Phillies release Walker amid eight-game losing skid

 

CHICAGO — The Philadelphia Phillies released veteran right-hander Taijuan Walker on Thursday before their game against the Chicago Cubs and recalled Nolan Hoffman from Triple-A Lehigh Valley. Walker, in the final year of a four-year, $72 million contract, exited the clubhouse hours before the contest after five ineffective starts to...

Southeast U.S. Regions Face Rapidly Worsening Drought Conditions

 

Mobile, Alabama: The U.S. Drought Monitor reported Thursday that all of Alabama is now classified in drought, with nearly half the state in D3–D4 extreme to exceptional categories; similar intensification this week affected North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia, where officials reported expanding severe and extreme drought. The findings draw...

Regional Pump Prices Slip Amid Continued Crude Volatility

 

Lubbock, Texas — Gasoline prices fell for the second consecutive week across multiple U.S. regions this week, according to AAA and local reports. Texas statewide average was reported at $3.60 per gallon while Lubbock averaged $3.30; metro Phoenix recorded a 12-cent decline over the past two weeks and Virginia’s average...

Washington orders Navy to stop Iranian mine-laying

 

The United States has intensified its maritime posture in and around the Strait of Hormuz, with President Donald Trump directing the US Navy to “shoot and kill” any Iranian boats placing mines in the strategic waterway. Iran’s top negotiator said Tehran has begun collecting revenue from tolls imposed on ships...

Suspect arrested in Florida over alleged Jazz Fest plot

 

Destin, Florida — On Wednesday evening, Okaloosa County Sheriff's deputies arrested Christopher Gillum at a hotel on Scenic Highway 98 after locating him via the county's Flock camera system. Authorities reported he was wanted in Orleans Parish for terroristic threats and that deputies recovered a handgun and about 200 rounds...

Trump Orders Navy To Engage Vessels In Hormuz Strait

 

Washington — On April 23, U.S. President Donald Trump posted that he had ordered the United States Navy to 'shoot and kill' any boat laying mines in the Strait of Hormuz, instructing that there 'be no hesitation' and saying U.S. minesweeper operations were clearing the strait and would be tripled. The...

Tech and Biotech Firms Announce Upcoming Earnings Calls

 

United States. Applied Materials, MACOM and Vericel announced on April 23, 2026 that they will report quarterly financial results and host investor conference calls in early May. Applied Materials set its fiscal second-quarter 2026 call for May 14 at 4:30 p.m. ET, while MACOM and Vericel scheduled calls and result...

Cowboys trade twice, pick two defensive rookies tonight

 

Frisco, Texas. The Dallas Cowboys traded during the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft on Thursday night, moving up from No. 12 to No. 11 to select Ohio State safety Caleb Downs and later trading their No. 20 pick to acquire No. 23 and select UCF edge rusher Malachi...

Warm spell gives way to weekend rain across regions

 

United States regions from the Southeast to the Southwest reported warm, dry conditions Thursday and Friday before model guidance indicated a change. Forecasters documented highs in the mid 70s to low 80s across multiple areas, noted smoke from Georgia wildfires prompting a Code Orange air quality alert in parts of...

Buccaneers Draft Miami Edge Rusher Bain At No.15

 

TAMPA, Fla. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers selected Miami edge rusher Reuben Bain Jr. with the 15th overall pick on Thursday night, aiming to address the team’s inconsistent pass rush. The pick follows Bain’s role in Miami’s run to the College Football Playoff national championship in January and comes amid local...