A US journalist named Shelly Kittleson, who was kidnapped in Baghdad, Iraq, is reportedly going to be released by an Iran-backed militia. The group states that this release depends on her leaving Iraq immediately. Although reports suggest she has been released, her exact location remains unclear.
Key Facts
Shelly Kittleson was kidnapped in Baghdad on March 31.
Kataib Hezbollah, an Iran-backed militia, announced it would release her if she leaves Iraq right away.
The New York Times and Associated Press reported her release based on Iraqi official sources, but her current whereabouts are unknown.
Iraqi security forces pursued the suspects, leading to one arrest after a car overturned.
The kidnapping is linked to ongoing tensions involving Iran, Iraqi Shia militias, and US targets in the region.
Kittleson was previously warned by US officials about threats from Iran-backed militias.
Kittleson is a journalist who has reported from conflict zones in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria.
The US State Department advises against travel to Iraq.
NASA held a news conference discussing new photos from the Artemis II mission, which showed Earth setting behind the moon. The images were taken by the U.S.-Canadian crew during their lunar flyaround.
Key Facts
NASA held a news conference about the Artemis II mission.
The Artemis II crew is a mix of U.S. and Canadian astronauts.
New photos were released showing Earth setting behind the moon, a view similar to the famous Earthrise image from Apollo 8 in 1968.
Another photo shows a total solar eclipse from the astronauts' perspective.
The Artemis II mission includes historic images of space from the moon's far side.
The news conference took place after the lunar flyaround by the crew.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has stopped medical evacuations from Gaza to Egypt after an incident where a contracted worker was killed by Israeli fire. The WHO is calling for protection for civilians and humanitarian workers, and the situation is being investigated. Medical evacuations are suspended until further notice.
Key Facts
The WHO suspended medical evacuations from Gaza to Egypt.
A WHO-contracted worker was killed by Israeli fire.
The incident happened during a security incident in Gaza.
Two other WHO staff present were unharmed.
The Rafah crossing, the only connection between Gaza and Egypt, had recently reopened.
Crossing numbers have been low due to intense checks by Israeli authorities.
The WHO oversees coordination between Egypt and Israel for evacuations.
The incident is under investigation by the relevant authorities.
President Donald Trump has warned Iran that the US, alongside Israel, will target Iranian infrastructure heavily unless a deal is reached to end the ongoing conflict by a specific deadline. Recent attacks have targeted key facilities in Iran, including steel plants and a pharmaceutical company, leading to significant damage and concerns about potential war crimes. Damage to these facilities could have serious impacts on Iran's economy and healthcare system.
Key Facts
President Trump threatened to attack Iranian infrastructure if a peace deal is not reached.
US and Israeli strikes have hit at least two steel plants, three bridges, and a pharmaceutical plant in Iran in the past two weeks.
A US attack on a bridge in Karaj resulted in the deaths of at least 13 people.
Verified footage showed significant damage and smoke at the Isfahan Mobarakeh Steel company.
Israeli officials claim the attacks have impacted about 70% of Iran's steel manufacturing capacity.
Attacks on the pharmaceutical company could affect Iran's healthcare by reducing access to important drugs.
Some US Congress members and UN officials expressed concerns that these actions might be considered war crimes.
President Donald Trump's proposed federal budget for Fiscal Year 2027 includes significant cuts or eliminations for college access and student support programs. The Institute for College Access & Success warns that these changes could make college more difficult to reach for many students, especially those from low-income or first-generation backgrounds. The White House defends the budget as necessary for reducing spending and shifting more responsibility to states and institutions.
Key Facts
President Trump's budget proposal suggests major cuts to education funding, targeting programs like TRIO and GEAR UP.
The budget aims to eliminate the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant and reduce Federal Work-Study support.
The proposal maintains the current Pell Grant award levels.
The budget includes $3.2 billion in cuts to the U.S. Department of Education.
The White House describes the budget as a fiscal reset, focusing on efficiency and reducing waste.
TICAS claims the budget could negatively impact low-income and first-generation students' ability to attend college.
The final decision on the proposed budget will be made by Congress.
A group of lawmakers is asking for the 25th Amendment to be used to remove President Donald Trump from office. This follows his comments about potential military action against Iran, which some lawmakers view as dangerous.
Key Facts
The 25th Amendment allows for a president to be declared unable to do their job by the vice president and the majority of the Cabinet.
Lawmakers calling for this action are mostly Democrats.
President Trump made a threatening comment regarding Iran, saying a "whole civilization will die tonight."
Key lawmakers involved include Senator Ed Markey and Representative Ro Khanna.
The call for the 25th Amendment comes amidst concerns about the legality of potential military actions by Trump.
A bombing targeted Sharif University of Technology in Tehran, affecting its AI center and other buildings. The attacks are part of ongoing strikes by the U.S. and Israel against various Iranian research and infrastructure sites. President Trump threatened more attacks unless Iran complies with his demands.
Key Facts
Sharif University of Technology in Tehran was bombed, damaging buildings including an AI center.
The university's online services were disrupted due to the attack.
No casualties were reported at Sharif University as classes were conducted online.
Over 2,000 people have died during the conflict that started on February 28.
More than 30 universities in Iran have been targeted by U.S. and Israeli attacks.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) declared U.S. and Israeli-affiliated universities as targets.
Iranian university heads initially opposed retaliatory attacks but some now support them.
President Donald Trump set a deadline for Iran to meet his demands, threatening further attacks on Iran's infrastructure.
The White House denied having plans to use nuclear weapons against Iran, despite President Donald Trump's warning about a potential massive attack if Iran does not make a deal. Tensions between the US and Iran remain high, with military actions and threats from both sides. Iran has vowed to respond if its civilian facilities are attacked.
Key Facts
The White House stated it does not plan to use nuclear weapons against Iran.
President Trump warned of a significant attack on Iran if no deal is reached regarding the Strait of Hormuz.
Vice President JD Vance mentioned that the US could consider using other military strategies not yet deployed.
Legal experts warned that targeting civilian infrastructure might be considered a war crime.
Iranian military forces threatened to strike back if the US attacked their civilian infrastructure.
The US confirmed strikes on Iran's Kharg Island, hitting military but not oil facilities.
Israeli forces have also targeted transportation infrastructure in Iran used by the military.
President Trump set a deadline for Iran to agree to terms, with consequences if not met.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Israel is increasing its military attacks on Iran. This effort aims to alter the "balance of power" between the two countries.
Key Facts
Benjamin Netanyahu is the Prime Minister of Israel.
Israel is intensifying its military actions against Iran.
Netanyahu aims to change the power dynamics between Israel and Iran.
The focus is on altering the "balance of power."
Netanyahu made these comments during a recent statement.
Three newborn puppies are surviving against the odds thanks to their mother, Saturn, a small dog in critical condition after giving birth. She is receiving treatment for a contagious disease while nursing her puppies at Austin Pets Alive!’s Parvo Puppy ICU. Despite her own health challenges, Saturn continues to care for her surviving puppies, and the team provides intensive care to all of them.
Key Facts
Saturn is a Yorkshire terrier who recently arrived at Austin Pets Alive!’s Parvo Puppy ICU.
She gave birth to nine puppies, but only three survived and are being cared for.
Saturn is receiving treatment for parvovirus, a contagious disease that can be deadly.
Parvovirus affects dogs with symptoms like extreme tiredness, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Treatment generally lasts about a week and costs approximately $1,000 per dog.
Saturn continues to nurse her puppies even while in a fragile state.
The ICU at Austin Pets Alive! saved 659 puppies in 2025, with a 90.27% survival rate.
Saturn’s story has led to support and donations from people on social media.
Astronauts on the Artemis II mission took pictures of Earth from the far side of the moon. This event occurred just before they lost communication while their spacecraft passed behind the moon.
Key Facts
The images were captured by astronauts on the Artemis II mission.
The photos show a view called "Earthset," where Earth is setting behind the moon.
The pictures display Earth's day side with visible clouds over Australia.
The spacecraft entered a planned 40-minute communication blackout.
The event marks one of the farthest points humans have traveled from Earth.
A militia group in Iraq called Kataib Hezbollah announced they will release American journalist Shelly Kittleson, who was kidnapped in Baghdad. The group cited respect for outgoing Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani as the reason, though they previously did not admit to the kidnapping. U.S. officials are working on securing her release with the help of the FBI.
Key Facts
Shelly Kittleson is an American journalist kidnapped in Baghdad last week.
The militia Kataib Hezbollah has claimed responsibility for the abduction.
The militia will release Kittleson due to respect for Iraq's outgoing prime minister.
Iraqi authorities reported the kidnapping involved gunmen and vehicles.
U.S. officials, including the State Department and FBI, are working on her release.
Iraqi officials faced challenges in negotiating with the militia for her freedom.
No official comment yet from U.S. officials about the situation.
Russia announced that 16 soldiers from Cameroon have died while fighting in the war in Ukraine. Cameroon has asked the families of these soldiers to contact officials for more information. This is the first time Cameroon has publicly discussed the involvement of its citizens in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
Key Facts
Russia confirmed that 16 Cameroonian soldiers died in its ongoing conflict with Ukraine.
Cameroon officially acknowledged its citizens' involvement in the war for the first time.
Cameroon instructed its military leaders to monitor units for personnel leaving to fight in Ukraine.
The country does not officially send troops abroad except for international missions.
Many Africans reportedly get recruited to fight for Russia with promises of jobs or training.
Ukraine reported that over 1,700 Africans are fighting for Russia, with the actual number possibly higher.
Other reports indicate recruitment from South Asia and tricking individuals with false job offers.
Russia has denied any illegal recruitment of African citizens into its military forces.
A fire started near an industrial site in Jubail, Saudi Arabia, after Iranian ballistic missiles struck the area. The Saudi defense ministry reported intercepting seven of these missiles, but debris still fell near energy facilities.
Key Facts
Iranian ballistic missiles hit near Jubail, Saudi Arabia.
A large fire erupted near an industrial complex due to the missile strike.
Saudi Arabia's defense ministry intercepted seven missiles.
Debris from the missiles fell close to energy facilities in the eastern part of the country.
The incident is linked to a suspected missile attack from Iran.
Congressional Democrats have intensified conversations about possibly removing President Trump from office following his threatening statement about Iran. They are considering impeachment or using the 25th Amendment, which allows temporary removal if the president can't perform his duties. Several Democratic lawmakers are calling for immediate action after Trump's recent comments.
Key Facts
President Trump made a threatening statement about Iran, leading to calls for his removal.
Congressional Democrats are discussing impeachment and using the 25th Amendment.
The 25th Amendment lets the vice president and Cabinet remove a president temporarily.
Democrats believe Trump is unfit for office and a threat to global stability.
Lawmakers from various states have publicly supported invoking the 25th Amendment.
The impeachment process or 25th Amendment requires significant support from Congress.
Democratic leaders are also planning a vote related to war powers concerning Iran.
President Donald Trump made a statement about potential mass casualties in Iran, leading some conservative figures to call for Vice President JD Vance to use the 25th Amendment to remove Trump from office. The Amendment allows a president to be declared unfit, but it has never been used to remove a president.
Key Facts
President Trump warned of potential mass casualties in Iran, causing concern among conservative figures.
The 25th Amendment lets the vice president and Cabinet declare a president unable to do his job.
Calls for invoking the 25th Amendment came from conservatives like Marjorie Taylor Greene, Candace Owens, and Joe Walsh.
Tucker Carlson suggested Trump might use nuclear weapons due to exhausting other military options.
Trump responded by criticizing Carlson, calling him a "low IQ person."
The 25th Amendment has never been used to remove a sitting president.
Astronauts on the Artemis II mission shared striking space photos taken using an iPhone 17 Pro Max. NASA tested the phone's durability and performance in space before using it to capture clear images of the Moon and Earth.
Key Facts
NASA shared space photos from the Artemis II mission taken with an iPhone 17 Pro Max.
The photos showed clear images of the Moon's surface and Earth from space.
The iPhone 17 Pro Max was tested for durability and performance in space conditions.
Engineers modified the phone with protective casing and software for safety.
The phone's camera system remained mostly unchanged during these modifications.
The photos highlighted the phone's capability to capture clear images in difficult lighting conditions.
Online reactions noted the photos as a strong advertisement for Apple products.
NASA astronaut Victor Glover shared a message from the mission, emphasizing love as an important mystery on Earth.
A person involved with the TV show "Strictly Come Dancing" was arrested in October 2025 on suspicion of rape but will not face criminal charges due to lack of evidence. The police, after consulting legal authorities, decided not to proceed with charges.
Key Facts
A man related to "Strictly Come Dancing" was arrested on 13 October 2025 in London.
He was accused of raping a woman he met through the competition.
The man's identity has not been made public.
Hertfordshire Police consulted with the Crown Prosecution Service.
Detectives concluded there was not enough evidence to charge him.
His bail was extended to allow further investigation until 7 April 2026.
Another person involved with the show was arrested in August 2025 for similar allegations.
The show is filmed in Elstree Studios, Borehamwood, Hertfordshire.
The U.S. and Iran are making some progress in negotiations, but a deal seems unlikely before President Trump's deadline. If they fail to meet the deadline, tensions could increase significantly, with potential attacks on infrastructure being threatened by both sides.
Key Facts
Progress has been made in talks between the U.S. and Iran, but a deal by the deadline remains uncertain.
President Trump set an 8 PM ET deadline for reaching a ceasefire deal.
Trump has threatened to target Iran's infrastructure if demands are not met.
Iran has threatened to retaliate against energy and water facilities in Gulf states.
Negotiations are being mediated by Pakistan, Egypt, and Turkey.
A 45-day ceasefire and reopening the Strait of Hormuz are key points in the negotiations.
Iran sent a counter-proposal that, while not fully aligned with U.S. positions, was seen as somewhat positive.
There are ongoing talks, possibly moving to an in-person meeting, with discussions of a virtual meeting also taking place.
A report by WalletHub ranked U.S. states based on children's health care. Massachusetts was ranked the best, with Mississippi being ranked the worst. The ranking was based on factors like health access, nutrition, and oral health.
Key Facts
WalletHub assessed all 50 states and Washington D.C. using 33 measures related to children's health and care.
Massachusetts had the best overall ranking, due to low rates of uninsured children and strong health outcomes.
Rhode Island ranked second, with low medical bill payment issues and high vaccination rates.
Connecticut was third, with the highest number of vaccinated young children and high nutrition scores.
Vermont and Hawaii completed the top five best states for children's health care.
Mississippi, Arizona, Alaska, Montana, and Kentucky were the lowest-ranked states.
The study used data from organizations like the CDC and the U.S. Census Bureau.
About 94% of children have health insurance, yet families face high costs for pediatric care.
