President Donald Trump's administration is placing economic sanctions on a major China-based oil refinery and roughly 40 shipping companies and tankers involved in transporting Iranian oil.

The move, announced Friday and first reported by The Associated Press, makes good on Trump's threat to impose secondary sanctions on companies and countries that do business with Iran. It's also part of his Republican administration's overall ramped-up campaign to cut off Iran's key source of revenue its oil exports.

Concurrently, the U.S. this month imposed a physical blockade on the Strait of Hormuz, the Persian Gulf waterway that is crucial to global energy supplies.

RELATED STORY | Trump appears to rule out using nuclear weapons against Iran

The sanctions, which cut off the companies from the U.S. financial system and penalize anyone who does business with them, come just a few weeks before President Donald Trump and China's Xi Jinping are due to meet in China.

Included in Friday's sanctions is Hengli Petrochemical's facility in the port city of Dalian, which has a processing capacity of roughly 400,000 barrels of crude oil per day, making it one of the biggest independent refineries in China.

The Treasury Department says Hengli has received Iranian crude oil shipments since 2023 and has generated hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue for the Iranian military.

The advocacy group United Against Nuclear Iran said in February 2025 that Hengli is one of dozens of Chinese purchasers of Iranian oil.

China is the biggest buyer of Iranian oil, importing 80% to 90% of Iranian oil before the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran broke out, though the crude transported by a shadow fleet of vessels often has its origin obscured but arrives in China as oil from countries such as Malaysia. Smaller refineries, known as teapot refineries, typically are the buyers of Iranian oil.

Iran has previously said that its demands for ending the war include the lifting of sanctions.

RELATED STORY | US not counting on Europe in Iran war, third aircraft carrier arrives in region

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Friday that his agency "will continue to constrict the network of vessels, intermediaries and buyers Iran relies on to move its oil to global markets."

Earlier this month, Bessent's department sent a letter to financial institutions in China, Hong Kong, the UAE and Oman threatening to levy secondary sanctions for doing business with Iran and accusing those countries of allowing Iranian illicit activities to flow through their financial institutions.

Bessent said during a White House press briefing on April 15 that the administration has told countries "that if you are buying Iranian oil, that if Iranian money is sitting in your banks, we are now willing to apply secondary sanctions, which is a very stern measure."

The sanctions come as the global energy trade is in turmoil as war around the Persian Gulf chokes off oil and natural gas shipments, causing prices to soar.

Treasury has tried to quell the impact of rising oil prices issuing temporary sanctions waivers on Russia oil and a one-time waiver on Iranian oil already at sea.

The AP was making efforts to contact Chinese officials for comment on the sanctions.

China has disagreed with previous U.S. sanctions, but its major companies and banks still comply with U.S. sanctions because they are more exposed to the U.S.-dominated financial system.

After the U.S. earlier this month sanctioned a Chinese refinery accused of buying Iranian oil, Liu Pengyu, a spokesperson for China's embassy in Washington, said the use of the sanctions "undermines international trade order and rules, disrupts normal economic and trade exchanges, and infringes upon the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese companies and individuals."

Airlines worldwide have begun canceling flights as the war in the Middle East strains jet fuel supplies and pushes up prices but the disruption doesn't end there.

For travelers, it can mean having to navigate a confusing web of passenger protections that vary widely depending on where they're flying.

And the timing is amplifying the impact.

"These pressures are arriving at a time when summer travel demand is ramping up, with major events such as the World Cup expected to put additional strain on airports," said Eric Napoli, chief legal officer at AirHelp, a company that helps travelers secure compensation for flight disruptions and advocates for passenger rights.

Here's what to know if your flight is canceled.

Are these cancellations happening at the last minute?

In most cases, no. At least for now, fuel-related cuts are often being made days or weeks in advance. Lufthansa Group, for example, said this week it is cutting 20,000 short-haul flights across its network through October.

That gives you more time to adjust plans than you'd typically get with weather-related disruptions, which tend to trigger last-minute cancellations.

RELATED STORY | Firetruck crew member heard command to stop moments before LaGuardia plane collision

My flight was canceled. What should I do first?

Check your airline's app or website immediately for rebooking options. If you're flying on a U.S. carrier, that's often the fastest and easiest way to secure a new seat, according to Tyler Hosford, security director at International SOS, a global risk management and travel security company.

Non-U.S. carriers tend to have fewer digital tools, Hosford said, so it's worth trying multiple channels, including the airline's customer service lines or airport desks.

Do I have the right to a refund or a new flight?

In most cases, yes. Airlines typically offer either a refund or a rebooking on the next available flight. The exact rules vary by country, but those are the baseline options you can expect.

In the U.S., for example, if your flight is canceled and you choose not to travel, the airline must refund you, regardless of the reason. Airlines may offer travel credits instead, but you're entitled to a full refund for airfare and any extras you didn't use, such as baggage fees or seat upgrades.

RELATED STORY | DHS says money to pay workers almost gone; TSA worker walkouts could return

Are passenger rights the same everywhere?

No, and protections vary widely by region from the Montreal Convention, which governs airline liability across more than 140 countries, to specific consumer protection laws in the U.S., Canada, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Turkey and Brazil.

Europe has some of the strongest protections, including compensation in certain cases. And they apply to any flight departing from an EU airport, regardless of the airline, as well as to passengers flying on an EU-based carrier into the EU even if the journey starts outside Europe. The United Kingdom maintains a similar framework.

The U.S. and Canada offer more limited protections. Policies vary widely across Asia, and in some cases travelers may need to rely more on airline policies than formal regulations.

To get a clearer picture, experts recommend searching the name of the country you're departing from and "passenger rights" before your trip.

What protections apply?

It depends.

Airlines may cite fuel shortages or rising fuel costs as the reason for cancellations. But whether you're entitled to compensation often comes down to if the disruption is considered within the airline's control under local laws.

Regardless of the cause, Napoli said, airlines in the European Union, for example, still have a "duty of care," meaning they must provide "necessary support" to travelers, including rebooking.

"While airlines are citing fuel shortages as a reason for upcoming cancellations, travelers need to know that this does not automatically waive their rights" under EU laws, Napoli said.

How can I prepare before a trip to avoid headaches?

A few steps can make disruptions easier to manage.

Sign up for flight alerts to stay informed, and book directly with the airline when possible it's much easier to resolve issues with the carrier directly than through a third-party booking site.

Knowing your options ahead of time and having a backup plan can make a significant difference if plans change.

What do I need for a claim or complaint?

Documentation is critical. Save everything: boarding passes, receipts, cancellation notices and any communication from the airline.

Take screenshots of app or website updates and any communication taking place online, and jot down key details from phone calls.

Napoli also recommends asking the airline for written confirmation of a flight disruption, including the stated reason.

Should I accept the first alternative flight the airline offers?

Not necessarily.

Experts say one of the most common mistakes travelers make is taking the first option without checking alternatives. Look at other flights, routes or even nearby airports because you may find a faster or more convenient way to reach your destination.

Can I book a different flight myself?

Yes, but proceed carefully.

If the airline's rebooking option doesn't meet your needs especially if your new flight isn't for several days you can look for alternatives and request a refund instead.

Just be aware you may need to pay any fare difference up front, and you might not be reimbursed later.

Any other tips to avoid getting stuck?

Book flights earlier in the day so you have more rebooking options if something goes wrong.

Set up flight alerts through tracking apps such as Flighty to get early notice of cancellations or delays. In some cases, Hosford said, notifications arrive before the airline's.

Consider nearby airports as backup options.

Be kind. Airline agents may be more willing to help when interactions stay calm and respectful.

"Ultimately, the shortage is squeezing the entire system, from travelers to airlines, and is something to watch as the industry looks for any relief ahead of the summer travel season," Napoli said.

There was another outburst in the courtroom on Friday from the man accused of killing Melvindale Police Officer Mohamed Said.

Michael Lopez was kicked out of court again for losing his temper for a second time in less than 24 hours.

"You're not gonna help me fight, are you?" Lopez said in the middle of court.

VIDEO: Judge kicks Lopez out of court following outburst Judge removes Michael Lopez from court after another outburst

The outburst happened after the judge told Lopez he is "lucky to be allowed back in the courtroom for a second chance."

Lopez had expressed dissatisfaction with his defense attorney yesterday, and again today after the attorney didn't object to a piece of evidence.

The trial is continuing without Lopez in the courtroom. He'll be watching from a monitor.

Lopez is charged with the shooting death of Corporal Mohamed Said in July of 2024.

Several witnesses took the stand today, including a woman who says she had an intimate relationship with Lopez, and saw him the day of the shooting.

"He was a little shaken up," the witness said. "He told me that he killed a cop and that ... he had just ran from Melvindale."

Lopez and his lawyer maintain the shooting was in self-defense.

PREVIOUS STORY: Several witnesses testify in Officer Said murder trial Several witnesses testify in Officer Said murder trial

On Thursday, Lopez told the judge, Im not having an eye-to-eye with my lawyer and our trial strategies are no longer aligned, and Im asking you to please assign me new counsel.

Judge Bridget Hathaway replied, "Unfortunately, Mr. Lopez, were in the middle of a trial. So, you cannot get new counsel. Mr. McWilliams is your counsel. He will continue to represent you in this trial."

"But hes not representing me, though, judge," Lopez interjected.

The case proceeded without a hitch. That is, until testimony wrapped up for the day.

As the jury walked out, Lopez blurted out, "On the record, before you guys leave, jury, Im sorry. But my lawyer is no longer rooting for me and working for me. So, I just want to put it on the record that hes no longer working for me, and they wont change him for me, and they dont care about my life, and he doesnt neither. So, I just wanna put that on the record for you guys, jury. Thank you. Appreciate it.

Lopez continued to air his frustrations as the judge and deputies tried to quiet him.

He aint my lawyer no more. Im telling yall right now. He dont give a f*** about my life. He dont wanna object about nothing. He dont want to cross-examine me," he yelled.

As Lopez walked out of the courtroom door, he said the shooting was self-defense.

Meta is laying off about 8,000 workers, or about 10% of its workforce, the company said Thursday as it continues to ramp up spending on artificial intelligence infrastructure and highly paid AI-expert hires.

The company said it was making the cuts for the sake of efficiency and to allow new investments in parts of its business, as first reported by Bloomberg, which also said the company will leave about 6,000 jobs unfilled.

RELATED STORY | Block shares surge as Jack Dorsey announces AI-driven layoffs of 4,000 workers

Also Thursday, Microsoft said it was offering voluntary buyouts to thousands of its U.S. employees.

The software giant plans to make the offers in early May to about 8,750 people, or 7% of its U.S. workforce, according to two people familiar with the plan who were not authorized to speak about it publicly.

While an alternative to the sudden layoffs removing tech workers from peers like Meta and Oracle, the savings are likely tied to a similar industry upheaval that is requiring huge spending on the costs of artificial intelligence. Meta has already warned investors that its 2026 expenses will grow significantly to the range of $162 billion to $169 billion driven by infrastructure costs and employee compensation, particularly for the artificial intelligence experts its been hiring at eye-popping pay levels.

Wedbush analyst Dan Ives welcomed Metas cuts in a note to investors Thursday.

He said he sees it as part of a strategy of using AI tools to automate tasks that once required large teams, allowing the company to streamline operations and reduce costs while maintaining productivity driving an increased need for a leaner operating structure.

Microsoft, based in Redmond, Washington, has spent billions of dollars operating an ever-expanding global network of data centers powering cloud computing services, AI systems and its own suite of productivity tools, including the AI assistant Copilot.

CNBC reported earlier Thursday on a memo from Microsoft's chief people officer, Amy Coleman, announcing the voluntary retirement plan.

RELATED STORY | Amazon cuts 16,000 jobs, just months after 14,000 layoffs

Our hope is that this program gives those eligible the choice to take that next step on their own terms, with generous company support, Coleman wrote, according to CNBC.

Millions more Americans might qualify for dual Canadian citizenship under a recent change to Canada's requirements that has led to a surge in applications from its southern neighbor.

For people like Zack Loud of Farmington, Minnesota, it was a surprise to learn that under a new law, Canada already considered him and his siblings citizens because their grandmother is Canadian.

"My wife and I were already talking about potentially looking at jobs outside the country, but citizenship pushed Canada way up on our list," he said.

Since the new law took effect Dec. 15, immigration lawyers in the United States and Canada say they have been overwhelmed by clients seeking help submitting proof of citizenship applications. Driven by politics, family heritage, job opportunities and other factors, thousands of Americans are exploring whether the easier process makes now the right time to gain dual citizenship.

RELATED STORY | Supreme Court justices appear skeptical of Trump birthright citizenship order

Nicholas Berning, an immigration attorney at Boundary Bay Law in Bellingham, Washington, said his practice is "pretty much flooded with this."

"We've kind of shifted a lot of other work away in order to push these cases through," he said.

Immigration attorney Amandeep Hayer said his Vancouver, British Columbia-area practice went from about 200 citizenship cases a year to more than 20 consultations per day.

How the new law works

Canada has been changing its citizenship laws for decades, whether to update historic interpretations of law or to address discrimination issues.

Previously, Canadian citizenship by descent could only be passed down to one generation, from a parent to a child. But the new law opened up citizenship to anyone born before that date who could prove they have a direct Canadian ancestor a grandparent, great-grandparent or even more distant ancestor.

Those born on or after Dec. 15 need to show that their Canadian parent lived in Canada for 1,095 days.

Under the new law, descendants of Canadians are already considered citizens but must provide proof to obtain a certificate of citizenship. Hayer estimated that there are millions of Americans who are Canadian descendants.

"You are Canadian, and you're considered to be one your whole life," said Hayer, who advocated for the new law in parliament. "That's really what you're applying for, the recognition of a right you already have vested."

"The best way I can put it is like, if a baby's born tomorrow in Canada, the baby's Canadian even though they don't have the birth certificate," he said.

RELATED STORY | Lutnick says Trumps 'Gold Card' visa program has just 1 approval, hundreds await review

Americans interested in dual citizenship

American applicants have different motivations, but many say President Donald Trump's immigration crackdown and other topics have led them to seek dual citizenship.

Michelle Cunha, of Bedford, Massachusetts, said she decided to move to Canada after reflecting on decades of political activism and deciding she had "nothing left to give."

"I put in my best effort for 30 years. I have done everything that I possibly can to make the United States what it promises the world to be, a place of freedom, a place of equality," Cunha said. "But clearly we're not there and we're not going to get there anytime soon."

Troy Hicks, who had a great-grandfather born in Canada, said he was spurred by an international trip.

"I recently went to Australia and you know, first words out of the first person I talked to in Australia was basically an expletive about Trump and the U.S.," said Hicks, of Pahrump, Nevada. "It was just like, whoa, I walked off a 20-hour flight and literally the first words of somebody's mouth to me were that. ... So the idea of doing that with a Canadian passport just seemed easier, better, more palatable."

Maureen Sullivan, of Naples, Florida, said she was motivated by the immigration crackdown in Minnesota, which hit home when her teenage nephew encountered federal officers near his high school in St. Paul. Sullivan, whose grandmother was Canadian, said she sees citizenship in Canada as an option in case things in the U.S. "really go south."

"When I first heard about the bill, I couldn't believe it. It was like this little gift that fell in my lap," Sullivan said. "There was kind of this collective excitement amongst the (family) who just felt like, we wanted to feel like we were doing something to take care of our security in the future if needed."

RELATED STORY | Appeals court stops Trumps effort to cut off asylum at border

How much will Canadian citizenship cost?

For those with documentation ready at hand, the proof of citizenship application fee is a relatively inexpensive 75 Canadian dollars ($55).

But costs will climb for those seeking help from an attorney or genealogist to locate records like birth, death and marriage certificates that can establish the lineage to a Canadian ancestor.

Cunha said she used an attorney and estimates the cost will be about $6,500.

However, Mary Mangan, of Somerville, Massachusetts, filed her application in January using advice from online forums.

"There are some situations where a lawyer might be the right thing, but for many people, I would guess 90% of people can probably do this on their own," Mangan said.

The website for the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada office, which processes applications, says processing times for a certificate is around 10 months, with more 56,000 people awaiting a decision.

The agency said that from Dec. 15 to Jan. 31, it confirmed citizenship by descent for 1,480 people, though not all were Americans. Last year, 24,500 Americans gained dual U.S.-Canada citizenship.

What's the reaction in Canada?

Fen Hampson, professor of international affairs at Carleton University in Ottawa, said Canadians are generally a "welcoming people."

Hampson said some also worry a surge of interest from Americans could delay efforts by refugees and asylum-seekers fleeing vulnerable situations.

"I think where people start looking askance is someone who's never been to Canada, who has very thin ties. They can get a passport, becoming Canadians of convenience. People don't like that," he said.

An appeals court on Friday blocked President Donald Trumps executive order suspending asylum access, a key pillar of the Republican presidents plan to crack down on migration at the southern border of the U.S.

A three-judge panel from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit found that immigration laws give people the right to apply for asylum at the border, and the president cant circumvent that.

The panel concluded that the Immigration and Nationality Act doesnt authorize the president to remove the plaintiffs under procedures of his own making, allow him to suspend plaintiffs right to apply for asylum or curtail procedures for adjudicating their anti-torture claims.

The power by proclamation to temporarily suspend the entry of specified foreign individuals into the United States does not contain implicit authority to override the INAs mandatory process to summarily remove foreign individuals, wrote Judge J. Michelle Childs, who was nominated to the bench by Democratic President Joe Biden.

The White House didnt immediately respond to a request for comment.

RELATED STORY | Judge rules family should be released from ICE detention to pursue asylum case

ACLU attorney Lee Gelernt said in a statement that the appellate ruling is essential for those fleeing danger who have been denied even a hearing to present asylum claims under the Trump administrations unlawful and inhumane executive order.

Judge Justin Walker, a Trump nominee, wrote a partial dissent. He said the law gives immigrants protections against removal to countries where they would be persecuted, but the administration can issue broad denials of asylum applications.

Walker, however, agreed with the majority that the president cannot deport migrants to countries where they will be persecuted or strip them of mandatory procedures that protect against their removal.

Judge Cornelia Pillard, who was nominated by Democratic President Barack Obama, also heard the case.

RELATED STORY | Why the Trump administration is struggling to deport migrants to unfamiliar countries

A new study finds dating is getting more expensive, but singles are pushing back. More than 60% of single Americans say overspending to impress on a date is a red flag, and half say they prefer low-cost date ideas.

The survey of 1,000 single Americans shows rising costs are changing how people approach dating and relationships.

Singles are adapting rather than giving up on dating, and theyre embracing lower-cost experiences that reward financial honesty over flashy spending, said Erik Stomp, co-founder of DealSeek.

RELATED STORY | Your go-to bar order may reveal how confident you are in dating

One reason for the shift is that inflation has hit date nights especially hard. Meals at restaurants and special outings have become more expensive, outpacing inflation for many other items.

Dateflation is the idea that inflation has reshaped nearly every corner of our daily life as we know it, and now its reshaping romance as well, Stomp said.

What advice does Stomp have for singles looking for a partner?

Our findings show that frugality has become a green flag and that bragging about money is the biggest red flag in modern dating, he said.

RELATED STORY | Younger generations value financial openness in relationships, survey finds

The Food and Drug Administration said Friday it will offer ultra-fast review to three psychedelic drugs being developed to treat mental health conditions, including depression, the latest step by the Trump administration toward possible approval of the experimental treatments.

President Donald Trump signed an executive order last weekend directing the FDA and other federal agencies to speed research and loosen restrictions on psychedelics, a class of hallucinogenic drugs, which remain illegal under federal law.

The FDA said it awarded priority review vouchers to two companies studying psilocybin the active ingredient in magic mushrooms for hard-to-treat forms of depression. A third company received a voucher for methylone, a drug related to MDMA, for post-traumatic stress disorder. The FDA did not name the companies in a press release announcing the news.

RELATED STORY | Trump orders $50M research into psychedelic drugs, including ibogaine, for PTSD, TBI

"We owe it to our nation's veterans and all Americans who are suffering from these conditions to evaluate these potential therapies with urgency," FDA Commissioner Marty Makary said in a statement.

The vouchers don't guarantee approval, but instead mean that regulators will try to shorten their reviews from a period of months to weeks.

The recent moves on psychedelics reflect growing popular support for the mind-altering substances among Trump's supporters, including combat veterans and followers of the Make America Healthy Again movement spearheaded by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

Last July, Kennedy told members of Congress his department aimed to make psychedelics available for hard-to-treat psychiatric conditions within one year. Some of Kennedy's top allies and staffers are proponents of the drugs.

Calley Means, a former Kennedy campaign staffer now serving as a senior health adviser, has previously written about the "mind-blowing" power of psychedelics and his plans to invest in companies developing the drugs.

FDA's special treatment for psychedelics is likely to renew scrutiny of its program for speeding up drug reviews, known as the Commissioner's National Priority Voucher program.

Democratic members of Congress have noted that vouchers have gone to companies that are politically favored by the White House, including those that have agreed to cut prices on their medications.

In a separate move, the FDA authorized initial testing of a drug related to ibogaine, a powerful psychedelic made from an African shrub, for people with alcohol use disorder. Ibogaine is known to sometimes cause dangerous heart rhythms but has been embraced by combat veterans as a way to treat trauma and addiction.

The drugmaker, DemeRx, is led by a Florida-based researcher who first began studying ibogaine as a treatment for cocaine addiction in the 1990s, before federal health officials pulled funding for the work.

"Every grant proposal that I submitted to (the National Institute on Drug Abuse) was rejected," Deborah Mash, a neurologist and founder of DemeRx, told The Associated Press. "I couldn't get that funding and that's why ibogaine didn't advance in the 1990s."

Ibogaine is known to cause intense hallucinations, nausea, vomiting, tremors and sometimes dangerous irregular heart rhythms. Mash says DemeRx's drug is a metabolite of ibogaine, and doesn't carry the same hallucinogenic effects or risks as the original drug.

Saturday's White House event on psychedelics suggested Trump's political allies had a role in pushing the drugs to the top of his agenda.

RELATED STORY | Amazon expands access to GLP-1 weight-loss drugs through new program

Joe Rogan, the podcaster who appeared at the Oval Office event, said he texted Trump about the psychedelic ibogaine, which he's repeatedly discussed on his show. According to Rogan, the president quickly responded: "Sounds great. Do you want FDA approval? Let's do it."

Rogan's endorsement of Trump days before the November 2024 election was seen by White House aides as a key factor in his election victory.

On his show earlier this week, Rogan said he learned about ibogaine from his friend Ed Clay, a mixed martial arts trainer and entrepreneur who runs retreats making use of it in Mexico.

Virtually all psychedelics, including LSD, psilocybin and MDMA are classified as Schedule I substances, a category for high-risk drugs that have no medically accepted use.

For decades, drugmakers steered clear of the substances due to the difficulties of studying drugs that are illegal under federal law.

But dozens of small drugmakers, many fueled by Silicon Valley investors, have recently jumped into the race to win FDA approval for various psychedelics. For example, tech billionaire Peter Thiel who has made political donations to both Trump and Vice President JD Vance has invested in AtaiBeckley, a company studying MDMA and other psychedelic compounds.

The Justice Department has dropped its investigation into Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell after the Trump administration criticized his June testimony to Congress about the cost of a major renovation of Fed buildings.

U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro said the criminal investigation was ended in favor of an inspector general review.

"The IG has the authority to hold the Federal Reserve accountable to American taxpayers. I expect a comprehensive report in short order and am confident the outcome will assist in resolving, once and for all, the questions that led this office to issue subpoenas," Pirro said.

She added that she would "not hesitate to restart a criminal investigation should the facts warrant doing so."

The decision comes as the Trump administration works to confirm Kevin Warsh as the next Fed chair, with Powells term expiring next month. Powell is expected to remain on the Federal Reserve Board as a governor.

After the Justice Department opened an investigation into Powell for potential perjury charges, Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., accused Trump of undermining the Feds independence. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, also said she would not support moving forward with a nomination amid the investigation.

"The stakes are too high to look the other way: if the Federal Reserve loses its independence, the stability of our markets and the broader economy will suffer. My colleague, Senator Tillis, is right in blocking any Federal Reserve nominees until this is resolved," she said.

The Federal Reserves most important function is setting the federal funds rate, which influences the interest rates banks charge each other for overnight loans. This indirectly affects consumer lending rates for mortgages, auto loans and credit cards, as well as borrowing costs for businesses.

Trump has expressed frustration with Powell for the Federal Reserve not lowering interest rates as much as he wanted.

The post MichMash: Recap of the 2026 filing deadline and Democratic state endorsement convention appeared first on WDET 101.9 FM.

The post Crossing the Lines: Highland Park pastor says he serves in an ‘enclave of love’ appeared first on WDET 101.9 FM.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Friday the United States is not counting on European support as the Pentagon dispatched a third aircraft carrier to the Middle East amid the ongoing war against Iran.

The George H.W. Bush entered the region Friday, marking the first time in 23 years that the U.S. has had three carriers under U.S. Central Command in the Middle East. Together, the carriers have about 200 aircraft and 15,000 personnel on board.

RELATED STORY | Trump appears to rule out using nuclear weapons against Iran

The buildup comes as the U.S. military enforces a blockade of ships departing from or arriving at Iranian ports.

Hegseth said 34 ships had been turned back since the blockade began. He also warned that U.S. forces would fire on vessels attempting to lay mines in the Strait of Hormuz.

To the regime in Tehran: The blockade is tightening by the hour. We are in control. Nothing in, nothing out, Hegseth said.

Pentagon officials have expressed growing frustration over the lack of international support during the conflict. The Strait of Hormuz is a vital shipping lane for global oil supplies. In peacetime, nearly 20% of the worlds oil passed through the strait.

Since the war began, oil prices have surged, pushing gas prices higher worldwide.

We are not counting on Europe, but they need the Strait of Hormuz much more than we do, Hegseth said. They might want to start doing less talking, having fewer fancy conferences in Europe, and get in a boat. This is much more their fight than ours.

RELATED STORY | Pope Leo says he does not fear Trump, citing Gospel as he pushes back in feud over Iran war

A powerful tornado in Oklahoma ripped roofs off buildings and reduced others to rubble, knocked down power poles and sent emergency crews rushing into a rural community near Vance Air Force Base, officials said.

The confirmed tornado Thursday moved across parts of Enid, a city of about 50,000 people near the state's northern border, according to the National Weather Service. Video showed a rapidly rotating column of air touching down along with totaled homes.

RELATED STORY | Earths climate is now 'out of balance,' new global report warns

There were no immediate reports of fatalities and only minor injuries hours after the tornado passed through, according to the Garfield County Sheriff's Office. Authorities were going door-to-door in some neighborhoods to check on residents.

Enid Mayor David Mason said some residents were trapped in their homes by debris and had to be rescued.

Some of the worst damage happened in Gray Ridge, a neighborhood on the south side of the city, he said. We have quite a few homes knocked down in there, he told KOCO-TV.

Video from the scene showed piles of rubble where homes once stood. Other buildings appeared to be leveled.

Amy Kuntz, who was driving home to Enid, was calming her daughter over the phone during the storm.

She said, I dont know what to do, And then I was like, Get in the bathtub. So she got in the bathtub and not even a minute later, she's like, Mom, the roofs gone, Kuntz told KFOR-TV.

RELATED STORY | World already seeing more dangerous heat days and its just the beginning, study says

Fences and some equipment were knocked down at Vance Air Force Base, about 80 miles (129 kilometers) north of Oklahoma City. The base closed until further notice due to ongoing power and water restoration efforts, it posted online Friday.

Please join me in praying for the Enid community, which has been severely impacted by tonights tornado, Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt posted on social media.

More storms are possible through Friday night across south-central and southeast Oklahoma, the National Weather Service in Norman said. Strong to severe thunderstorms are expected to develop Saturday, including in the Enid area.

It was a stormy night for other states, too. In Kearney, Missouri, north of Kansas City, officials reported downed trees, debris blocking roadways and damage to homes on Thursday night after storms passed through the area. Officials said in a social media post that no injuries had been reported. Crews worked to make roads passable by early Friday and were expected to continue cleanup efforts during the day.

The Detroit Zoo and the Detroit Tigers are partnering for the first-ever Tigers Day on Sunday, April 26, celebrating baseball and big cats.

According to the Zoo, Tigers Day will be a fun-filled experience that will include live tiger enrichment, hands-on wildlife education, meet-and-greet with PAWS and some more surprises.

The event will run from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.a nd is included with zoo admission. Members get in free.

People can expect:

Live Tiger enrichment and zookeeper chats at 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. with any of the three Amur tigers PAWS and Rally Cats roaming the Zoo from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Meet-and-greet with surprise Tigers alumni from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. Free Detroit Tigers gift at the gate while supplies last Raffle tables from the Zoo and Tigers Education station dedicated to tiger biology, behavior and conservation 10% off select merchandise

The zoo said that fewer than 4,500 tigers are left in the wild, and the zoo funds research and care aimed at helping the Amur tiger species recover.

This year, about 500 wishes will be granted to kids facing critical illnesses in Michigan, thanks to Make-A-Wish Michigan and generous donors across the state.

One of those kids is 14-year-old Devin Tefend of Gibraltar. He wished to be a Detroit Red Wing! A year ago, he got to meet all of the players, spend time in the locker room, go on the ice for the National Anthem, and even be in the official team picture for the year.

See the full story in the video below

Gibraltar teen spends day with Detroit Red Wings thanks to Make-A-Wish Michigan

"Is this the jersey you got there?" I asked.

"Yeah, its the jersey that [Dylan] Larkin presented to me when I was just sitting on the bench talking to everybody," he said.

"Did you ever think that your wish would be granted? I asked.

"I thought it wasn't going to be all of that, but it really was and more! he said.

Devin got a surprise meet-and-greet with Red Wings legend and current GM Steve Yzerman.

And the Red Wings liked him so much, they invited him back to skate with the Red Wings in a practice session during their Olympic break.

This was a dream come true for the travel hockey team player.

His mother, Courtney, said when Devin was just 8 days old, he was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis a condition which causes damage to lungs, digestive system, and other organs in the body.

He must perform three lengthy breathing treatments every day and take medication. He had several surgeries when he was very young.

"How did this wish impact your lives?" I asked.

"It's really given him a light, a little spark of, you know, just a little bit of hope," Courtney said.

Make-A-Wish Michigan grants life-changing wishes to children facing critical illnesses when they need it most.

"How many wishes has Make-A-Wish granted over the years?" I asked Make-A-Wish Michigan Chief Diversity and Engagement Officer Sherri Collins.

"We've granted more than 12,500 wishes, and that's all to Michigan children," she said.

That's happened in the 42 years the non-profit has been operating in Michigan.

"And for every wish that's granted, you know, that's a child, it's a family, it is a whole community. So, the wish impacts -- the ripple effect is really amazing," Collins added.

"Was there a 'pinch me' moment where you're like, 'I can't believe I'm seeing this or meeting this person?'" I asked.

"Larkin walks up, starts talking to me. And he gives me this [hockey] stick that he signed. And it said,'To Devin, Keep scoring goals and catching fish,'" Devin told me, smiling brightly.

If you'd like to support Make-A-Wish Michigan, you can join me at the Walk for Wishes at the Detroit Zoo on Saturday, May 2. You can register online or make a donation here.

I've been emceeing this walk for the past 17 years. It's one of my favorite events of the year, and I hope to see you all there.

Where Your Voice Matters

A few thousand season ticket holders gathered at Ford Field to watch the first round of the NFL Draft, expressing optimism for the new offensive line pick and for the upcoming season.

Watch Brett Kast's video report: Lions fans pack Ford Field for first night of the draft

Walking through the concourse, it almost felt like a game day as fans expressed excitement for the upcoming season and the new addition to the team.

"You know, I think the guy has a good potential, it's what we needed on the team," Anthony Heinzman said.

Many fans view the pick with optimism, noting it fills a need on the offensive line.

"I like the pick, you know I was good with either side of the ball in the trenches," Previn Martin said. "We know that our offensive line was not what our standards are, and I think that's where they're trying to get to."

"I'm happy with the pick. With Taylor Deckers departure, we needed a tackle desperately," Taylor Monacelli said.

Ali Barri is an immigrant to Detroit and was on the season ticket waitlist for years, but he has been a Lions fan even longer. This will be his first year having season tickets.

"I didn't even know football existed. The first thing I ever seen when I landed in America was Barry Sanders taking off, and I was in love ever since," Barri said. Nothing beats the fans, nothing beats the environment we have in Detroit."

Every fan at the event has a story of the ups and downs of being a Lions fan, but in the midst of a resurgence, there remains optimism for what lies ahead.

"Super excited, I hope we go all the way this time," Karen Barner said.

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

A 37-year-old man is in critical condition after being shot in the face during a carjacking at a Detroit gas station earlier this month.

Watch Jolie Sherman's video report: Wyandotte man shot in the face during carjacking, suspect on the run

Orgelis Cedeno was dropping off a package at a Citgo gas station on Woodward Avenue when an armed man demanded his keys. Cedeno's wife, Deryl Gabriella Hernandez, was on FaceTime with him when the attack occurred.

"So he called her at around 7:30, and he was saying Im going to stop at the gas station because I need to put some gas," Hernandez's interpreter said.

Hernandez said her husband was walking back to his car to fill up when the suspect approached.

"He slowly said, ' Give me your keys, so he handed the keys over, and thats when he also shot him, after giving him the keys," Hernandez said.

Hernandez heard the gunshots over the phone. She says her husband was hit in the mouth before the suspect stole his car.

"I honestly thought that he was going to die because he fell to the floor, and he looked really, really bad. He looked terrible," Hernandez said.

Detroit police told me they are actively investigating the incident and working with state partners to search for the suspect, who remains on the run.

Meanwhile, Cedeno is still in the hospital. He has already had three surgeries and remains in critical condition.

"Its going to be a very, very long recovery. He has a lot of stitches inside his mouth. He cant eat; he cant drink," Hernandez said.

Hernandez said her husband will have to relearn how to speak due to his injuries, but she is holding onto hope.

"What he tells him is to just be strong, that he is a very wonderful father and a very wonderful partner, and that she has hope and faith theyre going to get through this, and shes not going to leave this hospital until she takes him out walking again," Hernandez said.

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

The post The Metro: First-time campers welcome at Metroparks’ newly renovated Walnut Grove Campground appeared first on WDET 101.9 FM.

With the 17th pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, the Detroit Lions selected Clemson offensive lineman Blake Miller.

Miller appeared in 54 games with the Tigers over the last four seasons, including 13 games this past season. Per NFL Network, he's the first Clemson tackle to ever be drafted in the first round.

Listed at 6-foot-6 and 315 pounds, Miller was a four-year starter at Clemson and was named a First-Team All-ACC player twice.

Among 632 qualified tackles on Pro Football Focus, Miller ranked 34th in overall grade (76.8), 33rd in pass blocking grade (81.6) and 60th in run blocking grade (72.4).

The Lions are looking to replace one of their mainstays on the offensive line; after being drafted in 2016 and playing with the team for a decade, tackle Taylor Decker was released by the Lions earlier this spring. Earlier this off-season, Detroit added tackle Larry Borom, a Brother Rice alum and five-year veteran who last played with the Miami Dolphins.

This is the first time the Lions have used a first round pick on an offensive lineman since general manager Brad Holmes selected Penei Sewell with his first draft pick as the Lions general manager in 2021 (No. 7 overall).