The Trump administration intends to build a 250-foot arch near Memorial Circle by Arlington National Cemetery without seeking fresh congressional authorization, arguing a century-old authorization for a similar project covers this plan; critics say it could skirt federal law, with lawsuits filed and a federal arts commission review pending for a revised proposal.
A roundup of 34 Mother's Day deals across restaurants and retailers, featuring freebies, BOGO offers and gift-card bonuses; deals run on or around Mother's Day with varying dates and participation, so readers should check terms and store-specific fine print.
Authorities say the DC suspect, Michael Marx, walked along the path of a motorcade near the Washington Monument, then opened fire toward a Secret Service agent and a bystander, injuring the latter. He allegedly expressed hostility toward the White House, and DOJ-annotated photos and an arrest-warrant affidavit accompany the case, which is being updated in early May 2026.
Around the world, International Labour Day rallies spotlight calls for higher wages and stronger worker protections amid rising energy costs and global recession fears, with clashes in Istanbul and major demonstrations across Europe, Latin America, and Cuba, while Gaza's workers face severe income loss and activists push for wealth taxes and limits on executive pay.
Scottie Scheffler shot a bogey-free 3-under 33 on the Blue Monster back nine at Trump National Doral in a practice round ahead of the Cadillac Championship, signaling strong form after two runner-up finishes and momentum from The Masters and RBC Heritage.
The NBA is proposing a 3-2-1 lottery system with 37 balls across 16 teams to curb tanking: the bottom three teams would get two balls, teams 4-10 would get three, the No. 9 and No. 10 seeds would get two, and the Play-In loser could land any pick from 1 to 16, with the winner’s position constrained; the three worst clubs would be barred from falling below No. 12, and the commissioner would have power to adjust odds. The plan runs through the 2029 draft with a sunset and a review then; the piece explores five lingering questions: whether it ends tanking or just shifts it (including circumstantial tanking tied to Play-In outcomes), whether repeated-success penalties are fair, how traded picks would be affected, whether the floor is too extreme, and what could happen in 2029 if the reform doesn’t work, possibly prompting more radical changes.
Gamers are accessing thousands of GameCube and Wii titles on the Nintendo Switch via Dolphin emulation and custom firmware, effectively creating a large, unofficial free library outside the Switch Online catalog. While the approach highlights demand for retro games, it carries risks such as hardware damage, voided warranties, and piracy concerns, and Nintendo may eventually offer a paid retro library if priced reasonably.
Japan’s Mitsubishi Heavy Industries has been awarded a 128.6 billion yen contract by ATLA to build three upgraded Mogami-class multi-mission frigates (FFMs), units 3–5, as part of Japan’s plan to modernize its surface fleet. The upgraded ships are larger (about 4,800 tons standard, 6,200 tons full load) with 32 Mk 41 VLS cells, enhanced radar and sonar, and improved air-defense and anti-surface capabilities (NSAM, Type 23 A-SAM, Type 17 SSM). MHI is the prime contractor with JMU as a subcontractor; hull construction for these units is separated from onboard systems costs, a distinction that explains a market-focused price versus the overall budget. The program supports export potential (notably Australia) and strengthens Japan’s naval-industrial base while continuing the move toward a next-generation JMSDF fleet.
A light-up C-3PO head from The Empire Strikes Back sold for $1,058,400 (including buyer’s premium) at Propstore’s spring memorabilia live auction, the event’s top lot as the sale has grossed about $6.5 million so far; the piece is the only known C-3PO head from the film to reach the collectors market.
A Swedish study of over 20,000 adults aged 35–64 found that mentally active sedentary activities (such as reading, solving puzzles, or learning a new skill) were associated with a lower risk of developing dementia, while mentally passive sitting (e.g., watching TV) showed no protective effect and may increase risk. Replacing passive sitting with mentally engaging activities or light physical activity could modestly reduce dementia risk, though the study is observational and cannot prove causation; replication is needed before guiding guidelines.
Sony’s PS Store has kicked off a massive Spring Sale running through April 8, 2026, discounting thousands of PS5 and PS4 games. Push Square highlights a curated list of highly-rated picks at their lowest prices (some new lows) with early PS Plus member deals featured. The guide covers titles like 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim, Dead Space, Astro Bot, Baldur’s Gate 3, Celeste, Cocoon, Death’s Door, and Disco Elysium among others, all selected for strong reviews and value.
Joe Kent, head of the US National Counterterrorism Center, resigns saying he cannot support a war with Iran he views as not posing an imminent threat and claims it was driven by Israeli pressure and a powerful American lobby. Trump dismisses the resignation, while Kent links his stance to his wife’s death in a conflict he says was manufactured by Israel, highlighting internal dissent within the Trump administration over the Iran conflict.
The Philadelphia Eagles re-signed tight end Dallas Goedert to a one-year contract, preserving cap space for 2026 and avoiding more than $20 million in dead money if they had released him. Goedert had a strong 2025 season with career highs in receptions (60) and touchdowns (11), making him the top TE option for the team. With depth additions like Johnny Mundt and Grant Calcaterra, and the potential for continued emphasis on tight ends in their offense, the Eagles expect Goedert to remain a central part of the passing game while monitoring health and future TE development for 2027.
The Big Ten released its 2025-26 All-Big Ten teams and individual award winners. Michigan’s Yaxel Lendeborg was named Player of the Year by both coaches and media. Aday Mara earned Defensive Player of the Year, Keaton Wagler of Illinois was Freshman of the Year, and Braden Frager of Nebraska took Sixth Man of the Year. Fred Hoiberg (Nebraska) was Coach of the Year per the coaches, while Dusty May (Michigan) earned Coach of the Year honors from the media. Sharif Chambliss of Wisconsin won the Howard Moore Assistant Coach of the Year Award. Nineteen Sportsmanship Award honorees were recognized. The announcement includes First, Second, and Third Team selections, plus All-Freshman and All-Defensive teams, with unanimous selections highlighted in ALL CAPS as part of the presentation.
A former NASA administrator turned United Launch Alliance lobbyist endorses a Senate proposal to cap NASA launch funding at 50% per provider, aiming to boost competition among US launch firms, but critics say it could block SpaceX missions and favor incumbents in the evolving space industry.