Sen. Cory Booker delivered a record-breaking filibuster on the Senate floor, speaking for over 24 hours to protest the Trump administration’s policies. Holding a copy of the Constitution, Booker called for checks and balances on the President, citing a disregard for the rule of law. He emphasized the need for bipartisan action to address the crisis facing the U.S. (UPI)
Attorney General Pamela Bondi ordered the DOJ to seek the death penalty for Luigi Mangione, who is charged with the premeditated killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. Mangione, who has pleaded not guilty to the crime and become a controversial folk hero to his many supporters, has a preliminary hearing scheduled for April 18. (UPI)
Florida faces its smallest orange crop in nearly a century due to hurricanes, citrus disease, and changing consumer preferences, with consumption falling by over 50% since 2000. Ongoing citrus greening and Hurricane Milton have caused a 35% decrease in this season’s crop. Brazilian growers’ increased production adds to global competition. (UPI)
The U.S. Health and Human Services Department initiated layoffs affecting up to 10,000 employees, including researchers, scientists, doctors, and senior leaders. The restructuring led to key experts being dismissed, impacting medical research, drug approvals, and health decisions. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., aims to consolidate agencies. (AP)
Hooters, the U.S. restaurant chain known for its chicken wings and “Hooters Girls,” filed for bankruptcy. The company aims to stay open and resolve financial issues within months. The original founders plan to purchase and operate more locations. Hooters has faced financial challenges, including dropping the sponsorship of a NASCAR car and labor lawsuits. (ABC News)
