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Shocking McDonald’s Encounter: Woman Arrested After Shooting Ex in Dramatic Altercation

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Inset: Jolie Koop. Background: Missouri first responders removing Jolie Koop’s ex-boyfriend from his vehicle after she allegedly shot him in Kansas City (Facebook).

A Missouri man recounts a harrowing encounter where his “crazy ex-girlfriend” allegedly tracked him down to a McDonald’s, accompanied by her mother, and shot him in the chest. In addition to the shooting, the woman is accused of vandalizing his new girlfriend’s Mercedes with a baseball bat, according to police reports.

In a Facebook post, the victim’s father expressed his outrage, writing, “This crazy chick Jolie Koop (his ex) just shot my son,” in response to the incident that unfolded on a Monday night. He added a cautionary note, saying, “They better find her first.”

Details from a probable cause affidavit filed by the Kansas City police reveal that Jolie Koop pursued her ex-boyfriend and his new partner to a McDonald’s located near Northeast Barry Road and North Indiana Avenue before allegedly shooting him.

According to the affidavit, the victim’s father shared with the police that his son had called him on Monday night, warning him that he was being followed by Koop and possibly her mother. At the time, both the victim and his new girlfriend were driving separate vehicles, while Koop and her mother were reportedly trailing them in a Buick.

The victim’s dad told police his son called him up on Monday night and “advised he was being followed by his crazy ex-girlfriend and possibly her mother,” according to the affidavit. The victim and his new girlfriend were in separate vehicles and were allegedly being tailed by Koop while she was in a Buick with her mom.

“He began taking random turns … to see if the Buick would follow,” the affidavit recounts. “The Buick followed.”

The new girlfriend told police that she had received a random call from a woman earlier in the evening while she was with the victim, saying her Mercedes was being towed from his apartment. The couple went to the residence and “did not observe anything which would indicate the vehicle was in the process of being towed,” per the affidavit.

The new girlfriend told police she believed she was being “set up.” She and the victim left in separate cars and were driving on Indiana Avenue when they noticed Koop was following them, the affidavit says.

The couple drove toward a McDonald’s at 8650 North Indiana Avenue and were attempting to leave when the new girlfriend’s Mercedes broke down. Koop and her mother allegedly pulled up behind the Mercedes, got out of the Buick they were in, and began hitting the girlfriend’s car with a “wooden bat,” according to the affidavit.

The victim exited his Cadillac and approached Koop “while holding a knife at his side,” the affidavit says. “Jolie fired two rounds at [the victim], striking him both times,” according to police. The victim called his father and told him he “was shot by Jolie at the McDonald’s,” per the affidavit, and needed medical attention.

“The victim’s father arrived at the scene and took the victim to a local fire station,” a statement from the Clay County Prosecutor’s Office says. “The incident was caught on surveillance camera by local businesses.”

Security footage allegedly shows Koop and her mother running up to the new girlfriend’s Mercedes and hitting it together before the shooting. “She is 100% an accessory to the crime,” the victim’s father says about Koop’s mom, who is not facing charges.

The dad wrote on Facebook that his son was in “stable” condition on Thursday but still suffering from medical complications. “He had another surgery today to stop bleeding from his lungs and clotting,” the father said.

“The bullet went through his lung and out his back, an inch from his spinal cord,” a relative reported. The relative alleged that Koop “plotted, planned, and ambushed” the victim while attempting to take his life.

“Justice for my son,” the victim’s father said in a post with the prosecutor’s office statement attached. “He’s in a ton of pain but dealing with it.”

Police say this is the second known incident where Koop allegedly used a gun against the ex-boyfriend. She was previously charged in November with third-degree domestic assault and unlawful use of a weapon for allegedly attacking the man while he was trying to leave her home with his property.

Koop is charged with first-degree assault, unlawful use of a weapon, and armed criminal action in connection with the McDonald’s shooting. She is due to appear in court for a preliminary hearing on May 29.

Notorious Irish Cartel Leader Captured: Covert Operation Ends Years-Long Global Manhunt

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An international fugitive was apprehended in Dubai this week, bringing an end to a prolonged global pursuit.

Daniel Kinahan, believed to be the head of one of Ireland’s most notorious criminal organizations, the Kinahan cartel, was taken into custody on Wednesday. The arrest was the result of a secretive operation coordinated by authorities from both Ireland and the United Arab Emirates, targeting his alleged involvement in organized crime.

The 48-year-old suspected crime leader is anticipated to face charges in Ireland linked to a violent conflict between the Kinahan cartel and the Hutch gang, a feud that has resulted in 18 deaths since 2015.

While Dubai police did not specifically name Kinahan, they announced the arrest of “an Irish fugitive for his alleged role in an organized criminal group involved in international crimes in his home country.”

Split of Daniel Kinahan wanted poster and Dubai

Split of Daniel Kinahan and Dubai (U.S. Treasury Department; Fadel SENNA / AFP via Getty Images)

He was identified by Irish media outlets on Friday.

Ireland’s national police force, the Garda Síochána said an Irish man in his 40s was arrested under a warrant from the Irish courts.

“An Garda Síochána has been steadfast in our determination that we would pursue those allegedly involved in serious Organized Criminal activity, wherever they go,” the police said in a statement, according to The Irish Star. “Today’s arrest is another extremely important demonstration of the need for international law enforcement co-operation in tackling transnational organized crime.”

Members of An Garda Síochána standing near a crashed double-decker bus in Dublin

Members of An Garda Síochána in Dublin in February. (Natalia Campos/Getty Images)

Kinahan fled Ireland for Spain, then the UAE after he was the believed target in an assassination attempt that left an associate of the Kinahan cartel, David Byrne, dead at a boxing weigh-in at the Regency Hotel in Dublin.

The U.S. Treasury Department offered a reward of $5 million in 2022 for information leading to the arrest of the Kinahan cartel’s leaders or the organization’s “financial destruction.”

Spanish police officers standing outside a building during a raid in Malaga Spain

Spanish police officers in 2022 raided 11 locations in Spain and England, arresting four people linked to the largest known money laundering organization in Spain, suspected of laundering more than €200 million in 18 months. The main target is considered a high-value individual by Europol and connected to the Irish Kinahan cartel. (Spanish Civil Guard/Anadolu Agency)

The cartel is considered a juggernaut in the European drug trade, and, along with other European crime organizations, has created a “super cartel” that controls around a third of Europe’s cocaine trade.

Kinahan is also affiliated with the boxing world, and was the founder of boxing management company MTK Global.

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From N1 Billion Box Office Triumph to Personal Transformation: Toyin Abraham Shares Her Journey

Celebrated Nollywood actress, Toyin Abraham, is taking a moment to reflect on her career following the extraordinary success of her latest film, which has raked in over 1 billion Naira at the box office.

Her recent blockbuster, “Oversabi Aunty,” has made a significant mark by earning more than N1 billion in Nigeria, securing its position as the fourth highest-grossing Nollywood film in history.

Toyin Abraham’s Movie Achieves Milestone

Released on December 19, 2025, “Oversabi Aunty” showcases Toyin Abraham’s dynamic performance, contributing to its massive appeal and audience draw.

The movie’s intriguing title stems from a memorable social media moment during Priscilla Ojo’s wedding, where Toyin’s lively antics led to her being affectionately dubbed ‘Oversabi.’

Adding to its allure, the film features an impressive ensemble cast, including renowned actors like Mike Ezuruonye, Tana Adelana, Jemima Osunde, and Ngozi Ezeonu, which undoubtedly contributed to its success.

In a recent tweet, Toyin Abraham noted that since her movie crossed the N1 billion mark at the box office, she had been unrest.

“Ever since I made over 1B I never rest🤣🤣😂😂na like this,this level be😂😂”,She tweeted.

Toyin Abraham Reacts To Abike Shugaa’s Claim

Meanwhile, Toyin Abraham has denied allegations made by her Abike Shugaa, regarding payment claims and deleted scenes from the movie ‘Ijakumo’.

Earlier, Abike Shugaa claimed she was paid N50,000 for her role and later discovered her scenes were removed.

However, Toyin Abraham responded, stating she paid Abike Shugaa N500,000 for another project, ‘Malaika’, and N50,000 for two scenes in ‘Ijakumo’, which were removed by the director.

See below….

 

Urgent Search Launched for Passenger After Reported Overboard Incident on Cruise Ship

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Authorities are searching for a passenger who apparently jumped overboard a cruise ship bound for Sydney.

A distressing incident unfolded on the Carnival Splendor, a vessel operated by Carnival Cruise Lines, when a male passenger reportedly went overboard about 30 kilometers northeast of Moreton Island, Queensland, last night.

The situation came to light when the passenger’s family alerted the ship’s crew, who then promptly informed the necessary authorities. This swift action underscored the crew’s commitment to safety and protocol.

Carnival Splendor sails in Australia, New Zealand, and the South Pacific.
Carnival Splendor sails in Australia, New Zealand, and the South Pacific. (Wolter Peeters)

A representative from Carnival Cruise Lines confirmed that the Carnival Splendor is actively cooperating with authorities in the ongoing search effort. The spokesperson reported, “Carnival confirmed on Saturday that Carnival Splendor was assisting authorities in the search for a guest who apparently climbed over the safety railing and jumped overboard as the ship was sailing from Moreton Island towards Sydney overnight.”

Further investigation revealed that CCTV footage verified the guest’s actions, providing critical information for the search operation.

Carnival Cruise Lines assured that their support will persist as the ship is scheduled to dock in Sydney tomorrow, where they will continue to aid the authorities in every possible way.

“Carnival’s Care Team is supporting the guest’s family and our thoughts and prayers are with them and their loved one,” the spokesperson said.

A search and rescue effort is now underway, being led by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA).

“[AMSA] has tasked its Cairns and Melbourne-based Challenger jets, five rescue helicopters from around the metropolitan Brisbane area, and six surface vessels into the area, with Queensland Police assisting AMSA with the operation,” an AMSA spokesperson said in a statement.

Carnival Splendor sails in Australia, New Zealand, and the South Pacific region, according to Carnival Australia’s website.

It is 952 feet (290m) long, and can hold over 3000 passengers and 1150 crew onboard.

If you or someone you know is in need of support contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue. In the event of an emergency dial Triple Zero (000).

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Open Heaven 18 April 2026 – Reversing Bondage

Open Heaven 18 April 2026 Saturday Daily Devotional By Pastor E. A. Adeboye – Reversing Bondage

Open Heaven 18 April 2026 TOPIC – Reversing Bondage

MEMORISE: The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, – Luke 4:18 (KJV)

READ: Luke 13:10-16 (KJV)

10 And he was teaching in one of the synagogues on the sabbath.

11 And, behold, there was a woman which had a spirit of infirmity eighteen years, and was bowed together, and could in no wise lift up herself.

12 And when Jesus saw her, he called her to him, and said unto her, Woman, thou art loosed from thine infirmity.

13 And he laid his hands on her: and immediately she was made straight, and glorified God.

14 And the ruler of the synagogue answered with indignation, because that Jesus had healed on the sabbath day, and said unto the people, There are six days in which men ought to work: in them therefore come and be healed, and not on the sabbath day.

15 The Lord then answered him, and said, Thou hypocrite, doth not each one of you on the sabbath loose his ox or his ass from the stall, and lead him away to watering?

16 And ought not this woman, being a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan hath bound, lo, these eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the sabbath day?

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: 2 Kings 1-3

Open Heaven 18 April 2026 MESSAGE

Whenever God wants to reverse the irreversible, He usually follows a process, which typically starts with a divine appointment. What this means is that He will divinely arrange for people to meet one another.

There was once a 50-year-old man who had no wife simply because he couldn’t bring himself to ask a woman, “Will you marry me?” The enemy bound him so tightly that he couldn’t open his mouth to talk to any lady he was attracted to, even though he was highly educated. He knew he had a problem, but he didn’t know how to be free. Fortunately for him, God instructed us to hold a programme in his town. During the programme, he gave his life to Jesus Christ. Not only did Jesus save his soul, but He destroyed the yoke in his life, and six months later, he got married. Nine months after he got married, his wife gave birth to a set of twins. Two years later, she gave birth to another set of twins. The man’s story is proof that no bondage is too strong for God to break. I pray for you today that any yoke that might be troubling you will be destroyed, in Jesus’ name.

In today’s Bible reading, Jesus went to the synagogue as was His custom. However, on this particular day, He met a woman who had been bound by the devil for 18 years. She was bent over in such a way that she couldn’t stand upright. For 18 long years, she was limited in every aspect of her life. Despite the terrible bondage the woman was in, she met with Jesus at the synagogue and got her freedom. The yoke of bondage that had kept her captive for so long was broken, and she was free to lift her head and hands to praise the Lord.

Isaiah 10:27 says, “And it shall come to pass in that day, that his burden shall be taken away from off thy shoulder, and his yoke from off thy neck, and the yoke shall be destroyed because of the anointing.” Therefore, I decree in the name that is above every other name, that whatsoever might be keeping you from lifting your head God will cause you to have a divine encounter that will deliver you completely from anything that might have kept you bound, in Jesus’ name.

Open Heaven 18 April 2026 PRAYER POINT

Father, please let me have an encounter with You that will break any form of bondage that might exist in my life, in Jesus’ name.

Open Heaven 18 April 2026 HYMN 15 – Pass Me Not, O Gentle Saviour

1 Pass me not, O gentle Savior
Hear my humble cry,
While on others Thou art calling,
Do not pass me by.

Savior, Savior,
Hear my humble cry;
While on others Thou art calling,
Do not pass me by.

2 Let me at a throne of mercy
Find a sweet relief;
Kneeling there in deep contrition
Help my unbelief.

3 Trusting only in Thy merit
Would I seek Thy face
Heal my wounded, broken spirit,
Save me by Thy grace.

4 Thou the Spring of all my comfort
More than life to me
Whom have I on earth beside Thee
Whom in heav’n but Thee?

Accessing the Devotional
The Open Heavens devotional is conveniently available as an application across all major mobile platforms and operating systems, including iOS, Android, Nokia, Windows Mobile, and PC. This wide accessibility ensures that users can engage with the devotional from virtually any device. For more information or to access the Open Heaven for Today 2026, visit

REMINDER!!! JESUS IS COMING SOON

ARE YOU BORN AGAIN? IF NO, WHY NOT ACCEPT JESUS NOW!

Accept Jesus Christ today and secure a life of eternal rest and Glory by saying this short prayer below:






Lord Jesus, I believe you died for my sins, Forgive me of all my iniquities. I accept you as my Lord and Saviour from today and forever.



Come and Be the Lord of my life and I am willing to obey Your command and live according to Your will by Your Grace, Thank you for accepting me into Your fold

AMEN!!! John 6:37…and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.

DCLM Daily Manna 18 April 2026 — Love And Partnership

DCLM Daily Manna 18 April 2026 Devotional by Pastor W. F. Kumuyi — Love And Partnership

TOPIC: Love And Partnership (DCLM Daily Manna 17 April 2026)

KEY VERSE: I had no rest in my spirit, because I found not Titus my brother: but taking my leave of them, I went from thence into Macedonia – 2 Corinthians 2:13

TEXT: 2 Corinthians 2:12, 13 (KJV)

2 Corinthians 2:12
12 Furthermore, when I came to Troas to preach Christ’s gospel, and a door was opened unto me of the Lord,

2 Corinthians 2:13
13 I had no rest in my spirit, because I found not Titus my brother: but taking my leave of them, I went from thence into Macedonia.

DCLM Daily Manna For Today MESSAGE:

A troop of monkeys got to the bank of a river but could not cross because of the strong currents and the possibility of predators, such as crocodiles, in the river. Moreover, they had young, vulnerable ones who could not survive the crossing. But they held on to one another in a chain and climbed to the top of a tall tree on one riverbank. The one at the head led the chain of monkeys to jump and grab a branch on the opposite bank. The vulnerable ones then rode on the back of others to the opposite side. At the same time, the last monkey in the chain on the departure side released its grip, and the chain dangled across the river to the other side.

This story highlights the importance of love and partnership in human endeavours, especially in gospel work. In our text, Apostle Paul was enjoying a breakthrough at Troas, but his ministry partner, Titus, was unavailable. He soon left because he longed for his absent brother, a good example of how partnership contributes to successful ministry. Christian ministers should not be lone rangers in ministry. Partnership in God’s work enables us to harness fellow believers’ diverse gifts and skills. These attributes make us a good fit for ministry together, since “Iron sharpeneth iron”. A stronger believer can help lift a weaker or discouraged one. Moreover, “two are better than one”. Two people attacking a common obstacle from different angles are likely more effective than a lone ranger, fighting and giving up when he becomes weak or weary. Furthermore, the outcome of combined efforts is always greater and better.

The Lord Himself gave an example by selecting the twelve disciples to join Him in ministry and by sending out the seventy in pairs. However, this partnership should be based on shared Christian virtues and values: two cannot work together except they agree. Christian partners in ministry and also in marriage have to depend on God for enabling grace and guidance to achieve success in life and fruitfulness in the gospel work. We should be like Titus, who was a valued member of the team. His contribution was acknowledged in other parts of the Scripture, and it shows that our absence will be felt if we add value to the team. When we bring our unique virtues, gifts and attributes to the ministry of the word, the work will prosper, we shall benefit from others and be a blessing to them, and God shall be glorified.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Love and partnership are adjuncts of Christian ministry.

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR
Psalms 101-104

Deeper Life Daily Manna For Today 2025 was written by Pastor W. F. Kumuyi; is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Life Bible Church situated at KM 42 on the busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Nigeria.

REMINDER!!! JESUS IS COMING SOON

ARE YOU BORN AGAIN? IF NO, WHY NOT ACCEPT JESUS NOW!

Accept Jesus Christ today and secure a life of eternal rest and Glory by saying this short prayer below:






Lord Jesus, I believe you died for my sins, Forgive me of all my iniquities. I accept you as my Lord and Saviour from today and forever.



Come and Be the Lord of my life and I am willing to obey Your command and live according to Your will by Your Grace, Thank you for accepting me into Your fold

AMEN!!! John 6:37…and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.

Rhapsody Of Realities 18 April 2026: The Essence Of Divine Love

Rhapsody Of Realities 18 April 2026 By Pastor Chris Oyakhilome (Christ Embassy): The Essence Of Divine Love

TOPIC: The Essence Of Divine Love (Rhapsody of Realities 18 April 2026)

…he that hath seen me hath seen the Father… (John 14:9).

Rhapsody Of Realities For Today’s MESSAGE:

People have used the word “love” for generations without capturing or understanding the true essence of its meaning. Even the Greek word “agape,” which is one of the translations of the word love, was known before Christ came. Yet, human definitions never captured the essence of divine love.

The Lord Jesus gave meaning to love. When you saw Him, you saw Love in action. He’s the manifestation of God’s love. The Bible says, “…God is love” (1 John 4:8). Love was tabernacled in human flesh in Jesus Christ. When He preached in the temple, as Luke 4:16-21 tells us, it was God’s love in action.

He read from the scroll of Isaiah and declared, “This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears,” revealing His mission to bring salvation, healing, and love into the world. Then He acted it. He healed the sick, opened blind eyes, fed the multitude, and raised the dead. That was God’s love in display.

Matthew 14:14 says, “And Jesus went forth, and saw a great multitude, and was moved with compassion toward them, and he healed their sick.” His compassion drove Him to heal the sick, showing that love and mercy were at the very heart of His ministry.

Even when He drove out the money changers from the temple (read John 2:13-17), that act wasn’t anger but righteous love. His zeal was rooted in love for His Father’s house. When He rebuked Herod as a fox in Luke 13:32, it was a bold expression of truth and love. He was calling out wickedness with righteous authority.

Finally, His lamentation over Jerusalem in Matthew 23:37 shows His deep love and longing for the salvation of His people, “O Jerusalem… how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!” These acts and words reveal that the life of the Master was a perfect manifestation of divine love.

Love is not defined by human sentiment, emotion, weakness, or permissiveness. Love is the person of Jesus Christ revealed to us. He was fully God and fully man. The more you know Him through the Word and by the Spirit, the clearer your understanding of love. And as you walk in His nature, you become the manifestation of God’s love to your world.

PRAYER

Dear Father, thank you for sending Jesus as the full expression of your unfailing love. His life in me is the life of love. I walk in the light of His Word and express His character; through me, many experience your love, compassion, grace, and transforming power, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY

1 John 4:9 (KJV) In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.

John 13:34 (KJV) A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.

John 15:12-13 (KJV) This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. [13] Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN
Luke 17:1-19 & 1 Samuel 3-7

2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN
Romans 12:1-8 & Psalm 119:145-160

DIVINE HEALTH CONFESSIONS – 18TH APRIL 2026

My old life has been supplanted by the divine life, which is superior to sickness, disease, defeat, and the depravities of the natural man. There is no death in any area of my life or body. I am continually filled with the Spirit of God. Glory to God!

Keep saying it, don’t stop talking it! Remember, you can make your way prosperous with words. Get talking today!

Remember to share with all your friends and loved ones today. Thank you and God bless you richly.

Rhapsody of Realities 2026 Devotional was written by Pastor Chris Oyakhilome (D.Sc., D.D.). President of Loveworld Inc. aka Christ Embassy Int’l.

REMINDER!!! JESUS IS COMING SOON

ARE YOU BORN AGAIN? IF NO, WHY NOT ACCEPT JESUS NOW!

Accept Jesus Christ today and secure a life of eternal rest and Glory by saying this short prayer below:






Lord Jesus, I believe you died for my sins, Forgive me of all my iniquities. I accept you as my Lord and Saviour from today and forever.



Come and Be the Lord of my life and I am willing to obey Your command and live according to Your will by Your Grace, Thank you for accepting me into Your fold

AMEN!!! John 6:37…and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.

EU Extends Russian Oil Sanction Exemptions Amid Controversy – What It Means for Global Markets

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The federal government has prolonged a waiver on sanctions against Russian oil for another month, prompting immediate criticism from Democratic leaders who called the move “disgraceful.”

Just two days prior, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent had asserted that the U.S. would not renew these sanctions, only to pivot on Friday by extending them.

This policy permits nations, with the exceptions of Iran, Cuba, and North Korea, to buy Russian oil and petroleum products until May 16. The previous exemption concluded on April 11, and the update was posted on the Treasury’s official site.

In a unified statement, Senators Chuck Schumer, Elizabeth Warren, and Jeanne Shaheen denounced the decision.

“Make no mistake, Putin has reaped significant benefits from President Trump’s focus on Iran, as evidenced by Russia’s oil revenues nearly doubling in March. Enough is enough,” their statement declared.

‘President Trump needs to stop letting Putin play him for a fool and impose additional sanctions on Putin, who is clearly not feeling sufficient pressure from this President.’

‘If President Trump does not change course, the war in Ukraine will continue and more innocent people will die,’ it concluded.

Crude oil prices skyrocketed in March following the joint US-Israeli military strikes against Iran. 

The Treasury Department extended a sanction exemption on Russian oil, potentially signaling a cooling of gas prices (file photo)

The Treasury Department extended a sanction exemption on Russian oil, potentially signaling a cooling of gas prices (file photo) 

The Trump administration issued the reversal on Friday, resulting in swift backlash. Trump is pictured above on Thursday arriving in Las Vegas on Air Force One

The Trump administration issued the reversal on Friday, resulting in swift backlash. Trump is pictured above on Thursday arriving in Las Vegas on Air Force One 

Democrat senators questioned the decision to extend sanction exemptions, asking what message it sent to Russia and President Vladimir Putin, pictured above on Thursday

Democrat senators questioned the decision to extend sanction exemptions, asking what message it sent to Russia and President Vladimir Putin, pictured above on Thursday 

Since the start of the war, oil prices have increased by 25 percent and have skyrocketed by 45 percent since the beginning of the year.

One of the consequences of the conflict was the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway on the coast of Iran that controls a fifth of the world’s oil. 

Americans felt the ramifications at the gas pump, with average prices surging from $2.98 to over $4 per gallon. 

Some relief came on Friday when Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi announced that all commercial vessels would be allowed through the Strait. 

Araghchi said the Strait would be ‘completely open’ as a result of the ceasefire, which is set to expire next week as officials continue peace negotiations in Pakistan. 

Araghchi, who has also been involved in the negotiations, has said that the Strait could close again if the US military blockade continues. 

Trump echoed the announcement on Truth Social, but noted that the Naval blockade in the region would remain in ‘full force’ until the US reaches an agreement on nuclear energy with Iran. 

After the announcement, the price of oil plunged 11.4 percent, its lowest level since March 10, marking the second-largest one-day drop since the war started. 

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, pictured above, said just two days before the announcement that the US would not be extending the exemption

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, pictured above, said just two days before the announcement that the US would not be extending the exemption 

Patrick De Haan, the head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy, wrote on X that the opening of the Strait could translate to lower prices at the gas pump. 

‘This could accelerate sending fuel prices lower starting this weekend with the national average likely falling below $4/gal to perhaps $3.65-$3.85 with diesel falling to $4.85-$5.15/gal in 3-4 weeks and could continue for a couple weeks barring any re-escalation,’ he explained. 

The US first lifted the sanctions on March 11 in an effort to curb oil prices that had skyrocketed from the war in Iran. 

Bessent said at the time that the decision was to promote stability while working to keep prices low. 

‘This narrowly tailored, short-term measure applies only to oil already in transit and will not provide significant financial benefit to the Russian government, which derives the majority of its energy revenue from taxes assessed at the point of extraction,’ he said in a statement. 

‘The temporary increase in oil prices is a short-term and temporary disruption that will result in a massive benefit to our nation and economy in the long-term.’

St. Pete Greenlights Demolition of Jungle Prada Pier, Sparking Resident Calls for Restoration


ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (WFLA) — In the wake of the destruction wrought by Hurricane Helene, the Jungle Prada community in West St. Petersburg has rallied together with a mission: to restore their beloved pier.

Antonio Monroe, a frequent visitor to the Jungle Prada Pier and Boat Ramp, shared his fondness for the site.

Tragic Incident: 7-Year-Old Accidentally Shoots Herself in Car, Leading to Woman’s Arrest

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Inset: Alysha Gulley (IMPD). Background: The area in Indianapolis where police responded to a report that Gulley’s daughter had been shot (Google Maps).

An Indiana mother, aged 37, is facing serious charges after authorities allege her 7-year-old daughter accidentally shot herself in the car as the family was on their way home. The mother, at first, claimed it was a drive-by shooting.

Alysha Gulley has been arrested and charged with several counts of neglect, including one count that resulted in bodily harm, according to court documents. These charges follow an incident that occurred in November 2025.

According to a report by local CW affiliate WISH, the incident took place on November 16, 2025, as Gulley and her children were heading back from a shopping trip to a dollar store located on the northwest side of the city.

Responding officers from the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department arrived at the 1100 block of West 35th Street around 5:45 p.m. They discovered the young girl in a blue minivan, suffering from a gunshot wound to her pelvis, as reported by local NBC affiliate WTHR reported.

First responders noted that the child was “awake and breathing” and in stable condition upon their arrival.

Gulley initially told police she heard a “loud boom” while driving and realized her daughter had been shot, WISH reported. Believing the gunfire came from outside the vehicle, she drove away, calling 911 and telling the dispatcher she was fleeing the area and heading home.

Police who responded to the area where the shooting took place reportedly found no evidence of a shooter. At Gulley’s home, officers noted there was no exterior damage to her minivan, further undermining the claim of a drive-by, according to court documents cited by WTHR.

Investigators soon determined the shooting had happened inside the car, where multiple bullet holes were located, including one where the child had been seated when she was injured.

Gulley reportedly told officers she had a firearm stored in a backpack in the vehicle. Police later recovered the bag on the rear floorboard and found a loaded 9 mm handgun inside with 15 live rounds and a spent casing in the chamber, reportedly consistent with an accidental discharge.

The backpack had been left unzipped and had no locking mechanism. Authorities said there were no other secure storage devices in the vehicle.

Multiple bullet holes were also found inside the minivan, including in the seat where the child had been sitting, police said.

When detectives interviewed the 7-year-old at the hospital, she described the shooting as an “accident,” according to WRTV. The girl said she, her mother, and her sibling had been driving home when Gulley asked for her vape. Unsure who her mother was speaking to, the child said she reached into the backpack to look for the device.

The child said she felt something hard inside the backpack when suddenly “the bag went boom and shot her in the bottom through the bag,” according to WISH.

The child said she did not know there was a gun inside the backpack or even in the vehicle, and added that she does not get into trouble.

Police noted the girl did not show visible signs of abuse, but investigators concluded the unsecured firearm created a dangerous situation that led to the shooting.

Gulley was booked into the Marion County Jail on a $1,000 bond. She is currently scheduled to appear in court for an initial hearing on April 17.