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The article profiles Lishay Miran, whose husband Omri has been held hostage by Hamas since 7 October 2023. As he turns 48—his second birthday in captivity—she continues sending him WhatsApp messages and updates about their two daughters, hoping to one day see them marked as read. Public vigils in Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square and a symbolic Passover Seder highlight the plight of the 59 remaining hostages (24 believed alive). While avoiding direct criticism of the Israeli government, Lishay expresses frustration at the war’s resumption and at Omri being reduced to “the Hungarian hostage” in political statements. With ceasefire talks uncertain, she clings to hope that he will return and her messages will finally be seen.

An explosion occurred near Hellenic Train’s offices in central Athens after anonymous warning calls to Greek media. CCTV shows a blast from a backpack reportedly placed on an unlicensed scooter. No injuries or fatalities were reported, though limited damage occurred. A bomb squad arrived too late to neutralize the device. Greece’s transport minister condemned the attack as a criminal act endangering the public. The incident comes amid lingering anger over the 2023 train disaster that killed 57, with protests continuing as a trial date is still pending.

A survivor of the Jet Set nightclub collapse in Santo Domingo recounts the chaos as the ceiling fell during a merengue concert, killing at least 221 people, including singer Rubby Pérez. Carwin Javier Molleja, celebrating a reunion with his mother after three years, described hearing screams and the crash of the roof before escaping with minor head injuries. He repeatedly re-entered the club to search for his friend Jessica, whose body was later found among the rubble. He expressed anguish at being unable to help amid the confusion and slow debris removal, as emergency services worked to extract victims.

Eric Dane, the 52-year-old actor known for Euphoria and Grey’s Anatomy, has disclosed he’s been diagnosed with ALS, the most common form of motor neurone disease. He told People he’s grateful for his family’s support, requested privacy, and plans to continue working, returning to Euphoria’s set next week as season three begins production. Dane’s credits include roles in Charmed, The Last Ship, and films like Marley & Me. ALS is a degenerative disease that progressively impairs muscle control, with no cure; most patients live three to five years after diagnosis, though some live longer. He is married to actress Rebecca Gayheart, with whom he has two children.

Gabon is holding its first presidential election since the 2023 military coup that ousted Ali Bongo, ending decades of Bongo family rule. Coup leader Gen Brice Oligui Nguema is running after changing the constitution and electoral code, moves critics say favor his candidacy, including an upper age limit that sidelined popular rival Albert Ondo Ossa. Eight candidates are on the ballot, including ex–Prime Minister Alain Claude Bilie-by-Nze and two former PDG figures; only one woman, Gninga Chaning Zenaba, is running. Around one million voters are expected, with preliminary results possibly from Sunday. Despite Gabon’s oil and timber wealth, about 35% live below $2 a day, and voters cite demands for jobs, transparency, and an end to cronyism. Campaigning has been subdued in Libreville but dominated by Oligui Nguema’s visibility.

A U.S. immigration judge ruled the Trump administration can deport Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian Columbia University graduate and lawful permanent resident, citing a 1952 law allowing removal of individuals deemed adverse to U.S. foreign policy. Khalil, detained since 8 March after pro-Palestinian protests, has not been charged with a crime. His lawyers have until 23 April to appeal and have also filed a federal lawsuit challenging his arrest as unconstitutional. The ACLU condemned the decision as speech-based and rushed, noting the government’s evidence was largely a letter from Secretary of State Marco Rubio. DHS Secretary Kristi Noem praised the ruling; Khalil’s legal team denies any antisemitism or wrongdoing and expects further hearings. The government has also alleged, without new evidence, that Khalil committed immigration fraud on his green card application.

A Los Angeles judge ruled that Erik and Lyle Menendez’s bid for resentencing can proceed despite opposition from District Attorney Nathan Hochman. The brothers, convicted of murdering their parents in 1989 and serving life without parole, seek resentencing under a California law for offenders under 26 at the time of their crimes, which could make them eligible for parole if reduced to 50 years to life. Prosecutors argued they haven’t fully accepted responsibility and criticized former DA George Gascón’s support as politically motivated. The judge said prosecutors failed to justify halting the process and emphasized consistency across DA administrations. Possible outcomes include denying resentencing, granting 50 years to life (making them immediately parole-eligible), or a modified sentence. Separately, Governor Gavin Newsom is considering clemency after a risk assessment, while a push for a new trial faces DA opposition. The case has renewed public attention amid new evidence and a Netflix series.

A sightseeing helicopter crashed into the Hudson River near Manhattan, killing six people: a Spanish family of five from Barcelona—widely identified as Siemens executives Agustín Escobar and Mercè Camprubí Montal and their children, aged 4, 5, and 11—and the pilot. The Bell 206, operated by New York Helicopters, took off from the Downtown Manhattan Heliport at 14:59 local time and lost control near the George Washington Bridge, crashing around 15:17. Rescue efforts were immediate but unsuccessful; four died at the scene and two at a hospital. The FAA and NTSB are investigating. Spanish and U.S. leaders offered condolences. The incident follows previous fatal NYC tourist helicopter crashes in 2018 and 2009.

The US Department of Homeland Security will end Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Afghans in May and Cameroonians in June, affecting about 14,600 Afghans and 7,900 Cameroonians. DHS, under Secretary Kristi Noem, said current conditions no longer meet statutory requirements, reversing earlier extensions. The move follows broader Trump administration rollbacks of immigration protections, including revoking parole and sponsorship programs for migrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela, and intensified enforcement actions. The policy shift has sparked fear among affected migrants and coincides with a court ruling allowing the deportation of a pro-Palestinian activist and legal US resident, highlighting the administration’s hardline approach to immigration and protest-related visa enforcement.

Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, seen as President Erdogan’s main rival, made his first court appearance since his March arrest and detention in a high-security jail. While held on corruption and terrorism charges, Friday’s hearings concerned separate allegations that he tried to intimidate Istanbul’s chief prosecutor, Akin Gurlek—cases that could bring prison time and a political ban. One hearing was adjourned to June, and prosecutors seek up to seven years and four months in that case. Imamoglu and the opposition say the proceedings are politically motivated; the government denies interference. His detention has sparked the largest anti-Erdogan protests in over a decade, with thousands arrested and some recently released on bail. The Council of Europe has called for his release, and further rallies are planned. Presidential elections are due in 2028 unless brought forward.

The US Space Operations Command fired Col Susannah Meyers, commander of Pituffik Space Base in Greenland, citing loss of confidence after she reportedly emailed staff distancing the base from Vice President JD Vance’s criticism of Denmark and his remarks on Greenland. The Pentagon signaled her message “undermined” US leadership and emphasized commanders must remain nonpartisan. Col Shawn Lee will replace her. Vance’s visit also revived talk of US annexation of Greenland, which Denmark and Greenland firmly rejected while pledging stronger Arctic defense and cooperation with the US. The base is strategically critical for North American defense given its Arctic location.

American pastor Josh Sullivan was kidnapped during a Thursday evening service at Fellowship Baptist Church in Motherwell, Gqeberha, South Africa. Four armed, masked men entered, stole two phones, and fled with Sullivan in his silver Toyota Fortuner, later found abandoned. The case is being handled by South Africa’s Hawks unit, with police pursuing leads; the US State Department is aware and involved. No ransom has been requested. Sullivan, a missionary who moved to South Africa in 2018 to serve Xhosa-speaking communities, was reportedly targeted by name. The incident comes amid a sharp rise in kidnappings in South Africa.

Honeybee colonies across North America are facing their worst losses in years, threatening up to 70% of U.S. hives. Longstanding pressures—parasites, pesticides, habitat loss, and especially climate-driven extremes like droughts, heat, fires, and floods—are intensifying colony collapse disorder. Commercial beekeepers, such as Nancy and Keith Budke who migrate hives from North Dakota to Texas and California’s almond orchards, are struggling to keep operations viable. New policy shifts compound the crisis: proposed federal cuts to USDA bee research, trade tensions that raise costs and squeeze farmers, and tighter immigration policies that reduce the seasonal labor beekeepers rely on. With California’s almond pollination—the industry’s “Super Bowl”—at risk, higher food costs and broader agricultural disruptions are likely as bee shortages deepen.

A Hudson River sightseeing helicopter crash that killed six has spotlighted the troubled history of its operator, New York Helicopter Charter/New York Helicopter Tours, led by Michael Roth. The small, aging-fleet company had two prior midair incidents (2013 emergency water landing; 2015 hard landing), persistent financial woes, and a pattern of disputes and unpaid debts. It filed for bankruptcy in 2019, emerged with creditors still unpaid, and continued to face tax liens, workers’ comp judgments, and lawsuits. The firm relied on older Bell 206 models and briefly leased a more suitable Bell 407 before it was repossessed in December 2024 over missed payments, prompting a $1.5 million suit. Industry figures described Roth as litigious and frequently in conflict, while city restrictions and higher fees further squeezed the business. Federal investigators are probing the crash’s cause.

Two groups representing Harvard professors—the American Association of University Professors and its Harvard chapter—sued the Trump administration to block a threatened review and potential cut of roughly $9 billion in federal funding to the university. The lawsuit, filed in federal court in Massachusetts, argues the administration’s actions violate the First Amendment by chilling academic freedom and free speech, calling the funding threat an unlawful misuse of civil rights enforcement. The administration has accused Harvard of failing to protect against antisemitic violence; similar scrutiny has targeted other elite schools. Harvard did not comment, while AAUP-Harvard counsel Andrew Manuel Crespo said the move is retaliation against viewpoints. Hundreds, including Cambridge’s mayor, protested in support of Harvard resisting the pressure.

Somaliland, a self-governing territory since 1991, is courting U.S. recognition by proposing that the Trump administration lease its strategic Berbera port and long Cold War–era airstrip for an American military presence on the Gulf of Aden. Leaders argue U.S. endorsement would unlock investment and formal statehood, while offering Washington a less crowded alternative to Djibouti to monitor Red Sea shipping disruptions, Houthi activity, and jihadist threats in Somalia amid rising tensions with China. Supporters highlight Somaliland’s stable elections, independent institutions, and ties with Taiwan; critics warn recognition could destabilize the Horn of Africa, embolden secessionist movements, and strain relations with key U.S. partners and the African Union. The push follows years of outreach to U.S. Republicans and comes as Washington considers closing its Mogadishu embassy and reassessing Somalia policy.

A Manhattan federal judge partially lifted a prior ban on Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) accessing Treasury Department systems, allowing one member, Ryan Wunderly, to gain access if he completes standard training and files financial disclosures. The decision modifies an earlier injunction issued amid a lawsuit by 19 state attorneys general, led by New York’s Letitia James, challenging the Trump administration’s policy permitting DOGE members and other political appointees to access highly sensitive Treasury data. The judge cited improved mitigation, training, and vetting procedures as sufficient to permit Wunderly’s access, following the resignation of a prior DOGE member who had been improperly granted higher-level access. The broader case over the legality and scope of DOGE’s involvement and access to sensitive systems remains ongoing.

Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency claimed it found tens of thousands of unemployment beneficiaries with impossible birth dates (e.g., over 115, under 5, or born in the future). Current and former labor officials say these are “pseudo claim” records that states created during the pandemic to document confirmed fraud while protecting real identity-theft victims—data long known to auditors and agencies. The episode mirrors earlier misleading claims by Musk about Social Security. Officials note that Congress and the Trump administration prioritized rapid aid in 2020, which increased fraud risk; later guardrails and investments improved detection. Labor Department and state experts say Musk’s framing mischaracterizes existing, already-documented fraud controls and distracts from the need to continue supporting states’ anti-fraud capabilities.

Paramilitaries from Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) attacked the Zamzam displacement camp near El Fasher, Darfur, killing at least 100 people and destroying the camp’s last functioning clinic, aid groups and the UN said. Nine clinic staff with Relief International, including the head doctor, were executed after the RSF shelled the camp, burned homes and the market, and breached its perimeter. The assault, amid a siege of El Fasher and a broader war that has killed an estimated 150,000 and displaced 13 million, comes days before a donor conference in London. Human Rights Watch urged UN sanctions on RSF commanders and condemnation of countries backing combatants despite an arms embargo. Both sides face war crimes allegations; the RSF has additionally been accused of genocide. The UN warned of escalating risks of ethnic massacres if El Fasher falls, as famine and shortages worsen in the camps.

Rory McIlroy won the 2025 Masters at Augusta National, defeating Justin Rose in a playoff after both finished at 11-under, securing his first green jacket and completing the career Grand Slam. The photo-driven piece highlights Augusta’s springtime beauty, ceremonial starters Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player and Tom Watson, traditions like the par-3 contest and skipping shots on 16, and key moments from contenders including Bryson DeChambeau and Scottie Scheffler. The galleries capture McIlroy’s surge in the third round, his eagle on No. 2, and his embrace with Rose after the playoff.

The Trump administration defied a federal judge’s order to detail efforts to return Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia, a Maryland resident wrongfully deported to El Salvador; the State Department said he is “alive and secure” in a Salvadoran terrorism facility but provided no repatriation plan despite daily update orders and a Supreme Court directive urging action. Separately, two Harvard faculty groups sued the administration, arguing its threat to cut roughly $9 billion in federal funding over alleged antisemitism violations infringes on First Amendment rights and academic freedom, as protests in Cambridge urged resistance. In another move tied to funding cuts, the U.S.-backed Middle East Broadcasting Networks said it laid off about 90% of its staff, warning that 22 countries may lose a rare Arabic-language outlet offering a U.S. perspective, while it seeks court relief to restore financing.

President Trump issued a directive to designate a 60-foot-wide federal strip along parts of the southern border as a military installation under Pentagon control, enabling troops to temporarily detain migrants for trespassing until Border Patrol can arrest them. The plan would transfer authority over the Roosevelt Reservation in California, Arizona, and New Mexico from other agencies to the Defense Department, expanding an already heightened military role at the border. Details remain unresolved, including detention duration, signage, patrol logistics, and training. Legal questions loom over the use of regular troops and state National Guard in roles that approach law enforcement, potentially testing limits on military involvement in domestic policing. Critics say the move creates a pathway for quasi-military detention of migrants.

A French court sentenced eight people to up to five years in prison for running a $2 million trafficking ring smuggling endangered European eel larvae (“glass eels”) to Asian markets. The case centered on a 300 kg seizure near Paris in February 2023—nearly double France’s total eel seizures in 2024—and prosecutors likened the operation to cocaine trafficking due to escalating value across borders. European eels, protected since 2009 and heavily regulated in France, have declined by about 75% over 30 years; trafficked larvae can fetch around $2,200 per kilogram in Asia for aquaculture and restaurant markets. Two ringleaders received the heaviest sentences; two other key defendants remain at large.

Eighty years after Edward R. Murrow’s searing 1945 broadcast from the newly liberated Buchenwald concentration camp, the site remains a crucial place of remembrance and education. Murrow’s eyewitness report, amplified by contemporaneous photojournalism, helped expose Nazi atrocities and still underpins efforts to combat Holocaust denial. Today, Buchenwald functions as a memorial and learning center, drawing over half a million visitors annually. Educators and memorial staff emphasize informed understanding over imposed guilt, especially amid rising far-right narratives in Germany, arguing that voluntary, thoughtful engagement with this history empowers students to recognize and resist the mechanisms of authoritarianism and hatred.

Scientists report that a partial jawbone dredged from the Penghu Channel near Taiwan likely belonged to a Denisovan, an elusive extinct human relative. Unable to extract DNA, researchers analyzed preserved proteins and found sequences matching Denisovan material from Siberia, broadening the known range of Denisovans and suggesting they adapted to diverse habitats. The fossil, dated to the Pleistocene, adds to the sparse Denisovan record (previously limited to fragments from Siberia and Tibet, and possible remains in Laos). While experts praise the protein analysis, some caution that more evidence is needed to confirm the identification. Denisovans interbred with Neanderthals and Homo sapiens, and their genetic legacy persists in some East and Southeast Asian populations. The reasons for their extinction remain unknown.

Ecuador faces a surge in drug-fueled violence as a flood of cocaine through its ports has attracted international cartels and spawned numerous local gangs with names like “Los Freddy Kruegers” and “Peaky Blinders.” These groups terrorize citizens with extortion, kidnappings, and murders, contributing to more than one death per hour early this year. Fragmentation of major gangs—accelerated by leadership voids like the 2020 killing of Choneros boss “Rasquiña”—has created a chaotic landscape similar to 1990s Colombia, complicating security efforts. President Daniel Noboa’s state of emergency and military deployments have slightly reduced homicides, but extortion and violent turf wars persist, spreading even to formerly safer Quito. U.S. actions include sanctions on Los Choneros and prosecutions of figures linked to Los Choneros and Los Lobos, the latter deemed Ecuador’s largest trafficking organization. Security remains the central issue in national elections.

A convicted murderer who escaped California custody in December 2024 is suspected of killing Abigail Esparza Reyes, 33, the leader of Baja California’s elite “Gringo Hunters” unit that targets U.S. fugitives in Mexico. Identified by local media as Cesar Hernandez, 34, the fugitive allegedly opened fire during an April 9 attempted arrest in Tijuana, fatally shooting Esparza Reyes before fleeing. Surveillance reportedly showed him escaping nearly naked, then disguising himself in a fluorescent green uniform resembling local traffic police. Hernandez remains at large. Esparza Reyes had led the unit’s regional team for eight years, conducting over 400 operations. U.S. Marshals aided at the scene and vowed continued cooperation in the manhunt.

Prince Harry made an unannounced visit to Lviv, Ukraine, touring the Superhumans Centre, a clinic providing free prosthetics, reconstructive surgery, and psychological support to soldiers wounded in the war with Russia. Accompanied by the Invictus Games Foundation, which he founded, Harry met patients, medical staff, and Ukraine’s veteran affairs minister, Natalia Kalmykova. Invictus CEO Rob Owen called Ukraine a vital part of the charity’s mission. The visit was disclosed only after Harry left the country and followed his London court appearance related to his U.K. security arrangements.

A helicopter conducting an aerial survey on Bird Island, South Africa, crashed from about 50 feet after an unsecured cardboard box containing a penguin slid onto the pilot’s cyclic control, causing a loss of control. The aircraft was heavily damaged, but the pilot, three passengers, and the penguin were uninjured. Investigators said the penguin was not properly secured or declared, violating safety protocols and underscoring the need to follow aviation procedures.

The U.S. Space Force removed Col. Susannah Meyers as commander of Pituffik Space Base in Greenland for “loss of confidence” and failing to remain nonpartisan, shortly after she emailed personnel distancing the base from Vice President JD Vance’s remarks supporting a U.S. takeover or Greenlandic independence from Denmark. Pentagon officials warned against actions undermining the administration’s agenda. Col. Shawn Lee now oversees the base. The move follows Vance’s visit amid President Trump’s renewed interest in taking control of Greenland, despite strong opposition in Greenland and Denmark.

U.S. missionary Pastor Josh Sullivan was abducted at gunpoint by four masked men during a prayer meeting at Fellowship Baptist Church in Motherwell, near Gqeberha, South Africa. The kidnappers, who appeared to know him by name, stole two phones, forced him into his car, and fled; the vehicle was later found abandoned nearby. Police say no ransom has been demanded yet, though the motive is believed to be financial amid a rise in kidnappings in South Africa. Sullivan, originally from Tennessee and in South Africa since 2018, was taken in front of about 30 congregants, including his wife and six children. U.S. authorities are aware of the case, and supporters are calling for his safe return. South Africa recorded over 17,000 kidnappings in 2023–2024, alongside high levels of gun violence.

CNN reports on the arrest and initial ICC appearance of former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte over alleged crimes against humanity tied to his “war on drugs,” which claimed thousands of lives from 2011–2019. Families like that of 17-year-old Joshua Laxamana, killed in 2018, say the domestic justice system has failed them—only eight policemen have been convicted for five deaths—leaving the International Criminal Court as their primary hope for accountability. Despite Duterte withdrawing the Philippines from the ICC in 2019, the court retains jurisdiction for crimes committed while the country was a member. Rights groups call Duterte’s arrest a pivotal, symbolic step toward justice for victims, many of whom were poor young men allegedly killed in extrajudicial operations, with total deaths estimated by advocates at up to 30,000.

European governments are urging citizens to adopt a “wartime mindset” amid fears of Russian aggression and uncertain U.S. support. The EU recommends stockpiling 72 hours of essentials, while countries roll out detailed civilian guidance: Germany’s overall defense framework, Sweden’s “If Crisis or War Comes” booklet with air raid and nuclear advice, and Finland’s extensive shelter system and crisis prep. Experts say preparedness must cover hybrid threats without causing panic, noting stark differences in public receptivity: nations with direct historical experience of Russian threat (Finland, Baltics) are more receptive, while others (Portugal, Italy, UK) are less attuned. The effectiveness of such plans is uncertain, with past efforts like Britain’s Cold War “Protect and Survive” facing skepticism, raising the question of whether populations will heed the guidance.

CNN profiles designer Asher Levine, who created Lisa of Blackpink’s two tech-forward Coachella outfits on a tight timeline. Her headline look was a 3D reptilian bodysuit made using a full body scan, digital tailoring, and AI-generated geometric scales, with handcrafted translucent scutes and horned shoulders that each took 50–60 hours. Levine, a self-described leather industry disruptor, aims to replace animal skins with high-tech, cruelty-free materials. Lisa’s second look—a sheer catsuit with 3D-printed, fiber-optic tendrils—drew from bioluminescent insects and translucent fungi, continuing Levine’s fusion of nature, prehistory, and futurism. A veteran of illuminated stagewear for stars like Lady Gaga and Grimes, Levine emphasizes building flexible, athlete-grade performance pieces for avant-garde clients seeking boundary-pushing style.

Gabon’s interim leader Gen. Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, who seized power in a 2023 coup, won the country’s first post-coup presidential election with 90.35% of the vote, according to provisional results. Turnout was 87.21% among roughly 920,000 registered voters. His closest rival, former Prime Minister Alain Claude Bilie-By-Nze, received 3% and alleged misuse of state resources, which the government denies. Local civil society observers reported largely satisfactory conduct and transparency at most polling stations, though Oligui’s campaign had far broader representation than his rivals. Oligui, former head of the Republican Guard, is set for a seven-year term as questions persist over reforms and public dissatisfaction with the military’s record since 2023.

After shooting a disastrous 18-over 90 in the Masters’ first round, 21-year-old Nick Dunlap considered quitting but rebounded with a one-under second round—a 19-shot improvement, the largest Masters round-to-round turnaround since 1936 and tied for the biggest in any major in the last 50 years. Despite the historic bounce-back, he missed the cut at 17-over. Dunlap, a highly touted prospect and two-time PGA Tour winner (including a win as an amateur), acknowledged ongoing struggles—particularly off the tee—and the emotional toll of poor form, noting he’s missed the cut in his first six majors as a pro. He’s scheduled to play next at the RBC Heritage on April 17.

US fertility rates fell 12% from 2016 to 2023 to historic lows, per CDC data. Amid a growing pronatalist push, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy tied infrastructure funding to higher birth-rate communities, drawing concern in low-fertility states and praise from pronatalists. Elon Musk and other Trump administration figures are promoting higher birth rates. CNN’s analysis shows regional variation: South Dakota has the highest fertility rate (65.64 births per 1,000 women ages 15–44) and Vermont the lowest (42.1) in 2023.

The article reflects on Tiger Woods’ iconic chip-in on the 16th hole at the 2005 Masters—one of sports broadcasting’s most memorable moments—and reveals how close TV viewers came to missing it. During CBS’s live coverage, director Steve Milton briefly attempted to cut away when the ball appeared to stop on the lip, but technical director Norm Patterson held the shot, capturing the ball’s final roll into the cup. Coordinating producer Lance Barrow describes the split-second decisions and tension in the broadcast truck, underscoring golf’s difficulty to cover live. The moment bolstered Woods’ legacy and helped earn CBS an Emmy; it’s also remembered as a tribute to Patterson, who died months later. Twenty years on, the shot remains a defining example of both athletic brilliance and broadcast precision.

President Trump issued a memo directing Interior, Homeland Security, Defense, and Agriculture to grant the Pentagon “use and jurisdiction” over select federal lands along the US-Mexico border, including the Roosevelt Reservation, to expand military involvement in border security. The move enables construction of barriers and deployment of monitoring equipment, excludes Federal Indian Reservations, and allows initial implementation in a limited sector with potential expansion by the Defense Secretary. The plan includes designating parts of the border as military installations where migrants could be held for trespass until DHS takes custody, a step raising legal concerns about sidestepping the Posse Comitatus Act’s limits on military law enforcement. The order follows Trump’s broader national emergency declaration and increased troop presence at the border.

President Donald Trump attended UFC 314 in Miami, becoming the first sitting president to appear at a UFC event and participating in a fighter-style walkout. He was joined by allies including Elon Musk and senior officials Marco Rubio, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Tulsi Gabbard, and Kash Patel, and greeted UFC CEO Dana White, Joe Rogan, and Shaquille O’Neal. The appearance underscores Trump’s strategy of leveraging major sporting events and male-oriented media to reconnect with pop culture and bolster support among young men, reflecting his long-standing ties to the UFC and White. It follows a pattern of high-profile sports outings during his second term, highlighting his transformation from cultural outcast back to mainstream figure.

Redfin’s 2025 ranking of the hottest U.S. neighborhoods—based on year-over-year growth in Redfin.com listing views and a Compete Score (50+), using data from Jan 1–Feb 28—highlights strong demand in transit-accessible, suburban-feeling areas near major job centers. Five of the top 10 are Midwest suburbs, reflecting a shift from the South amid rising insurance and tax costs; the Midwest offers more stable costs and affordability. Homes in all top 10 areas are selling faster than a year ago, and six have fewer active listings, signaling tight supply. Top spot: Prospect Heights/Clinton Hill (ZIP 11238), Brooklyn, with a 105% jump in sales and a $1.397M median price (+3.9% YoY), prized for proximity to NYC jobs plus a more residential feel. No. 2: Jenison, Michigan (ZIP 49428), a Grand Rapids suburb, stands out for affordability (median $356,500, slightly down YoY). Other notable entries include Midwest and suburban markets like Campton Hills/St. Charles, IL; Fairport, NY; Franklin, WI; Prairie Village/Mission Hills, KS; Lakeville, MN; and coastal/urban neighborhoods like Polk Gulch/Russian Hill, CA; Great Kills, Staten Island; and Bowie, MD.

A growing number of engineers and founders from Apple, Google, and Cash App are leaving Big Tech to build bitcoin-focused startups centered at Austin’s Bitcoin Commons, a hub for open-source development, Lightning payments, privacy tech, and off-grid mining. Sparked by a friendlier U.S. policy environment under Trump—including pardons, a proposed Strategic Bitcoin Reserve using seized coins, and a more accommodating regulatory tone—builders report renewed optimism and capital interest. The Commons serves as both coworking space and community venue, catalyzing projects like Open Secret, which rethinks cloud data storage by encrypting data per user to reduce breach risk. While sentiment is bullish and bitcoin’s price has surged, founders remain wary of political volatility and government overreach, seeking clearer rules without heavy-handed control.

On Mad Money’s Lightning Round, Jim Cramer gave rapid-fire stock takes: Buy Cheesecake Factory (cheap), avoid Occidental Petroleum (one of the worst oil stocks), buy Realty Income on weakness, avoid Halliburton, consider owning Carriage Services (steady), and buy Palantir.

Twelve former OpenAI employees asked a California court to let them file a brief supporting Elon Musk’s lawsuit opposing OpenAI’s shift to a for-profit structure. Represented by Lawrence Lessig, they argue that reducing the nonprofit’s control would violate OpenAI’s founding mission and breach the trust of employees, donors, and stakeholders. The ex-staffers, who worked at OpenAI between 2018 and 2024, say the case addresses core questions about the mission and structure they helped shape. The filing comes amid escalating legal battles: a court recently blocked Musk’s attempt to halt OpenAI’s restructuring, while OpenAI countersued Musk, alleging a campaign to harm the company. OpenAI, led by Sam Altman, has pursued commercialization (e.g., ChatGPT), maintains a hybrid capped-profit model, and recently raised $40 billion at a $300 billion valuation after rejecting a $97.4 billion buyout offer reportedly led by Musk.

Tuition-free and no-loan college policies can unintentionally reduce access for low-income students. After NYU’s med school made tuition free, applications surged but the share of “financially disadvantaged” students fell sharply, illustrating how heightened competition can favor middle- and higher-income applicants with better admissions resources. As elite schools like Harvard expand generous aid (e.g., free tuition up to $200,000 income), experts warn middle and upper-middle-class families may disproportionately benefit, while colleges still seek wealthier students for class balance and future donations. Meanwhile, overall college costs continue to outpace inflation, and most institutions can’t afford tuition-free models. Students should look beyond sticker prices and leverage scholarships, financial aid, and work-study to reduce costs.

Jim Cramer says next week’s key market movers will be major earnings and any White House statements. He’s watching Goldman Sachs Monday; Citigroup, Bank of America, Johnson & Johnson, and J.B. Hunt Tuesday; Abbott and ASML plus retail sales data Wednesday; and Taiwan Semiconductor, UnitedHealth, American Express, Blackstone, and Netflix on Thursday. Cramer is cautiously optimistic on Goldman, expects Citi to trade higher regardless, sees steady Bank of America, is looking for J&J litigation and drug updates, and anticipates a weak J.B. Hunt print. He expects solid Abbott fundamentals but legal overhang, worries ASML could miss, thinks retail sales will be strong, views TSMC as a sector bellwether and UNH as a “universal buy,” and expects a good AmEx quarter that may still trade poorly post-report. He urges close attention to Netflix’s call, particularly its ad-tier progress, while warning that unpredictable White House messaging could overshadow corporate news.

Meta added two new board members: Dina Powell McCormick, a former deputy national security advisor in the Trump administration and wife of Republican Sen. Dave McCormick, and Patrick Collison, co-founder and CEO of Stripe. Powell McCormick’s appointment underscores Meta’s growing alignment with Republicans, following recent moves like adding UFC CEO Dana White and scaling back fact-checking. CEO Mark Zuckerberg praised the new directors’ business experience; both appointments take effect April 15.

Founders Fund, led by Peter Thiel, closed a $4.6 billion late-stage venture fund called Founders Fund Growth III, per an SEC filing. The fund includes 270 investors, with Thiel, Napoleon Ta, and Trae Stephens listed as directors, and a significant GP commitment. The raise exceeded earlier reports of a $3 billion target from external investors. The capital positions the firm to back mature private companies like SpaceX, Stripe, and Anduril amid a weak IPO market affected by tariff uncertainty. Founders Fund’s notable portfolio also includes Palantir, Airbnb, and Affirm.

A bomb exploded outside Hellenic Train’s offices in central Athens after an anonymous warning, causing limited damage and no injuries. Police cordoned off the area and are investigating, with forensics collecting evidence from a rucksack containing the device. The blast comes amid rising public anger over the 2023 Tempe rail disaster that killed 57 people and exposed major safety failings, prompting ongoing protests and criticism of the government’s response. A heated parliamentary debate earlier the same day led to a former minister being referred to investigators. Hellenic Train condemned the violence. Greece has a history of small-scale, politically motivated bombings.

Space Forge, a Cardiff startup, is set to launch ForgeStar-1, a prototype “space factory” satellite on a SpaceX rocket to manufacture advanced semiconductor materials in microgravity. The company aims to produce high-purity crystals from novel compounds that enable chips to run faster while using over 50% less energy, potentially saving billions on UK energy bills and supporting power-hungry applications like AI and quantum computing. If the in-orbit process succeeds, future missions will produce materials valued up to £45m/kg, with reentry enabled by Space Forge’s foldable Pridwen heat shield. Backed by the UK’s first in-orbit manufacturing license, the venture could anchor a UK space-manufacturing market estimated at £20bn over the next decade.

Abigail Esparza Reyes, a 33-year-old commander of Mexico’s elite “Gringo Hunters” unit that tracks US fugitives hiding in Mexico, was fatally shot in Tijuana while attempting to apprehend Cesar Hernandez, a convicted murderer who escaped a California courthouse in December. Reyes, who led the Baja California team for eight years and conducted over 400 operations, died from her injuries; Hernandez escaped again, reportedly disguised as a worker. Mexico’s governor vowed justice. The unit, created in 2002 with US cooperation, has recently gained prominence and is the subject of an upcoming Netflix crime drama.

Investigators are probing whether a large flock of birds contributed to a tourist helicopter crash in New York’s Hudson River that killed the pilot, Seankese “Sean” Johnson, and a Spanish family of five, including three children. NTSB chair Jennifer Homendy said no cause has been determined and urged witnesses to share information. Divers are recovering wreckage; the pilot had over 780 flight hours. Witnesses reported the main rotor blade appeared to fly off and the helicopter spun before impact. The victims were Siemens executive Agustin Escobar, his wife Merce Camprubi Montal, and their children, ages 4, 8, and 10. The Bell 206 was operated by New York Helicopter, which is cooperating with FAA and NTSB investigations. The crash occurred near Pier 40 after roughly 15 minutes in flight.

A Los Angeles judge ruled that the Menendez brothers’ resentencing hearing can proceed next Thursday. Lyle and Erik Menendez, serving life without parole for the 1989 murders of their parents, could become eligible for parole if their sentences are changed to 50 years to life—a shift previously supported by former DA George Gascon. Current DA Nathan Hochman opposes the change unless the brothers fully acknowledge past lies about the killings. Governor Gavin Newsom has asked the parole board to assess any public safety risk if they’re released. The brothers, who maintain they acted after years of abuse, appeared via video; their lawyer called the ruling a victory for justice over politics.

Prince Harry made an unannounced visit to Lviv, Ukraine, to meet war victims and support rehabilitation efforts at the Superhumans Center, an orthopaedic clinic providing free prosthetics, reconstructive surgery, and psychological care. Traveling with Invictus Games representatives and veterans, he met patients, staff, members of Ukraine’s Invictus community, and the minister of veterans affairs. The trip, invited by the center’s CEO, follows his London court appearance and makes him the second royal to visit Ukraine since the 2022 invasion, after Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh.

A powerful cold vortex from Mongolia brought China its strongest April winds in decades, triggering an orange wind alert in Beijing and disrupting travel and tourism across northern regions. Gusts forecast up to 150 km/h led to the cancellation of over 400 flights at Beijing Capital International Airport, suspension of some subway and high-speed rail services, and temporary closure of major attractions including the Summer Palace, Temple of Heaven, Beijing Zoo, and Universal Studios. Temperatures in Beijing fell by about 12°C, nearly 300 trees toppled and 19 vehicles were damaged, though no injuries were reported in the capital. Meteorologists warned wind speeds could surpass April records from 1951, underscoring the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather linked to climate change.

Jamaican reggae singer Max Romeo, famed for songs like Chase the Devil, War Ina Babylon, and the controversial UK hit Wet Dream, has died at 80 from heart complications in Saint Andrew Parish, Jamaica. Rising in the late 1960s, he became a voice of 1970s roots reggae and Jamaica’s social democracy movement, with Let the Power Fall on I serving as an anthem for the PNP’s 1972 campaign. His 1976 album War Ina Babylon with the Upsetters is considered a classic, and Chase the Devil has been widely sampled by artists including the Prodigy and Kanye West. Romeo later moved to New York, co-wrote and starred in the musical Reggae, and sang backing vocals on the Rolling Stones’ Dance. He is remembered as a gentle, family-loving figure and a reggae legend.

Japan’s 2025 World Expo in Osaka opens for six months on Yumeshima, a reclaimed “Dream Island,” aiming to “design a future society for our lives” amid geopolitical tensions and domestic skepticism. Featuring 150 countries and regions, highlights include a Martian meteorite, domestic androids, a stem-cell artificial heart, and a VR experience of conflict zones. The site’s signature 2km wooden “skywalk” showcases traditional joinery, while exhibits acknowledge global fractures (Ukraine present, Russia absent; UN/Gaza content; Palestine and Israel pavilions). Preparations faced delays, cost overruns (¥125bn to ¥235bn), methane concerns, and lukewarm ticket sales (8.7m vs 14m target). Japan leans on cultural soft power—Gundam, conveyor-belt sushi, Hello Kitty art, and the now-beloved mascot Myaku-Myaku. Architect Sou Fujimoto frames the expo as a rare moment of unity, though all structures will be dismantled afterward to make way for Japan’s first casino, raising doubts about lasting impact in a divided, hyper-connected world.

Panama’s opposition accused the U.S. of a “camouflaged invasion” after U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the U.S. would boost its military presence at three former bases to “secure” the Panama Canal from Chinese influence, and Donald Trump said troops had been moved to Panama. The moves appear to clash with the canal’s neutrality treaty banning foreign military installations. A leaked MOU showed planned areas for training, humanitarian activities, and installation of U.S. property, despite Panama’s government insisting these are not bases and are temporary. Tensions are heightened by conflicting U.S.-Panamanian accounts of talks, a separate deal reimbursing U.S. Navy canal fees that could breach neutrality, and growing domestic backlash against President José Raúl Mulino’s opaque handling of the crisis. Public discontent—already high over social security reform and environmental issues—has fueled legal challenges and planned protests.

Ted Kotcheff, the Canadian-born director known for First Blood, Weekend at Bernie’s, Wake in Fright, and The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz, has died at 94 of heart failure in Mexico. A versatile filmmaker, Kotcheff began in UK television in the late 1950s, directed notable British plays and features, and made the acclaimed Australian cult film Wake in Fright (1971). He achieved major success with the Canadian hit The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz (1974), then in Hollywood with Fun with Dick and Jane (1977), North Dallas Forty (1979), and First Blood (1982), which launched the Rambo franchise, followed by the comedy hit Weekend at Bernie’s (1989). After a downturn in the early 1990s, he returned to television as an executive producer/director on Law & Order: SVU for 12 seasons. He is survived by his wife, Laifun Chung, and his children.

An Australian fertility clinic, Monash IVF in Brisbane, admitted a “human error” led to the wrong embryo being transferred, resulting in a woman giving birth to another couple’s child. The mistake was uncovered in February when an unexpected extra embryo was found during a transfer request, triggering an investigation that confirmed the mix-up. The clinic apologized, activated its crisis team, met with affected patients, and launched audits and an independent review, calling it an isolated incident. Details about the child’s return to biological parents and legal outcomes were not disclosed. The case echoes a similar U.S. incident in Georgia, where a mother lost custody after an IVF mix-up and later sued the clinic.

Ernesto “Don Neto” Fonseca Carrillo, 94, a co-founder of Mexico’s Guadalajara Cartel convicted in the 1985 torture and murder of DEA agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena, has been released after completing a 40-year sentence. He had been on home confinement since 2016. The DEA did not comment on whether the U.S. will seek his custody. Fellow cartel co-founder Rafael Caro Quintero, also convicted in Camarena’s killing, was re-arrested in 2022 and extradited to the U.S. in February along with other cartel figures. Camarena was abducted by Mexican intelligence officers allied with traffickers, brutally tortured for over 30 hours, and killed; his body was found a month later.

The U.S. and Panama signed a new defense and security declaration to reinforce control and cooperation over the Panama Canal amid concerns about China’s regional influence. The pact reaffirms Panamanian sovereignty, commits both countries to the Canal’s Neutrality Treaty, and expands collaboration in engineering, security, and cybersecurity. It outlines a cost-sharing, potentially cost-neutral model for services to U.S. warships, with a broader framework in development that could grant U.S. naval vessels priority and toll-free passage—though Panama’s Canal Authority says no fee changes have been made. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth framed the deal as countering Chinese influence and infrastructure in Panama, while Panama’s president rejected claims that China controls the canal. The U.S. is also deploying the USNS Comfort to the region as part of the broader partnership.

Retired FBI agent and former hostage negotiator Jason Pack advised a slow, dialogue-focused approach to secure the safe return of Tennessee pastor Josh Sullivan, who was abducted by armed, masked men during a church service in South Africa’s Eastern Cape. Pack said negotiators aim to “buy time” to reduce the risk of violence and emphasized coordination between South African authorities, the U.S. Embassy, and the FBI’s legal attaché. He suggested the lack of harm to Sullivan’s family may indicate a financial motive rather than a political one. The priority, he stressed, is Sullivan’s safe return over apprehending the kidnappers.

Around 100 civilians, including nine aid workers, were killed by Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces in an attack on Zamzam camp for displaced people in North Darfur, according to a regional health official. The camp, already facing famine conditions, was struck days before the second anniversary of Sudan’s civil war, one of the world’s deadliest current conflicts. The incident underscores escalating violence and the vulnerability of civilians and aid operations in the region.

Paris has dramatically reduced air pollution over the past two decades by curbing car use, expanding bike lanes and parks, and removing 50,000 parking spaces. Airparif reports PM2.5 levels are down 55% since 2005 and nitrogen dioxide is down 50%, crediting regulations that limit traffic and ban the dirtiest vehicles. The city’s shift toward pedestrian- and cyclist-friendly infrastructure has delivered significant, measurable air-quality gains.

London’s Metropolitan Police used Batman and Robin costumes in an undercover operation on Westminster Bridge to catch illegal gambling operators who recognized plainclothes officers. Inspector Darren Watson (Batman) and Constable Abdi Osman (Robin) arrested Eugen Stocia, 32, and Constica-Gherorghe Barbu, 53, for facilitating gambling. Barbu was convicted and fined about $1,200; Stocia was convicted in absentia after failing to appear, with a warrant issued. Police said the unconventional tactic helped protect tourists from rigged “shell game” scams and vowed continued enforcement on the bridge.

Syria’s new interim government, formed after Islamist militants overthrew Bashar al-Assad in December, is aggressively dismantling Iran’s “land bridge” used to supply Hezbollah and allied militias with weapons, cash, drugs, and fuel. Along the 233-mile Lebanon border, crackdowns on smuggling routes have sparked deadly clashes with Hezbollah-linked clans, even amid a ceasefire. Key hubs like Qusayr show signs of a hasty Hezbollah and Iranian withdrawal, with abandoned weapons depots, training sites, and Captagon factories. Despite Israeli airstrikes and Syrian interdictions intercepting multiple shipments (including drones), significant Hezbollah-linked stockpiles remain in Syria and some networks persist, shifting toward more covert, criminal-style operations. Syrian officials accuse Iran of trying to destabilize the new order and exploring ties with Sunni extremists to maintain influence, though direct evidence is limited. The struggle underscores Iran’s diminished but resilient footprint and the new government’s challenge to secure borders and consolidate control.

China’s accelerating population decline is reshaping its urban landscape, with stark divergences between cities that can still attract migrants and those losing residents. While places like Chengdu continue to grow modestly, many major cities—including Beijing and those in the northeast—are seeing shrinking populations, delaying marriages, and weaker consumer demand. Businesses tied to demographics, such as wedding services, report falling revenues. Experts warn that larger urban centers may face empty streets, reduced workforces, and fiscal strain as tax bases contract. The demographic headwinds threaten city competitiveness and planning, pressing local governments to adapt by improving livability, talent policies, and economic structures to counteract urban decline.

Beijing experienced its strongest April winds in decades, driven by a cold vortex from Mongolia, prompting an orange wind warning and widespread shutdowns. Flights, some rail services, and public transport were suspended; major attractions like the Great Wall and the Forbidden City were closed. Authorities urged millions to stay home as winds reached up to Force 14, with a peak of 162 km/h recorded in Mentougou. The gale affected much of northern China, including Tianjin and Hebei, with forecasts of sandstorms potentially reaching Shanghai. Thunderstorms, darkened skies, and numerous fallen trees were reported across the capital.

Hong Kong’s new police commissioner, Joe Chow Yat-ming, vowed to boost international cooperation—particularly with Interpol—to combat a surge in scams, which doubled since 2021 to 44,480 cases in 2024 and now make up 47% of overall crime, with a low 10.6% detection rate. Locally, he plans closer work with the Hong Kong Monetary Authority and banks to crack down on “mule accounts,” including upcoming powers for banks to share data with police, flag suspicious accounts, pause questionable transactions, and facilitate in-person checks. Chow also said protests would be allowed but assessed for national security risks.