SUMMARY: US President Donald Trump has initiated air strikes on Yemen’s Houthi rebels, exacerbating existing Middle East tensions related to the Israel-Hamas conflict. The Houthis have controlled Yemen’s capital since 2014 and have engaged in a brutal civil war since 2015, launching attacks on commercial shipping in the region to protest the conflict in Gaza. Despite ceasing these attacks earlier this year, Trump’s strikes—resulting in over 50 casualties—are aimed at restoring safe passage in key waterways. This military action also intersects with rising tensions between the US and Iran over Iran’s nuclear program, complicating an already volatile situation.

The United States under President Donald Trump has launched a new campaign of intense airstrikes targeting Yemen’s Houthi rebels — and this is how they fit into the wider tensions in the Middle East.

This weekend’s strikes killed at least 53 people, including children, and wounded others.

The campaign is likely to continue, part of a wider pressure campaign by Trump now targeting the Houthis’ main benefactor Iran as well.

The Houthi rebels had targeted over 100 merchant vessels with missiles and drones, sinking two vessels and killing four sailors, from November 2023 until January of this year.

Trump said he wants to reopen Mideast waters affected by their campaign.

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SUMMARY: The Crabapple Fire near Fredericksburg has burned over 9,700 acres, leading to evacuations and impacting local ranchers. As of Monday, the fire was 65% contained. The Gillespie County Texas A&M AgriLife Extension is accepting donations of hay, feed, and fencing supplies at the fairgrounds. A Crabapple Disaster Fund supported by the OneStar Foundation has been established to provide emergency aid and recovery assistance to those affected. Community members are also raising funds to support rebuilding efforts. Zion Lutheran Church is serving as a temporary shelter, helping displaced individuals, including tourists from France.

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SUMMARY: Forever 21 has filed for bankruptcy for the second time in nearly six years and is winding down its U.S. operations. Liquidation sales began in February for 236 underperforming locations (Wave 1), which will close by March 30. Another 118 locations (Wave 2) will close before May 1. The company, which once had over 800 locations globally, now has 354 U.S. stores remaining. International locations and e-commerce are unaffected. Forever 21, with $1.6 billion in debt, blames rising inflation and competition from online retailers like Temu and Shein. Gift cards will be honored until April 15.

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