Mother arrested after unrestrained 1-year-old falls from pickup truck and is fatally run over in Baton Rouge gas station parking lot, police say

Baton Rouge police say Elizabeth Aguilar, 22, was arrested after her 1-year-old son, Nicholas Aguilar, fell from a Dodge Ram pickup as she turned out of a Murphy USA gas station parking lot near the Amazon fulfillment center on Cortana Place on Feb. 20. Investigators say the child was in the rear passenger seat without a car seat or other restraint, and the door opened during the turn. He was then run over by the truck’s rear passenger-side tire and later died at a hospital. Aguilar is charged with negligent homicide, failure to use a child passenger restraint system, and lack of insurance and registration. Police say the investigation is ongoing.

World Happiness Report links social media to lower well-being and ranks Finland as the happiest country

The World Happiness Report links social media to negative well-being trends and again places Finland at the top of its happiness rankings. It also notes a sharp decline over the past decade in life evaluations among people under 25 in the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

Hegseth and Caine to Brief on Day 20 of Operation Epic Fury After Iranian Strikes on Gulf Energy Sites

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Joint Chiefs Chair Gen. Dan Caine are scheduled to brief the media early Thursday as Operation Epic Fury reaches Day 20. The briefing follows Iranian strikes on an oil facility in Saudi Arabia and a liquefied natural gas facility in Qatar.

Owner Says Canterbury Nightclub Linked to Meningitis Outbreak Will Remain Closed Until It Is Safe

A Canterbury nightclub in Kent linked to a deadly meningitis outbreak will not reopen until safety can be assured, according to its owner.

Morrisons Confirms a Meningitis Case at Its Kent Depot Amid a Wider Outbreak

Morrisons has confirmed a case of meningitis at its depot in Kent as the county faces a broader outbreak. The announcement follows official figures showing an increase in confirmed and suspected meningitis cases across Kent.

New iPhone exploit can steal messages, emails, and location data from millions of devices within seconds

A hacking technique known as “DarkSword” is reported to bypass iPhone security protections and rapidly extract sensitive personal information, including messages, emails, and location data, potentially affecting millions of devices.

A President Without a Clear Plan

The Economist reports that while President Donald Trump claims he has “destroyed 100% of Iran’s military capability,” the remaining disruption is still rattling the global economy by restricting roughly 10 to 15% of the world’s oil supply.

Trump Warns He Would Severely Damage Major Gas Field if Iran Attacks Qatar Again

Trump issued a late Wednesday warning to Iran against further attacks on Qatar after Iran struck key energy facilities in neighboring Gulf states, following an Israeli attack on Iran’s South Pars natural gas field. In a Truth Social post, Trump said Israel “violently lashed out” at the South Pars site and threatened to “massively blow up” a major gas field if Iran targets Qatar again.

Why more North Sea oil drilling is unlikely to reduce Europe’s high energy bills

Rising tensions in the Middle East have renewed calls for the UK to issue new North Sea drilling licences, but critics argue that expanding offshore oil production would not meaningfully lower Europe’s energy costs.

Most Republican Voters Support Military Action Against Iran, Poll Finds

A J.L. Partners survey reports that 83% of likely Republican voters strongly or somewhat support Operation Epic Fury and military action against Iran, while 9% strongly or somewhat oppose it.

Qatar expels Iranian embassy officials after gas facility attacks

Qatar expelled officials from Iran’s embassy following attacks on the Ras Laffan gas facility. US President Donald Trump said Israel was solely responsible for strikes on Iran and the South Pars gas field, and warned that if Tehran targets Qatari LNG facilities again, the South Pars site would be “entirely” destroyed—because nothing says “de-escalation” like promising to vaporize critical energy infrastructure on camera.

Deadly thunderstorm hits Karachi

A thunderstorm with powerful winds struck Karachi overnight on Wednesday, killing at least 16 people, according to local rescue services.

UK Steel Strategy shifts toward electric arc furnaces, critics warn of “virgin” steel loss

Labour’s multibillion-pound Steel Strategy signals a move from blast furnaces to electric arc furnaces to cut emissions, raising concerns Britain could lose the ability to make “virgin” steel domestically. Critics say it could deepen reliance on imports and weaken industrial and defence resilience, especially after nearly £400 million was spent to keep the UK’s last blast furnaces at Scunthorpe running following an emergency takeover from Jingye.

Iran missile strike hits Tel Aviv area as regional death toll rises

An Iranian missile strike damaged a residential block in the Tel Aviv area and hit multiple nearby sites as violence escalated across the region, with reports saying more than 2,000 people have been killed.

FBI investigates former counterterrorism director Joe Kent over alleged classified leak

Reports say the FBI is investigating Joe Kent, the counterterrorism director who resigned this week in protest over the war with Iran, over allegations he leaked classified information. The White House is challenging his credibility, because nothing complements a national security crisis like a side quest in bureaucratic knife-fighting.

EU summit to focus on Iran war and Druzhba pipeline dispute

Iran’s war and the dispute over the Druzhba pipeline are expected to dominate an upcoming EU leaders’ summit. The European People’s Party’s 50th anniversary was also overshadowed by allegations of coordinated cooperation with anti-EU forces, and the coverage includes an interview with Iceland’s foreign minister.

A glossary for people who can’t stand AI (and for people who won’t shut up about it)

A tongue-in-cheek feature offers labels for attitudes toward AI, from mild selective avoidance to outright hostility, and assigns snarky nicknames to pro-AI factions, translating the modern workplace’s weirdest culture war into a handy set of insults with footnotes.

York considers making anti-terror traffic rules permanent after Christmas market trial

Anti-terror traffic restrictions introduced in York during last year’s Christmas market could become permanent under a proposal now in an eight-week public consultation. The council says a standing order would allow rapid activation when police, the council and emergency services deem it necessary, and could extend to more city-centre streets beyond existing hostile-vehicle bollards. Police say it helps deter vehicle attacks at crowded events, while some disabled residents and campaigners warn it can limit access and could be used more broadly during other events. The consultation runs until May 13, alongside wider plans on accessibility and market operations.

NYPD officer suspended after off-duty shooting leaves man critically injured

An NYPD officer assigned to security at Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s residence and City Hall was suspended without pay after officials said he shot a 30-year-old man in the head while off duty. Police said the shooting happened around 9 p.m. Monday in the Bronx after the officer interacted with several men about a stolen car. The victim was hospitalized in critical condition, and the officer has not been arrested or charged as the NYPD’s Force Investigation Division investigates.

Lehigh knocked out in the First Four

Lehigh University’s men’s basketball team got bounced from the 2026 NCAA Tournament Wednesday night, losing to Prairie View A&M in the First Four. March Madness remains the annual reminder that hope is a perishable good.

Darby Borough Council meeting turns chaotic, residents want answers on crossing guard assault

A disruptive Darby Borough Council meeting left little room for real discussion about a recent brutal assault on a crossing guard. The mayor mentioned it briefly; residents said they expected an actual conversation from council, not the civic-theater version where everyone performs frustration and nothing gets done.

“Humanities in the Machine” argues tech needs ethics, history, and actual humans

In “Humanities in the Machine,” software engineer Blain Smith says the builders of modern computing were shaped by the humanities, and that making tech worthy of trust still requires philosophy, literature, history, ethics, and an understanding of power and communication. He pushes humanities-informed thinking into daily work—design choices and code reviews—warning that purely technical minds can build systems that function but feel hollow. The piece also questions whether universities can still deliver a genuinely well-rounded education amid major shifts in higher ed.

Former NCTC head claims FBI blocked continued probe into Charlie Kirk assassination

Joe Kent, a former head of the National Counterterrorism Center, says the FBI stopped his agency from continuing to investigate the September 2025 assassination of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University. Speaking to Tucker Carlson, Kent claimed he wanted to pursue possible foreign links but was told he was overstepping, amid reports that FBI Director Kash Patel and others were concerned about NCTC reviewing FBI case material. A 22-year-old, Tyler Robinson, has been charged and is scheduled for trial May 18 after a speedy-trial motion filed by Kirk’s widow.

BBC researcher identifies child victim of sexual abuse after years-long effort

A researcher told the BBC how she identified a child victim of sexual abuse after years of searching, using a school badge visible in abuse videos to help track down and confirm the victim’s identity. It’s a grim illustration of both how predators hide in plain sight and how painstaking, careful investigative work can still produce accountability and a chance at protection.

Netflix hit “KPop Demon Hunters” becomes meme machine, then wins big

“KPop Demon Hunters,” an animated musical fantasy released on Netflix in June 2025, follows the K-pop girl group Huntr/x battling demons, while rival demon boy band the Saja Boys tries to hijack public attention for world domination. The film rode a chart-topping soundtrack and internet-friendly style to become Netflix’s most-watched movie, spawning memes, dances, and sing-along screenings. It also won the Oscars for Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song, “Golden,” while spotlighting Korean aesthetics, influence-economy dynamics, and the small problem of idolization turning people’s brains into pudding.

Former Israeli UN ambassador predicts Iran conflict timeline

Former Israeli Ambassador to the United Nations Gilad Erdan said Wednesday he does not expect the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran to last another six months. He added that, from Israel’s perspective, addressing what he called a major security threat from Iran would be worth the time even if the conflict did continue that long, because nothing says “stability” like powerful actors casually forecasting timelines for other people’s anxiety.

Michigan crash rescue leaves officers and victims hospitalized

Four police officers were injured while rescuing five people trapped in a car that hit a tractor-trailer and caught fire near an intersection in Canton Township, Michigan. Officers pulled victims through flames and smoke as witnesses reported explosions and a towering fire near two gas stations. Police ordered people to stop pumping gas and evacuate. The officers and all five passengers were taken to hospitals with injuries ranging from minor to critical, and the cause is under investigation.

Former Scunthorpe United academy striker Levi Gallimore dies at 23

Levi Gallimore, a former Scunthorpe United academy striker who also spent time in Brentford’s youth setup, has died at 23. Scunthorpe issued a statement expressing sadness and condolences, and fans shared tributes online. Gallimore signed a scholarship in 2018, spent two seasons at Glanford Park, and scored regularly in youth competitions, including a hat-trick against Huddersfield.

Nonprofit supports families with babies in the NICU

A Pennsylvania nonprofit, Today is A Good Day, supports families with babies in the neonatal intensive care unit, encouraging them to recognize that each day with their child is meaningful and worth celebrating.

Padilla to revise César Chávez national park proposal after abuse allegations report

Sen. Alex Padilla said he will revise legislation proposing a national park honoring César Chávez after reports detailed multiple allegations of sexual abuse against the late labor and civil rights leader.

Emergency UN maritime talks in London focus on Strait of Hormuz risks

Delegates from dozens of countries met at the International Maritime Organization in London for an emergency session on protecting commercial shipping and seafarers as the Middle East conflict spreads. Representatives including Israel, the U.S., and Iran discussed heightened risks around the Strait of Hormuz, where Iranian attacks have reduced traffic. Participants stressed de-escalation, warning that without reduced hostilities, shipping will remain hard to safeguard and oil prices are likely to stay high.

Democrats slam White House counterproposal to end DHS shutdown

Democrats criticized the White House’s latest counterproposal to end the Department of Homeland Security shutdown, calling it inadequate and saying it does not address their concerns about the administration’s immigration crackdown. The proposal was outlined in a letter from border official Tom Homan and White House legislative affairs director James Braid.

GB News CEO demands Ed Davey correct record on impartiality claims

GB News CEO Angelos Frangopoulos wrote to Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey after Davey questioned in Parliament whether broadcast impartiality rules are fit for purpose and criticized GB News. Frangopoulos said Davey’s remarks contained inaccuracies, argued that only Ofcom can determine rule breaches, cited Ofcom’s stance on politician presenters and a High Court ruling that overturned an earlier finding, and asked Davey to correct the parliamentary record.

Cloudflare appeals Italy’s 14.2 million-euro “Piracy Shield” fine

Cloudflare is appealing a 14.2 million-euro fine from Italy’s communications regulator, AGCOM, over its refusal to participate in the Piracy Shield system, which requires blocking reported domains and IP addresses within 30 minutes. Cloudflare argues the system lacks oversight, risks overblocking, could harm internet infrastructure, and conflicts with EU rules including the Digital Services Act. It also disputes the penalty calculation, saying it was improperly based on global revenue, and says it will continue challenges in Italian courts while engaging EU officials and seeking access to Piracy Shield records.

Spider-Man: Brand New Day trailer teases a darker Peter Parker

The official trailer for “Spider-Man: Brand New Day” leans hard into Peter Parker’s darker turn, with new threats crawling out of the shadows and old baggage showing up like it still has a key. The movie is slated for a July 31 theatrical release.

Pennsylvania man charged after investigation into alleged online exploitation of minors

Abington Township police say a 38-year-old man from Ambler faces multiple felony charges following a joint investigation into alleged solicitation of minors and alleged possession of child sexual abuse material. Authorities say the case began in December 2025, a search warrant was executed March 6, and the suspect turned himself in March 12. Police say the investigation is ongoing and are asking anyone with information to contact the Abington Police Special Victims Unit.

Gas prices top $3.84 per gallon nationally amid rising geopolitical tensions

AAA reports the national average price of regular gas rose above $3.84 per gallon, the highest since September 2023, with the jump tied to heightened tensions involving the U.S. and Israel and their conflict with Iran. Because nothing says “modern life” like global diplomacy showing up as a surprise fee at the pump.

EU lawmakers debate healthcare as a public right vs a market model

In a Euronews “The Ring” special filmed at the Euronews Health Summit, MEPs Stine Bosse of Renew Europe and Tilly Metz of Greens/EFA debate whether European healthcare should be treated primarily as a public right or as a market-driven system, including the perennial question of who should pay for health innovation. Spoiler: everyone loves innovation, nobody loves the invoice.

England’s first-time homebuyer age rises to 34 as affordability worsens

Skipton Group’s home affordability index says the average first-time buyer in England is now 34, up from 29 in the mid-1990s, with official figures showing the average has stayed above 33 since 2021/22. Under-25 buyers are shrinking, two full-time incomes are increasingly required, mortgage terms are stretching to 30 years or longer, and deposits have climbed to around 10 percent more than annual earnings, with family gifts and inheritances playing a bigger role. Affordability varies sharply by region, with many of the most affordable areas in Scotland and the least affordable clustered in London, where housing continues its proud tradition of being a members-only club.

Allegations swirl over action franchise financing, bribery claims, and halted investigation

A report alleges multiple installments of a major action franchise starring a famous shorter actor were financed with illicit funds and involved bribes and payoffs, including claims tied to the Pilchowice Bridge and “Mission: Impossible 7.” It also alleges the FBI halted its investigation after complaints from the franchise’s new owners and transferred records to Poland’s equivalent agency, with whistleblowers expressing fear for their safety. These are claims, not proven facts, but the whole thing reads like a movie plot that would get rejected for being “a bit much.”

Trump attends dignified transfer for six airmen killed in KC-135 crash

President Trump attended a dignified transfer at Dover Air Force Base to honor six U.S. Air Force personnel killed when a KC-135 refueling aircraft crashed in Iraq. The ceremony included tributes to service members including Maj. John A. Klinner and Capt. Ariana G. Savino, and took place amid continued tensions connected to conflict involving Iran.

PlayStation VR2 Shooter Firewall Ultra Will Shut Down on September 17, 2026

PlayStation has confirmed that Firewall Ultra’s online features will be terminated on September 17, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. PDT. Since the PlayStation VR2-exclusive shooter requires an online connection to play, the game will become completely unplayable once the shutdown takes effect. Firewall Ultra launched in August 2023 as a successor to Firewall Zero Hour, and its developer, First Contact Entertainment, announced in December 2023 that it would close, citing limited industry support for VR.

Hannah Montana Turns 20: A Nostalgia Merchandise Shopping Guide

Marking the 20th anniversary of Disney Channel’s Hannah Montana, this guide rounds up nostalgia-forward merchandise for fans looking to celebrate the milestone with themed collectibles and apparel.

Funeral held for Pennsylvania State Police Corporal Timothy O'Connor

A funeral service is underway for Pennsylvania State Police Corporal Timothy O'Connor Jr.

Reports Say the U.S. Used New 5,000-Pound Bunker-Buster Bombs to Strike Iranian Anti-Ship Missile Sites

U.S. forces carried out overnight strikes on hardened Iranian anti-ship cruise missile sites near the Strait of Hormuz, with U.S. Central Command saying the targets threatened international shipping. U.S. officials speaking to CNN and Fox News reportedly identified the weapon as the new 5,000-pound GBU-72/B Advanced 5K Penetrator, though CENTCOM did not confirm the specific munition. Reports are mixed on whether this was the bomb’s first combat use. The strikes come amid wider efforts to restore maritime traffic through the strait as attacks and threats have disrupted commercial shipping and affected energy markets.

Kent expected to be hotter than Ibiza this week as temperatures rise

Kent is forecast to see temperatures higher than Ibiza this week, with several days of spring sunshine expected.

UK Records Warmest Day of the Year So Far as Temperatures Reach 21°C

The UK has logged its warmest day of the year so far, with temperatures climbing to 21°C.

Lindenwold, New Jersey man convicted of kidnapping and attempted murder of ex-girlfriend

A jury convicted 33-year-old Akeem Morton of Lindenwold, New Jersey, of kidnapping, attempted murder, aggravated assault, weapons offenses, and related charges after a two-week trial that ended March 13, 2026. Prosecutors said that on Dec. 15, 2024, during an argument in a vehicle in Gibbsboro, Morton prevented his girlfriend from leaving; after she jumped out, he shot her multiple times, forced her back into the car, and drove her to a nearby hospital, where he was arrested. He remains held at the Camden County Correctional Facility and is scheduled for sentencing on May 8, 2026, facing a mandatory life sentence.

snapd Local Privilege Escalation Vulnerability in Ubuntu Desktop 24.04 and Later

Qualys disclosed a local privilege-escalation vulnerability in snapd affecting Ubuntu Desktop 24.04 and newer. The flaw, tracked as CVE-2026-3888, allows an unprivileged local user to gain full root access by exploiting the interaction between snap-confine and systemd-tmpfiles. Canonical has released updated packages and provided guidance on how to check whether a system is vulnerable and how to upgrade.

Greece Introduces a Digital Age Verification System to Limit Tobacco and Alcohol Sales to Minors

Greece has launched a digital age verification system aimed at reducing tobacco and alcohol sales to minors, using an age certification approach favored by the European Union.

South Philly Preps for March Madness

The court has been fully installed at South Philadelphia’s Xfinity Mobile Arena as the venue gets ready to host the first two rounds of the 2026 NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship.

UK FOI Requests, Now Starring the “Mosaic Effect”

UK officials are worried China or other hostile actors may be coordinating Freedom of Information requests on defence and national security, hoping to stitch together unclassified scraps into something sensitive—the “mosaic effect.” With limited identity checks under the FOI system, attribution is messy. Conservative MP Alicia Kearns wants reforms, the Ministry of Defence has paused publishing FOI responses online, and ministers have warned Parliament about data collection tactics. FOI campaigners note departments can already refuse “jigsaw” requests.

Gloucester Keeps Ollie Thorley

Gloucester winger Ollie Thorley has signed a contract extension that will keep him at the club beyond this season.

Final Salute for Corporal Timothy O’Connor Jr.

A final salute and funeral service will be held Wednesday morning for Pennsylvania State Police Corporal Timothy O’Connor Jr.

Republicans Push SAVE Act, Midterm Threats Included

Senate Majority Leader John Thune said Republicans will target Democrats in the midterms if they do not support the SAVE America Act, now on the Senate floor. He framed it as voting reform that would require documented proof of US citizenship, such as a passport, to vote.

Angela Rayner Tells Labour to Stop Being So… Labour-ish

Angela Rayner delivered a blunt warning that the Labour government is getting too cautious and establishment-minded, and said it needs pressure to do “the right thing.” She also attacked Shabana Mahmood’s proposed immigration reforms, especially retrospectively changing the settlement period, calling it a breach of trust. With around 100 Labour MPs already raising concerns in a letter organised by MP Tony Vaughan, Rayner’s comments could stiffen backbench resistance and put the reforms at risk.

Five-Vehicle Crash Near Gravesend

Two people were taken to hospital after a five-vehicle crash on the A2 near Gravesend. Police and paramedics attended the scene.

Australia Models an Oil Shock, Inflation Heads Up

Treasurer Jim Chalmers said new Treasury modelling suggests inflation could peak in the high 4 percent range, possibly around 5 percent, driven by an oil-price shock and broader impacts from the Middle East conflict. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will meet state and territory leaders in national cabinet on fuel supply pressures, especially diesel, and plans to appoint a national coordinator-general. Treasury modelled oil at about $100 to $120 a barrel, finding higher inflation and weaker growth, with prolonged shock scenarios leaving lasting GDP losses. The government says it has released 20 percent of the national fuel reserve and is monitoring shortages ahead of the May budget and tax reform plans.

UK Government Insists Starmer and Trump Are Totally Fine, Actually

Cabinet Office Minister Nick Thomas-Symonds rejected claims that Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s relationship with US President Donald Trump has “imploded,” saying they still have a good working relationship and spoke last weekend. He pointed to ongoing UK-US security cooperation and argued the wider transatlantic partnership can handle disagreements. He also said the government will not reopen the core Brexit settlement, but will pursue targeted steps to reduce EU trade barriers and cut post-Brexit paperwork.

Iran conflict enters a dangerous phase as the government remains resilient under pressure

The Iran conflict is entering a more dangerous phase, with Iran’s leadership facing mounting pressure but showing resilience rooted in a system designed to endure. Middle East expert Professor Mehran Kamrava warns the fighting could stretch into a prolonged, grinding war.

Pokémon Go players unknowingly helped train delivery robots

Pokémon Go players have generated a large location and mapping dataset that Coco Robotics is now using to help its sidewalk delivery robots navigate crowded urban streets more effectively.

Slovenia’s Liberal Government Faces a Close Election as Conservative Opposition Gains Support

Slovenia will hold a parliamentary election next Sunday, with Janez Janša’s conservative opposition gaining ground against the liberal government and campaigning to restore “traditional values,” amid warnings that a Janša return could push the country in a more illiberal direction.

Iran’s cyberattack on a medical technology firm may be the start of a broader campaign

Security analysts say Iran is likely to intensify cyber operations as the war escalates, targeting businesses with hacking capabilities that do not depend on conventional military power.

Shooting Prompts Lockdown at New Mexico Air Force Base, Leaving One Dead

A shooting at Holloman Air Force Base near Alamogordo, New Mexico, triggered a lockdown Tuesday evening after reports of an active shooter. Officials said one person was killed and another was injured and hospitalized. The 93-square-mile installation was secured and the lockdown was lifted later that night. Authorities withheld identities and did not say whether a suspect was caught, or whether those involved were military personnel or civilians. The base shopette was closed until further notice as the investigation continues.

Argentina formally withdraws from the World Health Organization

Argentina has officially completed its exit from the World Health Organization under President Javier Milei’s government, which says the move is aimed at protecting the country’s health sovereignty. The government says it will still work with other nations on health issues through bilateral and regional agreements.

Police ask for help locating a missing woman in Kent

Police have launched an appeal to help find a missing woman in Kent and are urging anyone with information to call 999.

Winnie the Pooh Marks Its 100th Anniversary with Centenary Celebrations

Winnie the Pooh, A.A. Milne’s beloved children’s character, is turning 100 this year. Disney is hosting a range of events celebrating the lasting impact of the little yellow bear and his friends—Piglet, Eeyore, Owl, Rabbit, Kanga, and Roo—across books, cartoons, and films.

Illinois primary: Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton wins Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate

Illinois Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton declared victory late Tuesday in a close contest to become the Democratic nominee for a U.S. Senate seat, as primary voters across the state cast their ballots.

Iranian missile strike near Tel Aviv kills elderly couple in Ramat Gan, Israel

An Iranian missile hit a residential building in Ramat Gan near Tel Aviv early Wednesday, 18 March, killing two people, according to Israel’s emergency service Magen David Adom.

Israeli airstrike destroys Beirut apartment building, killing at least six

Lebanese authorities say an Israeli airstrike early Wednesday destroyed an apartment building in Beirut’s Bachoura district, killing at least six people.

AccuWeather: Cold March weather continues

AccuWeather says Wednesday will bring another chilly day, but temperatures are expected to rebound later in the week.

Two More Security Checkpoints at Philadelphia International Airport to Close Temporarily

Philadelphia International Airport will temporarily close two additional security checkpoints as the ongoing partial government shutdown continues to disrupt operations.

Viewing Held for Pennsylvania State Police Corporal Timothy O’Connor

A viewing was held for Pennsylvania State Police Corporal Timothy O’Connor, who was killed in the line of duty, as hundreds of people gathered to pay their respects.

Third-Grade Teacher Charged With Inappropriate Contact With Student

A third-grade teacher, Zachary Schettone, has been charged with inappropriate contact with a student. The Upper Merion Area School District said he was immediately placed on leave after the allegations surfaced.

26-Year-Old Democratic Influencer Loses Bid for Congress

Former social media influencer Kat Abughazaleh lost the Democratic primary for Illinois’ 9th Congressional District, trailing Evanston Mayor and former state legislator Daniel Biss. With about 90% of votes counted, Abughazaleh had 25.6% to Biss’s 29.6% in a crowded field. The heavily Democratic district is expected to favor the primary winner in November, and Biss is set to succeed longtime Rep. Jan Schakowsky, who is retiring after serving since 1999.

Venezuela Wins Its First World Baseball Classic Title With a 3–2 Victory Over the United States

Venezuela defeated the United States 3–2 to claim the country’s first World Baseball Classic championship.

JB Pritzker’s Endorsed Candidate Wins the Democratic U.S. Senate Primary After Running an Anti-Trump Ad

Illinois Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton, endorsed and heavily backed financially by Gov. JB Pritzker, won the Democratic primary for Illinois’ open U.S. Senate seat, leading Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi with most votes counted. Stratton is favored to win in November in reliably Democratic Illinois. Her campaign drew attention for a profane anti-Trump ad and calls to abolish ICE, while also facing criticism over heavy spending in the race and a disputed claim of endorsement from the late Rev. Jesse Jackson.

Author of grief book convicted of murdering her husband

Kouri Richins, 35, who later wrote a children’s book about coping with grief after her husband’s death, was found guilty in Utah of murdering Eric Richins, 39. Prosecutors said she poisoned him with a fentanyl-laced Moscow Mule; the medical examiner found he had about five times the lethal dose in his system. Jurors heard evidence of earlier poisoning attempts, purchases of fentanyl, life insurance policies, financial troubles, and messages suggesting she wanted to start a new life with her boyfriend. Richins faces up to life in prison and is scheduled to be sentenced on May 13.

Police fatally shoot gunman after one person is wounded at a rural Georgia VA clinic

Police in rural Georgia fatally shot a gunman after authorities say the suspect opened fire at a Veterans Affairs clinic, wounding one person.

Venezuela beats Team USA 3-2 to win its first World Baseball Classic title

Venezuela defeated Team USA 3-2 in the 2026 World Baseball Classic final in Miami to claim the country’s first championship in the tournament. Venezuela took an early lead on a Maikel Garcia sacrifice fly and a Wilyer Abreu solo home run, before the U.S. tied it in the eighth on a two-run Bryce Harper homer. In the ninth, a Luis Arraez walk and Javier Sanoja stolen base set up Eugenio Suarez’s go-ahead RBI double, and Daniel Palencia struck out the final hitter to secure the win as Garcia was named tournament MVP.

South Korea launches a $38 billion initiative to build a domestic AI semiconductor industry

South Korea has unveiled a major government-backed plan to develop homegrown AI chipmakers, committing about $38 billion in funding to strengthen its domestic semiconductor ecosystem and reduce reliance on foreign leaders.

England’s Ollie Chessum on the intercept that wasn’t

Chessum said France winger Louis Bielle-Biarrey is so fast he worried about being run down, so he did not angle his intercept closer to the posts during England’s loss to France.

Bradford man ordered to repay £123,000 after Bounce Back Loan fraud

Shohid Ahmed, 41, was ordered to repay £123,000 plus £6,000 in costs after fraudulently obtaining pandemic Bounce Back Loans using his wife’s name. He admitted five offences and was sentenced to two years in prison in May 2025. The court heard he secured £100,000 via false applications for a restaurant business that had ceased trading, used an unrelated tenant’s identity in company filings, and submitted fabricated documents. He must pay within three months or face an extra 15 months in jail, with the debt still owed regardless.

USA vs Venezuela set for World Baseball Classic final, politics in the background

The United States will face Venezuela for the World Baseball Classic title in a matchup expected to draw a celebratory crowd, while also carrying political overtones given strained relations between the two countries.

Sophie Devine’s £210,000 Hundred deal highlights women’s pay gap in New Zealand sport

Former White Ferns captain Sophie Devine’s reported £210,000 deal in the UK’s Hundred is being framed as a milestone, but also a reminder of how few elite women athletes can earn a living wage in New Zealand. Reported figures include netball salaries around NZ$20,000 to NZ$45,000 after a recent cut, Black Ferns retainers around NZ$50,000 to NZ$70,000, and Super Rugby Aupiki contracts about NZ$25,000. The argument is that the gap reflects underbuilt commercial systems and a need for earlier investment, shared match days, bundled rights, and stronger league structures so entire competitions can sustain careers, not just a few stars.

How to stop endless scrolling, and why feeds are designed to trap you

A guide explains how infinite scroll and algorithm-driven feeds remove natural stopping points and keep users chasing the next rewarding post. Suggested quick fixes include screen-time tools, third-party blockers, grayscale mode, deleting social apps from phones, and scheduling limited scrolling sessions. Longer-term advice includes examining what you are avoiding, deciding whether platforms still serve a purpose, and cutting the ones that do not.

Water main leak shuts down Broad Street at Hunting Park Avenue in North Philadelphia

A 12-inch water main leak near Broad Street and Hunting Park Avenue was reported to the Philadelphia Water Department around 6 p.m. on March 17, leading to intersection closures Tuesday night. Broad Street was shut down in both directions as crews worked at the scene.

Survey finds falling trust in federal childhood vaccine guidance

An Axios/Ipsos survey found fewer Americans trust the federal government’s recommendations for childhood vaccines, with the decline occurring in recent months. The findings were released a day after a federal judge blocked changes to vaccine policies made by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.