JQJO — Your world, one story at a time · Page 927

Bismarck, N.D. Farmers across the United States reported rising fertilizer and fuel costs this week nationwide as the war in Iran disrupted shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, producers and extension agents said. Several farmers reported fertilizer bills up as much as 40 percent and millions of acres rely on nitrogen-based products. Analysts warned that higher input costs and fuel price spikes have raised planting expenses, squeezed farm margins and could translate to higher grocery prices before summer. Officials and university extension agents provided usage data and price comparisons to illustrate impacts. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Miami — Venezuela beat the United States 3-2 Tuesday, winning its first World Baseball Classic title on Eugenio Suárez's ninth-inning double. Bryce Harper's eighth-inning two-run homer had tied the score, but Venezuela rallied and Daniel Palencia struck out the final batter in the ninth. About 36,190 fans attended at loanDepot Park, with Venezuelan supporters supplying a notably loud atmosphere during the semifinals and final. Teams and coaches largely avoided public discussion of political tensions ahead of the game. Venezuela reached the final by defeating Italy in the semifinals and secured victory Tuesday night. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

DAYTON, Ohio. Tramon Mark hit a fadeaway jumper with 1.1 seconds remaining Tuesday, giving Texas a 68-66 victory over North Carolina State in a First Four NCAA Tournament game. Mark scored 17 points as the Longhorns, who entered the tournament 19-14 after losing five of six, advanced as the No. 11 seed in the West to face No. 6 BYU in Portland. Texas led 62-53 with under three minutes left before NC State rallied to tie at 66. The buzzer-beating shot ended the Wolfpack's comeback and sent Texas into the main bracket. Based on 7 articles reviewed and supporting research.

SPRINGFIELD — Republican Darren Bailey won Illinois' GOP primary Tuesday, setting a November rematch with Democratic incumbent Governor J.B. Pritzker, who secured the Democratic nomination unopposed. Unofficial Associated Press returns called Bailey with 50 percent of the vote to Ted Dabrowski's about 32 percent, with other GOP candidates trailing. Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton won the Democratic primary for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Sen. Dick Durbin. This week Pritzker criticized special-interest spending in state races and disavowed past ties to AIPAC. Campaign finance disclosures and AP returns underpin results and statements. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Washington: US forces struck Iranian missile sites near the Strait of Hormuz on March 18, employing multiple 5,000-pound deep-penetrator munitions, Central Command said. The strikes targeted hardened coastal positions CENTCOM described as posing a risk to international shipping after Iran temporarily closed the waterway. US officials said the action followed Iranian missile and drone attacks across the region. Separately, Israeli authorities reported two civilian deaths from a ballistic missile attack in central Israel. The strikes follow a campaign launched on February 28 purportedly to dismantle Iranian security capabilities in recent weeks. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

DAYTON, Ohio, Texas advanced in the NCAA Tournament after Tramon Mark hit a fadeaway jumper with 1.1 seconds remaining, giving the Longhorns a 68-66 First Four win over North Carolina State on Tuesday night. Mark scored 17 points as Texas (19-14) earned an 11-seed in the West and will face sixth-seeded BYU in Portland on Thursday. In other First Four action, Howard defeated UMBC 86-83 for the program's first NCAA Tournament victory, while Miami (Ohio) entered Dayton following a 31-1 season with concerns over its strength of schedule. Several close finishes occurred. Based on 8 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Chicago, Evanston Mayor Daniel Biss won the Democratic primary Tuesday to replace Rep. Jan Schakowsky, defeating progressive activist Kat Abughazaleh and multiple challengers in the heavily Democratic 9th District. The Associated Press called the race late Tuesday as Biss led with about 29–30 percent while Abughazaleh trailed in the mid-20s, with results reported across outlets nationwide. The campaign drew more than $5 million in outside spending from an AIPAC-aligned group and late reporting on a past relationship involving Biss emerged during voting. Biss becomes the party nominee and is favored in November. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

United States. Fire departments in multiple states responded to structure fires, containing blazes and investigating causes. On Monday crews contained a chimney fire in Stella, Wisconsin. Early Tuesday, Palm Beach County units fought a sugar plant blaze that prompted evacuations and a second alarm. Later Tuesday night, firefighters battled a building fire in Elk Falls, Kansas, where one firefighter suffered minor injuries. In Citrus Heights, California, a home experienced two fires within 12 hours. Early Wednesday, a Gainesville, Georgia, home burned and a Maple Heights, Ohio, fire killed one dog. Investigations continue. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

United States — Multiple organizations and cities suspended Cesar Chavez Day events this week after investigative reporting and public statements raised allegations of sexual abuse by Cesar Chavez. The United Farm Workers and the Cesar Chavez Foundation withdrew or distanced themselves from celebrations; several municipalities and institutions paused honors, covered statues, and announced reviews and support measures. Officials cited the need to believe survivors and pursue independent, confidential processes for those harmed. March 31 observances were affected while groups emphasized continuing support for farmworker causes. Based on 8 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Washington. House Oversight Chairman Rep. James Comer subpoenaed Attorney General Pam Bondi on Tuesday, ordering a deposition April 14 to question the Justice Department's handling of Jeffrey Epstein investigation files and compliance with the Epstein Files Transparency Act. The committee approved a subpoena motion March 4 with support from five Republicans. Earlier actions forced the Justice Department to release unredacted documents starting August 19, 2025, after committee pressure in July 2025. Separately, Rep. Yassamin Ansari joined an impeachment effort citing alleged concealment. DOJ has not publicly responded to the newest subpoena. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.