With baby Arthur too young for the measles vaccine and a sibling due in June, the Otwells grew nervous when the threat of the highly contagious virus started factoring into their grocery run.

We go to the Costco that was kind of a hotbed, said John Otwell, who knew about the state health department's warnings of public exposures at the store. A lot of people just dont get it; they think its just a cold. Its not.

By Arthurs 9-month checkup, the South Carolina outbreak had exploded into the nation's worst in more than 35 years, surpassing last year's in Texas. That meant that under state guidance, Arthur could get his first dose of the MMR vaccine for measles, mumps and rubella earlier than the usual 12 to 15 months old. Their new baby wont be able to get the shot until at least 6 months a prospect that worries parents of infants wherever measles spreads.

RELATED STORY | Measles outbreak reported at ICE facility on Texas military base

Babies too young to be vaccinated are among the most vulnerable in a measles outbreak. The disease can wreak havoc on their fragile bodies, making them so sick they stop eating and drinking. They can develop pneumonia or brain swelling, and sometimes die.

Babies depend entirely on herd immunity at least 95% of a community must be vaccinated to prevent measles outbreaks. But dropping vaccination rates have eroded protection in South Carolina and across the nation. In Spartanburg County, the outbreak's epicenter, less than 90% of students have gotten required vaccines.

Babies become sitting ducks, said Dr. Deborah Greenhouse, a Columbia pediatrician. The burden is on all of us to protect all of us.

But increasingly, some policymakers and officials push a view of vaccination as an issue of individual freedom and parents' rights, rather than one of public health to safeguard the population as a whole.

At the federal level, Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a longtime anti-vaccine crusader, has sought to remake vaccine policy and oversaw billions in public health cuts. And though a temporary ruling from a federal judge has slowed his momentum, a raft of bills has been introduced in states, including South Carolina, that threaten to further reduce vaccination rates.

South Carolinas measles outbreak, totaling about 1,000 cases, has slowed. But measles is spreading in many states, with 17 outbreaks this year and 48 last year, and the U.S. on the verge of losing its status as a country that has eliminated measles.

Doctors work to protect the youngest against measles

Dr. Jessica Early never thought shed have to deal with measles, but the pediatrician feared for her patients and her own baby when it popped up in her Greer community. She and other doctors began offering an approved infant MMR dose as early as 6 months old. Her practice also started giving the second MMR dose usually for ages 4 to 6 years old early.

To the chagrin of many doctors, no one knows how many South Carolina infants have gotten measles or been hospitalized by it.

State officials will disclose only that 253 of the 997 cases were among children 4 and younger; they say they wont break cases down further for confidentiality reasons. Its not uncommon to group statistics this way.

Officials also dont know exactly how many infants were hospitalized with the virus because, as in some other states, hospitals aren't required to report measles-related admissions.

Across the state, doctors said they got many questions about whether it was safe to bring infants to waiting rooms or day care.

Thomas Compton regional director of Miss Tammys Little Learning Center, a child care network operating across the outbreak region said 18 parents pulled children out of his facilities, though they had no confirmed cases. Some abandoned deposits days before their kids were scheduled to start, forcing the company to lay off a teacher.

Although licensed day cares must require vaccines under state law, families can easily get religious exemptions. About a fifth of Miss Tammy's 300 children have vaccine waivers.

When measles surged, Compton said state officials gave little guidance. His staff scrubbed down surfaces, as they did when COVID-19 was raging; tracked local measles cases on Facebook; and relied on Google for information about the disease.

A lot of parents were really stressed out, Compton said. Anytime that we had a little sickness going on or something, they were like, Do you think its the measles?

State legislation would prohibit vaccines for children under 2

Last year, an Associated Press investigation found that Trump administration officials were directing activists to push anti-science legislation in statehouses. Nationally, around 350 anti-vaccine bills were introduced as of late October, AP found, including at least eight in South Carolina.

This year, a state bill would prohibit requiring vaccines for children under 2.

In other words, it would get rid of those requirements in the day cares, pediatrician Greenhouse said. And for people like me, that is a gut punch that is terrifying.

In a subcommittee discussion, Republican State Sen. Carlisle Kennedy said his bill aims to protect parents rights. His baby was born in August without working kidneys and got vaccines on a personalized schedule, in coordination with doctors.

We didnt want to put vaccines in his body before his body was able to survive them, he said.

Opponents countered that herd immunity protects children in these situations.

The Senate subcommittee advanced the legislation. Greenhouse fears it has momentum.

RELATED STORY | South Carolina measles outbreak shows little sign of slowing, surpasses Texas' 2025 total

"In the climate that we are currently living in, I think any bill potentially could have legs," she said. It is our job to do our absolute best to make sure that those legs dont go anywhere.

Whether the bill becomes law, doctors say this sort of legislation fuels vaccine skepticism and confusion. While the American Academy of Pediatrics advises giving babies all the vaccines theyve gotten for years, some parents tell Greenhouse they know the government has called for fewer.

They dont actually know who they can trust, she said.

South Carolina, like other states, has made nonmedical vaccine exemptions easier to get, noted Dr. Martha Edwards, president of the state's American Academy of Pediatrics chapter. In the outbreak's epicenter, religious exemptions have more than doubled since 2020. Statewide, 4% of school-age students have such exemptions in 2025-26.

Parental choice is a big buzzword in a lot of the Southern states, Edwards said. But the choice not to vaccinate, she said, impacts other parents rights to keep their children safe.

Nationwide, protection fades as measles spreads

Doctors expect things will only get worse.

In the first three months of 2026, the U.S. logged 1,671 measles cases. Thats 73% of the total from 2025, the worst year for the virus in more than three decades. In November, international health officials will determine whether measles is still considered eliminated in the U.S.

National MMR vaccination rates which dropped to 92.5% among kindergartners in the 2024-25 school year, from 95.2% in 2019-20 obscure much lower rates in certain communities. At one Spartanburg County school, 21% of kids received all required vaccines.

Doctors worry its just a matter of time before all sorts of vaccine-preventable diseases threaten lives like they did a century ago.

The whole concept of immunization is one of the best things that has ever happened to medicine, Greenhouse said. To see that we are actually going backwards is just confounding.

Helen Kaiser, who lives in the outbreak area, vaccinated her twin 2-year-old boys early to protect them and the community.

I would never forgive myself, she said, if I knew that my son had gotten another baby very sick and it was something I could have prevented.

In his strongest words yet, Pope Leo XIV on Saturday denounced the delusion of omnipotence that is fueling the U.S.-Israel war in Iran and demanded political leaders stop and negotiate peace.

Leo presided over an evening prayer service in St. Peters Basilica on the same day the United States and Iran began face-to-face negotiations in Pakistan and as a fragile ceasefire held.

Historys first U.S.-born pope didnt mention the United States or President Donald Trump in his prayer, which was planned before the talks were announced. But Leos tone and message appeared directed at Trump and U.S. officials, who have boasted of U.S. military superiority and justified the war in religious terms.

RELATED STORY | US, Iran agree to two-week ceasefire that will reopen the Strait of Hormuz

Enough of the idolatry of self and money! Leo said. Enough of the display of power! Enough of war!

In the basilica pews was the archbishop of Tehran, Belgian Cardinal Dominique Joseph Mathieu. The U.S. was represented in the diplomatic corps by its deputy chief of mission, Laura Hochla, the U.S. Embassy said.

In the first weeks of the war, the Chicago-born Leo was initially reluctant to publicly condemn the violence and limited his comments to muted appeals for peace and dialogue. But Leo stepped up his criticism starting on Palm Sunday. And this week, he said Trumps threat to annihilate Iranian civilization was truly unacceptable and called for dialogue to prevail.

On Saturday, Leo called for all people of good will to pray for peace and demand an end to war from their political leaders. The evening vigil in Rome, which featured Scripture readings and meditative recitation of the Rosary prayers, was taking place as simultaneous local prayer services were being held in the U.S. and beyond.

Praying for peace, Leo said, was a way to break the demonic cycle of evil to build instead the Kingdom of God where there are no swords, drones or unjust profit.

RELATED STORY | Trump says Iran has 'no cards' as Vance heads to Pakistan for peace talks

It is here that we find a bulwark against that delusion of omnipotence that surrounds us and is becoming increasingly unpredictable and aggressive, he said. Even the holy Name of God, the God of life, is being dragged into discourses of death.

Leaders have used religion to justify their actions in the war. U.S. officials and especially Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth have invoked their Christian faith to cast the U.S. as a Christian nation trying to vanquish its foes.

Leo has said God doesnt bless any war, and certainly not those who drop bombs.

Leo presided over the service sitting off to the side of the altar on a white throne, wearing his formal red cape and liturgical stole and praying with a Rosary in his hands. Many of the priests and nuns in the pews fingered Rosary beads as the Our Father and Hail Mary prayers were recited.

The Vatican is particularly concerned about the spillover of Israels war against Hezbollah in Lebanon, given the plight of Christian communities in the south.

There is a new food pyramid, and analysis shows that following the updated guidelines from the U.S. Department of Agriculture could cost Americans significantly more.

Data compiled by market analysis firm Numerator indicates a typical household would spend $1,012 more annually to follow the new Dietary Guidelines for Americans compared with the previous version. The guidelines, published every five years, place greater emphasis on meat and fat sources, such as butter, and less on whole grains and plant-based proteins, such as beans.

According to Numerator, grocery bills would rise by nearly one-third under the new guidance. Changes involving protein have the biggest effect: The new guidelines recommend Americans eat nearly twice as much protein especially from meat as prior guidelines.

The report advises adults to consume 1.2 to 1.6 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight daily. For example, a 200-pound person should eat between 109 and 146 grams of protein each day. Previous recommendations from the Food and Drug Administration for a person that weight were about 73 grams.

RELATED STORY | New US dietary guidelines urge more protein, fewer ultraprocessed foods

Numerators data show that in November 2025, a typical American spent about $37.33 per month on meat-based proteins to meet previous serving sizes. Under the new guidance, that figure would climb to $71.27 monthly to meet recommended protein intake.

Grains, which are relatively inexpensive, saw smaller changes. Reducing grain consumption would save the typical American about $2.24 monthly.

The new guidelines also put more emphasis on whole foods unprepared fruits, vegetables, meats and dairy and less on ultraprocessed and prepackaged items. According to Numerator, nearly 49% of total grocery sales come from the center of stores, where foods are typically already processed. About 42% of sales come from the perimeter, where fresh produce, meat and dairy are sold, with the remaining 9% from frozen aisles.

The guidelines help shape policy and influence menus for school lunches, Meals on Wheels and other federally funded food programs. While Numerators research does not address the impact on schools and government-funded programs, it suggests those following the updated guidance could face higher costs.

RELATED STORY | Whole milk returns to schools but is it the healthier choice?

Reducing ultraprocessed foods has widespread support, but some parts of the new guidelines have faced criticism notably the potential increase in saturated fat consumption, which scientists say can raise the risk of cardiovascular disease.

The Trump administration has sent mixed messages on saturated fat intake. Earlier this year, Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said the government was ending its war on saturated fat by promoting meat-based proteins and fat sources such as butter and beef tallow in the Dietary Guidelines for Americans.

Kennedys department largely ignored a panel of experts who favored plant-based proteins such as beans and lentils. However, the new guidelines retain the recommendation to limit saturated fat to no more than 10% of daily calories.

After a few years of sharing a 2019 Chevrolet Trax, Dana Eble and Tyler Marcus are finally looking for a second car. But as they jump into the market, the young married couple isn't sure what they can afford.

I just keep seeing a lot of different aspects of life getting more expensive, and its harder, said Eble, an account manager for a public relations agency.

Car ownership has long been integral to the American dream. But as automakers slash the production of inexpensive models to cater to customers who can afford oversized pickups and sport utility vehicles, buyers find themselves facing sticker shock at the same time they are already frustrated by the lingering effects of high inflation.

Consumer prices rose 3.3% in March, the biggest yearly increase since May 2024, while new car prices were up 12.6% from a year ago, the Labor Department reported Friday.

New vehicles now sell for an average of nearly $50,000, up 30% in six years, and average monthly payments based on 10% down and a 6-year note recently hit $775. Looking for something on the cheap end? The share of vehicles listing for less than $30,000 is about 13% down from 40% five years ago, per the car review site CarGurus.

RELATED STORY | New car prices hit historic high as average cost surpasses $50,000 for first time

To cope, buyers are spreading their payments out longer. Consumers choosing 7-year loans make up more than 12% of all sales, up from nearly 8% a year ago, according to auto buying resource J.D. Power. Such contracts wind up costing more in the long run because of interest payments.

The ability to buy transportation is still out there. The question is just, what do you get for your money? Charlie Chesbrough, a senior economist at Cox Automotive, said.

The rising cost of cars is contributing to increased concerns about affordability throughout American life. Consumers, especially young people, say they feel like everyday needs like housing, food, utilities and child care are getting costlier and wages aren't keeping up.

It is a vulnerable position for Republicans ahead of this years midterm elections, especially as the Iran war has pumped up gas prices that makes getting behind the wheel even more expensive.

Size, technology and must-have features add to costs

Sticker prices have been rising since automakers discovered Americans are willing to pay more for bigger, more expensive SUVs and pickup trucks that bring the companies more profit from each sale. They have largely phased out smaller, cheaper sedans.

That is especially true for domestic carmakers; the average selling prices for many vehicles from Ford Motor Co., General Motors and Jeep-maker Stellantis have generally trended higher than those for Asian companies Honda, Hyundai, Mazda and Subaru.

RELATED STORY | Auto loan delinquencies on the rise: Here's what that means for the economy

Car companies are also savvy about placing desired options in more expensive trim levels that can lure consumers into a vehicle that costs more than they planned, said David Undercoffler, the head of consumer insights at CarGurus.

Advanced safety technology lane-keep assist, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, collision warnings and more all add to the cost of a vehicle. Automakers are required by federal industry rules to add some features, such as rear-view cameras.

The COVID-19 pandemic pushed up auto prices because production fell, affecting both the new and used markets. Though production recovered, other supply chain disruptions and tariffs have affected prices. Meanwhile, government data shows that car insurance prices have soared 55% compared with six years ago, or just before the pandemic, driving up the number of Americans going without. Car repairs, on average, are 48% more expensive.

The share of new car buyers earning below $100,000 fell to 37% last year, down from 50% in 2020, according to Cox Automotive.

Some carmakers have acknowledged affordability concerns. In February, Ford said it would have several vehicles prices under $40,000 by the end of the decade. GM has pointed to vehicles from Buick and Chevrolet, including the Trax, as cheaper options.

Looking to used market for relief

Chesbrough thinks consumers are sometimes unrealistic in their wants.

There are vehicles out there for less than $30,000. What everybody wants is the mid-sized SUV with leather seats and the sunroof for $25,000, and thats not available, Chesbrough said.

Those buyers, he said, are being pushed into the used market.

But as those buyers shift to used, they are finding fewer affordable options there, too. The share of used vehicles priced less than $30,000 fell from 78% in 2021 to 69% in February, according to CarGurus. The average used vehicle sold for about $25,000 in February, and the average used monthly payments hit $560.

The inventory of used cars is being hit by a couple of trends. One is that consumers keen to avoid a big expense are hanging on to their cars longer nearly 13 years on average now, 18 months longer than a decade ago, according to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics. And a downturn in the popularity of leasing means fewer two- and three-year-old cars hitting the market after leases expire.

J.D. Power estimates that consumers might spend up to $140 less on a lease payment than the average finance commitment, a good option especially for drivers whose annual mileage is predictable. But experts say there is still an affordability challenge.

What buyers can do

Sam Dykhuis, 27, of Chicago, needed to buy her first car recently when she started a new job as a scheduler for United Airlines. She searched for something used under $20,000, and eventually paid a little more than that for a 2021 Mazda CX-5. To hold down the cost, she tapped savings to buy the car outright. She pays insurance six months at a time to save a few bucks, too.

Still, My paycheck went down and my expenses went up, Dykhuis said. Certainly, I have to be more just on top of it than I was previously."

Eble, 30, and Marcus, 31, say they appreciate cool vehicles but don't consider themselves car people" and are hoping their search is easier as a result. Still, finding something in their $20,000 to $30,000 budget might not be as easy as it once was.

They are considering cars such as a newer Trax, a Mazda or maybe an electric vehicle. New EVs generally cost more upfront, but consumers can save in the long run. The used EV market will also soon be flooded with two- or three-year-old EVs that were leased at the time federal credits were generous.

Like Dykhuis, they say they also might buy their new ride outright to avoid a new monthly payment.

It feels like if anything happens out of our control it just seems so much more difficult to figure out how to orient our finances," Eble said.

By all indications, Artemis IIs landing was a success, as it splashed down in the Pacific Ocean on Friday after a nine-day journey that included a flyby of the moon.

After traveling more than 250,000 miles from Earth, the Artemis II Orion spacecraft landed within a mile of its intended target, reaching speeds of up to 24,664 mph.

RELATED STORY | Artemis II crew splashes down in Pacific, ending historic moon mission

This crew has said time and again that they were going for all of humanity. And today we fulfilled that objective by completing their journey and returning them safely to Earth, said Rick Henfling, Artemis II entry flight director.

The mission was the first to send humans toward the moon in more than 50 years and was designed as a stepping stone for future lunar missions. Artemis III, scheduled for launch in mid-2027, will not travel to the moon as originally planned. Instead, the crew will use the flight to test equipment and docking capabilities.

NASA plans to send astronauts to the lunar surface in 2028 with the Artemis IV mission.

One key set of data could determine whether NASA can stay on schedule.

Problems emerged after Artemis Is landing in 2022, when engineers found issues with the Orion spacecrafts heat shield. NASA said the shield exhibited more cracking and charring than expected.

In response, NASA changed how the heat shield was applied to Orion and adopted a different landing angle to minimize stress on the shield. Officials said late Friday it was too soon to know how successful those changes were, but they expect to have answers soon.

RELATED STORY | New reentry strategy guides Artemis IIs historic return to Earth

Lori Glaze, deputy associate administrator for NASAs Exploration Systems Development Mission Directorate, said data from the spacecraft was sent instantly to Mission Control and is now being analyzed.

She added that divers photographed the heat shield while Orion was still in the ocean, before recovery.

Howard Hu, Orion program manager, said the spacecraft will undergo a 30-day inspection period culminating with a report. He said NASA expects to reuse 286 components from Artemis II.

The Manhattan District Attorney's Office will launch an investigation into Democratic Rep. Eric Swalwell after a woman who worked for him accused him of sexually assaulting her. CNN and the New York Times were among the first to report on the investigation.

In a stunning political reversal, prominent supporters of Swalwells campaign for California governor withdrew their support after the allegations surfaced.

Swalwell did not immediately heed those calls, saying on social media that he would spend the weekend with family and friends and share an update very soon.

These allegations of sexual assault are flat false. They're absolutely false. They did not happen, they have never happened, and I will fight them with everything that I have, he said.

RELATED STORY | Swalwell jumps into California governors race, citing anti-Trump platform

Swalwell was among the leading Democrats in the race to replace outgoing Gov. Gavin Newsom. But in just hours, he saw his most prominent supporters including U.S. Sen. Adam Schiff and powerful labor unions drop their endorsements and call for his exit from the race.

Newsom, a likely 2028 presidential candidate who has avoided engaging in the contest to replace him, said in a statement: As we continue to learn more, these allegations from multiple sources are deeply troubling and must be taken seriously.

Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who hasnt endorsed in the race, said the serious allegations must be investigated and that she spoke to Swalwell and suggested that be done outside of a gubernatorial campaign.

The allegations surfaced at a critical stage of the wide-open campaign to lead the nations most populous state. Voters will receive mail ballots next month in advance of the June 2 election.

The San Francisco Chronicle reported Friday that a woman said Swalwell sexually assaulted her in 2019 and 2024. The newspaper reviewed text messages about the alleged 2024 assault and spoke to people whom she had told about it. She told the newspaper she did not go to police because she was afraid she would not be believed.

The woman worked for Swalwell in 2019, when the first alleged assault occurred, and the 2024 assault allegedly occurred after a charity gala, the newspaper reported. She said in both cases she was too intoxicated to consent to sex.

The paper didnt name the woman, and The Associated Press has not been able to independently verify her account and identity. Her lawyer declined to comment.

Swift backlash from prominent Democrats

Schiff said in a social media post he's deeply distressed by the allegations, calling for Swalwell to end his gubernatorial bid.

Democratic Rep. Jimmy Gomez, who helped run Swalwells campaign, said hes immediately ending his role.

The congressman should leave the race now so there can be full accountability without doubt, distraction, or delay, Gomez said on social media.

RELATED STORY | Vermont 14-year-old makes bid for governor in November election

Powerful labor unions, including the California Service Employees International Union and the California Teachers Association, said they're suspending their support. The California Federation of Labor Unions said its acting urgently on next steps.

A spokesperson for House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries said the allegations require a serious and thorough investigation.

Growing calls for Swalwell to drop out

Swalwell is among a handful of prominent candidates in the crowded race to succeed Newsom, and he immediately came under pressure from all other Democratic rivals to withdraw from the race. The party has been mired in a messy primary season with some leaders fearing the crowded field could cost them spot in the November general election. The state's top-two primary system sends the two highest vote getters onto the general election regardless of party.

Swalwell on Tuesday kicked off a planned series of campaign events in Sacramento, where he told reporters hes never had a sexual relationship with a staff member or intern. He canceled the next scheduled event in Palm Springs on Thursday.

Uncorroborated and nonspecific rumors that Swalwell behaved inappropriately with female staffers have circulated on social media for weeks, but the Chronicle's story is the first reported account of someone making a direct accusation. CNN also reported that several women accused Swalwell of sending them inappropriate sexual messages.

He's suggested the allegations were part of an attack due to his campaigns momentum.

Swalwell was elected in 2012 and represents a House district east of San Francisco. He launched a presidential run in April 2019 but shuttered it a few months later after failing to catch on with voters. Swalwell, who is married and has three children, is perhaps best known nationally as a House manager in President Donald Trumps second impeachment trial during his first term in early 2021.

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Top American and Iranian officials arrived in Pakistan on Saturday for the first round of talks on how to convert their two-week ceasefire into lasting peace, as officials publicly outlined preconditions and claimed leverage in negotiations.

As the U.S. delegation led by Vice President JD Vance and the Iranian delegation led by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf arrived in Islamabad, the ceasefire appeared fragile. Vance and Qalibaf both met with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, according to Sharifs office and Iranian media, though no direct U.S.-Iran talks had been announced as of mid-afternoon.

The Lebanese state-run news agency reported Israel was pressing ahead with strikes in southern Lebanon, killing at least three people. Iran said discussions would only take place if there is a ceasefire in Lebanon and blocked Iranian assets are released.

RELATED STORY | Trump says Iran has 'no cards' as Vance heads to Pakistan for peace talks

The war has killed at least 3,000 people in Iran, 1,953 in Lebanon, 23 in Israel and more than a dozen in Gulf Arab states. It has largely cut off the Persian Gulf from the global economy, sending energy prices soaring and damaging infrastructure in half a dozen countries in the region.

In Tehran, residents told The Associated Press they were skeptical yet hopeful about the talks after weeks of airstrikes carved a path of destruction across their country. Shahab Banitaba questioned whether the United States could be trusted to uphold any agreement.

If we get concrete and final results, there is still a chance that the deal falls through, he said.

Officials posture over key issues ahead of talks

U.S. President Donald Trump posted repeatedly on social media leading up to Saturday, saying Iranian officials have no cards to negotiate with. He accused them of using the Strait of Hormuz, a key artery for global energy supplies, for extortion.

The only reason they are alive today is to negotiate! he wrote.

Islamabad was deserted Saturday as security forces sealed roads ahead of the talks. Pakistani authorities urged residents to stay inside, leading the normally bustling city to look like it was under curfew.

Vance said on Friday the U.S. was optimistic about the talks, but warned: If theyre going to try and play us, then theyre going to find that the negotiating team is not that receptive.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran was entering negotiations with deep distrust stemming from prior strikes on Iran during previous rounds of talks. Araghchi, who is part of Iran's delegation in Pakistan, said on Saturday that his country was prepared to retaliate if it was attacked again.

Israel and Lebanon will have direct negotiations

Negotiations between Israel and Lebanon are expected to begin Tuesday in Washington, Lebanese President Joseph Aouns office said Friday.

RELATED STORY | US, Iran agree to two-week ceasefire that will reopen the Strait of Hormuz

Israel wants the Lebanese government to assume responsibility for disarming Hezbollah, much like was envisaged in a November 2024 ceasefire. But it is unclear whether Lebanon's army can establish a monopoly on arms or confiscate weapons from the militant group, which has resisted efforts to curb its strength for decades.

Israels insistence that the ceasefire in Iran does not include a pause in its fighting with Hezbollah has threatened to sink the deal. The militant group joined the war in support of its backer, Iran, in the opening days of the war.

The day the truce was announced, Israel pounded Beirut with airstrikes, killing more than 300 people in the deadliest day in the country since the war began Feb. 28, according to the Lebanese Health Ministry.

Trump said Thursday he had asked Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to dial back the strikes.

Strait of Hormuz remains a sticking point

Irans closure of the Strait of Hormuz has proved its biggest strategic advantage in the war. Commercial vessels have avoided the strait, effectively blocking the passage of oil, natural gas and fertilizer.

The spot price of Brent crude, the international standard for oil prices, was around $97 Friday, up more than 30% since the war started.

Before the conflict, around a fifth of the worlds traded oil typically passed through the strait on more than 100 ships a day, many carrying oil to Asia. With the ceasefire in place, only 12 have been recorded passing through.

Iran has floated charging ships passing through the strait as part of a peace deal, though the idea has been widely rejected by countries including the United States and Iran's neighbor Oman.

Dozens of community members gathered at Peace Park in Dearborn Friday night to mourn the loss of innocent lives killed in Israeli airstrikes.

People filled the park, waving flags and standing together in a moment of silence. Posters displayed the faces of children, which organizers say represent the lives lost in the ongoing conflict.

Watch Carli Petrus' video report below: Dearborn community members gather to mourn lives lost to Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon

Malak Bjeiji and Aya Bjeiji attended the vigil. They said they do not know anyone personally killed, but their village in Lebanon was recently struck.

"To support our country and to not be quiet about whats happening because there are innocent people that lost everything while we have everything here," Malak Bjeiji said.

"Its really sad because theyre from the same village and seeing on Instagram all the bombings and all the buildings getting put down on the people, thats really sad," Aya Bjeiji said.

For organizer Hussein Hachem, the conflict is especially personal.

"Its not easy, its not easy," Hachem said.

"My family is still there. My brothers, theyve been displaced," Hachem continued. "They had to flee their house and find safe shelter. Theres no place thats safe in Lebanon right now."

I asked Hachem what it is like knowing his family is not safe.

"You are worried all the time. I sleep and my phone is always next to me all the time and every time my phone rings or theres a text message, I jump to it right away," Hachem said.

Related video: 'Her home was destroyed.' Metro Detroiters fear for family in Lebanon amid Israeli strikes 'Her home was destroyed.' Michiganders fear for family in Lebanon amid strikes

A show of solidarity also came from outside the Muslim community.

"As a Christian, our faith calls us to work for the dignity and justice of every single person and to me, that extends to anyone in our human family," Dean Apont-Safe said.

I asked Apont-Safe why he decided to attend the vigil.

"In support of our Lebanese, Middle Eastern neighbors," Aponte-Safe said. "Really wanting to express our support and our solidarity for communities that have really been struggling."

As candles burned low, many attendees said their message remains strong: calling for peace, awareness and for the lives lost to never be forgotten.

"This is a dire situation, this is a humanitarian situation. You dont have to care for politics, you dont have to take sides, just care for humanity," Hachem 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 Detroit firefighter is charged in a crash that left an 85-year-old woman dead in Roseville while he was off duty Thursday night.

The crash happened on Groesbeck Highway near Martin Road.

Investigators say 26-year-old Travis Turner was speeding and under the influence when he hit another vehicle.

Eleanor Johnson of Oak Park, 85, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Turner and his passenger, his girlfriend, were both injured.

Turner is charged with operating while intoxicated causing death and possessing a weapon while under the influence. He was given a $100,000 bond. He is required to wear a GPS tether if he's released.

Turner has a probable cause hearing scheduled for April 22 and a preliminary examination on April 29.

Turner is on leave without pay.

The Detroit Fire Department released a statement:

"We are aware of a tragic crash that occurred last night involving one of our members, who was off duty at the time and driving a personal vehicle in another jurisdiction. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victim and her loved ones during this incredibly difficult time."This incident is being investigated by the appropriate law enforcement agency, and we are fully cooperating with that investigation."The member involved has been placed on leave without pay pending the outcome of this investigation. We have no further comment on this personnel matter.

 "

Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido released a statement:

Every time someone drinks and gets behind the wheel, they are making a conscious choice to put lives at risk. The allegations are that this defendant was legally intoxicated when the crash occurred and a woman is now deceased. There is no way to bring her back. However, my office will work to see that justice is achieved.

Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield is working with the organizers of recent downtown teen takeovers to create safe, designated spaces for youth to gather.

The initiative follows large gatherings on March 30, which was also Detroit Tigers Opening Day, that erupted into fights and disrupted businesses, fans and pedestrians.

Watch the video report below: Detroit mayor to work with 'Teen Takeover' organizers to create safe gathering spaces

"So we are actively working with this group of young people to explore designated spaces in our city, curated environments, sanctioned gatherings and safe zones where teens can come together, enjoy downtown and be a part of the life of this amazing city in a structured, supported and safe way," Sheffield said.

Sheffield stood alongside Police Chief Todd Bettison and the organizers of the "Teen Takeover" events during a press conference Friday.

Watch an earlier video report below: Mayor Mary Sheffield speaks on teen takeovers in Downtown Detroit

Were going to make sure that public safety is there and that we put things in place so they can enjoy, come out and have a safe place with activities," Bettison said.

Sheffield said when she saw footage of the event during the Tigers home opener, she recognized the teens' leadership abilities and capacity to mobilize. She said that energy is not something to shut down, but rather to channel and direct.

While Sheffield noted there is a place for accountability and enforcement, she emphasized that most of the youth who showed up downtown simply want to enjoy the city safely.

Watch the full press conference below: Mayor Mary Sheffield speaks on teen takeovers in Downtown Detroit

The recent takeovers forced some downtown businesses to close early on Opening Day. Grace Keros, who owns American Coney Island and sits on the board of the Detroit Restaurant and Lodging Association, described the disruptions.

"They're running into stores just causing trouble, twerking, taking pants down, just doing things. There's little kids that are in restaurants. There's people, so people either get scared or annoyed or they don't want to deal with it and they walk out and leave," Keros said.

"It's the safety of my staff and my customers in the restaurant and the people out on the sidewalks that are walking back to their cars that have gone to the game that just wanted to grab a hot dog or something before they get to the car to drive home. That is my main concern."

Keros welcomed the news that city leaders met with the organizers Wednesday and offered a message to the teens involved in the mass gatherings.

"Find an activity, get busy. I'm hiring. Come on, I'll give you a job. Make some money, and then go out and have some fun, but good fun," Keros said.

Other Detroiters expressed frustration over the gatherings and a desire for youth to find better outlets.

"We definitely need, these kids need to be out here doing something more productive for sure," Charlotte Robinson said.

"Todays world is not like when I was coming up: kids wouldnt have been out I couldnt have been out in the street. What kind of parents do they have?" Sherry Barnes said.

"It start from home, but it needs to go back to how we were brought up," Gary Smith 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.

More than 40 years after the Miracle on Ice, Team USA captain Mike Eruzione is reflecting on whats changed and what may be lost.

In this episode of "Connected with Alisyn Camerota," Eruzione reacts to Team USAs latest Olympic gold, shares emotional moments from the victory, and explains why todays young athletes may never get the same opportunity he had in 1980.

He also weighs in on what the American spirit looks like today.

From Olympic glory to todays challenges, this is a powerful conversation about sports, opportunity and what it takes to inspire the next generation.

High school senior "water wars" are prompting serious warnings from police and school districts across Southeast Michigan after a game led to a police response in Grosse Pointe Farms.

Watch Peter Maxwell's video report: Police warn high school seniors about the dangers of 'water wars' after a close call

The popular springtime showdown involves high school seniors chasing each other with water guns to win a cash prize. However, local school districts and law enforcement agencies are urging students to think twice about safety and trespassing.

I spoke with Warren Police Lt. John Gajewski about the potential dangers of the game.

"Water wars are fun until somebody gets hurt or gets a ticket," Gajewski said. "It's one of those situations where you're on private property, you're in somebody's yard, it's late at night it's dark those are the elements that a lot of times get the police called."

On Tuesday, that exact situation played out in Grosse Pointe Farms. According to dispatch audio, a caller reported a man crouching in a backyard by a shed with a possible weapon.

"Caller states that there's a man crouching down in his backyard by the shed. He believes he possibly has a weapon in his hand unaware of exactly what it is but it is an object. He states that he could be hiding from somebody," a dispatcher said.

An officer responded, noting the situation sounded like the senior water game.

"It sounds like it's going to be that senior water park game, where they shoot each other with squirt guns and such," an officer said to the dispatcher.

I spoke with Steve Fedirko, whose daughter is a senior at Grosse Pointe South High School. He walked me through what happened during the game that day.

"The plan was she was going to come back from school and as she was walking out to go to our side door the boy who was the assassin to target my daughter was hiding between the fence and the house, but what made it even worse, he was in their backyard behind their shed," Fedirko said. "Worked out to be OK, but it could have been much, much worse."

Grosse Pointe South High School reminded parents and seniors in an email to stay off private property, warning that trespassing could carry ramifications.

Fedirko said he is all for this type of fun but wants the teenagers participating to be safe and for other parents to be aware.

"From a parent's standpoint, I wish there was a more vocal understanding, a better message, so people knew what was going on," Fedirko said.

Police say the message is simple: have fun, but do not put yourself or others at risk.

"If you're out there using a squirt gun and doing these water wars, make sure it is abundantly clear this is a squirt gun," Gajewski 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 WNBA announced it will return to Detroit in 2029, bringing a new team and a $50 million training facility to the city.

Watch Jeffrey Lindblom's video story: WNBA formally approves expansion in Detroit, play set to begin in 2029

The training facility will be located off Jefferson Avenue on the Detroit Riverfront near the bridge to Belle Isle. The news is already generating excitement among local sports fans and downtown business owners.

PREVIOUS REPORT: Detroit's riverfront could get new WNBA facility on former Uniroyal tire site Detroit's riverfront could get new WNBA facility on former Uniroyal tire site

Jennifer Dales, owner of Post Bar in downtown Detroit, said she is looking forward to showing the games on her televisions.

"It means a lot to me. I played basketball. Basketball is a big deal. Really big deal and having a womens team? Couldnt be more exciting," Dales said. "Detroit as a whole right now, the sports are just I dont think I ever remember it being this exciting."

Detroit has a history with women's basketball. The Detroit Shock played at the Palace for 11 years, winning three championships before the team was sold in 2009.

Sports fan Ray Miller remembers watching the Shock in the 2000s.

"I watched it, yeah. Absolutely," Miller said. "I remember Bill Laimbeer was the coach, and they were a good team. A really good team."

Other fans echoed that sentiment, noting the city's dedication to its sports franchises.

"Definitely be good for the city of Detroit," sports fan Matthew Westphal said. "Fans definitely rally behind their teams."

"Well rally around you," sports fan Jordan Putman said. "So, Id be welcome to another team coming."

Downtown workers are also anticipating the economic impact of the new team and the $50 million riverfront development.

"Any event downtown that brings people into the city is great for the people who work here," Post Bar bartender Cierra Godsey said. "Just because its Detroit and everyone shows up and shows out."

"I think it looks pretty sweet," Miller said.

"Any development on the riverfront is long-awaited," Dales said.

"In Detroit, we support our teams," Miller said.

"If it helps Detroit, Im just happy to be a part of it," Dales 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.

An annual charity hockey game pitting hometown first responders against Detroit Red Wings alumni is raising funds to support local students and feed thousands of families.

Watch Christiana Ford's video report: Charity hockey game in Livonia will support local nonprofit

The matchup benefits Breaking Barriers for Kids and Families, a nonprofit providing support across Wayne and Oakland counties through food pantries, STEAM learning labs and greenhouse initiatives.

"The need is higher than ever," Veronica Cruz said.

Cruz is the executive director of Breaking Barriers. She said the organization was started by Ann Owen, a former principal at Emerson, who saw teachers feeding students out of their own pockets.

"She really just brought the need to us and the awareness that teachers were feeding students out of their own pocket, and from that, the need she had asked what we could do to help with a food pantry," Cruz said.

The nonprofit now operates six food pantries, mainly within Livonia Public Schools. One pantry is currently expanding under construction at the Garfield Skill Center, which serves students between the ages of 18 and 26 with moderate cognitive impairments or autism.

"Theyve been amazing. Theyve been a blessing to our program. A goal of ours at Garfield has been to create a food pantry, and so weve been able to partner with them. It allowed us to create a food pantry here at Garfield to teach our students work skills," Lauren Feigel said. "Our students are able to really support, learn the skills themselves, but then ultimately give back to our community that has given so much to us.

Feigel is the principal of the Garfield Skill Center and the Livonia Transition Program.

"We are finding that over the last year, weve doubled the need. Families that have been asking us for support," Cruz said.

They say the expanded pantry will be able to support more families and give students the opportunity to directly interact with the community.

"This partnership really just allows us to expand our programming. If it wasnt for this hockey game, we wouldnt be able to do initiatives like where Im standing right now. Couple years ago we were able to bring this greenhouse back to life and allow our students now to do farm to table, learn how to harvest fruit, vegetable, things like that," Cruz said.

To help serve those thousands in need, Council Member and organizer Brandon McCullough coordinates the hockey game between the Livonia All Stars and Detroit Red Wings alumni.

"This is going to be our fifth year, and you know, I think to date we have probably raised close to $80,000, maybe a little bit less, directly to the non-profit," McCullough said.

The Livonia All Stars team is made up of first responders and community members. McCullough said the Red Wings alumni team has included Darren McCarty, Mickey Redmond, Drew Miller, and Red Berenson. The Red Wings have won every year.

"We have a bunch of guys that we say are the 'Uncle Rico's' of hockey that think we can beat the Red Wings, but we go out there to raise funds, and usually they just take us down pretty good," McCullough said.

Organizers are looking for people to purchase $10 tickets ahead of the game, which is set for Saturday, May 2. You can visit the link on the QR code for tickets.

"Anytime you can mix hockey, raising funds, Red Wings, you cant go wrong," McCullough 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 Michigan Department of Transportation is starting a two-year, $10 million project to install sound barriers along Interstate 75 in Troy to bring relief to noisy neighborhoods.

Watch Jolie Sherman's video report: MDOT to being I-75 soundwall installation project

Starting Saturday, crews will install two sound walls along the northbound lanes of I-75. One wall will stretch from Wattles Road to Long Lake, and the other from Crooks Road to Coolidge Highway, covering a total of 2.7 miles.

Drivers can expect multiple lane closures this weekend as crews place temporary concrete barriers and implement a traffic shift.

"Really, the impact to drivers is going to be most felt in the initial steps, which begins tomorrow and probably will continue through the week, and maybe even next week, depending on weather and progress," MDOT spokesperson Rob Morosi said.

After those steps, drivers will have three lanes open during peak travel periods while crews set the foundation and build the noise barriers.

FULL INTERVIEW: MDOT's Rob Morosi talks about Troy soundwall project FULL INTERVIEW: MDOT's Rob Morosi talks about Troy soundwall project

For residents living near the highway, the hum and buzz of traffic fills the air.

"Im really excited. I think my house is one of the closest houses to the highway," Leon Zhou said. "In the backyard, even just regular conversation will be disturbed by the noise."

Zhou's next door neighbor has tried taking matters into their own hands, setting up green tarps in the backyard to absorb some of the noise.

"My dad came up with this temporary solution, which now turned out to be permanent," Apoorva Akalankam said.

Akalankam says her family came up with this idea three years ago when they were hosting her graduation party and wanted to find a way to address some of the highway noise.

"Theres our backyard, theres the road, and theres the highway, so theres two sets of traffic that were really dealing with," Akalankam said.

"Im glad that this project is finally coming up, and Im just hoping that other kids in the neighborhood that are affected by this arent growing up with highway noise around them," Akalankam said.

Troy Mayor Ethan Baker is advocating for residents who want sound walls but live in neighborhoods that do not meet the density requirements needed to install them.

"I have lobbied our federal representatives to look and see if theres something they can do at the legislative level to change the guidelines, but there hasnt been much action on that... But the bulk of people who needed one are getting one, and its a wonderful thing," Baker 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.

Residents in a Wixom neighborhood are speaking up about backyard flooding concerns. They say it's causing erosion, trash issues and poses a risk to public safety.

Watch Darren Cunningham's video report: Wixom residents raise flooding, erosion concerns after school construction

Their concerns point to runoff from a newly built school and parking lot across the road.

Mike Hilverding said his land along a drainage ditch is literally washing away.

You can see the erosion that Ive experienced right here and these are going to be very costly repairs. Very, very costly repairs. The city is being cooperative about assisting in a temporary reclamation here while theyre coming up with a full plan, he explained.

The big question for neighbors is "why now?" Hilverding has a theory about what changed in the landscape.

"Our fingers are pointing to the runoff from the new high school. The high school has moved this way and instead of having ground saturation, we now have flat parking lot runoff," he explained.

The new Walled Lake Western High School is on Beck Road across from the homes. Hilverding took that concern to the Walled Lake School Board meeting Thursday night.

The drain leading into the neighborhood empties into the ditch in Andrew Supanichs backyard.

Any sort of significant rain, its bringing street trash, cigarette butts, plastic bags. You name it, its probably been in my backyard. You can guess why that'd probably be problematic with my son, whos 2 years old. So, we gotta watch out for that and make sure that its constantly cleaned," he said.

Supanich said the force of the water has become evident over time.

The width that it is now, it is much narrower than it was two years ago. That dip in the yard is deeper now, he explained.

Hilverding said, Our erosion, our reduced property values, thats one thing... Imagine if a small dog got in there or a small child got in there. Its now a public safety issue."

7 News Detroit reached out to the Walled Lake school district regarding the neighbors' concerns. In a statement, the district said:

The district became aware of the matter referenced during last nights board of education meeting. Our team will be reviewing the situation and gathering additional information to determine our next steps.

On Sunday, April 12, Spotlight on the News will take viewers inside the Detroit Branch NAACP's plans for the 71

st

annual "Fight for Freedom Fund Dinner" and weekend. Who will be coming to - and honored in - Detroit? Find out from the non-partisan organizations President and Executive Director, Rev. Dr. Wendell Anthony and Kamilia Landrum. We'll also find out how the independent and non-partisan Citizen's Research Council of Michigan is gearing up for its 110th anniversary on April 13th. Eric Lupher, President of the CRC will look back...and ahead.

Spotlight on the News, now in its 61st season, is Michigan's longest-running weekly news and public affairs television program. It airs every Sunday at 10:00 a.m. on WXYZ-TV/Channel 7 in Detroit, is streamed live on wxyz.com and broadcast at 11:30 a.m. on 23.1 WKAR-HD in East Lansing.

Ukraine is rapidly expanding its use of ground robots on the battlefield, with commanders now predicting the technology could replace a significant share of frontline troops in the near future.

The commander of Ukraines Third Army Corps said he expects robotic ground platforms could soon take on up to one-third of forward-deployed infantry roles.

The shift comes as the use of unmanned ground vehicles, or UGVs, has surged. Ukrainian forces completed more than 9,000 ground robot missions in March alone, up from fewer than 3,000 just five months earlier. In the first quarter of 2026, robots carried out a total of 24,500 missions.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT | Robot War: Inside Ukraine's battlefront of steel and circuits

Officials say 167 Ukrainian military units now operate with UGVs fully integrated into their operations, signaling a transition from experimentation to standard military practice.

Robots are increasingly being used for some of the most dangerous tasks on the battlefield. They are now the primary method for resupplying forward positions too exposed for human troops, and are also being used to evacuate wounded soldiers. In one recent case, a robot transported an injured soldier more than 15 miles under active drone attack.

Ukrainian forces have also developed a system that allows units to earn credits for successful robot missions, which can then be used to acquire additional machines, streamlining procurement and accelerating deployment.

Soldiers say the technology is already making a difference.

A 25-year-old service member, who identified herself as Athena, said the robots have made her work safer. What has changed most, she said, is the scale of their use.

What began as limited efforts by a handful of units has evolved into a widespread system, with robotic platforms now handling some of the most hazardous operations along the front lines.

Scripps News senior international correspondent Jason Bellini documented Ukraines early use of robotic ground units in an Emmy-nominated episode of In the Shadows: Robot War. Click here to watch.