Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese expressed support for a Middle East ceasefire agreement on Wednesday while sharply condemning the threatening language used by President Donald Trump during the crisis.
The two-week truce between the United States, Israel and Iran was announced with less than two hours remaining before Trump’s ultimatum for Tehran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz or face devastating strikes against civilian targets.
Trump’s social media announcement marked a dramatic shift from his position earlier that day, when he delivered a stark warning that “a whole civilization will die tonight” unless his demands were satisfied.
Speaking to Sky News, Albanese praised the ceasefire agreement but voiced serious concerns about the American president’s threatening statements.
“I don’t think it’s appropriate to use language such as that from the President of the United States, and I think it will cause some concern,” he said.
Though Australia initially backed U.S. military action against Iran when the conflict began, Albanese has grown increasingly uncomfortable with the escalating tensions in recent weeks.
The Australian leader recently called for Trump to provide clearer war objectives while urging all nations involved to reduce hostilities.
Trump responded to Australia’s shifting stance this week by publicly criticizing the country’s level of support.
“Australia didn’t help us,” he stated during a press conference, specifically naming Australia alongside Japan and South Korea as nations that failed to provide adequate assistance.
Taiwan’s primary opposition party leader made a historic appeal for peace during her visit to China this week, calling for reconciliation between the two sides at a ceremony loaded with political significance.
Cheng Li-wun, who heads Taiwan’s Kuomintang (KMT) party, traveled to the eastern Chinese city of Nanjing on Wednesday to pay respects at the mausoleum of Sun Yat-sen, the political figure both sides claim as their founding father.
During the wreath-laying ceremony, which was broadcast live on Taiwanese television, Cheng invoked Sun’s legacy while making her case for cross-strait cooperation.
“The core values of Sun Yat-sen’s ideal that ‘all under heaven are equal’ have always been equality, inclusiveness, and unity,” Cheng stated. “We should work together to promote reconciliation and unity across the (Taiwan) Strait and create regional prosperity and peace.”
The timing of Cheng’s visit is particularly notable, occurring as Chinese military activities around Taiwan have intensified and Taiwan’s opposition-controlled legislature has blocked a proposed $40 billion defense spending increase.
Sun Yat-sen holds unique status in the complex relationship between Taiwan and mainland China. After overthrowing China’s final imperial dynasty in 1912, he established the Republic of China before his death from cancer in 1925. Today, Taiwan officially honors him as the Republic of China’s founder, while Communist Party leaders in Beijing also celebrate him as a national hero, with Mao Zedong once calling him a “great revolutionary forerunner.”
Nanjing itself carries deep historical meaning, having served as the capital of the KMT-led Republic of China government before it retreated to Taiwan in 1949 following defeat in the civil war against Mao’s communist forces.
During her remarks, Cheng acknowledged both Taiwan’s democratic transformation and China’s economic progress since the civil war ended.
“Likewise, on the mainland, we have also seen and witnessed progress and development that exceeded everyone’s expectations and imagination,” she said, while also referencing the “white terror” period of martial law that Taiwan endured for 38 years until 1987.
The visit drew tight security measures and some public interest from Chinese citizens. Yang Zihang, a 19-year-old student who came to observe Cheng’s motorcade, told reporters: “I think this is very important for peaceful exchanges between the two sides of the Taiwan Strait.”
However, the diplomatic outreach faces significant obstacles. Beijing refuses direct communication with Taiwan’s current president, Lai Ching-te, labeling him a “separatist.” Lai maintains that only Taiwan’s citizens should determine their island’s future. Neither government officially recognizes the other’s legitimacy.
Taiwan’s ruling administration has urged Cheng to use any meetings with Chinese officials, potentially including President Xi Jinping, to demand an end to military intimidation and respect for Taiwanese self-determination.
Taiwan’s National Security Bureau Director-General Tsai Ming-yen addressed the situation during a parliamentary session in Taipei, explaining China’s strategic approach to the island.
“China uses military intimidation and harassment to create an atmosphere of rising military danger and instability across the Taiwan Strait,” Tsai explained. “This is intended to make Taiwan’s society and public feel the psychological pressure and anxiety of a possible conflict.”
He added that these tactics aim to “divide Taiwanese society internally, boosting the visibility of pro-China positions” while also working to “obstruct efforts to push forward U.S. arms procurement deals.”
TOKYO (AP) — Stock markets throughout Asia experienced dramatic gains during Wednesday morning sessions, while crude oil values tumbled following announcement of a temporary two-week truce between the United States and Iran that will reopen the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.
Japan’s primary Nikkei 225 index climbed 5.0% to reach 56,106.18 during early market activity. Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 rose 2.6% to 8,952.30. South Korea’s Kospi index experienced a substantial 5.9% increase to 5,819.97. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index advanced 2.6% to 25,767.42, while Shanghai’s Composite index posted gains of 1.7% to 3,957.55.
U.S. crude oil futures dropped significantly by $16.84 to $96.11 per barrel. International Brent crude fell $14.51 to $94.76 per barrel.
These market movements reflected investor response to the ceasefire announcement, as recent petroleum price increases had directly resulted from the conflict, which had effectively prevented transit through the Strait of Hormuz. A substantial portion of global oil shipments passes through this waterway, including supplies destined for energy-dependent Japan.
“Yet the mood remains one of cautious optimism rather than outright celebration. The ceasefire is only two weeks long, and markets will be watching closely to see whether shipping through the Strait of Hormuz normalizes as promised and whether the fragile truce can pave the way for a more durable peace agreement,” Tim Waterer, chief market analyst at KCM Trade, said.
On Tuesday evening, Trump announced he would postpone his threatened strikes against Iranian infrastructure including bridges, power facilities and other civilian installations. Iran’s foreign minister confirmed that maritime passage through the strait would resume for the following two weeks under Iranian military oversight.
International stock markets have experienced significant volatility in recent weeks following the conflict’s start in late February. Trump’s ultimatum regarding Strait of Hormuz access expired at 8 p.m. Eastern time.
Earlier on Wall Street, trading concluded with gains after Pakistan’s prime minister encouraged Trump to extend his deadline by an additional two weeks while requesting Iran reopen the waterway. The S&P 500 overcame earlier losses to finish with a slight 0.1% increase. The Dow Jones Industrial Average declined 85 points, or 0.2%, while the Nasdaq composite rose 0.1%.
Treasury bond markets saw yields decline on news of the potential ceasefire. The 10-year Treasury yield decreased to 4.24% from Tuesday’s earlier rate of 4.30%.
Currency markets showed the U.S. dollar weakening to 158.54 Japanese yen from Wednesday’s 159.52 yen. The euro strengthened to $1.1671, rising from $1.1597.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has voiced his approval for President Donald Trump’s choice to temporarily halt military strikes against Iran for a fourteen-day period, according to reports from Israeli news outlets on Wednesday.
While expressing Israel’s backing for the two-week suspension of attacks, Netanyahu made clear that Lebanon would not be covered under this ceasefire arrangement, Israeli media sources indicated.
TikTok has revealed plans to spend 1 billion euros ($1.16 billion) on constructing another data storage facility in Finland, marking the company’s second such investment in the Nordic country in under a year, officials announced Wednesday.
The social media giant’s decision comes as its parent company ByteDance recently escaped a potential U.S. prohibition related to data security issues, while European governments increase demands for social platforms to shield young users from potentially harmful algorithms.
The new facility will be located in Lahti, a city in southern Finland, with starting capacity of 50 megawatts and eventual capability reaching 128 megawatts. TikTok described the project as part of its broader “12 billion (euro) European data sovereignty initiative delivering industry-leading protections for the data of over 200 million European users.”
Finland has emerged as an attractive destination for major tech companies seeking data center locations, with firms like Microsoft and Google drawn to the nation’s frigid temperatures, affordable clean energy, and stable business environment within the European Union framework.
However, TikTok’s Finnish expansion has faced political resistance. When news of the company’s initial data center broke last year, Finnish lawmakers expressed concern about being kept uninformed despite defense ministry approval. Former economic affairs minister Wille Rydman publicly questioned the project due to security worries and lack of transparency.
“At the very least, I would hope that this property development company would reconsider once more whether it really wants TikTok as its tenant,” Rydman told Finland’s public broadcaster Yle, referencing TikTok’s local partner.
Currently, TikTok stores European user information with additional security measures across facilities in Norway, Ireland, and the United States. The company’s initial Finnish data center in Kouvola is scheduled to begin operations by year’s end, while the newly announced Lahti facility should be running by 2027.
Lahti’s mayor welcomed the substantial investment announcement.
“In the context of Lahti, the investment is substantial. We are pleased that a main tenant agreement has been signed and that the project is progressing as planned,” Mayor Niko Kyynarainen stated.
The federal government has rejected appeals from Ford Motor Company and other American automobile manufacturers who sought relief from aluminum import tariffs, according to a Tuesday report from the Wall Street Journal.
The automakers submitted their requests after fires at a Novelis aluminum rolling facility caused significant disruptions to their supply chains, creating shortages of the material needed for vehicle production.
Reuters was unable to independently confirm the Wall Street Journal’s reporting at the time of publication.
Colombian President Gustavo Petro announced Tuesday night that his administration plans to present emergency economic legislation and new tax measures to Congress aimed at addressing budget imbalances for 2026.
During a televised speech, Petro warned lawmakers that he would bypass legislative approval and implement the measures through executive action if Congress refuses to support his economic agenda.
“If necessary, we will declare a new economic emergency in Colombia because what we must save is the standard of living, which is now much higher than at any time in history,” Petro stated during his address to the nation.
The Colombian leader also directed his interior minister to introduce new tax legislation to Congress designed to address the budget deficit projected for 2026, though he did not reveal specific revenue targets or collection amounts expected from the proposed measures.
LOS ANGELES — Lakers head coach JJ Redick expressed his desire to put a medical controversy behind him following the Dallas Mavericks’ denial of his allegations regarding improper MRI procedures on player Austin Reaves during a recent road trip.
Reaves will miss the remainder of the regular season due to an oblique muscle strain suffered in the Lakers’ decisive defeat against Oklahoma City last Thursday. Following standard NBA protocol, the Mavericks’ medical personnel provided examination services to the visiting Lakers when they arrived in Dallas for their subsequent matchup.
During Saturday’s practice session in Dallas, Redick accused the Mavericks’ medical staff of imaging “the wrong area” and requiring duplicate MRI procedures to properly diagnose Reaves’ Grade 2 left oblique strain.
On Tuesday, the Mavericks released a statement to DLLS Sports refuting these claims, stating their “medical team followed standard imaging protocols based on the information provided at the time. There was no error in the scan performed.”
When questioned about his previous assertions before Tuesday’s home game against the Thunder, Redick offered a concise response.
“Look, I think in the end, we got the image we needed,” Redick stated. “Obviously very appreciative, because it’s happened throughout the season, whenever the home team is accommodating to us, just like we would be for them. And we’re going to move on.”
The Lakers also suffered another significant injury during the Oklahoma City game, losing top NBA scorer Luka Doncic for the remainder of the regular season due to a Grade 2 left hamstring strain.
One of college basketball’s most prolific scorers is switching schools once again, as Kansas State’s PJ Haggerty has decided to enter the transfer portal, according to reports released Tuesday.
The junior guard finished this past season as the country’s fourth-highest scorer with an average of 23.4 points per game. Only three players posted better scoring numbers: BYU’s A.J. Dybantsa at 25.5 points, East Carolina’s Jordan Riley with 23.6 points, and Arkansas’ Darius Acuff Jr. averaging 23.5 points per game.
Beyond his scoring prowess, Haggerty contributed 3.8 assists and 5.3 rebounds per game for the Wildcats this season.
Despite Haggerty’s individual success, Kansas State endured a difficult campaign.
The Wildcats posted a disappointing 12-20 record under former head coach Jerome Tang, who was dismissed, and later interim coach Matthew Driscoll. The team managed just a 3-15 conference record in Big 12 play.
Following the hiring of new head coach Casey Alexander from Belmont on March 13, the program faces an immediate roster overhaul. Haggerty joins four other players who have entered the transfer portal: Abdi Bashir, David Castillo, Stephen Osei, and Exavier Wilson.
This marks Haggerty’s fourth school change in as many years. The versatile guard has maintained over 20 points per game across three consecutive seasons while playing for Tulsa, Memphis, and Kansas State. His collegiate career began in 2022-23 at TCU, though he played in only six contests, which preserves his eligibility through the 2026-27 season.
A highly decorated Australian military veteran will stay locked up after his attorneys declined to pursue bail following his arrest on serious war crimes allegations.
Authorities took Ben Roberts-Smith, age 47, into custody Tuesday on five war crimes charges related to the deaths of five Afghan civilians during the period from 2009 to 2012. The charges each carry potential life imprisonment.
Officials denied him bail and transported him to Sydney’s Silverwater Correctional Complex, where he spent Tuesday night.
Roberts-Smith was absent from Wednesday morning’s bail proceeding, conducted via video conference, according to local news outlets.
Attorney Jordan Portokalli informed the court his client would not request release from detention, instead asking for a face-to-face hearing scheduled for later that day.
Judge Lucas Swan set the next court date for June 4, ensuring Roberts-Smith will stay incarcerated until then unless his legal representatives can arrange an earlier proceeding.
The former Special Air Services Regiment member earned recognition as a national war hero through his service across six deployments to Afghanistan spanning 2006 through 2012.
Military officials bestowed numerous prestigious honors upon him, including the Victoria Cross, which represents the top military award for armed forces personnel from Britain and Commonwealth nations.
Federal police investigators plan to argue during trial that the alleged victims were not engaged in combat when killed and were being held as unarmed detainees under Australian military control at the time of their deaths.
Authorities will also contend that Roberts-Smith either personally shot the victims or directed subordinates to kill them while he was present.
These criminal charges stem from a collaborative probe between federal police and the Office of the Special Investigator, an agency established to investigate alleged criminal behavior by Australian defense personnel, which launched in 2021.
Roberts-Smith has continuously rejected claims of misconduct during his military tenure, many of which Nine Entertainment publications first revealed through reporting that began in 2018.
He mounted an unsuccessful legal challenge against these accusations in what became Australia’s costliest defamation case, with a court ultimately determining he likely participated in killing four Afghan civilians.
Vietnam’s newly elected President To Lam is expected to travel to China next week for meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping, according to three sources familiar with the arrangements.
The planned visit, scheduled for April 14-17, would mark Lam’s first international trip since winning the presidency on Tuesday. This election gave him unprecedented dual authority over both party and state operations for the next five years, mirroring China’s leadership structure under Xi Jinping.
Sources spoke anonymously due to the sensitive nature of high-level diplomatic planning in Vietnam. The trip could face delays due to scheduling complications, they noted.
Both nations are grappling with energy security challenges and increased tariff pressures from the United States, making this diplomatic engagement particularly significant for strengthening bilateral relations.
Chinese foreign ministry officials stated they had no information available regarding the potential visit. Vietnam’s foreign ministry has not responded to requests for comment.
The meeting agenda is expected to focus on technology partnerships and energy cooperation. Despite ongoing territorial disagreements in the South China Sea, the two communist countries have deepened collaboration across multiple sectors, including railway connections, border economic zones, and Vietnam’s 5G telecommunications infrastructure using Chinese technology.
New agreements covering telecommunications and other strategic sectors may emerge from the discussions, though officials suggest any deals might not receive public announcement.
Security partnerships have gained prominence in recent bilateral talks, particularly regarding Chinese surveillance technology imports. This emphasis reflects the increased influence of law enforcement agencies under Lam, who previously served as Vietnam’s public security minister.
Energy security discussions are anticipated as Vietnam relies heavily on Chinese imports for oil products, jet fuel, and fertilizers. Beijing has limited these exports due to supply shortages stemming from regional conflicts.
During March meetings between the countries’ foreign ministers, Vietnam emphasized the need for energy cooperation while developing fuel rationing contingency plans.
Lam previously visited China in August 2024 immediately after assuming party leadership, marking his first overseas trip in that role. A planned meeting with Xi following Lam’s confirmation as general secretary in January was postponed for undisclosed reasons.
The Dallas Mavericks are disputing allegations from Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick that their medical personnel conducted an MRI scan on an incorrect area of Austin Reaves’ body, which supposedly resulted in requiring a second scan and delaying the proper diagnosis of his oblique injury.
Reaves, who ranks as the Lakers’ second-highest scorer with an average of 23.3 points per game, underwent the MRI examination with Dallas medical staff during the weekend following his Grade 2 left oblique strain suffered during Los Angeles’ loss to Oklahoma City on April 2.
“Our medical team followed standard imaging protocols based on the information provided at the time,” the Mavericks stated in an official response distributed to various media outlets. “There was no error in the scan performed.”
Los Angeles announced Saturday that Reaves would be absent for at least the remaining regular season games. According to ESPN reports, he faces a four-to-six week recovery period.
“I don’t know where the chain of command lies with Dallas imaging, but they scanned the wrong area,” Redick stated following team practice in Dallas on Saturday. “So (the mistake was) not on our end. We made it explicit what was supposed to be scanned, but they scanned the wrong area.”
The Lakers (50-28) are simultaneously dealing with the absence of top league scorer Luka Doncic (33.5 ppg) for the regular season’s conclusion due to a Grade 2 hamstring injury, while third-leading scorer and 22-time All-Star LeBron James (20.8 ppg) was ruled out for Tuesday’s matchup against Oklahoma City due to ongoing management of his persistent left foot problem.
Chicago Bulls leadership wants to retain head coach Billy Donovan, but the final decision rests in Donovan’s hands about his future with the organization.
During a media video conference on Tuesday, Bulls CEO and president Michael Reinsdorf stated that any incoming front office personnel must be fully committed to working with Donovan as head coach.
“If I interview someone and they’re not sold on Billy, they’re not sold on a Hall of Fame coach,” Reinsdorf said, “they’re not sold on a person who’s won championships in college, who’s gone deep in the playoffs with Oklahoma City. … If Billy wants to be our coach and someone’s not interested in that, then they’re probably not the right candidate for us.”
The critical word is “if.” According to Reinsdorf, Donovan has a scheduled meeting with team ownership on Monday to discuss his future, which comes the day following the team’s final game of the season against Dallas.
Donovan, who captured two NCAA titles while coaching Florida (2006, 2007), had been connected to the North Carolina opening, though former Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone was officially named to that position on Tuesday.
On Monday, the Bulls dismissed executive vice president of basketball operations Arturas Karnisovas and general manager Marc Eversley. Reinsdorf indicated he wants Donovan to have increased input in roster construction.
“We’d be crazy not to want Billy’s input in player acquisition from players around the league,” Reinsdorf said. “He’s an NBA coach, he coaches against these guys. Some of these guys he’s already coached. Billy will be involved and will be encouraged … I’ll probably push Billy to be more involved.”
Reinsdorf even considered the possibility of Donovan transitioning to a front office role, though he clarified that Donovan hasn’t suggested this option.
“If he came to me and said, ‘Hey, I may want to do a Brad Stevens situation,’ I would sit down and listen to Billy,” Reinsdorf said, referring to the former Boston Celtics coach who became their president of basketball operations. “I don’t think that’s where his head’s at. I don’t think Billy cares about titles. Billy cares about being a head coach, and he cares about the players and cares about the organization.”
Donovan, who will turn 61 in May, has led the Bulls since the 2020-21 season but has only reached the playoffs once. The team has fallen to Miami in the play-in tournament in each of the last three seasons.
Chicago was already eliminated from playoff consideration and entered Tuesday’s matchup against Washington with a 29-49 record while riding a seven-game losing streak. Speaking to reporters before the game, Donovan expressed gratitude for Reinsdorf’s confidence in him.
“I’ve always believed this: The room is smarter than any individual and there are a lot of smart people in that room,” Donovan said. “I think if we can put our heads together and figure out how do we get to that? I don’t have all the answers to those things. I just know the last four years, we have not won at a high level. I want to win at a high level. I want to be a part of that. I think the organization deserves that, I think everyone in the organization wants that, and then everybody has got to put their heads together and figure out, ‘How do we go about doing that?’”
Delaware Department of Transportation crews are conducting mobile lane striping work on Route 24, causing traffic delays for drivers in the area.
The roadway maintenance operations are taking place along the stretch of DE-24 between Layton Davis Drive and Camp Arrowhead Road, with work scheduled to continue until 5 a.m.
Motorists should anticipate slower-moving traffic and plan for additional travel time when using this section of Route 24 during the overnight hours.
The lane painting work is part of routine highway maintenance to ensure proper road markings for driver safety.
PRINCETON, NJ — Delaware State University’s track and field athletes showcased their talents once again, achieving multiple top-10 finishes at the Princeton Sam Howell meet held on April 4th.
The Hornets’ men’s and women’s teams both turned in strong performances at the New Jersey competition, adding to what has been a successful season for the Dover-based program.
The meet represents another step forward for Delaware State’s track and field program as they build on their recent successes throughout the outdoor season.
PRINCETON, N.J. — Delaware State University’s women’s track and field squad showcased their athletic prowess at the Princeton Sam Howell Invitational, with standout athlete Miriam Okwudibonye spearheading an impressive team showing on April 4.
The Hornets demonstrated their competitive strength by securing several top-four finishes throughout the meet, building on their season’s positive trajectory. The team’s performance included a record-setting achievement that highlighted their continued development and athletic excellence.
The strong results at Princeton reflect the ongoing success of DSU’s track and field program as they compete against top-tier competition in the region.
Milwaukee Bucks head coach Doc Rivers strongly suggested Tuesday that he may walk away from coaching when this disappointing season concludes, citing his desire to spend more time with his grandchildren.
The 64-year-old Rivers, who holds the NBA’s sixth-best coaching record of all time and leads all active coaches in victories, gave a telling response when reporters asked about his future before Tuesday’s game in Brooklyn.
“I won’t answer that, but I have grandkids that I want to see,” Rivers told the media. “I’ll put it that way. I’ll let you figure it out from there.”
Rivers will be inducted into the Naismith Memorial Hall of Fame this summer. Only five coaches in NBA history have more wins than Rivers, who captured an NBA championship with the Boston Celtics in 2008. Those ahead of him include Gregg Popovich, Don Nelson, Lenny Wilkens, Jerry Sloan and Pat Riley.
The Bucks entered this season expecting to compete for a title, centered around perennial All-Star and former MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo and strengthened by signing Myles Turner during the offseason. However, injuries derailed Milwaukee’s campaign from early on. After opening 8-5, the team dropped seven straight games to fall below .500 and never recovered.
Milwaukee hasn’t ranked among the Eastern Conference’s top eight teams since mid-November and actually received trade inquiries for Antetokounmpo in February before deciding to retain him for now. Currently, the organization finds itself in a public dispute with their superstar, who wants to continue playing despite being eliminated from playoff contention while the team keeps him sidelined due to injury concerns.
This season marks Antetokounmpo’s lowest game total in his 13-year career with just 36 appearances. Rivers has grown frustrated with the endless speculation surrounding Antetokounmpo’s relationship with Milwaukee, expressing his annoyance last week about being caught in the middle of situations beyond his control.
“The tough part about all this is I’m in the middle when I have nothing to do with it,” Rivers explained Friday. “Coaches don’t decide any of this. But, the problem with our league is the coaches are the ones sitting out front and we have to sit here and answer this stuff. And I think there are two sides to this. I will tell you that.”
Both Antetokounmpo’s and Rivers’ futures with Milwaukee will likely dominate offseason discussions.
Rivers appeared contemplative last week during his Hall of Fame announcement ceremony.
“Without the players that I’ve coached, without the coaches that I’ve coached with, I wouldn’t be here,” Rivers stated upon learning of his Hall selection. “None of us live in isolation. We all live and breathe with other people, and other people help us get to places we are.”
Rivers took over the Bucks partway through the 2023-24 season. He maintains various interests beyond coaching and would likely attract broadcasting opportunities if he chooses to leave the sidelines, having previously worked in television. He emphasized how difficult it is to miss important moments with his young grandchildren.
“I have seven grandkids now and they’re all 8 years and under,” Rivers shared. “And it kills me every time I miss grandparents’ day with each one of them in school. And it’s probably time to go see them more. So, I’ll let you figure out the rest.”
SEOUL, South Korea — Military officials in South Korea confirmed that North Korea conducted another missile test Wednesday, marking the second projectile launch in consecutive days from the isolated nation’s eastern shoreline.
According to South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff, no additional information was immediately available regarding the distance traveled by the latest missile or the specific type of weapon system used in the test.
South Korean forces had previously identified an unidentified projectile launch near Pyongyang on Tuesday. Officials stated that intelligence agencies from both South Korea and the United States were conducting analysis of Tuesday’s weapons test.
The recent launches follow North Korea’s announcement earlier this week that leader Kim Jong Un had personally witnessed testing of an improved solid-fuel engine for military weapons, describing it as an important advancement for the nation’s strategic defense capabilities.
Weapons systems utilizing solid propellants offer greater mobility and concealment advantages compared to liquid-fuel alternatives, which require fueling procedures prior to launch and have limited operational windows. This latest solid-fuel engine evaluation, the first conducted in seven months, aligns with Kim’s declared objectives of developing more maneuverable and difficult-to-detect missiles capable of targeting the United States and allied nations.
Intelligence officials briefed South Korean legislators Monday that the engine testing likely supports efforts to construct more powerful missiles designed to carry multiple nuclear warheads, according to lawmakers present at the classified briefing.
North Korea has accelerated its nuclear weapons development program following the breakdown of diplomatic negotiations between Kim and former U.S. President Donald Trump in 2019. During a Workers’ Party congress held in February, Kim indicated openness to renewed dialogue with Trump while demanding that Washington abandon requirements for North Korean nuclear disarmament as a prerequisite for future negotiations.
A federal judge determined Tuesday that border protection agents overstepped their authority when they revoked the visa of a Russian-born Harvard researcher who was found carrying frog embryo samples at an airport checkpoint.
U.S. District Court Judge Christina Reiss concluded that the visa cancellation of Kseniia Petrova was both arbitrary and unreasonable in her written decision. The judge noted that Customs and Border Protection agents have restricted powers to revoke visas and cannot take such action based on suspected biological sample violations.
“The undisputed facts reveal that Ms. Petrova’s visa was impermissibly canceled because of the frog embryo samples and for no other reason,” Reiss wrote.
The Department of Homeland Security, which oversees Customs and Border Protection, has not responded to requests for comment.
The incident occurred in February of last year when Petrova was returning from a French vacation. During her trip, she had visited a laboratory that specializes in creating ultra-thin sections of frog embryos and collected research samples. Border agents questioned her about these materials when she arrived at Boston Logan International Airport.
Following the questioning, officials informed Petrova that her visa would be revoked.
Immigration authorities briefly held Petrova in Vermont, where she submitted a legal request for her freedom. She was subsequently transferred to an Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention center in Louisiana.
In a previous interview with The Associated Press, Petrova explained that she was unaware the samples required declaration and had no intention of illegally bringing materials into the United States. According to her lawyer Gregory Romanovsky, Petrova returned to her Harvard research position in January after successfully petitioning the court for permission to resume her work.
Romanovsky described Tuesday’s decision as a significant step toward “correcting what should never have happened in the first place.”
Academic researchers are monitoring Petrova’s situation closely, with concerns that the outcome could affect universities’ ability to recruit and retain international scientists.
Morning commuters in New Castle County should expect delays on a busy stretch of Route 13 due to an ongoing lane closure.
The Delaware Department of Transportation has shut down the right lane of northbound US-13 in the area between American Legion Drive and Route 896. The lane restriction is part of overnight maintenance work and is expected to remain in place until 5 AM.
Drivers traveling through this corridor should allow extra time for their commute and consider alternate routes if possible. The closure affects a heavily traveled section of the highway that connects several residential and commercial areas.
DelDOT advises motorists to use caution when driving through the work zone and to merge safely into the left lane when approaching the closure area.
North Korea conducted two separate missile launches this week while simultaneously rejecting South Korea’s attempts at diplomatic reconciliation, according to military officials in Seoul.
South Korean forces detected an unknown projectile launched Wednesday toward waters off North Korea’s eastern coastline, following another suspected missile test identified the previous day.
Tuesday’s launch originated from the Pyongyang region and involved what South Korean military officials believe was a ballistic missile, according to statements from the Joint Chiefs of Staff. American and South Korean analysts are currently examining data from both incidents.
Military sources told South Korea’s Yonhap news agency that Tuesday’s projectile traveled eastward before experiencing technical difficulties during its initial flight phase and vanishing from radar. South Korean defense officials suspect the missile may have malfunctioned shortly after launch.
South Korea generally reports ballistic missile tests immediately since they breach United Nations Security Council restrictions, while exercising more discretion regarding conventional weapons or cruise missile activities. North Korea maintains these UN sanctions violate its constitutional right to national defense.
The missile activities coincided with harsh rhetoric from North Korean leadership that crushed Seoul’s optimism about warming bilateral relations.
Jang Kum Chol, a high-ranking foreign ministry official in Pyongyang, declared that South Korea was deluding itself if it believed North Korea would stop treating it as an adversary.
“The identity of the ROK, the enemy state most hostile to the DPRK, can never change with any words or conduct,” Jang stated through North Korea’s official KCNA news service late Tuesday, referencing the formal abbreviations for both nations.
These remarks followed Monday’s statement from North Korea describing South Korean President Lee Jae Myung’s apology regarding drone intrusions earlier this year as “very fortunate and wise.”
Officials in Seoul initially interpreted that comment as an unusual gesture of goodwill from the nuclear-capable North, given the decades of animosity between the countries. The two nations technically remain in a state of war since their 1950-1953 conflict concluded with an armistice rather than a peace treaty.
However, Jang clarified that the statement from Kim Yo Jong, the influential sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, was intended as a warning to Seoul rather than an indication of friendly intentions toward reconciliation.
San Antonio Spurs sensation Victor Wembanyama dodged a major injury scare and should be back on the court within days, according to ESPN sources, though he remains questionable for Thursday night’s matchup with Portland at home.
The rising star suffered a bruised left rib during Monday’s contest after a collision with Philadelphia’s Paul George in the second quarter. Though Wembanyama briefly returned to action, he was clearly struggling with discomfort and sat out the entire second half.
Medical examinations conducted Tuesday confirmed the injury wasn’t severe, with Wembanyama now considered day-to-day, ESPN reported. The timing is crucial for the young center, who must log at least 20 minutes in one of San Antonio’s remaining three contests to qualify for postseason honors under the league’s 65-game minimum.
The 22-year-old phenom finds himself in serious MVP discussions while also being the frontrunner for his first Defensive Player of the Year trophy in his third NBA campaign. He previously finished runner-up for DPOY honors during his rookie year in 2023-24.
This season, Wembanyama has posted career-best numbers with 24.8 points and 11.5 rebounds nightly. He paces the entire NBA in blocked shots at 3.1 per contest – more than a full block ahead of his nearest competitor – while ranking fourth league-wide in rebounds.
WASHINGTON – An American journalist who was taken hostage by an Iranian-backed militant organization in Iraq has been freed, according to Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s announcement on Tuesday.
Shelly Kittleson, a U.S. reporter, was abducted by Kataib Hezbollah, an armed faction with ties to Iran, in an area near Baghdad. Rubio confirmed her release following the recent kidnapping incident.
Federal investigators alerted local police departments nationwide about heightened security concerns regarding Iran’s government targeting American interests, contradicting the White House’s public stance that minimized such risks, according to an intelligence document obtained by Reuters.
The March 20 intelligence bulletin, distributed by the FBI and federal security agencies, stated that Iran’s leadership “poses a persistent threat” to American military personnel, government facilities, Jewish and Israeli organizations, and Iranian opposition figures living in the United States. However, investigators noted they had not detected widespread dangers to ordinary citizens.
When reporters questioned President Donald Trump on March 11 about potential Iranian strikes within America’s borders, he responded, “No, I’m not” worried about such attacks.
The former president intensified his confrontational language this week, declaring Tuesday that “a whole civilization will die tonight” unless Iran complied with his ultimatum, though he subsequently postponed the threatened military action for two weeks.
The intelligence assessment, labeled “Public Safety Awareness Report,” emerged following earlier reports that the administration had prevented similar security briefings from reaching the public. Officials at that time claimed they were reviewing materials for accuracy before distribution.
“The entire Trump administration is working together to protect the homeland and the American people – as they always do,” stated White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson. “Media outlets should not attempt to irresponsibly sow fear by reporting on individual law enforcement memorandums that may lack broader context.”
Neither the FBI nor the National Counterterrorism Center provided immediate responses to media inquiries. Ali Karimi Magham, representing Iran’s United Nations mission, refused to offer comments.
Public opinion polling reveals most Americans want swift conclusion to military involvement, with two-thirds supporting rapid disengagement according to recent Reuters/Ipsos surveys, making threat assessments particularly significant for policy decisions.
The transparency organization Property of the People secured the FBI document through freedom of information requests and provided it to Reuters.
The assessment emphasized “the potential for elevated physical threats” against American targets from Iranian operatives following recent conflict developments.
“Violent extremists with a variety of ideological backgrounds, including those who oppose the U.S. or Israel, also may see this conflict as a justification for violence,” investigators wrote.
According to the report, Iranian intelligence services have previously attempted kidnapping and assassination operations against Americans. While firearms represent the most common attack method on American soil, other documented tactics included “stabbings, vehicle rammings, bombings, poisoning, strangling, suffocation, and arson.”
Tehran typically recruits individuals already possessing legal American residency or entry privileges for such operations, the document revealed. Iranian authorities have previously monitored social media platforms, live video streams, and mapping software to identify targets and evaluate security vulnerabilities, while also employing cyber attacks including fraudulent email schemes.
The Iranian government “also has attempted to lure victims to other countries geographically closer to Iran, almost certainly for kidnapping and eventual executions,” the assessment warned.
The bulletin advised law enforcement personnel to maintain heightened awareness for suspicious activities and coordinate with federal investigators when concerns arise.
Drivers traveling on Delaware Route 24 should expect periodic lane restrictions in the area between Herbert Lane and Hollyville Road, with closures continuing through 3 AM.
The Delaware Department of Transportation reports that lanes will be intermittently closed along this stretch of roadway during overnight hours.
Motorists are advised to use caution when traveling through the area and to expect possible delays due to the lane restrictions.
The University of Maryland Eastern Shore baseball team staged a dramatic late-game rally but came up just short in a 13-9 defeat to the Georgetown Hoyas during midweek action.
The Hawks found themselves facing a substantial eight-run deficit during the contest but refused to surrender, mounting an impressive comeback effort that nearly resulted in a stunning victory.
Despite the valiant attempt to erase the large margin, UMES was unable to complete the comeback against Georgetown, falling four runs short of tying the game.
The loss serves as another chapter in the Hawks’ ongoing season as they continue their baseball campaign. The team showed resilience and fighting spirit in their attempt to overcome the significant deficit against the Hoyas.
Air passengers will soon encounter new restrictions on portable charging devices as airlines work to prevent dangerous lithium battery fires during flights.
Beginning April 20, Southwest Airlines will implement a policy allowing passengers to bring only one portable charger aboard aircraft. The devices must remain in passengers’ personal possession throughout the flight and cannot be stored in overhead compartments or checked baggage. Southwest already mandates that charging devices stay visible during use so crew members can respond immediately if overheating occurs.
Southwest’s new limitation exceeds the International Civil Aviation Organization’s recent recommendation of two chargers per traveler. However, airline officials say they won’t conduct aggressive bag searches or confiscate devices. Instead, Southwest Vice President of Safety and Security Dave Hunt explained the carrier will educate passengers about the restrictions during booking and at airports while highlighting potential hazards.
This educational approach could prove effective since many travelers remain unaware of the dangers, according to Jeff Marootian, CEO of UL Standards & Engagement, which develops safety guidelines for electronic device manufacturers.
“A huge part of the concern here is seeing that number of incidents continue to increase, correlating, of course, to the number of devices that people are bringing on planes,” he said.
Federal Aviation Administration data shows lithium battery incidents reached 97 cases in 2025, with reports climbing annually as passengers carry increasing numbers of rechargeable electronics including smartphones, tablets, laptops and power banks. Marootian noted his organization receives approximately two incident reports weekly, documenting a 42% surge in portable charger-related problems during 2025.
A catastrophic incident occurred in January 2025 when a fire erupted on an Air Busan aircraft preparing for departure at a South Korean airport. All 176 passengers and crew evacuated safely before flames burned through the aircraft’s roof.
Flight crews carry specialized fire-resistant containers and protective gloves designed to isolate overheating electronics and prevent fire spread. Hunt stated Southwest’s updated regulations will “strengthen our ability to contain and mitigate lithium battery incidents, including reducing the risk of battery fires.”
To accommodate passengers affected by the new restrictions, Southwest plans to install power outlets at every seat by mid-2026.
Former United Airlines pilot Steve Arroyo, who flew commercially for 37 years and now works as an aviation safety consultant, praised Southwest’s proactive approach. While acknowledging that fires remain rare considering approximately 100,000 daily flights worldwide, he emphasized the severe potential consequences of battery incidents.
“It can turn into something very serious very quickly,” Arroyo said.
NASHVILLE — Country music legend Ray Stevens is on the mend at his home following a serious neck injury that required a brief hospital stay, his representatives announced Tuesday.
The 87-year-old entertainer suffered the neck fracture during a fall that occurred in late December, according to an announcement posted on the social media platform X. Medical professionals have instructed Stevens to use a neck brace for roughly four weeks as part of his recovery process.
“He remains fully mobile & in good spirits,” the statement said.
Stevens has built an impressive career spanning multiple decades, creating memorable songs that blend country music with comedy and social commentary. His achievements include the Grammy Award-winning track “Everything Is Beautiful” alongside the comedic sensation “The Streak,” which became a cultural phenomenon during the mid-1970s streaking fad.
Music fans can look forward to Stevens’ newest recording project, which is scheduled for release this Friday through Curb Records.
This recent injury follows another health challenge Stevens faced earlier this year. In July, the veteran performer experienced a minor heart attack that required surgical intervention, as detailed in a social media update. The medical emergency forced the cancellation of his scheduled shows at Nashville’s CabaRay Showroom for the remainder of that month while he focused on recovery.
INDIANOLA, Iowa — Michigan Senator Elissa Slotkin engaged in a candid discussion with supporters of President Donald Trump during a Tuesday visit to Iowa, where she was campaigning for Democratic House candidates.
The senator, who is being mentioned as a possible 2028 presidential candidate, questioned five Iowa residents about political division in America and local concerns in their communities. Slotkin also inquired about their ideal candidate qualities and their reasons for choosing Trump over Vice President Kamala Harris in the recent election.
“What would have gotten you to actually consider a Democrat?” Slotkin asked as the discussion winded down.
She hadn’t told them yet she was one.
These conversations represent part of Slotkin’s broader effort to understand how Democrats might regain support in regions like Iowa, which supported President Barack Obama twice before backing Trump in the past three presidential contests.
“Frankly, sometimes the national party forgets about the middle of the country,” she told reporters, expressing her desire to be “a part of a new generation of Democrats” and push the party to be better.
“I think what works in the middle of the country can work on the coasts, but not the other way around. And I think we saw that in the last election.”
The Iowa visits also allowed the former CIA analyst to build name recognition beyond Michigan, as many voters — including those at Tuesday’s lunch — were unfamiliar with her background and positions.
After winning her Senate seat in 2024 following six years in the House, Slotkin was among six congressional Democrats with military or intelligence experience who created a video urging service members to refuse “illegal orders.” Trump labeled the lawmakers as seditious and threatened severe consequences, while the Justice Department opened an investigation into the video.
Slotkin explained Tuesday that they produced the video “for moments exactly like this,” speaking shortly before Trump temporarily suspended his threats against Iran’s “whole civilization.”
Her Iowa schedule also included a fundraising event and a county party gathering. She participated in a healthcare-focused town hall with state Senator Sarah Trone Garriott, a Democrat challenging U.S. Representative Zach Nunn in a highly competitive House race.
Slotkin delivered similar messages to both the Trump supporters and the Democratic audiences in Des Moines.
The senator expressed concern that political discourse has become so polarized that certain subjects are off-limits even in family conversations. She told both groups about hearing widespread frustration across party lines regarding healthcare costs and quality.
However, speaking alongside Trone Garriott, Slotkin articulated her own policy positions more clearly, advocating for a public health insurance option available to all ages. She offered guidance on persuading Republican neighbors to vote Democratic, arguing that Republican officials don’t support universal healthcare access.
“That is just the fundamental disagreement that we have between frankly Democrats and Republicans right now,” she said.
Iowa’s significance for Democratic presidential hopefuls has diminished since the party restructured its early primary calendar, removing Iowa from its traditional first-in-the-nation status. The state party eliminated its distinctive caucus system in 2024.
Iowa Democrats are now lobbying to reclaim an early primary position for 2028, competing with Michigan and other states for the first Midwest slot. The Democratic National Committee won’t determine the new order for several months.
“I’m not announcing anything,” Slotkin told reporters Tuesday, joking about the “cage match” between Iowa and Michigan for early primary placement.
Ed Klavins, a Trump supporter who attended the focus group, recognized Slotkin’s political aspirations.
“She’s trying to figure out what she can do differently to have a better chance of getting reelected and maybe higher office,” said Klavins, an Urbandale retiree who didn’t know Slotkin would be the featured guest and received $200 plus lunch for participating.
Klavins seeks politicians from both parties willing to challenge conventional thinking. He told Slotkin he wants candidates who avoid pandering to perceived voter preferences. He supports Trump’s approach to national security priorities, including border enforcement and addressing Iranian threats.
Despite their political differences, Klavins appreciated Slotkin’s willingness to listen, saying it “makes her a little more genuine in my eyes. I like her.”
AUSTIN, Texas — State health officials in Texas have notified Camp Mystic’s ownership that they’re examining hundreds of formal complaints stemming from last summer’s catastrophic flooding that claimed the lives of 27 girls, as regulators weigh whether to permit the all-girls facility to resume operations this summer.
The elite Texas Rangers investigative unit has also joined efforts to examine neglect allegations, the Texas Department of Safety confirmed, though officials haven’t disclosed the full extent of their involvement in the probe.
These ongoing investigations highlight the significant obstacles Camp Mystic confronts as it moves forward with reopening efforts despite fierce opposition from families who lost loved ones — 25 campers and two teenage staff members — in the July 4 disaster. Despite the tragedy, more than 850 families have registered to return to the Christian camp for girls this summer if authorities approve reopening the unaffected portions of the facility.
Since February, the Department of State Health Services has documented “hundreds of complaints regarding Camp Mystic’s operations in the summer of 2025” that cite potential violations of state regulations governing youth camping facilities. Officials requested assistance from state law enforcement in response to the volume of complaints.
The Texas Department of Public Safety confirmed that Rangers are participating in an “investigation regarding complaints of neglect” related to the flooding incident. Both agencies have declined to provide additional specifics. The camp failed to evacuate before floodwaters surged from 14 feet to 29.5 feet in just one hour during pre-dawn darkness.
Health department officials sent correspondence Tuesday notifying camp ownership of the active investigation, though the letter didn’t reference Texas Rangers participation.
Legal representatives for both the victims’ families and Camp Mystic ownership haven’t responded to requests for comment.
Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick characterized the Rangers’ participation as a “criminal investigation” and urged state officials to withhold operating permits until both this probe and a separate legislative inquiry conclude.
“I urge you to prioritize safety and do everything in your power to ensure Camp Mystic and/or their operators are not allowed to operate until the facts are in,” Patrick stated in his Tuesday correspondence to the health agency director.
Multiple families who lost children have filed lawsuits against camp operators, contending that staff failed to implement adequate safety measures as dangerous floodwaters threatened the facility. Last month, a district court judge mandated that camp owners preserve damaged structures and flooded grounds as litigation continues.
Eight-year-old Cile Steward remains missing, and DPS officials report that recovery efforts for the young camper are ongoing.
Camp co-owner Richard Eastland also perished in the disaster. The devastating flooding ultimately killed at least 136 people across several miles of the river valley, prompting widespread questions about the sequence of failures that led to such massive loss of life.
SINGAPORE – International currency markets experienced dramatic shifts Wednesday morning as the U.S. dollar plummeted to its weakest position in two weeks following President Donald Trump’s announcement of a two-week ceasefire agreement with Iran.
Major world currencies saw significant gains against the American dollar during early Asian trading sessions. The Japanese yen rose 0.6 percent, reaching 158.68 yen per dollar, while the European euro climbed 0.7 percent to $1.167. The British pound also gained 0.7 percent, trading at $1.3385.
Australia and New Zealand’s currencies posted even stronger performances, with the Australian dollar surging 1.3 percent to $0.7068 and the New Zealand dollar jumping 1.4 percent to $0.5810.
The ceasefire announcement marked a dramatic shift from Trump’s earlier threats to launch extensive strikes against Iran’s civilian infrastructure. Financial markets embraced the news with enthusiasm, transitioning to what traders call a “risk-on” environment less than two hours before Trump’s ultimatum for Tehran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz was scheduled to expire.
The U.S. Dollar Index, which tracks the greenback’s performance against six major currencies, fell 1.0 percent to 98.97 – marking its lowest point in two weeks. Digital currencies also benefited from the positive market sentiment, with bitcoin climbing 3.4 percent to $71,664.41 and ethereum soaring 5.7 percent to $2,234.78.
Financial markets experienced significant movement on Tuesday following President Donald Trump’s announcement of a temporary two-week ceasefire agreement with Iran, made just under two hours before his ultimatum deadline requiring Tehran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz or face extensive strikes on civilian infrastructure.
The ceasefire news triggered a sharp decline in oil prices while government bonds gained strength and stock markets climbed, as investors viewed the development as potentially opening doors to sustained peace and the restoration of oil and gas shipments from the Gulf region.
Financial experts and market analysts shared their perspectives on the development:
Andrew Lilley, who serves as Chief Rates Strategist at Barrenjoey in Sydney, expressed concerns about market recovery. “We still have a long way to get back to where we were before this began. The worry now is the markets are unsure of the extent to which the oil price is going to get back to $75,” Lilley stated.
He continued, “This little precipice where actually oil is flowing, no one has a shortage, but it stays at an equilibrium price of $90, that is actually where you remove the tail risk that central banks are cutting. It’s kind of the scenario that results in permanently high yields because we’re going to have damaged infrastructure and a sticky high oil price for months to come, which means that we are going to get higher inflation.”
George Boubouras, Head of Research at K2 Asset Management in Melbourne, emphasized the importance of energy supply restoration. “Restocking energy supplies is the key over the next week as the conflict can reignite very quickly. This decreases the probability of a recession particularly if more oil, gas, fertiliser can flow in the next week or so. Markets are always pragmatic and not complacent as they are looking through the conflict and valuations remain compelling on a one-year view,” Boubouras commented.
Martin Whetton, Head of Financial Markets Strategy at Westpac in Sydney, remained skeptical about lasting market changes. “This is what happens all the time. Does it mean people are going to take new risks? No, it doesn’t,” Whetton noted. “It would have to actually be a lasting peace (to change things). People aren’t actually taking risk. This is algos doing stuff.”
Brian Jacobsen, Chief Economist at Annex Wealth Management in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, offered a cautiously optimistic view. “President Trump said he agreed to a two-week ceasefire. That’s enough to keep hopes alive that not only will an entire civilization NOT be destroyed, but we could see oil start flowing through the Strait of Hormuz,” Jacobsen said.
He added, “Is it just kicking the can down the road, moving the goal posts, TACO Tuesday, or whatever metaphor we’d like, to only to have tempers flare and bombs drop again? Who knows? But it’s good enough for now to elicit a positive response from the markets.”
Syracuse University basketball standout Donnie Freeman revealed on Tuesday that he will be transferring from the program following his second year with the Orange.
In a social media announcement on Instagram, Freeman expressed gratitude for his time at the university. “Syracuse gave me a place to grow, compete and be challenged,” Freeman wrote. “They welcomed me with open arms from day one and never stopped supporting and believing me through both the highs and the tough moments. I’m thankful for everyone I’ve met during my time at Syracuse, the coaches, my teammates and the staff, for helping shape me into who I am today.”
During the 2025-26 season, Freeman led Syracuse in both scoring and rebounding, posting 16.5 points and 7.2 rebounds per contest. However, a lower-body injury sidelined him for nine games, limiting his appearances to just 23 total games with 21 starts.
Over his two-year tenure with the Orange, Freeman compiled impressive statistics across 37 games, contributing 15.3 points, 7.5 rebounds and 1.4 assists per game while shooting a solid 55.9% on two-point attempts.
The departure comes as Syracuse undergoes significant changes, with Gerry McNamara taking over as head coach after Adrian Autry’s recent firing. Freeman joins five other players who have entered the transfer portal, including starting guard Naithan George and reserve player Tyler Betsey.
WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump’s warning that he would obliterate Iran unless the nation met his conditions has triggered widespread condemnation internationally and created anxiety among some Republican supporters, while White House officials maintain the harsh language represents a strategic bargaining approach to pressure Tehran into submission.
“A whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back again. I don’t want that to happen, but it probably will,” Trump posted on social media early Tuesday morning, before his 8 p.m. Eastern Time ultimatum for Iran to reach an agreement with the United States.
At 6:32 p.m. Eastern Time, the president announced he had reached a two-week ceasefire agreement with Iran.
However, Trump’s warning had already generated severe criticism worldwide. Congressional Democrats labeled the president “completely unhinged,” while Iran’s United Nations representative described Trump’s threat as “deeply irresponsible” and “profoundly alarming.” Pope Leo declared that threats targeting Iran’s population are “unacceptable.”
Several Republicans, including former Representative and previous Trump supporter Marjorie Taylor Greene, publicly voiced their concerns, although many others supported his strategy.
“It’s about time we had a President willing to defend Americans,” the Senate Republican Conference posted on social media.
Two White House officials, speaking anonymously about internal discussions, indicated that Trump’s inflammatory language was viewed primarily as a negotiation strategy rather than a genuine plan to destroy Iran or deploy nuclear weapons.
“He’s creating leverage through unpredictability,” one official explained. “He wants Tehran to blink.”
The official revealed that multiple White House staff members helped develop Tuesday morning’s social media message, though the civilization-ending language originated from Trump personally.
Trump has insisted that Iran must reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a vital international shipping corridor that Iran blocked following U.S.-Israeli military actions, and cease supporting militant groups across the Middle East. Without Iranian cooperation, Trump has threatened that American forces would target Iran’s infrastructure including bridges and power facilities.
A second White House official acknowledged some internal concern regarding the high-pressure deadline. Both officials indicated the president might actually follow through on threats against Iranian bridges and power plants, which international law experts and world leaders have criticized as potentially illegal attacks on primarily civilian infrastructure.
“As President Trump has said, Iran can never have a nuclear weapon, and the Iranian people welcome the sound of bombs because it means their oppressors are losing,” White House spokesperson Anna Kelly stated. “Greater destruction can be avoided if the regime understands the seriousness of this moment and makes a deal with the United States.”
In his Tuesday evening announcement, Trump specified that the ceasefire agreement depends on Iran’s commitment to suspend its oil and gas supply blockade through the strait.
Senate Democratic leadership issued a Tuesday statement calling it “unconscionable” for the president to threaten Iranian civilization’s end, arguing such threats “makes Americans less safe, further destabilizes our nation and economy, and puts at greater risk U.S. service members.”
Trump originally characterized the conflict as a “short-term excursion” designed to quickly address American concerns, emphasizing preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons as a primary objective. Recently, he has alternated between claiming the war is “ahead of schedule” and “we won” while simultaneously promising he will continue until Iran faces “decisive defeat.”
His rhetoric has become progressively more hostile, reflecting what aides described as his intention to conclude the unpopular conflict and reopen the Strait of Hormuz during a period of increasing fuel costs, economic uncertainty, and questions about Republican congressional control in November elections.
Another White House insider reported “substantial support” within the administration for the president’s messaging approach.
“Staffers are definitely cheering him on,” the source said.
Trump’s civilization threat has generated resistance from within his own party.
Senator Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, a regular Trump critic despite her Republican affiliation, posted on social media that Trump and Iran “must de-escalate their unprecedented saber-rattling before it is too late.”
Some prominent media figures influential with the president’s supporters, including conservative commentator Tucker Carlson, have criticized Trump’s rhetoric.
Carlson on Monday described the president’s Iran statements, including a profanity-laden Easter threat, as “vile” on “every level.”
Greene, a Georgia Republican who previously ranked among Trump’s strongest advocates, suggested potentially using the 25th Amendment to the Constitution. This amendment permits the vice president and cabinet members to attempt declaring a president incapable of fulfilling official duties.
This constitutional provision has never been implemented and would require congressional majorities, an improbable outcome with Republicans controlling both chambers.
“Not a single bomb has dropped on America. We cannot kill an entire civilization,” Greene posted on social media, adding, “This is evil and madness.”
Motorists traveling southbound on US Route 13 should expect periodic lane restrictions as construction crews continue their work along a busy corridor.
The Delaware Department of Transportation reports that intermittent lane closures are affecting southbound traffic between Brickyard Road and Chipman Lane. These temporary restrictions are part of ongoing construction activities in the area.
The lane closures are expected to remain in effect until 5:00 AM, according to DelDOT officials. Drivers are advised to plan for potential delays and consider alternate routes if possible during the affected hours.
Seven student-athletes from Goldey-Beacom College’s basketball programs have earned recognition on the Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference All-Academic Team, showcasing the institution’s ongoing commitment to academic excellence.
The honor reflects the strong performance these players have maintained in their studies while competing at the collegiate level. The Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference annually recognizes student-athletes who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement alongside their athletic participation.
This recognition underscores Goldey-Beacom’s emphasis on balancing athletic competition with scholarly pursuits, as their basketball programs continue to produce students who excel both on the court and in the classroom.
An artificial intelligence startup has unveiled a new cybersecurity collaboration with some of the world’s largest technology companies on Tuesday, according to a company announcement.
Anthropic revealed its “Project Glasswing” initiative, which grants selected organizations early access to test an unreleased AI system called “Claude Mythos Preview” specifically designed for cybersecurity defense purposes. The partnership includes tech giants Amazon, Microsoft, Apple, Google, and Nvidia, along with cybersecurity specialists CrowdStrike and Palo Alto Networks.
The launch comes after reports last month indicated Anthropic had been testing Claude Mythos, which reportedly demonstrated both significant security risks and advanced defensive capabilities. Those reports had caused stock prices for cybersecurity companies like Palo Alto Networks and CrowdStrike to drop substantially.
Recent discussions at this year’s RSA cybersecurity conference in San Francisco centered heavily on the growing threat of artificial intelligence-powered cyber attacks and questions about whether traditional security measures remain adequate.
According to Anthropic’s Tuesday blog post, the Mythos Preview system has already identified “thousands” of significant security flaws across operating systems, web browsers, and various software applications.
The company stated that participating organizations will integrate Mythos Preview into their defensive security operations, while Anthropic plans to distribute the findings throughout the cybersecurity industry.
Beyond the initial partners, Anthropic announced it will expand access to approximately 40 additional organizations that manage essential software infrastructure. The company has committed up to $100 million in usage credits and $4 million in donations to open-source security organizations.
The AI company expressed its ultimate objective as enabling “our users to safely deploy Mythos-class models at scale.”
Anthropic confirmed it has maintained ongoing communications with the U.S. government regarding the model’s capabilities.
The initiative follows previous security incidents, including last year’s attack where hackers exploited weaknesses in Anthropic’s Claude AI system to target approximately 30 organizations worldwide. Additionally, a recent study conducted by IBM and Palo Alto Networks found that 67% of 1,000 surveyed executives reported experiencing AI-based attacks in the past year.
AUGUSTA, Georgia – English professional golfer Tommy Fleetwood discovered renewed appreciation for Augusta National’s majesty after bringing his two teenage sons to the legendary course before this year’s Masters tournament.
Speaking to media Tuesday, Fleetwood described how witnessing 19-year-old Oscar and 17-year-old Mo experience the famous venue provided him with a powerful reminder of the course’s significance.
“I don’t want to say you forget, because I’m always aware of how special Augusta National is and what a privilege it is just to be playing here,” Fleetwood explained.
“But watching the two boys, a 19 and a 17-year-old, be pretty emotional on the first tee, watching that firsthand gives you a bit of perspective of just how special it is and how much I appreciate it. That was very cool and memories that we’ll always have,” he added.
The world’s fourth-ranked player revealed that becoming a father has fundamentally altered his approach to professional golf and personal ambitions. His children now serve as his primary driving force, inspiring him to exemplify excellence through actions rather than words.
Fleetwood explained that he visualizes future accomplishments not as hardware to collect, but as meaningful moments to share with his loved ones. According to him, victories gain their true significance when celebrated alongside family members.
The veteran golfer also noted that parenting offers valuable relief from the intense demands of tournament competition. Even golf-related activities with his children feel completely different from professional obligations.
“Being a parent is the best thing in the world. It just is,” Fleetwood stated. “And they all love the game.”
During their Augusta visit, Fleetwood observed his sons navigating the course’s notorious challenges, including well-struck shots that found trouble and difficult putting situations. These moments reinforced how crucial course knowledge becomes at Augusta National.
Fleetwood enters his tenth Masters appearance seeking his first major championship victory, with his previous best finish being a third-place tie in 2024. He will tee off Thursday alongside Patrick Reed and Akshay Bhatia for the opening round.
A Freeze Warning is in effect for portions of northern Delaware and central New Jersey from midnight tonight through 9 AM Wednesday morning, with temperatures expected to plummet between 25 and 30 degrees.
The National Weather Service Mount Holly issued the warning this afternoon, cautioning that frost and freeze conditions could kill crops, sensitive vegetation, and potentially damage unprotected outdoor plumbing.
Areas under the warning include New Castle County in Delaware, plus Salem, Gloucester, Camden, Cumberland, Atlantic, Cape May, and Ocean counties in New Jersey, along with portions of Burlington, Mercer, Middlesex, and Monmouth counties.
Residents should take immediate action to protect tender plants by covering them or bringing potted plants indoors. Don’t forget to disconnect and drain outdoor hoses, and consider wrapping exposed pipes.
Looking ahead, another round of freezing temperatures is possible Wednesday night into Thursday morning, prompting forecasters to issue a Freeze Watch for the same areas.
This unseasonably cold snap serves as a reminder that spring weather can be unpredictable. The Freeze Warning expires at 9 AM Wednesday, but residents should continue monitoring forecasts as conditions may warrant extending protective measures through the week.
Motorists traveling on southbound Interstate 95 should expect delays as the Delaware Department of Transportation has temporarily shut down the two right lanes in a key section of the highway.
The lane closures affect the stretch of I-95 South beginning at the Welcome Center and extending to the Easy Pass lanes. Traffic is being redirected to the remaining left lanes during the closure period.
DelDOT officials indicate the lanes will reopen at 6 a.m. Drivers are advised to allow extra travel time and exercise caution when passing through the work zone area.
Motorists traveling along Delaware Route 30 should expect traffic delays this evening due to ongoing lane restrictions in the area.
The Delaware Department of Transportation reports that intermittent lane closures are affecting the stretch of DE-30 located between Matthews Street and Dock Farm Road. These traffic disruptions are expected to remain in place until 9:00 PM today.
Drivers are advised to plan for additional travel time and consider alternate routes if possible while the lane restrictions are active.
Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza plans to skip the official NFL draft ceremony in Pittsburgh, choosing instead to celebrate with loved ones in Miami when his name is called, according to a source familiar with the quarterback’s intentions.
The source shared this information with The Associated Press Tuesday while requesting anonymity since Mendoza has not publicly announced his draft day plans.
While the NFL draft begins April 23 in Pittsburgh, where most elite prospects gather to shake hands with Commissioner Roger Goodell on stage, some top selections opt to celebrate elsewhere. Recent first overall picks Trevor Lawrence in 2021 and defensive end Travon Walker in 2022 also chose to watch the proceedings remotely.
Mendoza, who guided Indiana to a national championship after claiming college football’s most prestigious individual award, is widely anticipated to be the Raiders’ first selection. Las Vegas leadership has indicated they plan to gradually integrate the young quarterback into their starting rotation rather than rushing him onto the field immediately.
The Raiders’ recent signing of veteran signal-caller Kirk Cousins supports this approach, with Cousins likely taking the reins while Mendoza develops. Cousins has already arrived in Las Vegas to participate in the team’s offseason training program.
DAKAR, Senegal — A humanitarian worker who spent almost two years imprisoned in Central African Republic has been released, according to his family members who spoke with The Associated Press on Tuesday.
Joseph Figueira Martin’s brother confirmed the news, stating that “the rumor is real and he should land in Lisbon in a couple of hours.”
Martin, who holds citizenship in both Belgium and Portugal, worked as a consultant for FHI 360, an American humanitarian organization. Central African Republic’s prosecutor’s office said he was taken into custody in May 2024 on charges including espionage, communicating with rebel forces to organize a government overthrow, and threatening state security.
Authorities apprehended him in Zemio, a southeastern community that has experienced more than ten years of violence between ethnic armed groups and anti-government insurgents.
Martin was incarcerated at a military facility and had previously refused food to protest his imprisonment conditions.
Government officials have not yet verified his release or provided updates regarding his legal proceedings.
Although foreign humanitarian workers are seldom arrested in Central African Republic, the nation is increasing oversight of relief organizations working in regions where government forces battle armed factions. After Martin’s detention, officials cautioned international NGO personnel against engaging in activities that might compromise state security or risk facing legal action.
The Central African Republic has experienced ongoing warfare since 2013, when rebel forces dominated by Muslims captured control and ousted former president François Bozizé. Christian militia groups retaliated with violence. Although a 2019 peace agreement reduced hostilities, six out of 14 armed organizations that initially agreed to the deal eventually withdrew their support.
The Wagner Group, a Russian mercenary organization, maintains operations in Central African Republic to counter armed rebel movements and support President Faustin-Archange Touadera, who has governed the country since 2016.
PAULS VALLEY, Okla. — The principal of a high school in Oklahoma is recovering after being wounded in a shooting that occurred Tuesday in the school’s entrance area, law enforcement officials reported.
Kirk Moore, who serves as principal at Pauls Valley High School, sustained injuries during the incident and is currently listed in stable condition, according to the Garvin County Sheriff’s Office.
Authorities confirmed that no students were harmed during the shooting, and law enforcement successfully apprehended the suspected gunman. The sheriff’s department announced on social media that the situation has been resolved.
“There is no ongoing threat at this time,” the sheriff’s statement said.
Attempts to reach both the Garvin County Sheriff’s Office and Pauls Valley High School for additional comment on Thursday were unsuccessful, as phone calls and emails went unanswered.
The incident took place in Pauls Valley, a town with approximately 6,000 residents located roughly 60 miles south of Oklahoma City.
NEWARK, Del. – Two University of Delaware tennis stars etched their names in the record books Tuesday afternoon, establishing a new benchmark for doubles excellence in Blue Hens history.
Student-athletes Maryia Hrynashka and Paulina Jurkowska secured their place in program lore by capturing their 44th career victory as a doubles team, surpassing the previous University of Delaware record. The milestone achievement came during Delaware’s commanding 7-0 shutout victory against Monmouth University.
The historic win represents the culmination of a successful partnership between Hrynashka and Jurkowska, who have consistently dominated on the doubles court throughout their collegiate careers. Their record-breaking performance helped propel the Fightin’ Blue Hens to a comprehensive sweep of their opponents.
The achievement highlights the strength of Delaware’s women’s tennis program and showcases the exceptional talent of these two student-athletes who have now secured their legacy in Blue Hens athletics history.
The Goldey-Beacom Lightning softball team showed resilience on Monday, bouncing back from a disappointing first game to secure a doubleheader split against conference rival Holy Family.
The Lightning dropped the opening contest by a score of 7-4 but quickly regrouped for the second game of the day. In a complete turnaround, Goldey-Beacom’s pitching staff held Holy Family scoreless while the offense managed to plate two runs for a 2-0 victory.
The split keeps the Lightning competitive in CACC conference play as they continue their season. The team’s ability to rebound after the first-game setback demonstrates the mental toughness that will be crucial as conference competition intensifies.
In a dramatic shift from his previous stance, President Trump has declared a 14-day suspension of military action against Iran, with the condition that Iranian forces must reopen the Strait of Hormuz. This announcement comes after the President had posted threatening language on social media, stating that “a whole civilization will die tonight.”
The temporary halt in hostilities represents a significant change in tone from the administration’s earlier aggressive posturing toward the Middle Eastern nation. The ceasefire’s continuation will depend entirely on Iran’s compliance with demands to allow passage through the strategically important waterway.
Oil markets experienced a sharp decline in early Wednesday trading as crude prices tumbled following President Donald Trump’s announcement of a ceasefire agreement with Iran.
West Texas Intermediate crude for May delivery dropped $12.04 per barrel, representing a 10.66% decline, bringing prices down to $100.90 per barrel as of 2251 GMT.
Trump’s ceasefire declaration was made just ahead of his established deadline for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway through which approximately 20% of global oil shipments pass.
Financial markets experienced dramatic shifts Wednesday following President Donald Trump’s announcement of a temporary halt to military operations in the Middle East, raising hopes for sustained peace and the potential restart of energy exports from the Gulf region.
Trump announced his decision to halt bombing campaigns and military strikes against Iran for a two-week period, stating that negotiations for a comprehensive peace deal are currently underway.
The market response was immediate and substantial. American crude oil prices dropped approximately 9% to reach $103 per barrel, while S&P 500 futures climbed 1.6%. The dollar weakened against multiple currencies.
Asian stock market futures indicated widespread gains ahead of trading sessions, as these markets have faced significant pressure from ongoing conflicts and rising energy costs. Ten-year U.S. Treasury futures jumped roughly 15 ticks in response to the news.
Currency markets also reflected the shift toward reduced risk, with the Australian dollar climbing more than 0.8% to surpass 70 U.S. cents, while the euro gained 0.4% to reach $1.1647. Digital currencies also posted increases during the session.
PERTH, April 8 – American crude oil prices experienced a sharp decline during early Wednesday morning trading, dropping just hours before President Donald Trump’s ultimatum for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz was set to expire.
West Texas Intermediate crude scheduled for May delivery decreased by $4.45 per barrel, representing a 3.94% drop that brought prices down to $108.50 per barrel at 2216 GMT.
Delaware State University has opened the nomination process for its 2026 Athletics Hall of Fame induction class, welcoming submissions from the community to honor those who have made significant contributions to Hornet athletics.
Former student-athletes who completed their studies or used up their athletic eligibility prior to 2021 are eligible for consideration, provided they competed for at least two seasons in one or more sports at the university. The nomination process also extends to former coaching staff, administrative personnel, and individuals who have provided substantial support to Delaware State’s athletic programs.
Those interested in submitting nominations have until Friday, May 22, 2026, to complete the process and ensure their candidates are considered for this prestigious recognition.
Weather officials have issued a freeze warning that will remain in effect from Sunday afternoon at 2:18 PM through Monday morning at 9:00 AM, according to the National Weather Service office in Mount Holly, New Jersey.
The warning alerts residents and farmers to prepare for subfreezing temperatures that could damage sensitive plants, crops, and outdoor vegetation during the overnight hours.
Those with gardens or temperature-sensitive plants are advised to take protective measures before the cold temperatures arrive Sunday evening.
Weather officials have issued a freeze warning for the region, alerting residents to prepare for potentially damaging overnight temperatures.
The National Weather Service office in Mount Holly, New Jersey announced the freeze warning on Sunday, April 7th at 2:18 PM Eastern Daylight Time. The warning remains in effect until 9:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time on Monday, April 8th.
During this period, temperatures are expected to drop to freezing levels, which could harm sensitive vegetation and outdoor plants. Residents are advised to take precautions to protect tender plants and outdoor plumbing from potential freeze damage.
The weather service typically issues these warnings when sub-freezing temperatures are forecast during the growing season, when such conditions could cause significant damage to plants, crops, and other temperature-sensitive materials.
Delaware transportation officials are alerting drivers about upcoming overnight construction work that will impact traffic flow on a busy New Castle County roadway.
Starting Sunday, April 19th, the Delaware Department of Transportation will begin restricting lanes on Kirkwood Highway for essential drainage pipe repairs. The construction zone stretches from Old Capitol Trail to Ferrand Drive.
Work crews will be active during nighttime hours from 8 PM until 5 AM each evening, with the project scheduled to wrap up by Friday, April 24th.
Transportation officials are advising drivers to exercise extra caution when traveling through the work zone and to plan for possible minor traffic delays during the construction period.
The nationally-ranked Salisbury University Sea Gulls baseball squad completed a clean sweep of their season matchups against Arcadia University, claiming an 8-1 victory on Tuesday at Skip Wilson Field in Ambler, Pennsylvania.
Ranked 12th in the nation, the Sea Gulls dominated the Knights behind another exceptional pitching performance from rising star Aidan Brinsfield, who continues to establish himself as the team’s premier starter.
The decisive win marks the second victory over Arcadia this season, giving Salisbury University a perfect 2-0 record against the Knights in their head-to-head series.
Brinsfield’s strong outing on the mound helped the Sea Gulls control the game from start to finish, limiting Arcadia to just one run while his teammates provided plenty of offensive support with eight runs scored.
The victory continues Salisbury’s strong season as they maintain their position among the top-ranked college baseball programs in the country.
Motorists traveling on US Route 113 should expect periodic traffic delays as construction crews continue work along a stretch of the highway.
The Delaware Department of Transportation reports that both northbound and southbound lanes will experience intermittent closures between Oak Avenue and Avenue of Honor as part of ongoing construction activities.
These temporary lane restrictions are scheduled to remain in effect until 6:00 AM, according to DelDOT’s traffic incident reporting system.
Drivers are advised to plan for potential delays and consider alternate routes if possible during the affected timeframe.
Federal Reserve Vice Chair Philip Jefferson expressed concerns Tuesday about dual economic pressures threatening both employment stability and price increases across the nation.
Speaking at the University of Detroit Mercy, Jefferson outlined his cautious economic perspective amid ongoing global uncertainties.
“In the current environment, I confront an outlook in which there is downside risk to the labor market and upside risk to inflation,” Jefferson stated in his prepared remarks. “I remain cautious about my outlook…. I continue, however, to see our current policy stance as appropriately positioned to allow us to assess how the economy evolves.”
Jefferson emphasized that current short-term interest rate levels provide the Federal Reserve flexibility to address unpredictable impacts from Middle Eastern conflicts and fluctuating energy costs on the central bank’s dual goals of maintaining stable prices and full employment.
Federal Reserve officials maintained their benchmark interest rate between 3.50% and 3.75% last month, indicating they want to observe additional inflation improvements before implementing rate reductions.
The Fed vice chair characterized the employment situation as generally balanced but susceptible to negative disruptions, noting that companies are already hesitant about new hiring decisions.
Jefferson warned that a significant economic setback could reduce job creation and increase unemployment beyond the current 4.3% rate.
Regarding inflation concerns, Jefferson acknowledged that price increases continue exceeding the Federal Reserve’s 2% objective. While he previously anticipated inflation would moderate later this year as previous tariff impacts diminished, he now projects short-term price increases due to oil market disruptions.
Jefferson expressed confidence that existing monetary policy will continue supporting employment while enabling inflation to resume its downward trajectory.
Despite acknowledging that sustained higher energy costs could burden consumer and business expenditures while simultaneously pressuring inflation forecasts upward, Jefferson remained optimistic about policy effectiveness.
“I am confident that our current policy stance is well-positioned to respond to a range of outcomes,” he concluded.
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Cade Horton’s 2026 season has come to an abrupt end after medical imaging revealed damage to the ulnar collateral ligament in his throwing arm, team manager Craig Counsell announced Tuesday.
“Cade is gonna have surgery,” Counsell told reporters prior to Chicago’s matchup with Tampa Bay at Tropicana Field. “He’s gonna miss the rest of the year.”
Medical professionals have yet to decide whether Horton will require complete Tommy John reconstruction or a less invasive internal brace procedure. The 24-year-old visited respected elbow surgeon Dr. Keith Meister in Arlington, Texas, on Tuesday for consultation. Officials have not scheduled the operation.
The diagnosis validates concerns that arose when Horton departed the mound during Chicago’s April 3 contest in Cleveland after throwing only 17 pitches. His fastball velocity declined from 96 mph in the opening frame to 93.8 mph on his final delivery before signaling to the dugout.
This represents Horton’s second major elbow procedure, having undergone Tommy John surgery during his freshman year at Oklahoma in 2021. Selected seventh overall in the 2022 amateur draft, the right-hander emerged as a key contributor last season, compiling an 11-4 record with a 2.67 earned run average across 118 innings pitched. His outstanding rookie campaign earned him second place in National League Rookie of the Year balloting. Just one week before his injury, Horton limited Washington to two earned runs over 6 1/3 innings in his 2026 season opener.
The setback creates additional challenges for Chicago, which is already operating without top starter Justin Steele, who remains sidelined following his own UCL procedure and isn’t anticipated to return until late May at the earliest. With Matthew Boyd also unavailable due to injury, the Cubs will rely heavily on Colin Rea and Javier Assad to anchor their starting rotation. Rea demonstrated his capability in a similar expanded role last season, recording a 3.95 ERA over 27 starts after Steele’s injury.
“Colin’s going to be asked to pitch more innings out of the bullpen, and then somebody’s going to take Colin’s bullpen innings,” Counsell explained. “That’s how it’s going to be addressed on paper. But it’s not all on Colin. … We all have to just do our part.”
A federal court in Louisiana has temporarily declined to halt the nationwide mail distribution of mifepristone, an abortion medication, dealing a short-term blow to state officials attempting to prevent these pills from reaching areas where abortion procedures are prohibited.
U.S. District Judge David Joseph, based in Lafayette, Louisiana, rejected a request from Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill on Tuesday to suspend Food and Drug Administration policies permitting mail delivery of the medication while legal challenges to the 2023 regulations proceed through the court system.
The judge agreed to temporarily suspend proceedings in the case, though he cautioned that this delay would not continue indefinitely and indicated he might rule in Louisiana’s favor at a later date.
In a public statement, Murrill announced plans to appeal the federal regulations to a higher court, emphasizing that the judge “concluded that Louisiana suffers irreparable harm every day” under current policies.
Judge Joseph, appointed by former President Donald Trump, indicated in his written decision that he would monitor an ongoing FDA evaluation of the medication. He directed the agency to provide updates on their investigation’s progress within six months.
“Should the agency fail to complete its review and make any necessary revisions” to current policies “within a reasonable time frame, the Court’s analysis – and the weight accorded to these factors – will inevitably change,” Joseph stated in his ruling.
The judge also noted his belief that the challengers are “likely to succeed on the merits” of their case.
Murrill argues that mail-delivered prescriptions weaken Louisiana’s abortion prohibition, as the state is among 13 that have banned the procedure throughout pregnancy. Similar legal challenges have been filed by Republican officials in other jurisdictions.
Abortion rights organizations emphasized that Tuesday’s decision is not final.
“From the courts to the Trump administration to state legislatures across the country, mifepristone and abortion access are very much still under attack,” stated Alexis McGill Johnson, President and CEO of Planned Parenthood Federation of America.
Mifepristone, typically used alongside misoprostol, has become central to abortion access litigation following the Supreme Court’s 2022 decision overturning Roe v. Wade, which enabled states to prohibit abortion procedures.
In 2024, the Supreme Court declined to block mail delivery of mifepristone prescriptions. That particular case differed because anti-abortion physicians brought it, and the court determined they lacked proper legal standing to challenge the regulations.
As conservative states have implemented abortion bans or restrictions, liberal states have enacted protections for access. Eight states now have legislation shielding healthcare providers who prescribe abortion medications through telehealth services and mail them to states with prohibitions.
Research indicates that by late 2024, approximately 25% of abortions were obtained through telehealth services—representing a five-fold increase over two years. Additional research showed that in 2025, women in states with abortion bans were more likely to obtain procedures through telehealth pill delivery than by traveling to other states.
Murrill is pursuing criminal charges against two physicians—one in California and one in New York—accused of mailing pills to Louisiana patients. Neither state has agreed to extradite the doctors to face these charges.
The lawsuit also includes a Louisiana woman who claims her boyfriend forced her to take mifepristone obtained from a California physician.
Coercion arguments, especially regarding abusive partners controlling reproductive decisions, became a significant element of the plaintiffs’ legal strategy. They contend that eliminating in-person requirements for abortion medication will increase intimate partner violence. However, some domestic violence advocates countered that telehealth services can provide crucial support for abuse survivors.
Anti-abortion organizations criticized the Trump administration last year when it authorized an additional generic version of mifepristone.
A Hawaii judge previously ruled that the FDA illegally imposed restrictions on mifepristone, which is also prescribed for miscarriage treatment.
BOLIVIA, N.C. — A Brunswick County judge ruled Tuesday that a former Marine accused of fatally shooting three people at a waterfront establishment must receive mental health treatment before his murder trial can move forward.
Nigel Max Edge, 41, was determined by multiple psychiatric experts to be unable to comprehend legal proceedings sufficiently to work with his defense team on the first-degree murder charges he faces.
The court session had been planned for District Attorney Jon David to announce whether prosecutors would pursue capital punishment in the case. However, David explained in a statement that this decision was postponed due to concerns about Edge’s mental fitness for trial.
“The defense has presented evaluations from two experts, and this office requested an independent evaluation by a state forensic examiner,” David stated. “All three evaluations conclude that Mr. Edge currently lacks the capacity to proceed to trial.”
Superior Court Judge Jason Disbrow directed that Edge be sent to Cherry Hospital, a state mental health facility located in Goldsboro, according to David’s announcement.
The prosecutor noted that the state’s psychiatric evaluator determined Edge “may be restored to capacity through appropriate treatment, including medication and counseling.” Attempts to reach Edge’s public defender, Matthew Geoffrion, were unsuccessful.
Law enforcement officials say Edge used a small boat to approach a dockside bar in Southport on September 27 last year, where he allegedly fired a short-barreled semiautomatic weapon. The attack resulted in three deaths and wounded multiple other victims.
The defendant, who faces several additional criminal charges, sustained four gunshot wounds during his military service with an elite sniper team in Iraq, including one to his head. According to relatives and acquaintances, he has received a diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder and continues to have a bullet fragment in his brain.
Tuesday’s court order effectively “suspends further litigation unless and until the defendant’s capacity is restored,” David explained, while noting that prosecutors could still pursue the death penalty “should the facts and law warrant this designation.”
Edge will be held in custody throughout his treatment period, which David described as lasting for an “indeterminate” duration.
Four astronauts aboard NASA’s Artemis II spacecraft made history Monday as they ventured farther from Earth than any human crew in decades, completing a dramatic lunar flyby that signals the space agency’s return to moon exploration. The crew of three American astronauts and one Canadian team member experienced a total solar eclipse during their journey and became the first people to witness the moon’s mysterious far side with the naked eye before beginning their journey back to Earth.
The mission has produced a collection of breathtaking photographs showcasing spectacular views of both the moon and Earth from deep space, offering the public a rare glimpse of what the astronauts observed during this historic voyage.
WASHINGTON — The commander-in-chief who once pursued a Nobel Peace Prize and celebrated diplomatic breakthroughs has escalated to threatening total destruction as he grapples with finding an end to his chosen conflict with Iran.
On Tuesday, President Donald Trump delivered his most extreme warning yet in the Iranian standoff, declaring “A whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back again,” should Iran refuse to negotiate a deal that includes reopening the crucial Strait of Hormuz.
The GOP leader’s remarks drew immediate backlash from Democratic lawmakers, former MAGA allies who have distanced themselves from Trump, and the current American pontiff. Several Republican colleagues characterized his statements as negotiation strategy.
These latest comments build on recent days of escalating rhetoric where he promised to blast Iran “into oblivion” and “back to the Stone Ages!!!” He has vowed to target bridges and civilian electrical facilities, actions that military law specialists warn could qualify as war crimes. On Easter Sunday, he posted on social media: “Open the F——-in’ Strait, you crazy bastards, or you’ll be living in Hell.”
Trump’s escalating promises of massive and apparently random devastation mark a dramatic shift from his January message to Iranian citizens that “HELP IS ON ITS WAY” following violent suppression of demonstrations. These statements directly contradict the diplomatic persona he cultivated over the past year while pursuing Nobel recognition.
Most critically, his words raise concerns about whether the president is contemplating actions that might constitute war crimes, considering nuclear options, or simply engaging in empty posturing.
“The Iranian regime has until 8PM Eastern Time to meet the moment and make a deal with the United States. Only the President knows where things stand and what he will do,” White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt stated.
Addressing the backlash to Trump’s remarks, White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly responded: “As President Trump has said, Iran can never have a nuclear weapon, and the Iranian people welcome the sound of bombs because it means their oppressors are losing. The President will always stand with innocent civilians while annihilating the terrorists responsible for threatening our country and the entire world with a nuclear weapon. Greater destruction can be avoided if the regime understands the seriousness of this moment and makes a deal with the United States.”
The president’s remarkable ultimatum comes as tensions with Iran have reached a breaking point. Iran has dismissed the latest American ceasefire offer, while the Middle Eastern nation’s leader announced that 14 million citizens, including himself, have enlisted to fight. International voices are calling for de-escalation as diplomatic sources confirm ongoing negotiations.
Military law authorities note that Trump’s promises to destroy bridges and power facilities could constitute war crimes, depending on whether these installations serve legitimate military purposes, if attacks would be proportionate to Iranian actions, and whether civilian harm would be minimized.
While Trump has pushed back previous deadlines during the 5½-week conflict, he maintains Tuesday evening’s ultimatum is non-negotiable. Monday saw him justify his crude language as emphasis, while dismissing concerns about potential war crimes as unfounded.
Indiana Republican Senator Todd Young, a Marine veteran, believes Trump is “clearly trying to accomplish” ending “this whole effort” as “the best way to preserve lives and property and reduce suffering.”
“The president clearly, to me, wants to increase the amount of leverage he has immediately so that we can bring this conflict to a close and avoid further bloodshed or suffering from the Iranians, from the Americans or from any other people.”
Wisconsin Republican Senator Ron Johnson, typically a strong Trump supporter, expressed hope Monday that the president’s infrastructure threats were mere posturing.
“I am hoping and praying that President Trump is, this really is bluster. I do not want to see us start blowing up civilian infrastructure. I do not want to see that,” Johnson said during a podcast appearance. “We are not at war with the Iranian people. We are trying to liberate them.”
House Democratic leadership issued a joint statement condemning Trump’s “statement threatening to eradicate an entire civilization” as something that “shocks the conscience.” Senate Democrats called it “a betrayal of the values this nation was founded on, and a moral failure.”
Pope Leo XIV declared that any attacks on civilian infrastructure violate international law and labeled the president’s remarks “truly unacceptable.”
Former Georgia GOP Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, previously a devoted MAGA supporter turned critic, proposed invoking the 25th Amendment to remove a president deemed unfit by the vice president and Cabinet majority.
“Not a single bomb has dropped on America. We cannot kill an entire civilization. This is evil and madness,” she posted on X.
Alaska Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski, who frequently opposes the president, called Trump’s newest threat “an affront to the ideals our nation has sought to uphold and promote around the world for nearly 250 years.”
Penn State University political science professor Roseanne McManus, whose work examines international security and how nations communicate intentions during conflicts, noted that presidential force threats traditionally included restraint and nuance.
However, Trump has abandoned these conventions since his initial presidency, she explained. This was most evident when he warned North Korea in 2017 of “fire and fury like the world has never seen” for continued U.S. threats, sparking nuclear escalation fears. He later claimed he and Kim Jong Un “fell in love,” ending most hostile rhetoric.
Since his White House return last year, his threats and actions have grown more inflammatory.
Last summer, he partnered with Israel in bombing Iran’s nuclear facilities before a self-imposed deadline expired. Earlier this year, he executed a bold operation capturing Venezuela’s dictator Nicolás Maduro for U.S. prosecution.
He has also proposed military action to seize Greenland and expressed confidence he’ll soon have “the honor of taking Cuba,” though these threats remain unfulfilled.
McManus noted that Trump views his unpredictability as advantageous, apparently embracing the “Madman Theory” associated with former President Nixon, designed to discourage enemies by convincing them of his willingness to take extreme measures.
His recent year of actions, combined with increasingly dramatic Iranian threats, suggest “he’s been leaning into the strategy to a greater extent in his second term.”
“I think the fact that Trump is willing to shatter these norms with his rhetoric could suggest that he is not restrained by the same sorts of things that would restrain a normal leader,” she concluded.
NEW ORLEANS — A young woman married to an active-duty U.S. Army staff sergeant walked free Tuesday after spending almost a week in federal immigration custody, following her arrest at a Louisiana military installation.
Annie Ramos, 22, who was born in Honduras but has lived in America since she was a toddler, had been held at an immigration detention center. Her detention sparked criticism of the current administration’s deportation policies, with opponents arguing such actions hurt military morale during wartime.
Both the Department of Homeland Security and Ramos’ mother-in-law, Jen Rickling, verified her release to news outlets. The New York Times was first to report the development.
Immigration officers arrested Ramos while she was trying to complete registration procedures at her husband’s military base to access spousal benefits and begin the process of obtaining permanent residency. She wed Staff Sgt. Matthew Blank this past March. Federal officials said a 2005 immigration court order called for her removal after her family missed a required court appearance.
Both Ramos and her spouse maintain they have been working to secure her legal immigration status, including submitting a DACA application in 2020 that has remained in limbo due to ongoing legal challenges to the program.
“All I have ever wanted is to live with dignity in the country I have called home since I was a baby,” Ramos said in a statement following her release. “I want to finish my degree, continue my education, and serve my community — just as my husband serves our country with honor.”
Arizona Democratic Senator Mark Kelly’s office confirmed the senator contacted DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin about Ramos’ situation. Staff Sgt. Blank has relatives in Arizona.
“I’m happy Annie is back with her husband and family where she belongs,” Kelly stated. “They never should have gone through this painful process, but far too many families like theirs are because of this administration.”
DHS officials told reporters that Ramos was freed under electronic monitoring conditions as her deportation case moves forward through the courts.
“She will receive full due process,” the department stated.
The current administration has eliminated previous policies that provided immigration enforcement protections for military families and veterans’ relatives, despite the military’s use of family protection promises as a recruitment tool.
Ramos indicated she intends to resume her biochemistry studies while focusing on her new marriage.
“As Matthew continues preparing for his long career in the military, my focus now is on securing my status, continuing my studies, and building our life together,” she explained. “We want to create a home, a future, and a family. This experience has been incredibly difficult, but it has also reminded me of the power of faith, love, and community. I am hopeful for what comes next.”
HARRISBURG, Pa. — A Pennsylvania couple is facing child endangerment charges following an incident where their 18-month-old son crawled into a restricted area at ZooAmerica and was injured by a wolf, according to Derry Township Police.
The incident unfolded Saturday just before noon when the parents moved approximately 25 to 30 feet away from their toddler to sit on nearby benches, where they became focused on their mobile devices, police reported. During this time, the young child managed to crawl through a gap in the wooden perimeter barrier surrounding the wolf exhibit.
Once inside the restricted zone, the toddler reached the chain-link enclosure and inserted his hand through the fencing. Police said the wolf’s response appeared instinctive when it grabbed the child’s hand with its mouth.
“From the injuries sustained, it appears as though one of the wolves in the enclosure instinctively and naturally grabbed onto the child’s hand with its mouth. Several bystanders intervened and helped pull the child away,” police stated.
ZooAmerica officials described the wolf’s behavior as investigative rather than aggressive, explaining that the contact was “brief, investigatory behavior consistent with how wild canines interact with unfamiliar objects in their environment.” The zoo noted that wolves naturally explore new items by using their mouths, similar to how humans use their hands.
The child sustained what zoo officials characterized as “minor, surface-level” injuries. The wolf involved remains healthy, current on vaccinations, and continues to be housed in its exhibit.
Dauphin County District Attorney Fran Chardo explained that filing criminal charges required careful deliberation. “We looked at a lot of factors — the age of the child, the circumstances, how diligent you have to be because it’s potentially dangerous,” Chardo explained during a telephone conversation. “We looked at it closely,” he added.
The parents, residents of Lititz, Pennsylvania, are scheduled for a preliminary hearing on the misdemeanor charges later this month. Legal representation for the father has been contacted for comment, though it remains unclear who is representing the mother.
Derry Township Police Chief Garth W. Warner emphasized the dangers of inadequate supervision. “There are plenty of opportunities for a child of that age to hurt themselves on things,” Warner observed. “Let alone, be left alone, essentially by themselves, where they could get themselves into a situation like this child did.”
ZooAmerica North American Wildlife Park operates as part of the larger Hershey entertainment complex, which includes the famous chocolate-themed amusement park. According to the zoo’s website, three gray wolves are currently housed at the facility.
This marks the second notable child safety incident at Hersheypark within the past year. Last summer, a lost child wandering on monorail tracks required rescue by a park visitor who climbed onto a building and jumped onto the rails to reach the boy, who was ultimately unharmed and returned to his family.
The University of Delaware baseball squad experienced a setback in their Liberty Bell Classic encounter against Lehigh University on Monday.
The Blue Hens traveled to Lehigh’s campus for the tournament matchup but were unable to come away with a win. The loss marks another game in the Liberty Bell Classic series for Delaware’s baseball program.
The defeat came as Delaware faced off against the Mountain Hawks in what was part of the ongoing Liberty Bell Classic tournament competition.
WASHINGTON – Federal authorities announced Tuesday they have successfully taken down a sophisticated cyber espionage operation orchestrated by Russian military intelligence.
According to the Justice Department, the cyber network was run by Russia’s Main Intelligence Directorate of the General Staff, specifically Military Unit 26165 of the GRU.
Officials said the Russian operatives used compromised internet routers to carry out hijacking attacks targeting victims across the globe, focusing particularly on personnel working in military, government, and critical infrastructure roles.
Brett Leatherman, who serves as assistant director of the FBI’s Cyber Division, explained the severity of the threat. “GRU actors compromised routers in the US and around the world, hijacking them to conduct espionage. Given the scale of this threat, sounding the alarm wasn’t enough,” Leatherman stated.
The disruption was carried out under court authorization as part of ongoing efforts to counter foreign cyber threats against American interests.
German intelligence officials issued a cybersecurity alert Tuesday regarding attacks by Russian state-sponsored hackers who have been exploiting internet routers to conduct espionage operations against government and military facilities.
The Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution announced that the hacker collective APT28 had successfully breached vulnerable TP-Link routers as part of a broader surveillance campaign targeting critical infrastructure and defense networks.
This cybersecurity warning was coordinated with multiple intelligence partners, including Germany’s foreign intelligence service BND and the Federal Bureau of Investigation in the United States.
Western intelligence agencies have identified APT28, which also operates under the alias “Fancy Bear,” as being controlled by Russia’s military intelligence organization, the GRU.
According to German officials, the hacking operation affected thousands of routers across the globe, with approximately 30 compromised devices identified within Germany’s borders.
Security experts confirmed successful breaches in multiple instances, leading network operators to remove and replace the affected router equipment.
German intelligence noted that APT28 has previously launched cyberattacks against the country’s parliamentary systems, the Social Democratic Party, and aviation control agencies.
The Houston Texans have acquired linebacker Marte Mapu from the New England Patriots in a Tuesday trade deal.
While the complete terms remain undisclosed, ESPN reports the transaction involves exchanging 2027 NFL Draft selections, with Houston receiving a seventh-round pick while sending a sixth-round choice to New England.
The 26-year-old defender is set to earn a base salary of $1.508 million in 2026, the final year of his current contract.
During the previous season, Mapu participated in every regular season contest, recording 25 tackles along with one interception and one forced fumble. He was heavily utilized on special teams units, participating in 58% of those plays and accumulating 12 special teams tackles, ranking third on the team in that category. Additionally, he served as the personal protector for the punt coverage unit.
In postseason action, Mapu contributed a special teams tackle assist while participating in all four playoff contests as New England’s season concluded with a 29-13 defeat to the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl LX.
Originally selected by New England in the third round of the 2023 draft from Sacramento State, Mapu has compiled 89 total tackles, three interceptions, 0.5 sacks, and five forced fumbles across 44 games with 10 starts during his three-year career.
Chicago Cubs pitcher Cade Horton’s season has come to an abrupt end after team manager Craig Counsell announced Tuesday that the right-handed starter will need surgery to repair UCL damage in his throwing elbow.
The surgical recommendation came following Horton’s consultation with renowned orthopedic specialist Dr. Keith Meister in Arlington, Texas. This meeting occurred just two days after the Cubs placed the 24-year-old on the 15-day injured list with what was initially described as a forearm strain.
Horton’s injury troubles began during Friday’s matchup against the Cleveland Guardians, where he was forced to leave after pitching just over one inning and throwing only 17 pitches. The Cubs backdated his IL placement to Saturday.
During that Cleveland game, Horton successfully retired all three batters in the opening frame before issuing a five-pitch walk to Kyle Manzardo to start the second inning. He then departed with Chicago’s head trainer, and Cleveland ultimately secured a 4-1 victory.
Following Friday’s abbreviated outing, Horton explained his physical concerns: “I had some tightness in my wrist and as the game went on, it went into my forearm. I wanted to err on the cautious side and not hurt anything else. I just wanted to be smart about it and make a smart decision.”
Prior to the injury, Horton had been performing well, bringing his earned run average down to 2.45 after allowing two runs across 6 1/3 innings in Chicago’s dominant 10-2 victory over Washington on March 28.
Selected by Chicago as the seventh overall pick in the 2022 draft, Horton compiled an impressive 11-4 record with a 2.67 ERA across 23 appearances (22 as a starter) in 2025, earning him second place in National League Rookie of the Year balloting.
AUGUSTA, Ga. — Bryson DeChambeau entered Augusta National this week believing his golf skills are at their career peak as he prepares for another attempt at capturing his first Masters title.
The golfer came to the tournament fresh off back-to-back playoff wins in LIV Golf competitions, including a recent victory against former Masters winner Jon Rahm in South Africa. DeChambeau also brings valuable experience from nine prior Masters appearances.
After missing the cut twice early in his Masters history, DeChambeau has posted sixth and fifth-place finishes in the last two tournaments at Augusta. Last year, he played alongside eventual winner Rory McIlroy in the final group before struggling with a 75 in the last round, though he gained important insights from the experience.
“It was a great learning lesson,” DeChambeau commented Tuesday. “Leading or being tied for the lead and having the lead, that last group final round, gave me a lot of perspective on it. Then losing it and having things not go my way as they finished out and Rory completed the grand slam.”
“As I reflect back on it, the one thing I can take from it is I can put myself in those positions. The more I put myself in those positions, the better opportunities I’m going to have to win. It’s just been a gradual learning process. You never know what this week may bring, but I certainly hope to give it my all and put myself back in that position because I want to feel it again.”
When informed that recent major champions have averaged 32 years of age over the past 20 tournaments — exactly DeChambeau’s current age — he remained focused on his own preparation.
“If that’s the way the stats line up and they work in my favor, fantastic,” he responded. “I don’t try to look too much into that and focus on what I can accomplish.”
Beyond drawing from past experience, DeChambeau continues experimenting with his equipment. He’s testing new wedges from his South Africa trip while personally crafting his irons and driver. His final club selections for Thursday’s opening round remain undecided.
“There’s this nature that I have about myself where innovation is a habit of mine, and I really find and take pride in that ability to learn,” he explained. “Even through failure, even through making a bad decision or a good decision, what I can get from that.”
“So we’ll see where it goes, we’ll see where it takes me. All I could say now is, if I don’t put them in the bag, it’s my fault now.”
DeChambeau has become particularly fascinated with studying Augusta National’s notorious wind patterns. He carefully monitors changing conditions and how they influence his course strategy, club selection, and ball flight.
“For me, it’s a continual learning process. For me from a nerding-out perspective, it’s really about the wind this year for me,” he stated.
“I feel really good. It’s just about going out and executing.”
Delaware Department of Transportation crews are conducting construction work that has resulted in a southbound shoulder closure on Upper King Road today.
The affected area spans from Bison Road to Derbywood Circle, where the shoulder remains unavailable to traffic. DelDOT officials indicate the closure will continue through 6:30 PM this evening.
Motorists traveling through the area should exercise caution and expect potential delays during the construction period.
Drivers traveling on Penny Lane should plan for potential delays this afternoon as construction crews continue work that requires periodic lane restrictions.
According to the Delaware Department of Transportation, the roadway between Abbey Road and Winding Road will experience intermittent lane closures as work progresses throughout the day.
The construction-related traffic pattern is expected to remain in place until 5:30 PM today. Motorists are advised to allow extra travel time and consider alternate routes if possible.
DelDOT continues to monitor the situation and will update drivers as conditions change.
Motorists traveling on Withams Road should plan for potential delays as construction crews continue work that requires periodic lane restrictions.
The Delaware Department of Transportation reports that drivers can expect intermittent lane closures along the stretch of Withams Road running between Ingleside Road and Stafford Avenue.
These temporary traffic restrictions are expected to remain in effect until 6 PM today as crews complete their construction activities in the area.
Drivers are advised to allow extra travel time and use alternate routes when possible to avoid potential delays in the construction zone.
Federal immigration officials have confirmed they are deploying advanced surveillance technology capable of infiltrating mobile phones as part of their enforcement operations.
In correspondence delivered to congressional representatives last week, the director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement disclosed that the agency has been utilizing sophisticated spyware capabilities to monitor encrypted communications linked to fentanyl distribution networks.
The revelation marks the first official acknowledgment from ICE regarding its use of such invasive digital surveillance tools, which have the ability to bypass standard security measures on smartphones and other devices.
The agency’s admission comes amid ongoing congressional scrutiny of federal law enforcement’s use of advanced surveillance technologies and raises questions about privacy protections and oversight of such operations.
A Freeze Warning is in effect for northern Delaware and central New Jersey from midnight tonight through 9 AM Wednesday morning, with temperatures expected to plummet between 25 and 30 degrees.
The National Weather Service issued the warning at 2:18 PM Tuesday, affecting New Castle County in Delaware and multiple counties across New Jersey including Mercer, Camden, Gloucester, Salem, Cumberland, Atlantic, Cape May, and Ocean counties.
This unseasonably cold snap poses serious risks to tender plants, crops, and outdoor plumbing. Frost and freeze conditions could kill sensitive vegetation that may have already begun spring growth.
Residents should take immediate action to protect plants by covering them with blankets, tarps, or bringing potted plants indoors. Don’t forget to disconnect garden hoses and consider wrapping exposed outdoor pipes to prevent freezing and potential bursts.
Looking ahead, another Freeze Watch has been issued for Wednesday evening through Thursday morning, with similar temperatures expected between 25 and 31 degrees.
The current Freeze Warning expires at 3:30 AM Wednesday. TV Delmarva will continue monitoring conditions and provide updates as needed. Remember, even a brief freeze can cause significant damage to unprotected plants and plumbing.
Listen to the Evening Delmarva Farm Report Update — April 7, 2026
DELMARVA — Vive Crop Protection launched a new soil-applied insecticide on Tuesday that gives corn growers more flexibility in fighting soil insects during the growing season. Unlike most products that only work at planting, Bifender SM can be applied throughout the season, delivering protection right where insects cause damage. The product fills a gap in current pest control options as growers prepare for spring planting across Delmarva.
Markets
Corn futures closed at $4.49/bu for May delivery, down $0.05. Soybeans settled at $11.58¼, falling $0.08½. May wheat finished at $5.86, up $0.05¾. Soybean meal dropped $4.80 to $311.80/ton. Live cattle for June closed at $245.80/cwt.
Forecast
A Freeze Warning remains in effect tonight with temperatures dropping to 29°F under clear skies. Growers should protect tender plants and sensitive crops. Wednesday looks sunny with a high of 52°F, but another round of frost is possible Wednesday night into Thursday morning. Temperatures moderate by the weekend with Friday’s high reaching 65°F.
This article is based on the Delmarva Farm Report Update Evening Edition, April 7, 2026. Hosted by Tom Bradley.
The New York Giants began their first practice session under new head coach John Harbaugh on Tuesday, but a notable absence cast a shadow over the proceedings. Star defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence was among three players who didn’t show up, after reports emerged that the Pro Bowl nose tackle had requested a trade from the organization.
Harbaugh acknowledged that team officials had productive discussions with Lawrence’s representative, Joel Segal, and said they comprehended the player’s perspective on the matter.
The new coach expressed that the situation didn’t catch him off guard, pointing out that attendance at these sessions is optional and suggesting there’s a strong likelihood Lawrence will remain with the team.
“Speaking for the Giants, we want Dexter here. I believe Dexter wants to be here. That’s a good formula,” Harbaugh told reporters during a video conference. “But there’s business involved. It’s a business proposition. We know it’s pro football. These things happen every year pretty much on every team.”
Drawing from his extensive experience, Harbaugh referenced his 18-year tenure with the Baltimore Ravens, where he led the team to a Super Bowl victory and previously navigated a similar trade demand from quarterback Lamar Jackson two years ago, which was ultimately resolved. He emphasized that such situations require patience and careful handling.
The 28-year-old Lawrence remains under contract for two more seasons, scheduled to receive $20 million this year and $19.5 million next year. His recent performance included a challenging 17-game stretch where he recorded just 31 tackles and half a sack, both career lows.
Despite the underwhelming statistics, offensive coordinator Matt Nagy praised the Giants’ defensive front line, calling it the most formidable unit his Kansas City Chiefs faced during the previous season, with Lawrence playing a crucial role in that success.
“He’s a beast,” Nagy commented. “He’s been doing it a while and a lot of respect for him. I just know that when we played him last year, we had to know where he was on every play.”
Defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson revealed he contacted Lawrence after joining Harbaugh’s coaching staff to establish communication and felt the player was in a positive mindset.
“Hopefully everything works out in our favor, but, hey, I love Dexter and we have a good relationship,” Wilson explained. “For me personally, and from an organization standpoint, we understand the value of Dex. We love him, and we understand the business side, as well.”
Lawrence wasn’t the only defensive starter missing from practice. Cornerback Paulson Adebo also failed to attend the spring program’s opening session, though Harbaugh said he wasn’t certain about the reasoning behind that absence.
“It’s his right,” Harbaugh stated. “Guys come or not come according to their choosing: voluntary time of year.”
The third absent player was defensive tackle Sam Roberts, who couldn’t make the trip to the East Rutherford, New Jersey practice facility due to a medical procedure he recently underwent.
On the injury front, star receiver Malik Nabers continues his recovery from a torn ACL in his right knee suffered during a home game on September 28, while running back Cam Skattebo is rehabilitating from a dislocated right ankle and additional injuries sustained on October 26 during a game at Philadelphia.
Both injured players were present at the facility, with Harbaugh noting that Skattebo’s recovery is progressing faster than Nabers’, who is expected to return either during training camp or closer to the regular season.
“It wouldn’t be fair for me to give you days or dates,” Harbaugh said regarding the timeline. “I have a vague idea. It’s not that important today.”
When asked about recent trade speculation surrounding edge rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux, Harbaugh acknowledged that “everybody’s tradeable.” However, Thibodeaux participated in Tuesday’s session and remains with the team for now.
“He’s a great player,” Harbaugh said of Thibodeaux. “I’m excited about him. I was fired up to see him today. He looks great, he’s in great shape. I’m thinking about him on the field, getting him plugged into our defense and getting him rolling.”
AUGUSTA, Ga. — Professional golfer Gary Woodland has courageously shared his ongoing battle with post-traumatic stress disorder, revealing how the condition affected him even during his recent tournament victory at the Houston Open.
The former U.S. Open champion disclosed Tuesday that during the final stretch of the Houston Open, which he ultimately won to earn his spot at the Masters, he experienced intense paranoia and hypervigilance.
“I battled the last 10 holes,” Woodland shared, “thinking people were trying to kill me.”
This stark revelation represents Woodland’s effort to shed light on mental health challenges, hoping his openness will encourage others facing similar struggles with trauma, anxiety, and PTSD.
Woodland’s mental health battles stem from a brain lesion discovered in 2023 that was causing irrational fears about dying. Before undergoing surgery in September 2023, he penned farewell letters to his family in case complications arose during the procedure.
Surgeons successfully removed much of the lesion through a procedure that required cutting a baseball-sized opening in his skull. Woodland returned to competitive golf in January 2024, gradually rebuilding his game and confidence.
Despite his Houston Open triumph, where he overcame Friday’s episode of hypervigilance to shoot a final-round 67 and defeat Nicolai Hojgaard by five strokes, few realized Woodland was still battling severe PTSD symptoms.
The condition had become so debilitating that he would retreat to restrooms to cry privately, constantly feeling threatened by his surroundings. PTSD creates heightened sensory awareness, keeping the nervous system in a perpetual state of alert.
“I talked to (PGA) Tour security that night,” Woodland explained about his Friday struggles in Houston. “I told them what I was going through, and every time I looked up on the weekend, my security team was behind me. Any time I got startled on the weekend, I turn around — last year I didn’t talk to Tour security. I fought this on my own. It was awful.”
“Turning around and knowing I’m safe, having somebody there with me? It’s the only reason I won two weeks ago.”
The victory showcased more than just Woodland’s mental resilience. His physical game had returned to championship form, with ball speeds reaching 196 mph off the tee, exceptional approach shots, and stellar short game performance that led to a 21-under finish — his first victory since capturing the 2019 U.S. Open.
“We live in a world, as men and especially as an athlete, that you put your head down and you fight through it. I’ve done it my whole life,” Woodland reflected. “This is honestly one battle that I’m not able to do on my own. I tried, and it wasn’t working.”
After seeking professional help, Woodland decided to share his story publicly through a Golf Channel interview, recognizing that his experience might benefit others facing similar challenges.
“The world we live in, speaking about something you would call a weakness is hard,” he acknowledged, “but speaking about it and how I feel afterwards made me a lot stronger. I didn’t know that releasing this battle was going to make me stronger, and it’s done that. I feel a lot stronger now than I did three weeks ago, I can tell you that. No matter how hard it is out here, I know I have someone I can talk to that I can have security. My team have been amazing in helping me, but I’ve turned a weakness into a strength.”
“I wouldn’t even say it as a weakness, but I think that’s the stigma out there. But I feel a lot stronger after I came out for sure.”
The Masters presents a new challenge for Woodland, with larger crowds and closer spectator proximity potentially triggering his symptoms. Fans often stand within feet of players, particularly around tee boxes.
Tournament organizers and the PGA Tour have coordinated to provide necessary security support for Woodland’s peace of mind.
“There’s probably not a safer golf tournament in the world, so I’m happy for that, but it’s still a battle in my head if I’m safe or not,” he explained. “I don’t have control when this thing hits me, and it’s tough. It can be a fan. It can be a walking score (board holder). It can be a camera guy running by me. Just any startlement from behind me can trigger this pretty quickly. Knowing where that security is is a constant reminder that I’m safe.”
Federal prosecutors informed a Maryland judge on Tuesday that immigration officials remain committed to sending Kilmar Abrego Garcia to Liberia, even though Costa Rica has reached a new arrangement to take in deportees who cannot return to their native countries.
The immigration case involving the Salvadoran citizen has drawn significant attention after authorities incorrectly sent him back to El Salvador in the previous year. Following his return to the United States, Abrego Garcia has been challenging a second removal attempt to various African nations that Department of Homeland Security officials have proposed.
Maryland U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis had previously prohibited Immigration and Customs Enforcement from removing or holding Abrego Garcia in detention. In February, she criticized the agency for lacking a realistic removal strategy, describing “one empty threat after another to remove him to countries in Africa with no real chance of success.”
While Abrego Garcia has maintained he should be sent to Costa Rica if deportation proceeds, given that country’s previous acceptance, Todd Lyons, the acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, stated in a March memorandum that sending him there would be “prejudicial to the United States.” Lyons argued that Liberia remains the appropriate destination because federal officials have invested significant resources and diplomatic efforts in negotiations with the West African country to accept individuals from third countries.
During Tuesday’s court proceedings before Judge Xinis, Ernesto Molina, who leads the Justice Department’s Office of Immigration Litigation, suggested Abrego Garcia could “remove himself” to Costa Rica.
Judge Xinis noted that federal prosecutors are simultaneously pursuing human smuggling charges against him in Tennessee, calling it a “fantasy” to suggest self-removal while criminal proceedings remain active. The judge established deadlines for legal briefs on the issue and scheduled the next hearing for April 28.
The 30-year-old Abrego Garcia, who has an American spouse and child, has resided in Maryland for several years after entering the United States without authorization as a minor. In 2019, an immigration court determined he could not be returned to El Salvador due to gang threats against his family there. However, he was erroneously deported to that country last year anyway.
Under public scrutiny and judicial pressure, the Trump administration retrieved him in June, but only after obtaining a Tennessee indictment on human smuggling allegations. Abrego Garcia has entered a not guilty plea and requested dismissal of those charges.
A University of Delaware men’s lacrosse player has earned national recognition for his performance on the field this week.
Scott Conte, a freshman from Wayne, New Jersey, has been selected for the USILA Division I Team of the Week, according to an announcement made Tuesday by the organization. This represents the first time the first-year player has received this honor since beginning his collegiate career.
The United States Intercollegiate Lacrosse Association recognition highlights outstanding individual performances across Division I men’s lacrosse programs nationwide.
MIDLOTHIAN, Va. – University of Delaware junior golfer Matthew Homer achieved every golfer’s dream by scoring a hole-in-one on a challenging 220-yard seventh hole during competition at the Giles-Spratley Collegiate tournament.
The Blue Hens golf squad concluded the three-day event with a ninth-place finish among 14 competing teams. The tournament took place at Independence Golf Club, where Delaware posted a combined team score of 872, finishing eight strokes over par on the demanding 7,135-yard course.
The University of Richmond served as host for the collegiate tournament, which was played on the par-72 layout. Homer’s ace highlighted the Blue Hens’ performance during the multi-round competition in Virginia.
Financial markets showed mixed results Tuesday as investors nervously watched the clock tick toward President Donald Trump’s ultimatum to Iran regarding the blocked Strait of Hormuz oil passage.
Stock exchanges initially declined but recovered by day’s end, with major indices finishing nearly unchanged. The Dow Jones dropped a modest 0.2% while other primary market indicators remained flat as traders held their breath ahead of Trump’s 8 p.m. Eastern deadline.
The president has demanded Iran end its blockade of Gulf oil routes, but Tehran has displayed no indication of compliance. Reports suggest Iran has severed direct diplomatic communications with Washington, escalating tensions further.
Trump’s social media warning that “a whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back again” has drawn sharp criticism from legal experts. Former State Department legal advisor Brian Finucane characterized the statement as potentially constituting “a threat to commit genocide” under both domestic and international legal frameworks.
The energy crisis stemming from the Iran conflict has created widespread economic disruption, particularly across Asian markets where nations face mounting challenges from climbing oil costs, accelerating inflation, and weakening currencies.
Inflation indicators continue climbing, with New York Federal Reserve data showing consumer price expectations rising to 3.4% in March from the previous month’s 3.0%. Energy forecasters have substantially increased their projections, with the Energy Information Administration boosting its 2026 oil price outlook by 22% to $96 per barrel.
Market sectors displayed varied performance Tuesday. Communications services gained 1% while consumer staples declined 1.8%. Notable individual stock movements included Paramount Skydance and UnitedHealth, both posting significant gains of 11% and 9% respectively.
Currency markets saw the dollar index fall 0.3%, with the Australian dollar among the day’s strongest performers ahead of an anticipated central bank decision. Japanese bond yields reached their highest levels since 1999, hitting 2.43% on 10-year securities.
Oil prices showed mixed results, with West Texas Intermediate crude gaining 0.5% to reach its highest closing price since 2022, while Brent crude slipped 0.5%. Gold advanced 1% as investors sought safe-haven assets.
In corporate news, billionaire investor Bill Ackman’s Pershing Square announced a proposed $64 billion acquisition of Universal Music Group, offering a 78% premium for the entertainment company behind major artists including Taylor Swift and Billie Eilish.
Looking ahead, market participants will closely monitor Middle East developments, energy sector movements, and potential policy announcements. Key economic data releases include interest rate decisions from Australia and India, along with various European economic indicators.
The Federal Reserve will release minutes from its March meeting, while Treasury officials conduct a $39 billion auction of 10-year notes. Fed officials, including San Francisco President Mary Daly, are scheduled to make public statements that could influence market sentiment.
A federal court has temporarily halted Louisiana’s legal effort to restrict nationwide access to the abortion medication mifepristone while President Donald Trump’s administration examines the drug’s safety protocols.
U.S. District Judge David Joseph, presiding in Lafayette, Louisiana, ruled Tuesday that the GOP-controlled state’s opposition to a 2023 federal regulation permitting mail delivery of mifepristone should be suspended until the Food and Drug Administration determines whether to withdraw the policy.
Judge Joseph rejected Louisiana’s request for an immediate injunction against the 2023 regulation but indicated the state may resubmit their request once proceedings continue.
“At this juncture, it is the completion of FDA’s promised good faith, evidence-based, and expeditious review [and] not ‘government by lawsuit’ that this Court finds to be in the public interest,” Joseph wrote.
The FDA initiated an examination of mifepristone last year, a medication initially authorized in 2000 that now accounts for 60% of pregnancy terminations in America. Reports suggest this review has been postponed until after November’s midterm elections.
Following the Supreme Court’s 2022 decision eliminating constitutional abortion protections, approximately half of all states have prohibited or significantly limited the procedure. This shift has increased demand for medication-based abortion methods, sparking numerous court battles over drug accessibility.
The medication abortion process involves two drugs – mifepristone followed by misoprostol – administered to end pregnancies within the first 10 weeks. The 2023 FDA regulation removed the previous mandate requiring in-person dispensing of these medications.
Republican Attorney General Liz Murrill’s office filed suit against the FDA in October, alleging the agency overlooked safety concerns when expanding mifepristone access. Five additional Republican-controlled states are pursuing more comprehensive legal challenges regarding mifepristone regulations, including the drug’s original 2000 approval.
The FDA requested the case suspension pending their review and has additionally contended that Louisiana lacks proper legal grounds to file the lawsuit.
Both Louisiana and Texas have initiated legal action or criminal charges against healthcare providers from other states who prescribe mifepristone to their residents, challenging protective “shield laws” in states like New York and California that safeguard providers from external investigations and prosecutions.
Pharmaceutical companies GenBioPro and Danco Laboratories have joined Louisiana’s case to support the FDA regulation. These companies stated in legal documents that no scientific data justifies overturning the FDA’s 2023 decision eliminating in-person dispensing requirements for mifepristone.
Danco Laboratories produces only the brand-name mifepristone product Mifeprex, while GenBioPro generates most of its income from the generic alternative, according to their court submissions.
Federal immigration enforcement agents opened fire on a suspect in California Tuesday following what officials describe as an attempt to strike officers with a vehicle, according to Immigration and Customs Enforcement leadership.
The wounded individual was transported to a medical facility for treatment, while FBI investigators responded to the scene, stated ICE Director Todd Lyons in an official announcement.
“As officers approached the car, the wanted gang member weaponized his vehicle in an attempt to run an officer over. Following their training, our officers fired defensive shots to protect themselves, their fellow agents, and the public,” Lyons said.
According to ICE officials, the suspect is a gang member from El Salvador who was residing in the United States without legal status and was being sought for questioning related to a murder investigation.
The shooting occurred in Patterson, an agricultural community home to 25,000 residents located in California’s San Joaquin Valley, approximately 90 miles southeast of San Francisco. Reuters reported it could not independently confirm ICE’s account of the events.
Federal data from the Department of Homeland Security indicates ICE personnel faced 66 vehicle-related attacks during the first year of President Donald Trump’s current administration, a significant increase from just two similar incidents recorded in the prior year.
Pharmaceutical company Insmed announced Tuesday it will halt development of a medication intended to treat a painful inflammatory skin disorder following unsuccessful clinical trial results.
The experimental treatment, known as brensocatib, failed to achieve its primary objective of reducing painful nodules in individuals suffering from hidradenitis suppurativa during mid-stage testing, according to company officials.
“While we are disappointed in the results, we hope that insights gained from this study will contribute to the broader scientific understanding of HS,” stated Martina Flammer, Insmed’s Chief Medical Officer.
Company representatives noted that the medication demonstrated acceptable safety profiles during testing, with no unexpected adverse reactions identified. The pharmaceutical firm intends to share the trial findings at an upcoming scientific conference.
This marks the second setback for brensocatib this year, as Insmed previously abandoned its development for treating chronic sinus conditions in December following another unsuccessful trial.
Despite these failures, brensocatib continues to maintain U.S. approval under the brand name Brinsupri for treating non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis, a persistent respiratory condition that causes permanent damage to lung airways.
DOVER — Delaware Governor Matt Meyer has selected Brenda Wise to serve on the state’s Economic and Financial Advisory Council, his office announced today.
Meyer highlighted Wise’s experience and qualifications for the role. “Brenda Wise brings a strong record of public service and thoughtful leadership that will benefit DEFAC and all Delaware taxpayers,” the governor stated. “I’m thankful for her willingness to serve, and look forward to her providing strong,” Meyer added.
The University of North Carolina has selected NBA championship-winning coach Michael Malone to take charge of the Tar Heels men’s basketball program.
UNC made the announcement Tuesday and has planned an introductory press conference for later today. Malone will take over from Hubert Davis, who was dismissed on March 24 following five seasons leading the program after taking over from retired Hall of Fame coach Roy Williams.
UNC executive associate athletic director Steve Newmark praised Malone as a “selfless teacher and innovator” in his statement.
“He is a brilliant coach who will deliver a modern and disciplined approach to leading our men’s basketball program, which is critical in the current landscape of college athletics,” Newmark stated. Newmark is set to replace Bubba Cunningham as athletic director on July 1. “Carolina Basketball is unique and special — and we have hired a leader well-suited to continuing our championship tradition.”
Malone, age 54, has 12 seasons of NBA head coaching experience, with a decade of that time spent in Denver. He guided the Nuggets to their 2023 championship title with three-time league MVP Nikola Jokic leading the team.
Denver dismissed Malone last spring during the final week of the regular season. Nearly one year later, in another unexpected development, Malone is now heading to one of college basketball’s premier programs that boasts six national championships, a record 21 Final Four appearances, and notable alumni including Michael Jordan, James Worthy, Vince Carter, and Atlantic Coast Conference career scoring leader Tyler Hansbrough.
“Carolina is one of the most historic programs in college basketball, and I am honored to be the head coach of the Tar Heels,” Malone stated. “It is humbling to follow so many legends in Chapel Hill.
“I know from the many Tar Heels in the NBA how special the Carolina Basketball Family is, and I will do everything I can to continue UNC’s championship legacy while preparing our players for professional careers and life after basketball.”
Davis’ dismissal created an opening for one of college basketball’s premier positions for just the fourth time since legendary Hall of Fame coach Dean Smith stepped down after 36 seasons in October 1997. The position had remained within the “Carolina Family” throughout that period. Smith’s longtime assistant Bill Guthridge took over initially, followed by former UNC player Matt Doherty, then former Smith assistant Williams, and finally Davis, who had played under Smith and served on Williams’ coaching staff.
Malone lacks college head coaching experience and has built his career primarily in the NBA. His main tie to UNC athletics comes through his daughter Bridget, who plays for the Tar Heels volleyball team. He appeared on the UNC athletic department’s “Carolina Insider” podcast in October, revealing he had observed several recent basketball practices, with Davis even inviting him to address the team on at least one occasion.
Despite yellow barriers blocking access points, some visitors continue to enter Grove Park in Rehoboth Beach while aeration work is underway, particularly families using the playground equipment.
City officials are emphasizing safety concerns as crews plan to work near the playground area on Wednesday, April 8, which could create dangerous conditions for anyone on the property. Residents who find themselves in the park during the closure should be aware that construction teams are active until 3 p.m. daily, making the area unsafe during those hours.
Officials also stress that visitors must stay away from freshly installed soil that’s part of the improvement project. Areas around tree bases have been clearly marked with warning signs and must not be disturbed.
Families looking for playground alternatives can visit facilities at Stockley Park and Lake Gerar within the City of Rehoboth Beach. The Grove Park renovation is expected to wrap up by May 15.
BUFFALO, N.Y. — A tight three-team battle is brewing for the Atlantic Division championship, though Tampa Bay’s head coach Jon Cooper appears unfazed by the mounting pressure.
Walking out of the team’s locker room before Monday’s matchup in Buffalo, Cooper displayed his trademark dry humor when he spotted an unusually large media gathering.
“Ugh. Why are there so many people here?” Cooper joked with reporters. “It’s Game 77 folks, not Game 83.”
The comment reflects the perspective of a coach who has guided his squad to two Stanley Cup victories and secured the franchise’s 12th playoff spot during his 13 seasons leading Tampa Bay.
While Cooper recognizes the significance of late-season matchups between division contenders fighting for playoff seeding, he maintains it doesn’t compare to postseason intensity.
“It’s Game 77. I think both teams accomplished their goals for the year in regard to the regular season,” Cooper explained before his team’s 4-2 defeat. “It’s just I don’t put a ton of stock into it. The stock was made of making the final eight (in the Eastern Conference), and we did that.”
Buffalo’s passionate supporters and their rejuvenated franchise would likely disagree, as they celebrate finally breaking the NHL’s longest playoff absence streak at 14 consecutive seasons.
Similar excitement fills Montreal, where the promising young Canadiens continue building momentum by reaching the playoffs in consecutive years for only the second time in over a decade.
As of Tuesday, Tampa Bay and Buffalo shared the division’s top spot with identical 102-point totals, while Montreal trailed by just two points in a season that has completely reshuffled the Atlantic’s traditional power structure, with Tampa Bay being the lone constant.
Boston remains competitive while Ottawa and Detroit fight for wild-card positions, but the two-time defending champion Florida Panthers have already been knocked out of contention. Toronto has also been eliminated, marking the Maple Leafs’ first playoff absence in 11 seasons and triggering organizational changes.
Maple Leafs parent company CEO Keith Pelley acknowledged the division’s dramatic transformation when explaining his decision to dismiss general manager Brad Treliving recently.
“We definitely didn’t see the train coming which was the Buffalo Sabres and the Montreal Canadiens,” Pelley admitted. “Buffalo and Montreal have shown that they’re young, energetic teams who are gonna be here for a long time.”
Buffalo certainly hopes so, riding an impressive 36-9-4 stretch that lifted them from the Eastern Conference basement in early December to division contenders.
“You’ve got to take a lot of pride in the fact you made the playoffs in a year where this division and this conference was so incredibly tough,” Sabres head coach Lindy Ruff observed.
Unlike Cooper’s measured approach, Ruff is savoring every moment of his second tenure with the organization.
The energy surrounding the team has been infectious, with Monday marking their 17th straight sellout and 22nd of the campaign. Fans showed their enthusiasm by jeering Tampa Bay from warmups through the final period, even chanting “We want Hagel!” late in the game.
Brandon Hagel became Buffalo’s primary antagonist after the Lightning winger blindsided captain Rasmus Dahlin during the Sabres’ thrilling 8-7 victory last month.
“Everybody’s into it,” Ruff said. “I think our fans have been waiting for this for a while, so it’s good to see.”
Tampa Bay forward Brayden Point offered a thoughtful assessment of the loss in Buffalo.
“This game definitely had more meaning than some of them. And it’s disappointing not to get the result we wanted,” Point reflected. “It wasn’t playoff Game 1, so there’s still time to learn from it, but hopefully we learn pretty quick.”
Montreal had compiled an eight-game winning streak before falling to New Jersey on Sunday and will welcome Tampa Bay on Thursday.
Cooper appreciates witnessing the competitive balance that has emerged throughout the division while taking satisfaction in his team’s continued presence among the contenders.
“Buffalo has a heck of a team. And I’d like to think we’re not too shabby ourselves,” Cooper noted. “There’s been waves of different teams that have made the playoffs in our division, and we’ve found a way to be able to do it.”
When the postseason arrives, Cooper expects more from his Lightning regardless of their final seeding, particularly given Tampa Bay hasn’t advanced past the first round since their failed attempt at a third straight championship in 2022.
“There’s potentially new teams sitting around the table but it shouldn’t change anything in our mindset,” Cooper stated. “We need to look after our business here to keep moving forward because haven’t been really satisfied with the fact that we’ve been bounced the last three years.”
A Freeze Warning is in effect tonight through Wednesday morning for much of the Delmarva Peninsula, with temperatures expected to drop as low as 28 degrees.
The National Weather Service issued the warning for Kent County in Delaware, Inland Sussex County, and Maryland’s Caroline, Kent, Queen Anne’s, and Talbot counties. The warning takes effect at 2 AM Wednesday and runs until 9 AM.
Meteorologists are forecasting sub-freezing temperatures between 28 and 31 degrees, which could kill tender plants and damage unprotected outdoor plumbing. Frost development is also likely across the region.
Residents should take immediate action to protect sensitive vegetation by covering plants or bringing potted plants indoors. Homeowners are also urged to check outdoor pipes and faucets, particularly those that may not be properly insulated.
This unseasonably cold weather comes as many gardeners have already begun spring planting. The freeze warning expires Wednesday at 9 AM, but another freeze watch has been issued for Wednesday evening through Thursday morning, with similar temperatures expected.
Stay with TV Delmarva for continued weather updates as we track this cold snap moving through our region.
WASHINGTON — Legal experts are raising concerns about potential violations of international law following President Donald Trump’s recent inflammatory threats against Iranian infrastructure, including promises to destroy the nation’s power grid and transportation systems.
During Monday’s press briefing, Trump outlined plans to target every bridge and electrical facility in Iran, statements that military law specialists warn could amount to war crimes. The legality of such strikes would depend on whether these facilities serve military purposes, if the response matches Iran’s actions proportionally, and whether efforts were made to protect civilian populations.
Critics argue Trump’s warnings fail to consider the impact on non-combatants, with Congressional Democrats, United Nations representatives, and legal academics contending such attacks would breach international standards.
While the president’s actual policies sometimes differ from his bold public declarations, his warnings about infrastructure targets have been clear and consistent since Sunday, as he established a Tuesday evening deadline for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
When asked Monday about potential war crime allegations, Trump stated he’s “not at all” worried about such concerns while continuing his destructive threats. He declared that every power facility will be “burning, exploding and never to be used again.”
On Tuesday morning, Trump posted on Truth Social: “A whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back again. I don’t want that to happen, but it probably will.”
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth previously stated last month that the administration would enforce “no stupid rules of engagement, no nation building quagmire, no democracy building exercise, no politically correct wars. We fight to win and we don’t waste time or lives.”
U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres’ spokesperson cautioned Monday that targeting such infrastructure violates international regulations.
“Even if specific civilian infrastructure were to qualify as a military objective,” Stephane Dujarric explained, an assault would remain forbidden if it creates “excessive incidental civilian harm.”
Southwestern Law School professor Rachel VanLandingham, a former Air Force judge advocate general, noted that civilian deaths would likely result from power outages affecting hospitals and water facilities. “What Trump is saying is, ‘We don’t care about precision, we don’t care about impact on civilians, we’re just going to take out all of Iranian power generating capacity,’” the former lieutenant colonel explained.
Maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical Persian Gulf passage handling 20% of global oil shipments, has virtually stopped, causing oil prices to spike and creating stock market turbulence.
According to Marieke de Hoon, who teaches international criminal law at the University of Amsterdam, the U.N. Charter only allows nations to use military force with Security Council approval or for self-defense purposes.
As the conflict enters its second month, Trump has intensified his infrastructure bombing threats, targeting Kharg Island’s oil operations and water desalination facilities.
In a March 30 Truth Social message, Trump warned America would destroy “all of their Electric Generating Plants, Oil Wells and Kharg Island (and possibly all desalinization plants!), which we have purposefully not yet ‘touched.’”
On Easter Sunday, Trump used profanity-filled posts to threaten Iran with “Power Plant Day, and Bridge Day, all wrapped up in one,” warning “you’ll be living in Hell” without strait reopening.
“This strikes me as clearly a threat of unlawful action,” said Michael Schmitt, professor emeritus at the U.S. Naval War College and international law instructor at Britain’s University of Reading.
Schmitt explained that power facilities can be legitimate targets under warfare laws if they supply military installations alongside civilian areas. However, attacks must avoid “disproportionate harm to the civilian population, and you’ve done everything to minimize that harm.”
While harm excludes mere inconvenience or fear, Schmitt noted it encompasses severe psychological trauma, physical injuries, or illness.
CHIMNEY ROCK, N.C. — During his inaugural official visit as Homeland Security Secretary, Markwayne Mullin traveled to North Carolina communities still recovering from Hurricane Helene’s 2024 destruction, announcing his commitment to fast-track disaster relief efforts following concerns about federal emergency response under his predecessor Kristi Noem.
Beyond emergency management discussions, Mullin addressed immigration enforcement—a key Trump administration priority under his department’s oversight. He indicated potential plans to suspend customs operations at airports in cities where local governments oppose the administration’s immigration agenda, reflecting his predecessor’s aggressive stance.
During last month’s confirmation proceedings, Mullin attempted to present a more moderate position on immigration enforcement following public criticism of high-profile raids and incidents involving federal officers that resulted in two American deaths. He also indicated plans to reform the Federal Emergency Management Agency after widespread disapproval of Noem’s approach.
During Tuesday’s roundtable meeting, Mullin explained FEMA’s current focus on addressing accumulated disaster response work and eliminating the backlog that developed under previous leadership before the Atlantic hurricane season starts June 1.
“Disasters are happening constantly,” Mullin stated, noting he would update President Donald Trump on Tuesday regarding 22 outstanding major disaster declaration requests from states and tribal nations nationwide. “We’re trying to push this stuff forward as fast as possible.”
Mullin revealed he “may have identified” a potential permanent FEMA administrator candidate, though the agency currently operates under its third temporary leader since Trump assumed office, but refused to reveal their identity.
When questioned about Trump’s previous threats to eliminate FEMA entirely, Mullin responded that “reforming FEMA would be a better term.”
The secretary’s visit occurred days after he reversed Noem’s policy requiring his personal authorization for all DHS spending exceeding $100,000—a requirement that critics argued created bottlenecks in FEMA reimbursements and hindered disaster response efforts.
Though Mullin has begun addressing disaster response improvements, he hasn’t outlined specific immigration enforcement plans, though alignment with presidential priorities seems likely. This became evident in his remarks about potentially removing Customs and Border Protection personnel from airports in designated “sanctuary cities.”
“If they’re not enforcing immigration laws, then why would I be processing immigration in their city?” Mullin questioned, describing the concept as under review and something he might discuss with Trump.
Mullin provided no additional specifics. However, removing CBP officers from airports could significantly impact international travel and commerce, as these officers process all incoming travelers and oversee billions in trade flowing through airports and land crossings.
The Trump administration has previously threatened funding cuts to Democratic municipalities and states deemed uncooperative with immigration enforcement efforts.
North Carolina experienced particularly severe impacts from FEMA’s recent operational challenges, with approximately $1.6 billion in public assistance funds allocated and roughly 2,000 projects remaining in various FEMA approval phases, according to correspondence from North Carolina Governor Josh Stein to Mullin following his confirmation.
North Carolina Senator Thom Tillis harshly criticized Noem for reimbursement delays affecting his state just before her dismissal, declaring during a Senate hearing that she had “failed” regarding FEMA management.
During the roundtable discussion, Mullin shared that Trump specifically requested North Carolina as his first destination and expressed his desire that “North Carolina to love him.”
North Carolina holds particular political importance this year. With Tillis retiring from his Senate seat, Democrats see a potential opportunity. The competitive race between Democrat Roy Cooper, the state’s former governor, and Michael Whatley, former Republican National Committee chairman, will likely attract substantial campaign investment.
Hurricane Helene, spanning 350 miles in width, devastated multiple southeastern states during September 2024.
The storm killed 108 North Carolina residents and caused $60 billion in property damage. It obliterated residences, commercial buildings, and power infrastructure. Isolated communities required helicopter evacuations after flooding destroyed roads and bridges.
Hurricane destruction remains evident today, with vehicles and home debris scattered along riverbanks, damaged bridge remnants, and massive piles of trees and branches swept downstream during the flooding.
Representative Chuck Edwards, a Republican representing affected regions who lost his own business in the storm, expressed Tuesday his frustration with FEMA’s “bureaucracy” and the challenges communities faced securing payments.
“Still plenty of bureaucracy there,” Edwards commented, while praising Mullin’s elimination of the $100,000 approval requirement.
FEMA’s North Carolina operations began tensely as affected residents grew suspicious, partly due to then-candidate Trump’s false claims about the Biden administration and FEMA’s response in the swing state.
Edwards found himself correcting FEMA-related misinformation after the hurricane, releasing a public statement clarifying that FEMA wasn’t redirecting donations to border operations or confiscating property, among other false allegations.
Following an armed individual’s arrest in Lake Lure for threatening FEMA personnel, the agency temporarily halted door-to-door home assessments in affected regions.
Governor Stein, a Democrat, expressed support for Mullin’s visit. “It is encouraging that Secretary Mullin is getting down to business,” he stated to The Associated Press on Tuesday.
Monday brought FEMA approval of $26 million for purchasing damaged and destroyed North Carolina properties, with the agency noting that Mullin urged them to “redouble its efforts” supporting survivors.
Mullin’s statements contrasted sharply with predecessor Noem, who consistently advocated eliminating FEMA “as it exists today.” Trump suggested completely abolishing FEMA during a North Carolina visit early in his second term, calling the agency a “very big disappointment.”
Trump has repeatedly advocated transferring greater disaster responsibility to individual states, and a presidentially-appointed FEMA Review Council will soon release recommendations for comprehensive reforms regarding federal disaster community support.
While most FEMA employees continue receiving pay during the ongoing partial government shutdown, many offices received orders to reduce or halt operations after the February 14 shutdown began.
Additionally, the agency’s Disaster Relief Fund approaches depletion with approximately $3.6 billion remaining. The pending DHS appropriations legislation would restore the fund with over $26 billion.
WASHINGTON — A Santa Clara, California resident who helped establish one of Mexico’s most dangerous and brutal drug trafficking organizations entered a guilty plea Tuesday to federal narcotics conspiracy charges in U.S. court.
Erick Valencia Salazar, 49, created the Jalisco New Generation Cartel alongside Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, the notorious drug kingpin called “El Mencho” who died during a confrontation with Mexican military forces in February.
Following his guilty plea in Washington, D.C. to one count of conspiring to distribute cocaine for importation into the United States, Valencia Salazar now faces a minimum prison term of 10 years and could receive life imprisonment. Chief Judge James Boasberg has set his sentencing date for July 31.
Before establishing the Jalisco cartel, Valencia Salazar belonged to the Milenio Cartel. He and Oseguera Cervantes later founded the organization known by its Spanish acronym CJNG. Federal prosecutors stated that hundreds of CJNG operatives answered to Valencia Salazar, whose responsibilities included bringing in new members and gathering intelligence about competing cartels.
After separating from “El Mencho,” Valencia Salazar, who went by the alias “El 85,” established his own criminal organization called La Nueva Plaza. Meanwhile, “El Mencho” continued leading the CJNG until his death.
Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva, who oversees the Justice Department’s criminal division, described the CJNG as having caused “immeasurable damage” to the United States.
“Valencia Salazar was also responsible for furthering the rampant violence in Mexico, at the expense of people’s lives and the safety of communities, that helped destabilize the region and allow crime to flourish,” Duva said in a statement.
Federal grand jurors issued an indictment against Valencia Salazar on the conspiracy charge in 2018. This past February, Mexican officials transferred him to the United States as part of an initial group of 29 drug kingpins.
During President Donald Trump’s previous administration, officials classified the CJNG and other cartels as foreign terrorist organizations.
Mexican authorities captured Valencia Salazar on two separate occasions. His first arrest occurred in 2012 when military forces detained him in Zapopan municipality, located near Guadalajara, which serves as the capital of Jalisco state.
A judge ordered his release from prison five years later, citing alleged procedural violations. In 2022, Army forces captured him again in Tapalpa, the same location where authorities apprehended and killed “El Mencho.”
The U.S. State Department had posted a reward of up to $5 million for information that would lead to Valencia Salazar’s arrest or conviction.
A military court-martial has been set for June 15 for an Army sergeant who opened fire on colleagues at Fort Stewart, Georgia last summer, injuring five people including his romantic partner.
During a plea hearing last week, 29-year-old Sgt. Quornelius Radford admitted to a military judge that he shot four soldiers from his supply unit and one civilian on August 6, using his own handgun after a dispute with his girlfriend. Other personnel at the scene subdued and disarmed Radford until authorities could respond.
While Radford entered guilty pleas for aggravated assault and domestic violence charges, he rejected the attempted murder counts during his March 31 hearing. He told the court he never intended to cause deaths, according to WTOC-TV.
The defendant revealed during testimony that he hoped military police would kill him in return gunfire when he attacked his coworkers, WSAV-TV reported.
Defense lawyers had initially indicated Radford would accept responsibility for two attempted murder charges, but the sergeant changed course and will now face trial on those counts this summer.
Radford worked as a supply sergeant within the 2nd Armored Brigade of the 3rd Infantry Division and joined the military in 2018, according to Army documentation. Fort Stewart houses the largest Army installation on the eastern side of the Mississippi River, accommodating thousands of 3rd Infantry Division personnel approximately 40 miles southwest of Savannah.
Sussex County officials are alerting residents about an upcoming multi-day shutdown of critical computer systems that will disrupt many county services.
County administrators announced they will take their financial and permitting systems offline for upgrades aimed at boosting performance, security, and reliability. The extensive maintenance work will affect operations across most county departments.
The system shutdown is scheduled to begin Sunday, April 19, 2026 at 8:00 PM and continue through Wednesday, April 22, 2026 at 4:30 PM.
During the nearly four-day maintenance window, residents will lose access to several essential services including all payment processing capabilities, permit applications and related transactions, and the county’s self-service website.
County officials are urging residents to prepare for the service interruption and handle any urgent business before the shutdown begins. Those who have appointments with county departments during the maintenance period should contact their specific department or staff member directly to discuss alternative arrangements.
The county expressed regret for any inconvenience the extended downtime may cause while emphasizing the improvements will ultimately benefit residents through better system performance.
A Ferndale, Michigan company has announced a voluntary nationwide recall of a chocolate product after discovering it contains undisclosed prescription drug ingredients.
Nalpac has pulled DTF Sexual Chocolate from the market after testing revealed the presence of sildenafil and tadalafil, both pharmaceutical compounds typically found in prescription medications. The company had purchased and redistributed the product before the contamination was discovered.
The recall affects all units of the chocolate product that were distributed nationwide. Consumers who have purchased this item are advised to stop using it immediately due to the presence of these undisclosed pharmaceutical ingredients.
The Goldey-Beacom men’s golf team completed their final round at the Edwin Cottrell Invitational, returning to Penn Oaks Golf Club in West Chester, Pennsylvania for the conclusion of the tournament.
The Lightning squad participated in what is known as one of the more challenging collegiate golf competitions, wrapping up their play at the Pennsylvania venue.
WASHINGTON, April 7 – The White House confirmed Tuesday that President Donald Trump has received Pakistan’s request for a two-week extension regarding a deadline the administration set for Iran, with officials promising a forthcoming response.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt addressed the Pakistani proposal during Tuesday’s briefing, confirming the president’s awareness of the matter.
“The President has been made aware of the proposal, and a response will come,” Leavitt stated.
The statement comes as diplomatic discussions continue between the nations regarding the Iran-related timeline established by the Trump administration.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy announced Tuesday that his nation’s military experts are providing guidance on operations in the strategically important Strait of Hormuz, while Asian countries have expressed interest in Ukraine’s naval defense capabilities.
Following conflicts involving Iran, Ukraine deployed hundreds of military specialists to the Middle East to share their proven methods for intercepting Iranian-made drones, the same type Russia deployed during the initial phase of its invasion.
“Ukrainian military personnel are taking part in consultations on the further operation of the Strait of Hormuz. Safe navigation is a global value; we know this from our experience defending the Black Sea,” Zelenskiy stated during his nightly address to the nation.
During the ongoing conflict, Ukraine has successfully prevented Russia from completely cutting off its Black Sea access, which remains vital for both economic and military purposes.
Despite lacking a substantial naval force, Ukraine has used creative solutions like unmanned sea vessels to push Russia’s Black Sea fleet away from its headquarters in Russian-controlled Crimea.
The Ukrainian president noted that international interest in his country’s defense innovations—which are often more sophisticated and significantly less expensive than conventional armaments—has expanded beyond European borders.
“Our diplomats have received a corresponding request from Asian countries, and I have instructed them to work through all this promptly,” Zelenskiy stated.
The president did not identify which specific nations have made these requests.
