Iniaes

GB News presenter criticises Labour’s new sentencing rules over shoplifting

GB News presenter Alex Armstrong said Labour has effectively made shoplifting legal under the new Sentencing Act, arguing that limits on prison terms for offences under 12 months will mean fewer shoplifters go to jail. He said the change will hit already struggling high streets, blamed retail theft for costing the economy billions, and urged Justice Secretary David Lammy to take action as retailers including M&S and Iceland press for tougher measures.

Anthropic Says Claude Users Will Have to Pay Extra to Use Third-Party Tools Like OpenClaw

Anthropic says that starting April 4, Claude subscription limits will no longer cover third-party harnesses such as OpenClaw. Users who want to keep using them will need a separate pay-as-you-go option or Anthropic’s API, while Anthropic says its own tools are built to use compute more efficiently. The change is likely to hit power users and smaller builders the hardest, and it gives rivals a fresh opening to pitch themselves as the friendlier option.

Arkansas man accused of threatening woman who let him stay overnight

Police in Jonesboro, Arkansas, say Tarvon Chalmers threatened a woman after she let him stay at her home when he had nowhere else to go. Authorities say he told her to pay him $100 to leave and threatened to shoot her and her family, then beat her and leave her bloody. Officers arrested him at the home, and he now faces felony terroristic threatening and other charges. He is being held on $15,000 bail with a no-contact order in place.

Storm Dave Will Strengthen as Amber Wind Warning Takes Effect in Parts of the UK

Yellow wind warnings are in place across parts of all four UK nations as Storm Dave moves east overnight. An amber wind warning has also taken effect for some areas.

White House Cuts Off Press Access to President Trump for the Day

The White House unexpectedly ended press access to President Trump at 11 a.m. ET on Saturday, according to The Guardian. Trump stayed in Washington this weekend instead of traveling to Mar-a-Lago, unlike most recent weekends.

More Than 50 Memorial Trees and Rose Plants Destroyed at Southend Cemetery

Vandals destroyed more than 50 memorial trees and rose plants at Sutton Road memorial grounds in Southend, Essex, and kicked over flowers placed in remembrance of loved ones. Southend Council says it will identify affected families and restore the memorials, while Essex Police have opened an investigation.

Germany Plans the World’s Largest Frigate, but the F126 Faces Delays

Germany is planning the F126, described as the world’s largest frigate, with deployment currently slated for 2029. The ship is intended for missions such as submarine hunting or drone operations, but the project is facing problems, raising questions about when it will actually be delivered.

Two More Arrested on Suspicion of Murder After Barnsley Collision That Killed Pedestrian

Two more people, including a 17-year-old boy, have been arrested on suspicion of murder after a man died in a collision in Barnsley.

U.S. Says It Has Detained Relatives of Late Iranian General Qasem Soleimani

U.S. officials say Immigration and Customs Enforcement has taken into custody the niece and grand-niece of Qasem Soleimani, the late Iranian general killed in a U.S. drone strike in 2020. No further details were provided.

Trump Officials Say Blocking $400 Million White House Ballroom Puts Security at Risk

Trump’s administration is asking a federal appeals court to pause a judge’s order halting construction of a $400 million White House ballroom. National Park Service lawyers say stopping the project could create grave national-security harms, pointing to materials that will be installed in what they describe as a heavily fortified facility.

Gallup: China Now Ranks Above the U.S. in Global Approval Ratings

Gallup says China has moved ahead of the United States in global approval ratings. The firm says the shift reflects deep negativity toward the U.S. more than strong enthusiasm for China.

Birmingham mosque vandalized with racist graffiti twice in 48 hours

A Birmingham mosque and community centre in Kingstanding was vandalised with racist graffiti twice in 48 hours, leaving worshippers fearful and prompting an emergency community meeting. West Midlands Police say they are treating it as racially and religiously aggravated criminal damage, have increased patrols, and are reviewing CCTV and other footage as they appeal for information.

Two Arrested After Boy Is Killed and Two Others Injured in Crash

Police say a vehicle collided with three teenagers, including two riding a bike and another on a scooter. A boy was killed and two others were hurt, and two people have been arrested.

Boat Race 2026: Cambridge men win again, Oxford women end their losing streak

Cambridge won the men’s Boat Race for the fourth year in a row. Oxford’s women ended their run of defeats by winning for the first time since 2016.

Fourth Suspect Arrested in Arson Attack on Jewish Charity Ambulance

Three men charged over the attack appeared in court this morning and were remanded in custody. A fourth suspect has now been arrested in connection with the case.

Second Suspect Arrested in Brooklyn Stray-Bullet Killing of 7-Month-Old Baby

Police say an 18-year-old, Matthew Rodriguez, was arrested in Pennsylvania by NYPD detectives and U.S. marshals in connection with the shooting that killed seven-month-old Kaori Patterson-Moore on a Brooklyn street. Investigators said this is the second suspect arrested in the case, two days after the shooting.

How Indigenous knowledge and Western science are working together to restore ecosystems

Researchers are combining Native practices with Western methods to help revive ecosystems and support food sovereignty. In the Pacific Northwest, marine ecologist and Samish Indian Nation member Hatch is surveying mollusks while working with seven communities to build or rebuild rock-walled, terraced beaches created and tended by their ancestors.

US and Russia Back Viktor Orbán Ahead of Hungary’s Election

As Hungarians head to the polls in a closely fought election, Washington’s support and alleged interference from Moscow are raising fresh questions about outside influence. The White House says JD Vance and his wife Usha will visit Hungary on Tuesday, a move widely seen as an effort to bolster Viktor Orbán as he trails in the polls.

Germany’s new conscription law may require some men to get approval for long trips abroad

Germany has introduced a new military service law under which men aged 17 to 45 may need approval from the Bundeswehr for trips abroad lasting more than three months. The measure is part of a broader change to military service rules, though the details provided here do not explain what prompted it.

Former British Army chief warns missing U.S. pilot may have died after Iran shootdown

A former British Army chief has warned that the missing U.S. weapons systems officer from a downed F-15E over southern Iran may have suffered a fatal outcome. U.S. rescue teams are still searching for him in hostile territory after the pilot was recovered earlier the same day.

Trump says Iran has 48 hours to make a deal before U.S. retaliation

President Trump warned Iran on Truth Social that time is running out, saying the U.S. could bring "all hell" down on the country if a deal is not reached. He also referred to a 48-hour deadline and his earlier warning to Iran to make a deal or open the Hormuz Strait.

Former U.S. Air Force master sergeant pleads guilty in $37 million Pentagon contracting fraud scheme

Alan Hayward James, a former U.S. Air Force master sergeant from Texas, pleaded guilty to defrauding the military out of $37 million. Prosecutors say he ran a nine-year scheme starting in 2016, rigging bids for Pentagon IT contracts, inflating costs, and diverting the extra money to himself, his family, co-conspirators, and another person he called "Godfather."

U.S. rescue teams search for missing crew member after jet is shot down over Iran

U.S. special forces rescue teams are searching for a missing airman after an F-15E was shot down by Iranian forces over southern Iran. The pilot was rescued on Friday, while pararescue units continue the recovery effort in Khuzestan province in what one former commander described as a highly dangerous mission.

Ukraine Says Russian Combat Losses Since 2022 Have Reached 1.3 Million

Ukraine’s Defence Ministry says Russian combat losses since the start of the full-scale invasion in February 2022 have reached about 1,302,370 personnel. The latest update also says Russia lost 1,110 personnel in the past day, along with 2,387 drones and 85 artillery systems. Kyiv notes the figures are based on Ukrainian military assessments and have not been independently verified.

U.S. Air Force seeks portable acoustic sensor to detect small drones

The U.S. Air Force is asking industry for ideas on a portable passive acoustic sensor that could help troops detect small drones and other nearby threats during mounted and dismounted operations. The request for information was released April 3 by the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center.

Pentagon Awards $2.35 Billion in Jet Fuel Contracts to Boost Fleet Readiness

The Pentagon has awarded more than $2.35 billion in contracts for jet fuel and naval fuel distillates to 12 U.S.-based suppliers. The Defense Logistics Agency Energy announced the awards on April 3, with the contracts formally issued on April 1, covering multiple aviation and marine fuel types for fleet readiness.

Fugitive Mafia Boss Wanted for Murder Arrested in Amalfi Coast Villa

Police say Roberto Mazzarella, wanted for murder, was arrested in a luxury villa on Italy’s Amalfi Coast after more than a year on the run. They say he had been living there under a false name.

Neymar Faces Possible 10-Match Ban After Remarks About Referee

Neymar is under investigation in Brazil after making sexist comments about referee Savio Pereira Sampaio following Santos’ 2-0 win over Remo. He could face a suspension of up to 10 matches, which would further hurt his chances of making Brazil’s World Cup squad, with the provisional announcement due on May 11.

What We Know So Far About the Search for a Missing U.S. Airman in Iran

U.S. and Iranian forces are searching for a missing American crew member after a U.S. warplane was shot down. No further details have been provided.

BAE Wins $180 Million Swedish Contract for Mobile Air Defense System

BAE Systems says Sweden has awarded it a $180 million contract for its TRIDON Mk2 truck-mounted air defense system. The system is designed to counter drones, cruise missiles, aircraft, and some ground targets, and Sweden says it is meant to fill short-range air defense gaps with a mobile, lower-cost platform.

Surveillance Video Shows Suspects Crashing Moped After Brooklyn Shooting That Killed 7-Month-Old

Police say surveillance video captured two suspects fleeing on a moped after a Brooklyn shooting that killed 7-month-old Kaori Patterson-Moore. The video shows the pair riding the wrong way down a one-way street before crashing into a sedan, throwing both men to the pavement. NYPD says 21-year-old Amuri Greene is the suspected shooter and has been charged with murder and attempted murder, while 18-year-old Matthew Rodriguez was arrested in Pennsylvania and charges are pending.

Colorado Expands Average-Speed Cameras on Roads and Highways

Colorado is rolling out an average-speed camera system that measures vehicles over multiple points, making it harder to slow down only when a camera is nearby. The system, allowed under a 2023 law, has already started issuing tickets on some roads and highways, including a stretch of I-25 north of Denver in a construction zone. Drivers going 10 mph or more over the limit can get a $75 ticket with no points, and the citation goes to the vehicle owner.

Guardiola declines to say whether he will stay at Manchester City

Pep Guardiola refused to confirm his plans for Manchester City when asked ahead of today’s FA Cup quarterfinal against Liverpool. His contract runs to 2027, but he gave no clear answer on whether he intends to stay beyond this season, while City say they expect him to remain next year. Guardiola also backed Phil Foden after England boss Thomas Tuchel questioned the midfielder’s current form, and urged City not to underestimate Liverpool despite their recent patchy run.

Jack Nicklaus says Tiger Woods may need help after arrest

Jack Nicklaus said he is deeply worried about Tiger Woods after Woods was arrested in Florida last month, saying his concern is for Woods as a person, not just as a golfer. Nicklaus said Woods may need help with long-term painkiller use. Woods faces misdemeanor charges of driving under the influence with property damage and refusing a lawful test, and a Florida judge has allowed him to travel for inpatient treatment.

April 4, 1975: Bill Gates and Paul Allen Found Microsoft

On April 4, 1975, Bill Gates and Paul Allen founded Microsoft. The company would go on to become one of the biggest names in personal computing, which is a fairly large footprint for a garage-era startup.

Artemis II Astronauts Pass 100,000 Miles from Earth on Journey Around the Moon

NASA says the Artemis II crew has passed 100,000 miles from Earth and is now on a free-return path around the Moon after a successful translunar injection burn. The four astronauts from the U.S. and Canada are aboard Orion for the first crewed mission beyond Earth orbit since Apollo 17 in 1972, and if all goes smoothly, they will travel farther from Earth than any humans before them.

Five Met Police officers suspended after weapons bag was left on a south London street

A member of the public found a bag containing guns and a Taser on a south London street. Five Metropolitan Police officers have been taken off duty while the circumstances are investigated.

Artemis II crew reaches halfway point to the Moon and photographs Earth

The Artemis II crew says they are now halfway to the Moon aboard the Orion capsule. Commander Reid Wiseman took a photo of Earth from the spacecraft as they continue their journey.

Pregame football rally in Peru leaves one dead and dozens injured

Hundreds of Alianza Lima fans had gathered for a pregame rally before a match against local rivals Universitario de Deportes. The gathering ended in tragedy, with one person dead and dozens injured.

Man and woman arrested on suspicion of murder after pedestrian dies in Barnsley collision

Two people are in police custody after a man died in a collision in the Cudworth area of Barnsley on Friday evening. South Yorkshire Police said emergency services were called to Rose Tree Avenue at about 4:55pm after a reported crash involving a Volkswagen Touareg and a pedestrian.

UK to add missile warning to digital targeting network

The UK says ballistic missile early warning will be integrated into its developing Digital Targeting Web, a system meant to connect sensors, decision-making, and weapons across the armed forces. Defence Minister Luke Pollard said the network’s first elements are due in 2026, with the naval piece expected to come through the Maritime Fighting Web, subject to future investment decisions.

UK Launches £7.5 Billion Car Finance Compensation Scheme

The Financial Conduct Authority has launched an industry-wide compensation scheme to repay millions of motorists mis-sold car loans, with total payouts expected to reach about £7.5 billion. Regulators and consumer advocate Martin Lewis are urging eligible drivers to complain sooner rather than later so they can get in the queue, while new details have emerged on who may qualify and how the process will work.

Authorities say man paid vendors for child sexual abuse material

Authorities allege Anton Bilski paid hundreds of dollars to vendors offering child sexual abuse material. He has been charged in the case, because apparently some people still need the world to explain that this is not a subscription service.

Two people shot in Philadelphia’s East Falls neighborhood

Police say two people were shot in Philadelphia’s East Falls neighborhood, including one victim found with a gunshot wound to the head inside a Kia. Investigators believe the shooter may have fired from another vehicle.

Stormgate multiplayer servers to shut down after partner sale

Stormgate is shutting down its multiplayer servers at the end of the month after its game server partner was bought by an AI company. Frost Giant Studios says the game will be patched for offline play, including single-player and co-op modes, but online features will disappear unless it finds a new operations partner.

Trump weighing more Cabinet changes, advisers say

President Donald Trump is considering additional changes to his Cabinet after removing two high-profile members, according to advisers. The Washington Post reports that Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick are viewed as less secure, while Tulsi Gabbard is said to be safe for now.

Catholics march in Center City on Good Friday, with immigration message

Hundreds of Catholics marched through Center City on Good Friday, combining a traditional observance with a call for immigration reform and attention to immigrant struggles.

Jail calls capture anxiety as Duggar couple faces separate legal trouble

Kendra Duggar was heard in jail calls crying and telling Joseph Duggar not to trust anyone as both deal with serious legal trouble. The couple was arrested in Arkansas on charges of endangering the welfare of a minor and false imprisonment, while Joseph also faces separate child molestation charges in Florida.

Rescue crews in Iran continue search for missing U.S. crew member

A former U.S. Marine told the BBC that any recovery team would first look for signs of life as rescue crews in Iran continue a dangerous search for a missing U.S. crew member.

One dead, dozens hurt in stadium collapse in Lima

One person has died and at least 60 others have been injured after a collapse at Alejandro Villanueva Stadium in Lima. Emergency crews rushed to the scene, and hospitals across the capital were put on high alert as officials said several injured people were transferred for treatment.

Police investigate North Philadelphia double shooting

Police are investigating a double shooting in North Philadelphia after officers responded to gunfire near Fox Street and West Abbottsford Avenue around 8:11 p.m. Friday. Two people were taken to Temple University Hospital, and no arrests have been made.

New Jersey family says woman was killed by ex-fiancé in Swedesboro

A New Jersey family says 41-year-old Tomeka Kamwani was shot and killed by her ex-fiancé inside her Swedesboro home on March 27, and that he then died by suicide. Two of her children were inside the house at the time, and relatives say they want to raise awareness about domestic violence as the investigation continues.

Trump Administration Requests $152 Million to Reopen Alcatraz as a Prison

The Trump administration has asked for $152 million in its fiscal year 2027 federal budget proposal to refurbish and reopen Alcatraz as a prison.

South Korean Business Groups Pledge Voluntary Energy Savings Amid Middle East Risks

Major business groups in South Korea say they will support government efforts to stabilize energy supply by voluntarily cutting energy use as Middle East risks raise concern over disruptions.

South Korea’s Largest Labor Group Calls for Worker-Centered Industrial Policy

South Korea’s largest labor group has called on the government to take a more worker-centered approach in shaping industrial and trade policy.

Experts Warn That a Downed U.S. Aircraft Could Signal Escalating Conflict With Iran

Combat search-and-rescue missions have become relatively rare for U.S. forces after more than a generation of near-total air dominance. In Iraq and Afghanistan, American aircraft usually operated with limited threat, which is why a downed U.S. aircraft now stands out as a sign the conflict may be getting more dangerous.

State Pension Age Begins Rising to 67

The age for claiming the state pension is starting to rise in stages over the next two years. The change means people will have to wait longer before they can begin receiving payments.

Two U.S. Helicopters Hit by Iranian Fire During Rescue Mission

Two U.S. military helicopters were hit by Iranian fire on Friday while carrying out a search-and-rescue mission for the crew of a downed fighter jet. A UH-60 Black Hawk and a second rescue helicopter were struck but managed to get away.

South Korea to Deploy Long-Range Artillery Interception System by 2029

South Korea says it will speed up deployment of its long-range artillery interception system, part of its Korean Air and Missile Defense plan, with the goal of having it in place by 2029. The move is meant to strengthen the country’s defenses against artillery and missile threats.

How the Iowa-Class Battleships Went from World War II to the Gulf War

The USS Iowa is now a museum ship in Los Angeles, with new plans tied to America250 and a National Museum of the Surface Navy. The Iowa-class battleships were built for fast carrier warfare, served in World War II, Korea, and Vietnam, and were later modernized in the 1980s with Tomahawk missiles and other weapons before Missouri and Wisconsin launched strikes in the 1991 Gulf War.

Europe Reconsiders Nuclear Power as War Drives Up Energy Prices

As war pushes up gas and fuel prices, Europe is again debating energy independence and whether reviving nuclear power could help. It is the kind of question that returns whenever the energy bill starts doing politics for everyone.

What to Know About Trump’s Defense Budget Proposal

President Trump released his fiscal 2027 budget request on Friday, including a $1.5 trillion ask for the Pentagon. The proposal is the main development here, and the details will now face the usual budget fight: lots of numbers, plenty of politics, and the Pentagon getting the bill whether it asked for the spotlight or not.

Taxpayer Foots Redundancy Bills After Foreign-Owned Firms Collapse in the UK

New data shows that when UK companies owned by wealthy individuals or overseas private equity firms collapse, the state often pays workers’ redundancy costs through the Redundancy Payments Service. The figures include cases such as ISG, Everest, Laura Ashley, BrightHouse, Arcadia, and Greensill Capital, with nearly £2 billion in redundancy payments covered over five years. Legal experts say limited liability protects investors, but argue a small change to employment law could make parent companies or corporate groups responsible for those payouts instead of leaving the bill to the taxpayer.

Judge Keeps Block on Subpoenas to the Federal Reserve

A federal judge denied the Justice Department’s request to reconsider his decision quashing two subpoenas sent to the Federal Reserve. In a sharply worded six-page opinion, the judge rejected the government’s arguments and left the subpoenas blocked.

Researchers Say the White House App Has Major Cybersecurity Flaws

Cybersecurity researchers say the White House’s new app regularly shares users’ IP addresses, time zones, and other data with third-party services. They also say the app does not clearly disclose that data sharing the way most apps do.

Trump Seeks $152 Million to Reopen Alcatraz as a Secure Prison

President Donald Trump is seeking $152 million to cover the first year of costs to reopen Alcatraz as a secure prison, according to CNN.

Trump Budget Would Cut TSA Funding and Force Privatized Security at Small Airports

President Trump’s 2027 budget proposal would cut $52 million from the TSA and require privatized security operations at small airports. The agency was created after the Sept. 11 attacks to tighten airport security, so this is one of those classic Washington moves where “streamlining” somehow starts by shaving money off the front line.

Four alpacas killed and two injured in dog attack in Cambridgeshire

Four alpacas were killed and two others seriously injured after being attacked by two Rottweilers at a property in Wisbech St Mary, Cambridgeshire, on March 24. Police took both dogs into custody and say their investigation into livestock-worrying offenses is still active. Officers also noted the case falls under new legislation that now includes alpacas as protected livestock.

U.S. Navy Faces Delays as Three Aircraft Carriers Near Extended Downtime

The Navy is heading toward a period when three aircraft carriers could be unavailable at the same time. The USS John C. Stennis is years behind schedule after its long refueling overhaul, the USS Harry S. Truman is due to enter overhaul in mid-2026, and the USS Gerald R. Ford could face a lengthy maintenance period after a serious fire during deployment. With shipyards stretched thin and carrier maintenance already under strain, the fleet may have fewer operational carriers in 2026 than planners would prefer.

Second US warplane reported shot down near the Strait of Hormuz, pilot rescued

A second US combat plane has been reported shot down in the Persian Gulf region near the Strait of Hormuz, according to Iranian state media. Officials said the pilot was quickly rescued, though details remain unclear and US officials have not fully confirmed what happened. The incident adds another tense twist to an already volatile standoff, and President Donald Trump said it would not affect talks with Iran.

Anthropic launches a new corporate PAC to increase election spending

Anthropic has filed paperwork to create a new corporate political action committee called AnthroPAC. The PAC will be funded exclusively and voluntarily by employees, making Anthropic the latest tech company to set up an employee-funded election spending arm.

Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito Was Hospitalized After a Dinner in His Honor

The Supreme Court confirmed that Justice Samuel Alito was taken to a Philadelphia hospital after a dinner held in his honor last month.

Iran Reportedly Offers $60,000 for Captured F-15E Crew as U.S. Mounts Rescue Operation

A U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle was lost over southwestern Iran, triggering a risky combat search-and-rescue mission. One crew member has been extracted, while efforts to recover the second continue. Iranian media also circulated a reported $60,000 reward for capturing the crew alive and urged attacks on rescue aircraft.

Suspect charged with attempted murder after stabbing at Planet Fitness in Wyncote

A man arrested after a stabbing at a Planet Fitness gym in Montgomery County has now been charged with attempted murder.

One crew member rescued after U.S. fighter jet is shot down over Iran

A U.S. fighter jet has been shot down by Iranian forces, and one crew member has been rescued while the search continues for others. The White House says Donald Trump has been briefed. Separately, Abu Dhabi authorities reported two incidents of debris from intercepted aerial threats in the UAE capital, including one that sparked a fire at a gas facility, with operations suspended and no injuries reported.

Trump Requests $1.5 Trillion Defense Budget and More Homeland Security Funding

President Trump is asking Congress for $1.5 trillion for the Defense Department, plus another $63 billion for Homeland Security. He is also proposing to privatize TSA security screening, a move that would hand one of the government’s most visible airport jobs to the private sector.

Artemis II astronauts pass 100,000 miles from Earth on the way to the Moon

The four astronauts on NASA’s Artemis II mission have passed 100,000 miles from Earth after leaving orbit and firing Orion’s engine for a translunar injection on Thursday. The crew is now on course to travel farther from Earth than any humans have before, as they head toward the Moon.

Retired Air Force master sergeant pleads guilty in $37 million bid-rigging scheme

A retired U.S. Air Force master sergeant pleaded guilty to conspiracy in a scheme that prosecutors say inflated the cost of information technology contracts for U.S. Pacific Air Forces by at least $37 million. The Justice Department says Alan Hayward James, 51, helped enrich himself and co-conspirators through the fraud.

LGBTQ+ News Roundup for April 3, 2026: Court Ruling, State Crackdowns, and Some Good News

A federal lawsuit from the Trump administration targets Minnesota over transgender athletes, while the Supreme Court struck down Colorado’s ban on conversion therapy in an 8-1 ruling. Idaho’s governor signed a bathroom law for transgender people, Tennessee’s Rutherford County Library Board fired its director after she refused to pull more than 190 LGBTQ+ books, and South Carolina’s Senate passed a bill restricting transgender students’ access to bathrooms and locker rooms. On the positive side, an SSRS poll found most Americans say transgender people should have the same rights and protections as everyone else, and Democratic governors in Kentucky and Wisconsin pushed back against anti-LGBTQ+ measures.

Judge Declines to Reconsider Order Blocking DOJ Subpoenas of the Federal Reserve and Jerome Powell

A federal judge said he will not reconsider his ruling blocking Justice Department subpoenas of the Federal Reserve and Chair Jerome Powell. Judge James Boasberg said the government did not come close to persuading him to change the decision that quashed the two subpoenas.

Trump Announces Fraud Crackdown in Democratic States as California Arrests Begin

President Donald Trump said he is launching a crackdown on what he called fraud in Democratic states and said Vice President JD Vance will lead it as a new “fraud czar.” Officials in California also announced a string of arrests.

Fetterman Calls for Increased Security at the NFL Draft in Pittsburgh

Sen. John Fetterman is urging the Department of Homeland Security to step up security for the NFL draft in Pittsburgh later this month, citing the ongoing conflict in Iran. The draft is set to be held in the city for the first time since 1948.

Bill Leyland inspires late St Helens comeback to beat league leaders Wigan

St Helens pulled off a 34-24 derby win over Wigan despite missing a host of first-team regulars and losing another player early. On-loan hooker Bill Leyland scored twice in the final 10 minutes to seal the comeback and stun the league leaders.

Trump Budget Proposal Calls for Higher Defense Spending and Deep Cuts Elsewhere

The Trump administration’s proposed 2027 budget calls for a sharp increase in defense spending, steep cuts to other parts of the federal budget, and assumes rapid growth. The plan is mainly a statement of the White House’s priorities, since Congress is unlikely to adopt it as written.

Trump Seeks More Funding to Detain Immigrant Families

President Donald Trump has asked Congress for funds to expand family detention for immigrants, proposing as many as 30,000 beds.

One crew member rescued after Iran shoots down U.S. fighter jet; debris sparks fire in Abu Dhabi

U.S. forces are searching for the rest of the crew after Iranian state media said Iranian forces shot down a U.S. fighter jet this morning. In Abu Dhabi, authorities reported two incidents of debris falling from intercepted aerial threats, including one at the Habshan gas facilities that sparked a fire and led to a temporary suspension of operations; no injuries were reported.

Jeffries says Trump’s policies have drained Americans’ bank accounts

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries criticized President Trump at a Democratic National Committee briefing, saying Trump’s policies have hurt Americans’ wallets and livelihoods. Jeffries said Trump has not “liberate[d] the economy” and accused him of decimating the bank accounts of the American people. Democratic lawmakers and DNC leaders held the briefing.

PennDOT to Repair Potholes on More Than 35 Roads in the Philadelphia Region

PennDOT says crews will be back out next week repairing potholes on more than 35 state roadways in the Philadelphia area.

Reese’s inventor’s grandson accuses Hershey of changing the recipes

Brad Reese, the grandson of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups inventor, says Hershey falsely promised investors it would return some products, including KitKat, to their original chocolate recipes. He also accused the company of replacing ingredients in Reese’s cups with cheaper coatings and peanut-butter-style creams.

U.S. Doubles Insurance Guarantees for Ships Sailing Through the Strait of Hormuz

The U.S. is raising its reinsurance guarantees to $40 billion for ships that continue through the Strait of Hormuz, and it is adding new insurance partners, including AIG and Berkshire Hathaway.

Christopher LaNeve Set to Become Acting Army Chief of Staff After Randy George’s Ouster

Gen. Christopher LaNeve, the Army’s vice chief of staff since February and a former senior military assistant to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, is set to become acting chief of staff of the Army after Gen. Randy George was removed.

U.S. B-52 Bombers Are Now Flying Over Iran as the Air Campaign Expands

U.S. officials say American air power over Iran has intensified enough for the first overland B-52 missions, after earlier strikes helped suppress Iranian air defenses. B-52s, along with B-2s and B-1Bs, are hitting missile, drone, naval, and underground ballistic-missile facilities, often with F-22 and F-35 escorts. The campaign has also cost the United States several aircraft, including 16 Reaper drones, but the operation is still continuing, and President Trump says it will run for another two to three weeks.

Wrexham Rally for 2-2 Draw at West Brom and Move Into Playoff Places

Wrexham came from behind to draw 2-2 at West Brom and climb into the Championship playoff places. Isaac Price’s free kick deflected in off George Dobson to put West Brom ahead, and Josh Maja later added a penalty before half-time for Albion’s first of the season. Leicester also took a valuable point against Preston, while Hull were held at Oxford.

Delaware man accused of threatening students with a gun near Claymont Elementary School

Delaware State Police say 31-year-old Anthony Dejesus threatened two students with what they believed was a handgun near Claymont Elementary School on Wednesday morning. Police say the students ran to school staff, who called 911, and Dejesus later turned himself in on multiple weapons charges. Investigators have not said whether the gun was re

West Virginia man charged over alleged threats against President Trump and Trump Jr.

Federal prosecutors say 20-year-old Cody Smith of Clarksburg, West Virginia, sent messages and posted online threats describing plans to kill President Donald Trump with a .308 rifle, and also threatened Donald Trump Jr. Smith faces multiple federal threat charges and has been ordered detained, with the court citing the nature of the alleged threats and a claim from his father that Smith previously brandished a rifle during a dispute. He was earlier arrested on related state charges involving threats against Trump supporters and ICE agents, and his lawyer has sought release for inpatient substance-abuse treatment, which prosecutors oppose.

Documents allege Russian forces seized Ukrainian children at gunpoint in Kherson

Documents obtained by Euronews describe an incident in Kherson in which Russian forces allegedly took Ukrainian children at gunpoint, presented as part of a broader pattern of abduction and forced deportation of children from temporarily occupied Ukrainian territories.

Virginia poll shows narrow support for early redrawing of political maps

Virginia voters narrowly back a proposal to redraw the state’s political maps ahead of schedule, with 52 percent of likely voters in favor and 47 percent opposed, according to a Washington Post and Schar School poll. The measure could give Democrats up to four additional congressional seats, but the poll suggests the April 21 referendum remains uncertain as opponents report higher enthusiasm for voting than supporters while early voting continues.

Storm Dave prompts UK preparations for possible Easter weekend power cuts

Households across northern parts of the UK have been advised to prepare for possible power outages as Storm Dave is expected to bring strong winds and heavy snow over the Easter weekend. The Met Office has issued multiple yellow warnings covering Scotland, Northern Ireland, north Wales, and parts of northern England, with gusts forecast to reach 60 to 70mph in parts of Scotland and higher in exposed coastal areas. Energy advisers recommended keeping torches and spare batteries, stocking non-perishable food and water, switching off or unplugging appliances to avoid surge damage, and noting that boilers and solar panels may not function during a blackout.

Florida and Oregon move in opposite directions on public-sector union consent

Florida is moving to require public-sector unions to obtain consent from the workers they represent, framing the change as increasing accountability. Oregon is taking steps in the opposite direction, keeping or expanding a system that does not require unions to secure worker consent. Because nothing says “functional democracy” like two states running the same experiment with completely different instructions.

Iran conflict timelines, experts caution war end dates often slip

The question of when a potential conflict with Iran might end has been framed through timelines offered by the Trump administration, even as experts note that U.S. presidents often announce end dates for wars and then revise those estimates as events change. In other words, the deadline is real right up until reality shows up.

Teenager fatally stabbed in Whitstable, Kent, murder inquiry launched

A 19-year-old man was fatally stabbed on Belmont Road in Whitstable, Kent, in the early hours of Good Friday. Emergency services were called at around 2am, and an air ambulance arrived about an hour later, but he was pronounced dead at the scene. Kent Police have opened a murder investigation, a forensic tent has been set up near Windsor House flats, and the road is expected to remain closed for several hours as inquiries continue.