JQJO — Your world, one story at a time · Page 834

Washington. On Tuesday the Department of Justice announced an indictment accusing the Southern Poverty Law Center of funneling funds to extremist actors and improperly using paid informants; the SPLC responded it will contest the charges. On Thursday, Texas Rep. Chip Roy told reporters the administration intends to pursue investigations beyond the SPLC into other organizations it alleges undermine society.

Charlottesville and national legal observers reacted this week: Cville Right Now published a former U.S. attorney’s statement questioning the indictment’s legal framing and noting payment of informants is common practice, while the SPLC described the charges as politically motivated. Officials indicated further probes and potential congressional interest in coming weeks as legal proceedings begin.

Baton Rouge authorities say two groups exchanged gunfire in the Mall of Louisiana food court on Thursday, wounding multiple people and prompting a large police and emergency response. Officers reported that several suspects fled the scene, officials evacuated patrons to safe holding areas, and law enforcement urged witnesses to share any video of the incident.

Thursday afternoon and evening updates said at least six to ten people were taken to hospitals, with some in critical condition and at least two undergoing surgery; numbers varied across early reports. Governor Jeff Landry and Attorney General Liz Murrill coordinated public messages, federal agents including ATF and FBI were reported on site, and investigations and patient care continued into the evening.

Washington. The Justice Department inspector general announced Thursday that his office will audit the department's compliance with the Epstein Files Transparency Act, the law President Donald Trump signed last November that required the release of files related to Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell within 30 days, a deadline the department did not meet.

The review will evaluate DOJ processes for identifying, collecting, redacting and releasing responsive material, and will examine guidance given to staff and post‑release handling of publication concerns after survivors and lawmakers raised complaints this week; Court House News Service identified Inspector General William Blier as leading the review, and TribLIVE described the audit as politically significant.

Washington: The United States on April 23 and 24 imposed sanctions on Cambodian Senator Kok An, his business Crown Resorts, and 28 associated individuals and entities for operating scam compounds in Cambodia that targeted U.S. citizens, laundering funds and using human trafficking, the U.S. Treasury and State Departments publicly said.

Washington: The Justice Department also announced charges against two alleged managers of a cryptocurrency investment fraud compound in Myanmar who attempted to establish a similar complex in Cambodia; U.S. officials said victims reported being coerced into criminal acts under threat of violence, and sanctions aim to freeze assets and disrupt networks.

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 begin the 2026 season.

The move followed Wednesday's 7-2 loss and the Phillies' eighth consecutive defeat, their longest skid since 2018. President of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski said the club attempted to trade Walker "various times" without finding a taker. With ace Zack Wheeler scheduled to return Saturday, the team optioned Alan Rangel to Lehigh Valley to open a roster spot.

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 on federal drought maps and local utility reports.

Charlotte, North Carolina: Duke Energy said the region recorded its driest six-month stretch since 1971, with October–March rainfall about 53% below long-term averages and Charlotte 7.63 inches below normal as of April 23. Municipalities such as Warner Robins declared Level 1 drought this week, prompting conservation outreach while forecasts predict limited rain Saturday and again Monday into Tuesday.

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 also eased this week.

Drivers and small fleets reported immediate relief, with Whitney business owners noting lower fill-up costs this week; AAA and EIA data show a 4.6-million-barrel gasoline inventory drop last week, and crude oil volatility tied to Middle East shipping tensions remains present. Market watchers say supply-demand dynamics will influence prices in the coming days and weeks.

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 transiting the strait, underscoring its bid to leverage control over a key global oil route. The US Defense Department also reported boarding another sanctioned stateless vessel carrying Iranian oil in the Indian Ocean overnight. Oil prices rose again as both sides use the strait’s security as leverage in ongoing, uncertain negotiations.

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 of ammunition from his room.

Gillum is being held in the Okaloosa County jail pending extradition to Louisiana, where he faces terroristic-threat charges and anticipated booking by Louisiana State Police. The New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival begins Thursday; officials noted expected large crowds and said investigators are coordinating with Orleans Parish and federal partners to determine motive and any further threats.

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 releases for May 7 at 8:30 a.m. ET.

Companies provided webcast links, replay details and participation instructions this week; MACOM said it will issue results before market open on May 7, Vericel provided dial-in numbers and a passcode, and Applied Materials confirmed a same-day replay. Investors and analysts can join live webcasts or access replays to review management commentary and published financial results following those scheduled dates.