April 15: Latest U.S. and Global News

Israeli Response: Israel’s cabinet is currently in deliberation following a recent attack by Iran over the weekend. President Biden has informed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that the U.S. will not participate in any new Israeli attack on Iran. Israeli Defense Forces, along with U.S. military assets, successfully intercepted over 300 drones and missiles launched by Iranian and Hezbollah forces in Lebanon. Fortunately, there were no significant damages or injuries resulting from the attack, which was in retaliation for Israel’s strike on Iran’s consulate in Damascus.

Trump Criminal Trial: Former President Donald Trump appeared in court in Manhattan for the start of jury selection in his hush money trial. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg has brought forth criminal charges against Trump, making him the first former U.S. president to face a criminal trial. The charges stem from a $130,000 hush money payment to Stormy Daniels in an attempt to suppress negative stories before the 2016 election.

Bridge Collapse: The FBI and U.S. Coast Guard are leading a criminal investigation into the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore. The focus of the investigation is on whether the crew of the vessel Dali, which struck a bridge support, concealed any issues that could have prevented the ship from sailing from Baltimore’s port.

Tax Deadline: Today marks the tax deadline across the U.S., requiring federal and state income tax returns to be filed. Taxpayers can request a six-month extension but must pay any taxes due to avoid penalties and interest. Former President Donald Trump has once again refused to make his tax returns public, despite the Congressional House Ways and Means Committee releasing six years of his tax returns in 2022.

Tesla Layoffs: Tesla is set to lay off 10% of its workforce, according to an internal memorandum signed by CEO Elon Musk. The company, which had over 140,000 employees last year, is looking to reduce costs and increase productivity. In January, a Delaware court judge canceled Musk’s $56 billion pay package, deeming it unfair to Tesla’s stockholders.

Masters Tournament: Golfer Scottie Scheffler emerged victorious at the Masters Tournament in Augusta, Georgia, securing his second win in three years. Tiger Woods finished in last place, while Scheffler took home a prize of $3.6 million for his impressive performance over the four-day tournament.