National Security Council Investigates Accidental Leak of Yemen War Plans
The U.S. National Security Council is conducting an investigation following a significant security breach in which senior Trump administration officials inadvertently included Jeffrey Goldberg, editor of The Atlantic, in a Signal group chat discussing top-secret military plans for airstrikes in Yemen. The group involved Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and National Security Adviser Mike Waltz. The leaked information detailed targets, weapons, and attack sequences against Iran-backed Houthi rebels. This incident has drawn bipartisan outrage, with calls for Hegseth to resign.
23andMe Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy
Genetics testing company 23andMe, co-founded by Anne Wojcicki, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in the United States. Despite partnerships with GSK and a customer base exceeding 15 million, the Silicon Valley-based company has struggled to generate recurring revenues and achieve profitability. This has led to a drastic drop in valuation from $3.5 billion to less than $50 million.
Wojcicki, who recently resigned as CEO, aims to pursue taking the company private. Bankruptcy protection will enable 23andMe to address operational and financial challenges, further reduce costs, and resolve legal liabilities, including those stemming from a 2023 cyberattack. The restructuring is advised by Alvarez & Marsal, with Moelis & Company as investment banker, and JMB Capital Partners providing up to $35 million in financing.
Trump Administration Announces 25% Tariff on Countries Importing Venezuelan Oil
President Donald Trump announced that, effective April 2, any country purchasing oil or gas from Venezuela will face a 25% tariff on their trade exchanges with the United States. This “secondary tariff” is imposed because, according to Trump, Venezuela has sent “tens of thousands” of people with a “very violent nature” to the United States. Crude oil futures rose nearly 1.5% following the announcement.
Earlier this month, Trump revoked a license that Chevron had to operate in Venezuela since 2022, accusing President Nicolás Maduro of failing to make progress in electoral reforms and the return of migrants. China, the largest buyer of Venezuelan oil, could be significantly affected, as it received 503,000 barrels daily in February, accounting for 55% of Venezuela’s total exports. Other major consumers include Spain, Italy, Cuba, and India. There has been no immediate response from Maduro’s government to Trump’s announcement.
CBS News Anchor Margaret Brennan Clashes with White House Adviser Over Deportation Flights
On CBS’s “Face the Nation,” anchor Margaret Brennan engaged in a heated discussion with White House adviser Mike Waltz regarding the Trump administration’s use of the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 to deport alleged Venezuelan gang members. Brennan criticized the deportation process, highlighting errors such as misidentifying individuals’ nationalities and genders. Waltz defended the administration’s actions, claiming the gangs act as proxies for the Maduro regime and operate in a paramilitary fashion, thereby justifying the use of the act. Brennan argued that this act is intended for wartime and questioned its application to Venezuela. Waltz insisted that President Trump’s decisive action is necessary to protect American communities, despite judicial blocks and potential Supreme Court challenges.
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Shiawassee County Resident Wins Record-Breaking $2.39 Million Fast Cash Lottery
A man from Shiawassee County has won a record-breaking $2.39 million prize playing Michigan Lottery’s Jackpot Slots Millionaire game. He purchased his winning ticket at King’s Corner Market in Owosso. This win sets a new record for the largest prize in Fast Cash games, surpassing the previous $1.84 million record set in 2019.
The winner, who chose to remain anonymous, decided to buy Fast Cash tickets after winning $500 on Daily 3 tickets. He discovered his win at the store and immediately shared the excitement with family and friends. Plans for the winnings include paying bills and investing the rest. The Michigan Lottery encourages individuals with gambling problems to seek help through their helplines and available resources.
Wildfires in California Prompt Mass Evacuations and Destruction
Wildfires around Los Angeles have escalated into an ‘unprecedented’ disaster, with worsening winds causing rapid growth of the fires. At least 49,000 residents have been evacuated. High winds have driven the rapid expansion of the Eaton Fire in Pasadena, posing significant threats to nearby communities and making containment efforts challenging.
The fires have consumed thousands of acres and destroyed hundreds of homes. Firefighters are struggling to contain the spread, and authorities have issued red flag warnings for multiple counties. California Governor Gavin Newsom has declared a state of emergency and urged residents to evacuate immediately if instructed. Power outages have affected thousands as utility companies preemptively shut down services to prevent further fire ignitions.
Pope Francis Discharged After Five-Week Hospital Stay
Pope Francis has been discharged from Rome’s Gemelli Hospital after a five-week stay for respiratory complications. The Vatican released a statement confirming the 88-year-old pontiff is in stable condition and will resume limited duties while recovering at his residence.
Vatican officials denied Breaking News in the United States today speculation about potential retirement, emphasizing that Pope Francis remains committed to his role despite health challenges. During his hospital stay, he continued to issue messages of peace and solidarity, urging global leaders to prioritize humanitarian efforts in conflict zones. His discharge has been met with relief from the Catholic community worldwide, with many offering prayers for his full recovery.
