Photo: Science Photo Library RF
1 US Is Targeting Mine-Laying Vessels In The Strait Of Hormuz
The U.S. military is focused on destroying Iranian vessels that are laying mines in the Strait of Hormuz, a key waterway that normally carries about 20 percent of the world's oil. General Dan Caine, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said the U.S. has already destroyed 44 of those mine-laying boats, and Air Force A-10 Warthog jets are now being used to hunt the fast, small boats Iran is using to drop mines in the water. Retired Admiral James Foggo pointed out that mines are cheap and easy to deploy, even from boats that look like ordinary fishing vessels. Trump met with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi yesterday and praised Japan for stepping up, while taking a shot at NATO allies. Takaichi said keeping the strait safe is critically important, but stopped short of promising Japan would take any direct action.
2 Bipartisan Talks Happening To End Homeland Security Standoff In Congress
Top Republicans and Democrats met face to face yesterday for the first time since the Department of Homeland Security shutdown began 33 days ago, joining White House border czar Tom Homan in the Capitol for what negotiators described as serious but still unresolved talks. Senate Majority Leader John Thune threatened to cancel the upcoming two-week Easter recess unless a deal is reached. More than 60,000 TSA officers missed their first full paycheck this week, absences have more than doubled, and hundreds of agents have quit, which is leading to delays at airports around the country. Sen. Patty Murray, the top Democratic appropriator, said the two sides remain far apart.
3 Repaired Artemis II Moon Rocket Heads Back To Pad To Prepare For Another Launch Attempt
NASA is rolling its repaired Artemis II moon rocket back to Launch Pad 39B at Kennedy Space Center for an April 1st launch attempt. The 332-foot Space Launch System rocket began its 4-mile, 12-hour crawl out of the Vehicle Assembly Building last night. The mission will send commander Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen on a nine-day trip around the moon -- the first crewed lunar flight since Apollo 17 in 1972. The launch has been delayed twice: first by hydrogen fuel leaks spotted during a dress rehearsal, and then by a problem with the upper stage helium pressurization system that required the rocket to be hauled back inside for repairs. NASA has until April 6th to launch before orbital mechanics require another three-week delay.