrorism charges depending on the investigation’s findings. “We are only at the beginning of this investigation, but if the evidence shows that Mr. Moreno-Gama executed these attacks to change public policy or to coerce government and other officials, we will treat this as an act of domestic terrorism and together with our law enforcement partners prosecute him to the fullest extent allowed by law,” Missakian said in a statement.
The incident comes as OpenAI encounters increased examination over national security concerns, particularly regarding potential agreements allowing the government to utilize the company’s AI systems for classified defense purposes.
Prosecutors have charged Moreno-Gama with attempting to damage property using explosives and illegally possessing an unregistered weapon.
Authorities report that Moreno-Gama made the journey from Texas to California specifically to conduct these attacks. During his arrest, law enforcement confiscated several explosive devices, kerosene, and ignition equipment.
Court documents reveal that Moreno-Gama explicitly told OpenAI security staff at the company’s main office that he planned to set the facility ablaze and injure employees inside.
Should he be found guilty, Moreno-Gama could receive between five and 20 years imprisonment for the explosives-related charges, plus an additional decade behind bars for the firearms violation, according to federal sentencing guidelines.
Escalating fuel costs across Europe prompted car buyers to turn to electric vehicles in unprecedented numbers last month, marking the first time global EV sales increased this year, according to research released Tuesday by consulting firm Benchmark Mineral Intelligence.
Nations around the world have implemented fuel price caps to protect drivers from rising costs following the conflict in Iran that began February 28, which has disrupted a crucial shipping corridor responsible for approximately 20% of worldwide oil transport.
According to BMI, new registrations for battery-electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles climbed 3% compared to last year, reaching more than 1.7 million cars globally. Europe experienced a dramatic 37% increase, hitting a record monthly peak of nearly 540,000 electric vehicles sold.
Though vehicle registrations typically follow behind actual sales, BMI data manager Charles Lester explained that “there is a good portion of this that you can put down to the rise in petrol prices.”
The most significant growth occurred in nations experiencing the steepest energy price increases, including Australia, New Zealand, Vietnam and Thailand. These countries collectively generated a 79% spike in EV registrations outside the primary markets of China, Europe and North America, Lester noted.
In China, the world’s largest automotive market, EV registrations dropped 14% to more than 850,000 vehicles sold, continuing a downward trend that began in January after the government ended funding for vehicle trade-ins and eliminated tax exemptions for EV purchases.
Lester observed that Chinese buyers, who previously utilized these incentives to purchase compact EVs, are now gravitating toward larger vehicles.
North American EV registrations declined 30% to 121,500 vehicles sold during March, representing the sixth straight year-over-year decrease following the termination of an EV tax credit program in the United States and President Donald Trump’s administration’s proposals to reduce CO2 emission requirements.
“It has been its highest monthly figure since the tax credit ended, but the reality is the pullbacks have happened,” Lester stated.
The head of United Airlines has reportedly presented the possibility of merging with competitor American Airlines Group to federal government officials, according to a Bloomberg News report published Monday that cited sources with knowledge of the discussions.
Scott Kirby, United’s chief executive officer, has brought this concept to high-ranking government representatives, though the report indicates it remains uncertain whether any formal approaches have been made or if an official review process has begun for such a transaction.
When contacted for comment, United Airlines refused to provide a statement. American Airlines and the White House have not yet responded to requests for their perspective on the matter.
Such a merger between these major carriers would increase concentration in the American domestic aviation industry, which is currently dominated by four primary airlines: American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, and Southwest Airlines.
Following the news, American Airlines stock prices climbed more than 5% in after-hours trading, while United Airlines shares remained unchanged.
Notably, Kirby previously held the position of president at American Airlines between 2013 and 2016 before joining United.
According to LSEG financial data, United Airlines currently holds a market value approaching $31 billion, significantly higher than American Airlines’ $7.42 billion valuation.
Motorists traveling on southbound Route 1 will encounter ongoing construction-related lane restrictions this morning between Cave Neck Road and Minos Conaway Road.
The Delaware Department of Transportation reports that lanes are being closed intermittently in the southbound direction as crews continue their work in the area.
The construction activity and associated lane closures are expected to wrap up by 7:00 AM, after which normal traffic patterns should resume.
Drivers are advised to allow extra travel time and exercise caution when passing through the work zone.
WASHINGTON — Texas Republican Representative Tony Gonzales announced Monday his intention to step down from Congress following mounting pressure from both parties for his removal from office.
The congressman had previously revealed he engaged in an inappropriate relationship with a member of his staff who subsequently died by suicide, and had already declared he would not pursue reelection. His retirement announcement followed closely after California Democratic Representative Eric Swalwell announced his own resignation while facing similar allegations of improper conduct.
Leadership within the Republican caucus had previously urged the three-term representative to abandon any reelection plans. Additionally, the House Ethics Committee had launched a formal inquiry into his conduct. Congressional ethics regulations explicitly prohibit lawmakers from maintaining romantic relationships with House employees under their direct authority.
“There is a season for everything and God has a plan for us all,” Gonzales wrote on social media. “When Congress returns tomorrow, I will file my retirement from office.”
The departing congressman expressed gratitude for the opportunity “to serve the great people of Texas” but provided no additional information regarding the timeline for his departure.
NEWARK, Del. – The Blue Hens men’s tennis program has secured the fifth seed position for the 2026 Conference USA Tennis Championship, setting up a matchup against the fourth-seeded Kennesaw State Owls, according to Monday’s conference announcement.
The University of Delaware’s tennis team will now prepare for their championship tournament appearance as they look to advance through the conference bracket against the Georgia-based Owls squad.
NEWARK, Del. – The Blue Hens women’s tennis squad has locked up the fourth seed position for the 2026 Conference USA Tennis Championship and will battle fifth-seeded Jacksonville State Gamecocks in tournament play, according to Monday’s conference announcement.
The tournament seeding positions the Delaware team favorably as they prepare for championship competition against the Gamecocks in what promises to be competitive conference tournament action.
Brazilian national team manager Carlo Ancelotti believes superstar forward Neymar can still earn his way onto the World Cup roster despite recent injury struggles.
The Italian coach expressed confidence in the player’s recovery prospects during an interview with L’Equipe. “He is capable of getting back to 100%,” Ancelotti stated when asked about Neymar’s World Cup chances. “He is being assessed by the CBF (Brazil’s Football Confederation) and by me, and he still has two months to show that he has what it takes to play in the next World Cup.”
The 34-year-old attacking midfielder, who holds Brazil’s all-time scoring record with 79 international goals, has been absent from national team duty since 2023 due to persistent left knee problems. Following minor knee surgery on December 22, Neymar received platelet-rich plasma therapy in early April to accelerate his healing process.
Ancelotti praised the player’s progress since the December procedure. “After his knee injury (in December), Neymar has made a good recovery,” the coach explained. “He’s scoring goals. He needs to keep going down this path and improve his fitness. He’s on the right track.”
Currently serving as captain for Santos in Brazil’s top-flight Serie A, Neymar has publicly expressed his determination to represent his country at this summer’s World Cup in North America. His current contract with Santos runs through the end of this calendar year.
The veteran player previously starred for European giants Barcelona from 2013 to 2017 and Paris Saint-Germain from 2017 to 2023, forming memorable partnerships with Lionel Messi at both clubs during his peak years as one of soccer’s elite attacking talents.
An ankle problem contributed to his exit from PSG, leading to a brief stint with Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal. However, a torn ACL cut short his time in the Middle East. He rejoined Santos in January 2025, marking his return to professional soccer in his homeland.
This season, Neymar has contributed three goals and two assists across five appearances for Santos. After missing two consecutive matches, he completed the full 90 minutes in Saturday’s 1-0 victory against Atletico Mineiro.
Santos head coach Cuca offered an encouraging assessment following Saturday’s performance. “Neymar is improving with every game,” Cuca told ESPN reporters. “He’s been staying behind to train. His movement on the ball is much better and he’s likely to get even better. It’s risky to play him for the full 90 minutes; we’ll see if he can handle it, and we’ll work towards him playing on Tuesday.”
During his debut season back in Brazilian soccer last year, Neymar recorded eight goals and one assist over 20 appearances, starting 17 of those matches.
Ancelotti acknowledged the player’s legendary status while maintaining realistic expectations. “Neymar has made, and continues to make, history in Brazilian football,” the coach noted. “He is a great talent and it’s only natural that people think he can help us win the next World Cup.”
Despite the optimistic outlook, Neymar has not appeared on any national team roster since Ancelotti assumed coaching duties last June.
The coach emphasized his selection philosophy when pressed about future call-ups. “I’ve said this several times, and it’s very clear: I’ll call up the players who are physically ready,” Ancelotti declared.
Federal health officials have cleared the way for broader use of a Travere Therapeutics medication to address a uncommon kidney condition, the pharmaceutical company announced Monday.
The regulatory decision marks Sparsentan as the initial FDA-sanctioned treatment for focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), a kidney ailment that creates scarring in filtering components and may result in protein appearing in urine, body swelling, and complete kidney failure.
The medication works by targeting and blocking two critical receptors to shield kidney cells, which helps minimize protein loss and delays how quickly the disease advances.
This approval comes after federal drug regulators extended their evaluation period in January to gather additional information about the treatment’s clinical effectiveness.
The same drug already has regulatory clearance under the commercial name Filspari for slowing kidney deterioration in adults diagnosed with IgA nephropathy, a advancing autoimmune disorder.
According to Travere, kidney specialists can begin writing prescriptions for FSGS patients right away.
Company data indicates FSGS impacts more than 40,000 individuals across the United States, with comparable numbers affected throughout Europe.
The pharmaceutical firm sets Filspari’s cost at $9,900 monthly for IgA nephropathy treatment, totaling roughly $170,000 annually.
Jefferies analyst Maury Raycroft shared with Reuters: “We think the price should be approximately 2x of what they’re charging for IgAN, and that’s because of the higher dose.”
Financial analysts at Jefferies project the medication could generate peak revenue of $961 million by 2033 for this particular condition.
Travere secured licensing rights to the drug from Ligand Pharmaceuticals in 2012 through an arrangement that provides Ligand with milestone payments and a 9% share of worldwide sales.
Filspari, which received approval in 2023 for IgA nephropathy, includes serious warnings about potential liver injury and birth complications.
Meanwhile, Swiss pharmaceutical company Novartis is conducting mid-stage testing of its competing drug, atrasentan, for FSGS patients.
During the three-month period ending December 31, Filspari recorded $103.3 million in sales revenue.
WASHINGTON – Vice President JD Vance reported substantial advancement in recent diplomatic discussions with Iran during a Monday evening television appearance on Fox News’ Special Report with Bret Baier.
When questioned about whether additional negotiations would take place, Vance indicated that Iran now holds responsibility for the next move in diplomatic relations.
The Vice President also stated that the United States anticipates Iran will take steps toward reopening the Strait of Hormuz, cautioning that the nature of negotiations could shift if Tehran fails to act.
The Indiana University basketball program announced three significant transfer portal additions on Monday, highlighted by the commitment of Notre Dame guard Markus Burton, who gets to stay in his home state for his next chapter.
Burton will be joined by Duke forward Darren Harris and Georgia Tech guard Jaeden Mustaf, all three announcing their decisions to become Hoosiers on the same day.
The Notre Dame transfer brings impressive scoring credentials despite battling injuries over his past two seasons. Burton missed five weeks during the 2024-25 campaign after suffering a knee injury in late November. His most recent season was cut short when he required surgery for a left ankle injury sustained on December 5.
Throughout his three-year career with the Fighting Irish, Burton compiled strong numbers across 69 games with 68 starts. He posted 19.1 points per game while shooting 43.8% from the field and 33.2% from beyond the arc, also contributing 3.8 assists, 3.4 rebounds and 1.8 steals per contest. His accolades include ACC Rookie of the Year honors in 2023-24, along with third-team All-ACC recognition that season and second-team honors for 2024-25.
Harris brings a 6-foot-6 frame to Indiana’s wing position after spending two seasons coming off Duke’s bench. The former top-40 national recruit from the 2024 class contributed 2.8 points per game in 8.4 minutes of action across 57 appearances with the Blue Devils.
Mustaf, like Harris, was rated as a four-star prospect in the 2024 recruiting class and had previously shown interest in Indiana before choosing Georgia Tech. During his time with the Yellow Jackets, he appeared in 55 games with 33 starts, averaging 9.4 points, 3.7 rebounds and 2.0 assists per game. His three-point shooting was particularly strong in 2025-26, connecting on 38.9% of his attempts while averaging 10.4 points per game.
DOVER — Delaware high school students now have the opportunity to serve on the state’s top education policy board after Governor Matt Meyer opened applications for a student representative position.
The application window is now open for the student seat on Delaware’s State Board of Education, covering the 2026-2027 school year. High schoolers who will be entering their junior or senior years and have a strong interest in public education policy are invited to submit their applications.
Interested students must submit their applications no later than 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 30th to be considered for the position.
The student board member role provides young people with a direct voice in statewide education decisions and policy development that affects Delaware’s public school system.
Motorists traveling through the Bayside Drive area should expect delays due to an ongoing moving operation at the intersection with South Little Creek Road.
Delaware Department of Transportation officials report that the moving activity along Route 9 will impact traffic patterns in the area through 6 PM today.
Drivers are advised to seek alternate routes or allow extra travel time when passing through this section of Bayside Drive during the afternoon hours.
WASHINGTON – According to a Monday report from the Washington Post, the Trump administration is weighing the appointment of Dr. Houman Hemmati to oversee a key FDA division responsible for vaccine oversight.
Three sources with knowledge of the discussions told the newspaper that Hemmati, who works as an eye doctor and makes regular television appearances on Fox News, is being evaluated to head the FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research.
The center plays a critical role in evaluating vaccines and other biological products before they reach the public.
LOS ANGELES — The NBA’s all-time leading scorer likely believed his days of single-handedly carrying teams were behind him.
Throughout his career, LeBron James has repeatedly lifted ordinary rosters to remarkable heights, but this season with the Los Angeles Lakers looked different. Playing his first complete campaign alongside Luka Doncic, the 41-year-old superstar had stepped into more of a complementary role, watching Doncic lead the offense while emerging talent Austin Reaves flourished.
The strategy proved highly effective during Los Angeles’ impressive 16-2 run in March, capturing the Pacific Division title and sparking discussions about potentially challenging powerhouses Oklahoma City or San Antonio in the postseason.
However, disaster struck in early April when both Doncic suffered a hamstring injury and Reaves went down with an oblique strain during the Lakers’ first game of the month, leaving both stars facing multi-week absences.
Suddenly, James finds himself thrust back into the familiar position of being his team’s primary hope, with the Lakers’ playoff aspirations now resting on the shoulders of a player entering his 23rd NBA season.
As Los Angeles prepares to face the Houston Rockets in Saturday night’s playoff opener, James faces another seemingly impossible task in a career filled with them: maintaining the Lakers’ championship hopes until his injured teammates can return.
“I’ve had to tap back into a role that I’ve been accustomed to in the past, but obviously wasn’t what it was this year,” James explained. “Circumstances have put me back in here, and I’m just trying to feed off my teammates (while my) teammates feed off of me. Trying to make things happen for us to continue to stay afloat.”
This challenge would overwhelm most players, but James has repeatedly proven his ability to rise to such occasions. Following his 26-point, 11-assist, eight-rebound performance in the Lakers’ victory over Golden State, reporters asked what his team requires from him without their top two scorers.
“Everything,” James responded. “So nothing changes for me. Just back to the old ways.”
James has dedicated most of his basketball career to elevating those around him. Even after departing Cleveland initially to join Miami’s super-team and reduce that burden, he returned home and spent four additional seasons leading the Cavaliers to consecutive NBA Finals appearances against Golden State — including an incredible stretch to six games in 2015 without Kyrie Irving or Kevin Love, followed by orchestrating Cleveland’s historic comeback from a 3-1 deficit to claim the 2016 championship.
Currently, the Lakers recognize that unfortunate injuries have likely undermined what appeared to be a promising campaign. Doncic, who topped the league in scoring, has traveled to Spain seeking medical treatments that might accelerate his return, while Reaves appears unlikely to play in the opening playoff round.
Despite these setbacks, Lakers head coach JJ Redick maintains confidence with James in the lineup.
“We’re going to need him to facilitate, and we’re going to need him to score,” Redick stated. “We’re going to need him to defend and rebound. I think he recognizes the task at hand, and he’s very locked in. He’s played great.”
Injuries have plagued all three Lakers stars this season, limiting their time playing together until recently. James battled sciatica that caused him to miss training camp and the season’s first 14 games, yet he appeared in 60 of the following 68 contests for Los Angeles, including five consecutive game sets.
“He had not a good season, not a great — he had a remarkable season, all things considered,” Redick observed. “You take away the fact that he’s in his 23rd year, and he’s 41 years old, he had a remarkable season. The fact that those things are real, and they’re very real in terms of the day-to-day management, it’s unbelievable what he did this year.”
James’ statistics show only minor adjustments to his advanced age and reduced responsibilities behind Doncic and Reaves: His 20.9 points per game marked his lowest average since his 2003-04 rookie campaign, while his 33.2 minutes per game represented a career low.
However, when the spotlight returns to James, he continues performing at an elite level with stunning consistency. He concluded the regular season by averaging 24.0 points, 9.7 assists, 6.0 rebounds and 3.0 steals across three Lakers wins that secured home-court advantage for the opening playoff round.
James earned Western Conference Player of the Week honors Monday for the 70th time — exceeding the combined total of any other two players in league history.
“Just trying to squeeze as much of the juice as I can, until it’s as dry as it can be for me,” James reflected. “I’ve been given an opportunity to play the game that I love, and tried to do it at a high level, and I’ve tried to commit to it, and the game has given back to me.”
SALISBURY, Md. – Salisbury University’s baseball squad broke out of a recent slump in dramatic fashion Monday, securing one of their most significant victories this season with a 6-3 triumph over highly-ranked Shenandoah.
The Sea Gulls, currently ranked 12th nationally, ended their two-game losing streak by defeating the fifth-ranked Hornets during Monday afternoon’s matchup at Donnie Williams Sea Gull Baseball Stadium.
The victory represents a major upset for Salisbury, which managed to overcome a team ranked seven spots higher in the national standings. The win could prove crucial for the Sea Gulls’ postseason positioning as they continue their campaign.
Motorists traveling on northbound Interstate 95 should expect delays this morning as construction crews continue work near Exit 1.
The Delaware Department of Transportation has shut down the right lane in the area for ongoing construction activities. The lane closure is expected to remain in effect until 6 a.m.
Drivers are advised to use caution when approaching the work zone and allow extra travel time for their morning commute. Traffic may be moving slower than usual through the affected area.
Drivers using Interstate 95 southbound should plan for delays as construction crews continue work that has shut down the left lane between the Welcome Center and the Toll Plaza.
The lane closure is scheduled to remain in effect until 6:00 AM, according to DelDOT traffic officials. Motorists are advised to use caution when traveling through the construction zone and allow extra time for their commute.
The ongoing roadwork is part of routine maintenance operations along the busy corridor. Traffic is being directed around the work area using the remaining open lanes.
Federal authorities have taken into custody a man who sustained multiple gunshot wounds when Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers opened fire during a traffic stop in central California last week, according to his legal representative.
Carlos Ivan Mendoza Hernandez was taken into FBI custody Monday following his release from medical care, lawyer Patrick Kolasinski confirmed. Federal officials have not disclosed what criminal charges the 36-year-old may be facing, and attempts to reach the FBI and U.S. Attorney’s Office for additional details have gone unanswered.
Kolasinski revealed that Mendoza, who required three surgical procedures to treat his gunshot injuries, was released directly to federal custody without any advance notice given to his family or legal representatives.
“We’re in shock,” Kolasinski told The Associated Press. “He should not be out of that hospital. He was in no condition to be released.”
The Department of Homeland Security maintains that ICE officers discharged their weapons in self-defense when Mendoza attempted to strike them with his vehicle following a traffic stop last Tuesday. Authorities stated they were conducting a targeted enforcement operation against Mendoza in Patterson, located approximately 75 miles southeast of San Francisco. They characterized him as an alleged gang associate sought by El Salvador for questioning regarding a homicide case.
During a press conference last week, Kolasinski reported that Mendoza was experiencing speech difficulties due to a gunshot wound to his jaw, but maintained his innocence regarding any gang affiliation. The attorney stated his client has only been cited for minor traffic violations, maintains a clean criminal record in the United States, and is not wanted on any arrest warrant in El Salvador, where he was cleared of murder charges.
Federal agencies have not provided an explanation for why Mendoza became the focus of their enforcement efforts. The Department of Homeland Security has remained silent regarding Kolasinski’s assertions.
Last Tuesday’s incident represents another shooting occurrence during the current administration’s intensified efforts to apprehend and remove undocumented immigrants, raising ongoing concerns about federal immigration enforcement tactics.
Kolasinski contends that officers opened fire on Mendoza while his vehicle was stationary, prompting him to drive away to escape the gunfire.
A court document dated October 25, 2019, from an El Salvadoran judge shows Mendoza was cleared of murder accusations and ordered released immediately. He was 29 years old at that time. The same document lists 10 other individuals who received convictions for crimes ranging from aggravated robbery to homicide, noting that at least one belonged to the 18th Street Gang. However, the document makes no reference to Mendoza having gang ties or participating in gang-related activities.
Regarding the California ICE incident, dashboard camera video secured by KCRA-TV reveals three officers positioned around a vehicle pulled over on a roadside. One officer appears to be making contact with the driver’s window when the car starts reversing and turning, striking another vehicle positioned behind it. Two officers can be seen with drawn firearms aimed at the car. The driver then accelerates forward toward the officers’ location and makes a sharp turn, crossing over the road’s median strip.
The footage lacks audio, making it impossible to determine the timing of gunshots or any verbal exchanges.
Kolasinski reported Monday that Mendoza’s fiancée visited him at the hospital over the weekend, where he remained in considerable pain.
According to Kolasinski, Mendoza holds citizenship in both El Salvador and Mexico and arrived in the United States in 2019, though the attorney was uncertain about his immigration status or method of entry.
The lawyer described his client as a construction worker specializing in fire damage restoration. Mendoza is the father of a 2-year-old daughter and is engaged to an American citizen, according to his attorney.
A rocket fired from Lebanon struck a building in the Israeli city of Nahariya on Monday, leaving one woman injured and causing significant structural damage.
Emergency medical teams from Magen David Adom rushed to the scene after the projectile hit during an attack targeting Israel’s western Galilee region. Medics treated a woman in her 60s for minor injuries sustained from flying glass and the explosion’s force, while also caring for another individual experiencing anxiety from the incident.
Emergency responders described arriving at the scene within minutes using ambulances, intensive care vehicles, and motorcycles to find widespread destruction, broken glass covering the area, and smoke rising from the impact site.
Fire and rescue crews from Nahariya’s station discovered severe damage to the three-story structure upon their arrival, though no fire had broken out. After conducting thorough searches, rescue teams confirmed that no individuals were buried beneath debris.
This attack occurred while Israeli Defense Forces have intensified military operations across the border in Lebanon, focusing on the militant organization’s stronghold in Bint Jbeil. Meanwhile, direct negotiations between Israeli and Lebanese representatives are set to take place Tuesday in Washington.
Good evening, Delmarva! We’re wrapping up this Monday with some pleasant spring weather across the peninsula. Tonight, expect partly cloudy skies with temperatures staying quite mild around 61 degrees. We’ll have a gentle southwest breeze picking up to 5-15 mph, so it’s a perfect evening to keep those windows open!
Looking ahead to Tuesday, we’re in for a beautiful day! Sunshine will dominate with mostly sunny skies and temperatures climbing to a very pleasant 85 degrees. It’s shaping up to be an excellent day for any outdoor activities you’ve been planning.
Tuesday night stays comfortable with partly cloudy conditions and lows dipping to 65 degrees. Wednesday continues our fantastic weather pattern with mostly sunny skies again and temperatures reaching 88 degrees – our warmest day of the stretch.
This is classic spring weather at its finest, folks! No rain in sight and plenty of sunshine ahead. Perfect timing to get outside and enjoy everything our beautiful Delmarva region has to offer. Stay safe out there, and I’ll see you tomorrow!
Motorists using Holland Glade Road should plan for potential delays as construction crews continue work that requires periodic lane closures.
The affected stretch runs between Hebron Road and Coastal Highway (Route 1), where workers are implementing intermittent traffic restrictions throughout the day.
According to DelDOT traffic reports, the lane closures will continue until 8 PM today. Drivers are advised to allow extra travel time and consider alternate routes if possible during the construction period.
Motorists should expect delays at a major Delaware intersection following a vehicle accident that has shut down multiple turning lanes.
The crash occurred at the intersection where Route 7 meets Route 4, prompting authorities to close both the northbound and southbound left turn lanes as crews respond to the incident.
Delaware Department of Transportation officials are advising drivers to seek alternate routes or expect significant delays while emergency responders work to clear the scene.
No additional details about the severity of the crash or potential injuries have been released at this time.
Israel observed Holocaust Martyrs’ and Heroes’ Remembrance Day on April 13 through a solemn state ceremony held at Jerusalem’s Yad Vashem memorial, with this year’s commemoration centering on the theme of Jewish family bonds.
Former Ashkenazi Chief Rabbi Yisrael Meir Lau, who serves as chairman of the Yad Vashem Council, began the ceremony by lighting the memorial torch. The observance also included special prayers for Israeli soldiers and families who have lost loved ones during the current conflict.
Event organizers selected “the Jewish family” as the 2026 theme to showcase both the devastation and strength of family connections throughout the Holocaust period. Speakers explained how Jewish families, which had traditionally served as pillars of stability and cultural identity, were torn apart by Nazi brutality through forced deportations, starvation, and violence that pushed children and parents into desperate survival situations.
Even amid this devastation, family bonds continued to provide emotional support in ghettos, concentration camps, and hiding places. Following the war’s end, Holocaust survivors made rebuilding family structures a priority as they worked to restore hope and cultural continuity.
President Isaac Herzog connected the ceremony’s theme to modern-day Israel, acknowledging that the commemoration occurred during wartime. He shared the story of Holocaust survivor Magda Baratz and her great-grandson, Master Sergeant Asaf Cafri, who lost his life in Gaza the previous year. Herzog portrayed the connection between a survivor who lived through Auschwitz and Bergen-Belsen and a soldier who died protecting Israel as representing the Jewish people’s transformation from devastation to renewal.
The president also highlighted the Holocaust’s massive scope, noting that roughly six million Jews—representing one-third of the world’s Jewish population at that time—were killed. He stressed that Jewish identity has historically been built around shared family connections, historical memory, and common purpose.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised Holocaust survivors as “giants of spirit” while contrasting Jewish defenselessness during the Holocaust with Israel’s current military capabilities. Netanyahu stated that Israel has absorbed the lessons of history and committed to preventing any future existential dangers, making reference to ongoing military actions against Iran and its regional partners.
The ceremony featured the customary lighting of six memorial torches representing the six million victims. Holocaust survivors joined by their family members lit each torch, creating a powerful symbol of both remembrance and ongoing legacy.
The annual observance concluded with messages emphasizing remembrance, resilience, and the continuing importance of family in Jewish culture, connecting Holocaust memory to Israel’s present and future.
Diplomatic efforts between the United States and Iran have reached a standstill following the breakdown of negotiations that lasted nearly an entire day, with regional experts expressing alarm over the widening gap between both nations.
The failed diplomatic session has intensified worries that the existing ceasefire may represent nothing more than a temporary halt in hostilities rather than a genuine opportunity for lasting peace negotiations.
According to Middle East analysts, the unsuccessful talks highlight the substantial obstacles facing any potential diplomatic resolution, with one Iran specialist noting they have never witnessed such a significant divide between the two countries.
The breakdown in communication between Washington and Tehran is prompting fresh doubts about whether meaningful diplomatic progress can be achieved while operating within the constraints of the current ceasefire arrangement.
Regional observers warn that the collapse of these negotiations may signal that the ceasefire is built on shaky ground, driven more by tactical considerations than any genuine commitment to long-term diplomatic engagement.
Listen to the Evening Delmarva Farm Report Update — April 13, 2026
DELMARVA — Spring planting accelerated across Delmarva as another dry week concluded, with soil temperatures holding in the mid-50s to low-60s. Growers from Kent County down through the Eastern Shore are planting corn and soybeans ahead of schedule. Extension agents reported the moisture window has been ideal, but rainfall will be needed within the next 10 days to support germination.
Markets
Corn futures closed Monday at $5.18 per bushel, up $0.03. Soybeans settled at $11.42, down $0.05. Wheat finished at $6.07, up $0.02.
Locally, Delaware spot corn is running $4.95 to $5.05, and soybeans are bringing $11.20 to $11.35 at most elevators.
Forecast
Partly sunny skies are expected this evening with temperatures dropping to 77°F under southwest winds at 15 mph. Tonight will stay mild, down to 57°F with partly cloudy conditions and lighter winds at 5-10 mph.
Tuesday brings mostly sunny skies and a high near 80°F with continued southwest breezes at 5-10 mph, providing a solid window for fieldwork.
This article is based on the Delmarva Farm Report Update Evening Edition, April 13, 2026. Hosted by Tom Bradley.
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — Head coach Mike Vrabel was absent from the New England Patriots’ pre-draft media session on Monday, but team officials indicate he continues his normal duties in preparation for the upcoming NFL draft amid recent media attention surrounding photographs with a sports journalist.
When questioned about Vrabel’s participation in draft preparations, Patriots vice president of player personnel Eliot Wolf described his involvement as standard operating procedure.
“Very involved. Business as usual,” Wolf stated regarding Vrabel’s role in the team’s draft activities. “I’d say he’s been in there with us this round probably a little more than he was in there last year. … He’s been in there. He’s been contributing. He’s watched a ton of the players.”
This marked the initial public comments from a Patriots front office representative since the New York Post released images showing Vrabel alongside NFL journalist Dianna Russini of The Athletic at an Arizona hotel, sparking questions about their professional relationship.
While Vrabel participated in media sessions before last season’s draft, he chose not to attend Monday’s formal press conference. However, reporters encountered him briefly during a facility tour following Wolf’s media availability, where he offered a quick greeting.
The Post reported the photographs were captured in Arizona approximately two weeks prior to the NFL owners meetings that commenced March 29 in Phoenix.
Both Vrabel and Russini, who are married to other people, issued responses to the Post minimizing the significance of the images.
Russini explained the photos “don’t represent the group of six people who were hanging out during the day.”
Vrabel responded to the publication stating: “Those photos show a completely innocent interaction and any suggestion otherwise is laughable.”
The New York Times, parent company of The Athletic, announced Saturday it would examine Russini’s professional conduct.
This investigation followed earlier comments from Athletic executive editor Steven Ginsberg, who had defended Russini’s journalism and told the Post the images “lacked essential context.”
Vrabel, a three-time Super Bowl champion during his playing career with New England, enters his sophomore campaign as Patriots head coach. He guided the franchise to a 14-3 record in his debut season, which concluded with a Super Bowl defeat against Seattle.
New England possesses the 31st selection in the upcoming draft along with 11 total picks.
President Donald Trump’s announcement Monday of a naval blockade targeting Iranian ports threatens to send already elevated fuel costs even higher while raising serious questions about international maritime law and military effectiveness.
The blockade decision came after weekend ceasefire negotiations collapsed without reaching an agreement. Iran had previously restricted most tanker movement through the critical shipping channel, permitting only select vessels deemed favorable to pass while imposing substantial transit fees.
Military analysts warn that implementing such a blockade will demand extensive U.S. Navy resources and could raise concerns regarding the use of force under international maritime regulations. Supply chain specialists emphasize that these restrictions may severely impact the movement of petroleum, fertilizers, food products and other essential commodities to consumers already struggling with inflated costs.
Naval experts indicate that maintaining the blockade will require a sustained deployment of American warships and personnel, along with precise directives from both the Trump administration and Navy legal advisors.
The primary military obstacle involves managing the massive volume of maritime traffic that typically moves through the Strait of Hormuz, where approximately 20% of globally traded petroleum normally flows. A substantial naval presence may be necessary to implement these restrictions effectively, according to Sidharth Kaushal, who studies naval capabilities at the Royal United Services Institute, a London-based defense research organization.
“A lot depends on the early days of the blockade, how many vessels the Americans can seize, how much they can convince vessels attempting to slip through a cordon that they’re likely to be seized,” Kaushal said. “But in all likelihood, I’d say it will prove difficult for the U.S. to enforce.”
Todd Huntley, who leads Georgetown University Law Center’s National Security Law Program, noted that while the strait’s narrow geography limits the area requiring coverage, the sheer volume of shipping traffic “is going to be a challenge.”
According to Huntley, American officials may need to decide whether humanitarian supplies should reach Iranian ports, a choice that could affect the blockade’s compliance with international legal standards. Maritime law also mandates that any country implementing a blockade must do so fairly and provide proper notification to sailors.
“How it is carried out will determine whether it is lawful or not,” said Huntley, a former Navy captain and judge advocate general. “You can’t enact a blockade with the goal of starving the civilian population. Even the DOD law of war manual states that neutral vessels carrying relief supplies should be allowed to pass.”
Raul Pedrozo, an international law instructor at the Naval War College and former Navy captain and JAG officer, believes most commercial ships will avoid challenging a blockade rather than risk confrontation with U.S. naval forces.
“They see a warship, and they’re going to heave to,” Pedrozo said.
Historical evidence suggests blockades alone rarely achieve complete success but serve as tools to apply economic pressure during conflicts, according to military specialists.
“There are always ways to economize, import, substitute, or just give up on certain things that you can no longer build for want of foreign inputs,” Kaushal said. “It can make things a lot harder in a lot of ways, but it doesn’t necessarily achieve decisive outcomes.”
A maritime blockade cannot completely eliminate Iran’s commercial relationships with allies like China and Russia, nor block access to the Caspian Sea or Central Asian routes.
The operation also risks Iranian retaliation that could restart broader hostilities, warned Farzin Nadimi, an Iran and Persian Gulf specialist at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy.
Iran might respond by deploying underwater mines, rapid patrol boats and missile systems against shipping, creating additional disruption to global commerce.
“The U.S. wants this to be a short and sweet operation. I don’t think that it can be,” Nadimi said.
Trump warned that Iran’s remaining “fast attack ships” would face “quick and brutal” destruction if they approach the American blockade. Iran countered with its own warnings about targeting ports throughout the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman.
Given the threat of military action, experts predict most shipping companies will avoid the risk entirely. The waterway could remain effectively closed, driving petroleum and gasoline costs even higher. Stopping roughly 20% of global oil movement has already forced some regional producers to reduce output because their crude cannot reach markets.
“The problem with a two-side blockade is that you know it’s going to take much longer for the strait to open up and for some kind of agreement to come about — and that’s what’s going to send these prices further skyrocketing,” said Vidya Mani, a visiting associate professor at Cornell University whose research focuses on supply chains.
Market analysts caution that extended closure of the shipping route will worsen price increases. Oil markets have fluctuated sharply based on statements from Trump and others regarding the conflict’s progress, but prices remain elevated overall, with crude trading Monday above $100 per barrel, up from approximately $70 before hostilities began.
Consumers and businesses worldwide are experiencing the financial impact, especially in Asia where nations depend heavily on Middle Eastern fuel imports. Since oil trades as a global commodity, people everywhere are feeling increased costs at the pump.
American motorists have watched gasoline prices jump to an average exceeding $4.12 per gallon, compared to $2.98 before the conflict started.
The blockade would also disrupt food and fertilizer shipments, explained Patrick Penfield, a supply chain professor at Syracuse University. He predicted the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain and neighboring countries could face “dramatic food price increases” as supplies would need to arrive by air transport.
Approximately 30% of global fertilizer also moves through the strait, potentially harming agricultural producers and worsening food insecurity worldwide.
“Now you’re talking about impacting the global harvest,” Penfield said. Combined with oil market disruptions, he noted that such instability and uncertainty “bleeds out throughout the whole world.”
Mani highlighted that chemicals used to manufacture basic products like paint and metals, including aluminum, would face additional supply interruptions. She pointed to cost pressures that existed even before the U.S. and Israel began military operations against Iran, including new Trump administration tariffs, pandemic-related supply problems and other international tensions.
“We just have to be prepared for constant higher prices, irrespective of how this blockade turns out,” she said. “Each crisis has a lingering effect on the next one.”
A Tennessee man connected to white supremacist groups admitted Monday to deliberately setting fire to a historic civil rights training facility, according to federal court documents.
Regan Prater entered guilty pleas for the arson that burned down an office at the Highlander Research and Education Center in New Market, Tennessee. He also admitted to trying to assist the terrorist organization Hezbollah by attempting to provide “a list of personally identifiable information for individuals purportedly affiliated with the government of Israel,” court records show.
Prater is scheduled to receive his sentence on September 9 in Knoxville. His public defender has not responded to requests for comment.
Authorities arrested Prater in April following the March 2019 arson, more than six years after the incident occurred. Federal investigators connected him to the crime through his activity in online chat groups linked to white supremacist organizations, according to court filings. When questioned by another user in a private message about whether he started the fire, the person believed to be Prater responded:
“I’m not admitting anything,” wrote someone using the username ‘Rooster.’ However, he proceeded to detail how the fire was started using “a sparkler bomb and some Napalm.”
Investigators discovered a white supremacist symbol spray-painted near where the fire occurred. The court documents identify it as a “triple cross,” the same marking found on weapons used by the gunman who murdered 51 people at New Zealand mosques on March 15, 2019, approximately two weeks before the Highlander incident.
Originally facing a single arson charge filed in 2025, Prater’s case was updated in February to include the terrorism-related charge involving Hezbollah. As part of his plea deal, prosecutors agreed that a maximum sentence of 20 years would be fitting.
This isn’t Prater’s first arson conviction. He previously received a five-year federal prison term for burning down an adult entertainment store in East Tennessee in June 2019. He was ordered to pay $106,000 in damages for that crime. Investigators linked him to that fire through a cellphone found at the scene, which contained video footage of someone inside the store igniting an accelerant.
The Highlander center holds significant importance in civil rights history as a training ground for legendary activists including Rosa Parks and John Lewis. Parks participated in an integration workshop there in 1955, roughly six months before her historic bus boycott in Montgomery, Alabama. She consistently acknowledged that Highlander strengthened her resolve as an activist.
Two years following her workshop, Parks returned to Highlander alongside Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. for the organization’s 25th anniversary, where King delivered a keynote speech about achieving freedom and equality through peaceful resistance.
The fire erupted in the early morning hours of March 29, 2019. While no injuries occurred, the blaze destroyed decades of irreplaceable historical materials, including artifacts, speeches, and documents spanning multiple eras of the Civil Rights Movement.
