Evacuations as two wildfires break out in southern California

Two wildfires broke out in southern California on Friday amid a spring heatwave and strong winds that caused rapid spread. The National Weather Service issued wind advisories with gusts up to 50 mph, contributing to smoke drifting across nearby communities. The larger Springs fire in Riverside County grew to about 3,500 acres, prompting evacuations and drawing a large firefighting response, though it remained only lightly … Continue reading Evacuations as two wildfires break out in southern California

Trump requests $152m funding to restore Alcatraz as prison

Donald Trump has proposed allocating $152 million to begin restoring Alcatraz as part of a broader push to reopen the former prison as a symbol of law and order. The idea, first floated in 2025, has drawn criticism from California officials, including Gavin Newsom and Nancy Pelosi, who argue it is impractical and wasteful. Estimates suggest the full restoration could cost more than $2 billion, … Continue reading Trump requests $152m funding to restore Alcatraz as prison

Israel threatens to destroy more Lebanon bridges as crisis mounts

Israel’s military has threatened to destroy additional bridges in southern Lebanon, saying they are used by Hezbollah as it continues a ground invasion. Israeli forces have already targeted multiple bridges over the Litani River, with further strikes aimed at key crossings that connect the western Bekaa Valley to the rest of Lebanon. Observers warn that destroying these bridges could isolate the region and severely disrupt … Continue reading Israel threatens to destroy more Lebanon bridges as crisis mounts

Trump says with more time, US can ‘take the oil’ in Iran

President Donald Trump suggested the U.S. could seize Iran’s oil and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, arguing that more time in the war would make it possible. His remarks mark an escalation in rhetoric, though he did not explain how such a plan would be carried out. The U.S. military has indicated it is not prepared to safely escort ships through the strait, which remains … Continue reading Trump says with more time, US can ‘take the oil’ in Iran

Russian strikes on Ukraine kill 8 as Kyiv holds door open for Easter truce

At least eight people were killed across Ukraine in Russian missile and drone strikes, including a major attack near Kyiv that also wounded several others. Ukrainian officials say Russia is shifting tactics to increase civilian harm, including more daytime strikes and broader targeting beyond energy infrastructure. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signaled openness to an Easter truce despite the escalation, while Ukraine reported hundreds of drones and … Continue reading Russian strikes on Ukraine kill 8 as Kyiv holds door open for Easter truce

US special forces enter Iran to rescue jet pilot as choppers hit

U.S. special forces have entered Iran to rescue a crew member from a downed F-15 fighter jet, reportedly the first U.S. fighter lost to enemy fire in the conflict. Two pilots ejected from the aircraft, with one successfully rescued and now receiving medical treatment. The rescue involved helicopters and refueling aircraft, which were also targeted by Iranian forces and sustained damage but returned safely. Efforts … Continue reading US special forces enter Iran to rescue jet pilot as choppers hit

Iran says it downed two US jets as search for one pilot continues

Iranian forces claimed they shot down two U.S. military aircraft, an F-15 over southwestern Iran and an A-10 near the Strait of Hormuz, though U.S. officials have not confirmed the incidents. Iran said the F-15 was destroyed by air defenses, while the A-10 reportedly crashed into the Gulf, with its pilot said to be safe. One F-15 crew member was rescued, but another remains missing, … Continue reading Iran says it downed two US jets as search for one pilot continues

Artemis II astronauts rocket toward the moon after spending a day around Earth

NASA’s Artemis II mission successfully fired its engines and left Earth orbit, marking the first time humans have done so since the Apollo 17. The crew—three Americans from the United States and one astronaut from Canada—are now on a trajectory toward a lunar fly-by, traveling nearly 250,000 miles from Earth. The translunar injection burn occurred about 25 hours after liftoff and was reported to be flawless. Astronauts described the … Continue reading Artemis II astronauts rocket toward the moon after spending a day around Earth

Amazon to add 3.5% fuel and logistics surcharge for sellers

Amazon is introducing a 3.5% “fuel and logistics-related surcharge” on fees for third-party sellers using its fulfillment services, effective April 17 in the U.S. and Canada. The company said the move is in response to rising transportation and operating costs driven by higher oil prices tied to the ongoing Iran-related conflict. Amazon emphasized that the surcharge is temporary and meant to offset increased costs, and it claims … Continue reading Amazon to add 3.5% fuel and logistics surcharge for sellers

United Airlines checked bag fees climbs $10-50

United Airlines is raising checked bag fees by $10 for tickets purchased starting Friday, with increases applying to first, second, and third bags across most routes. The airline said the first bag will rise from $35 to $45 and the second from $45 to $55, while the third bag will increase to $200, with higher prices for last-minute payments. The move follows similar increases by competitors … Continue reading United Airlines checked bag fees climbs $10-50

Tesla’s stock suffers steepest drop of 2026 on disappointing deliveries report

Tesla shares fell more than 5% after its first-quarter report showed lower deliveries and production compared with the previous quarter, despite modest year-over-year growth. The company delivered about 336,681 vehicles in Q1, slightly above last year but below analyst expectations. Overall vehicle sales have been declining in recent years, and Tesla’s stock is down roughly 20% in 2026. The bulk of deliveries still comes from its Tesla Model … Continue reading Tesla’s stock suffers steepest drop of 2026 on disappointing deliveries report

Schumer insists calling DHS funding shutdown ‘political’ posturing’ is ‘not fair’

Chuck Schumer rejected claims that Senate Democrats were blocking Department of Homeland Security funding for political reasons, saying their goal was to push reforms to agencies like U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Speaking on CNN, Schumer argued that Democrats withheld support because they view these agencies as needing stricter oversight and change. He said the American public supports reform, citing polling that he claims shows strong … Continue reading Schumer insists calling DHS funding shutdown ‘political’ posturing’ is ‘not fair’

Macron hits out at Trump for Brigitte insult

Emmanuel Macron criticized Donald Trump after Trump mocked him over a viral video involving his wife, calling the remarks inappropriate. Macron said Trump’s comments were “not elegant” and pushed back on U.S. demands that allies join military efforts in the Middle East, calling them unrealistic. He argued that the war and operations like reopening the Strait of Hormuz were decisions made by the U.S. and should not be imposed on … Continue reading Macron hits out at Trump for Brigitte insult

Hegseth ousts Army Chief of Staff Gen. Randy George

Pete Hegseth has asked Randy George to step down and retire immediately, according to multiple sources. Officials said the move is intended to install leadership aligned with the administration’s vision for the Army, with Christopher LaNeve serving as acting chief of staff. The Pentagon expressed gratitude for George’s decades of service while describing the change as part of a broader leadership transition. Two other senior Army officers, including leaders of training and … Continue reading Hegseth ousts Army Chief of Staff Gen. Randy George

Trump doesn’t have to turn over presidential records, Justice Department says

The U.S. Department of Justice Office of Legal Counsel issued an opinion arguing that Donald Trump is not required to turn over presidential records to the National Archives and Records Administration, claiming the Presidential Records Act of 1978 is unconstitutional in limiting executive authority. The opinion asserts that Congress exceeded its powers and cannot compel the executive branch to transfer such records. While the memo signals the administration may not comply with … Continue reading Trump doesn’t have to turn over presidential records, Justice Department says

Trump fires Attorney General Pam Bondi

Donald Trump fired Pam Bondi following reported dissatisfaction with her handling of Department of Justice matters, including files related to Jeffrey Epstein and other prosecutions. Todd Blanche will serve as acting attorney general while a permanent replacement is considered, with Lee Zeldinmentioned as a potential candidate. Trump praised Bondi publicly but indicated she will transition to a private-sector role, while Bondi said she will help ensure an orderly handover. The move follows other recent … Continue reading Trump fires Attorney General Pam Bondi

Tina Peters could receive same sentence after re-sentencing ordered by Colorado Court of Appeals

The Colorado Court of Appeals had her sentence thrown out for Tina Peters, though her conviction for election system misconduct was upheld. The court ruled that the original judge violated her First Amendment rights by considering her public statements when imposing the sentence. As a result, the case is being sent back for re-sentencing, though the same sentence could potentially be reimposed if properly justified. Peters has a … Continue reading Tina Peters could receive same sentence after re-sentencing ordered by Colorado Court of Appeals

Doctors, nurses arrested in SoCal health care fraud investigation

The U.S. Department of Justice announced a major health care fraud crackdown in Southern California, resulting in multiple arrests of doctors, nurses, and other individuals. Officials said eight people were arrested and more than a dozen charged in connection with schemes involving fraudulent hospice care claims. Prosecutors allege defendants recruited people who were not terminally ill and paid them to pose as hospice patients to bill Medicare for millions … Continue reading Doctors, nurses arrested in SoCal health care fraud investigation

Manhunt continues for 2nd suspect after baby girl shot and killed in Brooklyn

A manhunt is underway in Brooklyn for a second suspect linked to a deadly shooting that killed a 7-month-old baby girl identified as Kaori Patterson-Moore. Police have arrested the alleged gunman, 21-year-old Amuri Greene, who faces murder and attempted murder charges, while the search continues for the moped driver. Authorities say the shooting, believed to be gang-related, occurred when gunfire erupted as the child was being pushed … Continue reading Manhunt continues for 2nd suspect after baby girl shot and killed in Brooklyn

Rapper Gucci Mane ‘robbed and kidnapped’ by other rappers

Nine people have been arrested in connection with an alleged armed robbery and kidnapping at a Dallas music studio involving rapper Gucci Mane and others during what was supposed to be a contract meeting. Prosecutors say the group, which includes rappers Big30 and Big30, held victims at gunpoint, forced one to sign a contract release, and stole valuables. Authorities allege the suspects coordinated the takeover after arranging the meeting, with … Continue reading Rapper Gucci Mane ‘robbed and kidnapped’ by other rappers

Hegseth says he will let troops take personal firearms onto military bases

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced a new policy allowing service members to carry personally owned firearms on military installations for self-protection. He said base commanders will presume such requests are valid, though any denials must be justified in writing. The change aims to address concerns about recent shootings on bases, where access to personal weapons has been restricted under existing rules. Critics argue the policy could increase … Continue reading Hegseth says he will let troops take personal firearms onto military bases

Americans in Iraq warned to leave ‘now’ amid threats of imminent attacks

The U.S. Embassy in Baghdad has urged all United States citizens to leave Iraq immediately due to imminent threats from Iran-aligned militias. The warning follows reports of the kidnapping of American journalist Shelly Kittleson, allegedly by militants linked to Kataib Hezbollah. Officials say militias may target Americans, infrastructure, and locations associated with the U.S., with risks of further attacks and abductions. Travel is complicated by closed airspace, though overland routes to neighboring … Continue reading Americans in Iraq warned to leave ‘now’ amid threats of imminent attacks

Austria latest to block US warplanes from using its airspace

Austria has blocked United States military aircraft from using its airspace for operations against Iran, citing its neutrality laws. Officials said several U.S. requests had been made, but each case would be reviewed individually. Other European countries, including Spain, have taken similar steps, restricting American warplane access amid the ongoing conflict. Meanwhile, the United Kingdom has allowed limited U.S. use of its bases for defensive purposes, the Metro has reported. The situation … Continue reading Austria latest to block US warplanes from using its airspace

China Is Building Another Massive Base in the South China Sea

China has resumed large-scale island-building in the South China Sea, focusing on Antelope Reef, which could become its largest military base there. The project may include a runway, missile systems, and surveillance facilities, strengthening China’s strategic position and supporting its territorial claims. The move comes amid ongoing disputes with regional players like Vietnam and Philippines, while the United Statescontinues to oppose Beijing’s expansion. Analysts say the buildup could be significant in any … Continue reading China Is Building Another Massive Base in the South China Sea

Iran vows ‘crushing’ attacks as strikes hit regional infrastructure

Fighting between Iran, Israel, and the United States has intensified, with attacks spreading across the Middle East and showing no sign of easing after a month of war. Iran said it struck U.S.-linked industrial sites in the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain, as well as Israeli military facilities, in retaliation for earlier strikes on its own infrastructure. The conflict has increasingly targeted economic assets, raising concerns about global energy supplies, especially as … Continue reading Iran vows ‘crushing’ attacks as strikes hit regional infrastructure