MMN Editor

Former Attorney General Pam Bondi won’t give a deposition to the House Oversight Committee since she’s no longer in charge of the Justice Department.

President Donald Trump announced that any country supplying weapons to Iran will get a 50% tariff added on goods sold to the United States.

Congress is in no rush to end the longest shutdown in history, despite having a deal in place and a backup plan that could both fund the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and secure cash for immigration operations for years to come.Lawmakers in both chambers left Washington for a two-week recess around Easter and are not scheduled to return until Monday. Meanwhile, Republicans have pitched rival plans that, if not quickly resolved, could prolong the funding standoff into the summer.After nearly two months of fighting with congressional Democrats, the shutdown back and forth has now evolved into infighting among the GOP across both chambers. That development, and differing views on how to reopen the Department of Homeland Security, threaten to prolong the shutdown.Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., said shortly after the Senate again passed its Department of Homeland Security funding bill in early April that there are “limited options” for ending the shutdown, given Senate Democrats’ blockade against funding Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) without stringent reforms.GOP RACES TO PASS ICE, BORDER PATROL FUNDING BILL AS PRIORITIES PILE UP, DIVISIONS EMERGE”My question for anybody who doesn’t like what we did is: give me a better idea. Give me another option,” Thune said. “We’ll see, ultimately, what the House does with it.”When the House returns Tuesday, the shutdown will have reached 59 days.The Senate has its spending bill, which would fund the Department of Homeland Security while carving out funding for ICE and parts of CBP, with the end goal of funding immigration enforcement through the party-line budget reconciliation process.’WE DIDN’T CAVE’: THUNE HIGHLIGHTS SCHUMER, DEMS’ LOSSES IN DHS FUNDING DEALHouse Republicans previously rejected that plan. But after President Donald Trump demanded a reconciliation package with ICE and CBP funding on his desk by June 1, House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., ceded to the Senate.Still, Republicans in the lower chamber are furious that they again have to consider the Senate’s compromise deal and are threatening to further prolong the shutdown.The House had an opportunity in recent days to pass the bill, but Republicans opted against it. Instead, they held a conference call where lawmakers said they would not vote for the Senate plan until there was meaningful progress on a reconciliation package.JOHNSON ACCUSES DEMOCRATS OF TAKING GOVERNMENT HOSTAGE OVER ‘CRAZY’ IMMIGRATION AGENDAThe conservative House Freedom Caucus took that a step further Tuesday, throwing a wrench into those plans. The group wants to fund the entire department through a single budget reconciliation bill.”We cannot leave ICE and CBP hanging with nothing but hopes and prayers that reconciliation 2.0 comes together,” the group wrote on social media. “That’s why we must use reconciliation to fully fund all of the Department of Homeland Security.”Whether House Republicans coalesce behind that demand when they return remains to be seen, but it has given congressional Democrats ammunition in the ongoing shutdown messaging war.Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., dubbed the closure the “Johnson shutdown.””It’s a Republican shutdown,” Schumer told CNN. “All he had to do was put that bill on the floor, and it would have passed overwhelmingly. So Republicans are hardly unified. They’re squirming about.”Some pressure has eased on Congress to act after Trump in March moved to pay all Department of Homeland Security employees using existing funds. However, it is unclear whether that arrangement can last for several months without new appropriations from Congress.Meanwhile, leapfrogging the typical government funding process could establish a new precedent.Normally, appropriators craft spending bills to fund the dozen agencies that make up the federal government. It’s a bipartisan process in which both sides typically walk away with a win. But using budget reconciliation shifts that power away from appropriators and sidelines the bipartisan process.”Republicans have decided to take that route, so they should be very wary about the precedent,” said Sen. Chris Van Hollen, D-Md.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y. blasted President Donald Trump as “a military moron” in a Wednesday post on X, asserting that the nation is “worse off” now compared to when the commander in chief first launched the Iran war effort.”Trump is a military moron. His war, with a price tag of $44 billion and $4+ gas, made us worse off today than we were when he started it,” Schumer asserted in the post.”And if he restarts this war we will be in even worse shape. We must pass our War Powers Resolution to end this war for good,” the senator added.PRESIDENT TRUMP’S CEASEFIRE WITH IRAN DRAWS PRAISE FROM WORLD LEADERSFox News Digital reached out to the White House on Wednesday for comment.AOC DOUBLES DOWN ON CALL FOR TRUMP’S OUSTER EVEN AFTER CEASEFIRE ANNOUNCEMENTAfter warning on Tuesday morning that an entire “civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back again,” Trump later announced a two-week ceasefire agreement was reached with Iran on Tuesday evening.Responding to Trump’s threat on Tuesday morning before the ceasefire announcement later that day, Schumer slammed the president as “an extremely sick person,” adding, “Each Republican who refuses to join us in voting against this wanton war of choice owns every consequence of whatever the hell this is.”CHUCK SCHUMER INSISTS CALLING DHS FUNDING SHUTDOWN ‘POLITICAL POSTURING’ IS ‘NOT FAIR’After the ceasefire announcement, Schumer said in a Tuesday post on X, “I’m glad Trump backed off and is desperately searching for any sort of exit ramp from his ridiculous bluster.”

The 2026 MLB season’s first major brawl exploded Tuesday night during the Atlanta Braves’ 7-2 victory over the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium.
Soler and López were former teammates in Atlanta during the second half of the 2024 season.
The incident occurred in the bottom of the fifth inning with the Braves leading 4-2.
Atlanta starter Reynaldo López threw a high-and-inside fastball that flew toward Angels designated hitter Jorge Soler’s head and tipped off catcher Jonah Heim’s mitt.
Angels first baseman Nolan Schanuel was able to steal second base during the confusion.
Soler, who had already hit a homerun off López in the first inning and been hit by a pitch in his second at-bat, took strong offense to the pitch.
After a tense staredown, the two players exchanged words.
Soler later told reporters through a translator that he asked López “if everything was OK” and “the answer he gave me, I didn’t like it.”
That prompted Soler to charge the mound.
Both players immediately began throwing punches.
López, still holding the baseball in his right hand, landed a blow that knocked off Soler’s batting helmet.
WATCH:

Jorge Soler and Reynaldo López are throwing PUNCHES in Anaheim as a brawl breaks out pic.twitter.com/Uj4kOk07Ow
— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) April 8, 2026

Bullpens from both teams emptied onto the field, and Braves manager Walt Weiss, who managed Soler during his time with Atlanta, tackled the slugger from behind to stop the fight.
Umpires quickly booted both Soler and López from the game.
As of Wednesday morning, MLB has not yet announced suspensions, but both players are widely expected to face multi-game bans for the fight.
The post WATCH: Benches Clear as Angels Hitter Jorge Soler Charges Mound and Brawls with Braves Pitcher Reynaldo López During Anaheim Game appeared first on The Gateway Pundit.

In the second episode of season five of “The Boys,” the titular outlaws sets out to test out their virus on a supe from the supe group Teenage Kix, but things go wrong.

Also: North Korea’s 6-month plot with Drift, Solana Foundation’s new ad and Alchemy AI.

Iran Ceasefire Extremely Fragile As Trump Highlights Discrepancy In 10-Points; Direct Talks Still On For Pakistan Friday

Summary: 

The Hegseth/Caine presser as expected declared ‘victory’ in Iran while Gen. Caine emphasized the ceasefire is a “pause” but US forces remain “ready to resume combat.” Pentagon is trying to put a bow on Operation Epic Fury. NYT: 10-point plan might differ between Tehran & Washington.

US, Iran agree to meet for first direct talks in Islamabad Friday, Pakistan PM Sharif announces. Situation fragile given that Iran is threatening to hit Israel again over IDF’s massive Lebanon airstrikes.

Iran meanwhile demands stiff fees for ships passing through Hormuz during the ceasefire, and says it holds the final authority on which vessels get to pass. Tehran leaders have asserted ‘victory’ for Iran, amid positive international reaction to the ceasefire.

The first two ships since the ceasefire was announced have crossed the Strait of Hormuz after Iran said it will demand that shipping companies pay tolls in cryptocurrency. Hours later, Fars announces a halt to ships’ passage. This as IDF pummels Lebanon.

Saudi Arabia’s vital East-West oil pipeline carrying crude from the Gulf to the Red Sea for export has been attacked at a pumping station, oil rises on the news. There’s been sporadic attacks on other Gulf states too. Kuwait sees key energy, water sites hit.

*  *  *

Trump Highlights Differing Versions of 10-point Ceasefire Plan

Throws more uncertainty and confusion in the mix with this latest…

This is alarming and surreal, and doesn’t bode well for what’s already a very shaky ceasefire holding, via the NY Times:

A White House official says that the 10-point peace plan that Iran publicly released on Wednesday differs from the plan that Trump said was a “workable basis on which to negotiate.” The official declined to elaborate on the differences but said Karoline Leavitt, the White House press secretary, was expected to clarify at a 1 p.m. briefing.

There’s talk of Kushner, Witkoff, and maybe Vance going to Pakistan for planned Friday meeting with Iranian side.

Key Energy Sites Hit in Kuwait, Despite Ceasefire

Kuwait’s ⁠Interior Ministry is condemning fresh Iran attacks, reporting “severe material damage” at ⁠several vital facilities of the ⁠Kuwait Petroleum Corporation. Also water desalination plants have been hit.

“The ministry said fire broke out at some of the attacked sites, which include oil facilities, three power stations and water desalination plants,” Al Jazeera reports.

Oil Transit through Hormuz Halted Again: FARS

Iran’s Fars News agency reports that oil tankers passing through Hormuz have been stopped after Israel’s “ceasefire breach.” This as Iranian officials are warning of resumed missile launches on Israel for what’s happening in Lebanon (see below).

There’s currently contradiction and confusion over whether the Pakistan-mediated Iran ceasefire deal extends to Lebanon. Pakistan says yes, Iran says yes, while the US and Israel say no. Tehran appears willing to apply its leverage. Oil jumps on initial ‘breach’ rumblings…

Hellish scenes out of Berit on Wednesday:

Chaos in Beirut as Israel carries out a wave of airstrikes across the country hitting what it said were more than 100 targets in ten minutes. pic.twitter.com/t0If72xogY
— Will Christou (@will_christou) April 8, 2026
Israel in Massive Surprise Attack on Lebanon; Iran Warns Could Resume Missiles on Israel

A surprise Israeli attack on Beirut, southern Lebanon, and the eastern Bekaa Valley has resulted in huge destruction and many casualties. President Trump has said the Lebanon conflict is not part of the Iran ceasefire deal, contradicting statements out of Pakistan. But Trump said that will be taken care of separately, and appeared to defend Israel’s ability to go after Hezbollah.

Iranian officials are signaling they could be ready to resume ballistic missile attacks on Israel once again, as a response to the strikes on Lebanon.

Meanwhile a statement from the UAE: “The blatant Iranian attacks since the ceasefire took effect have reached 17 ballistic missiles and 35 drones, and the air defenses have successfully dealt with them,” the UAE’s ministry of defence said in a social media post. Kuwait has said the same.

US, Iranian Delegates Agree to Meet in Islamabad Friday

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has announced that American and Iranian delegates have accepted an invitation to meet in Islamabad on Friday.

He said of a talk with the Iranian president, “I expressed my deep appreciation for the wisdom and foresight of Iran’s leadership in accepting Pakistan’s proposal to host peace talks in Islamabad later this week, aimed at our joint efforts to restore calm to the region. President Pezeshkian also affirmed Iran’s participation in the upcoming negotiations, expressed gratitude for Pakistan’s efforts, and extended his best wishes to the people of Pakistan.”

IRGC Parliament Official: ‘Maritime Traffic in the Strait of Hormuz Must be Halted’

Reuters has picked up on the words of IRGC officer and member of Iranian parliament’s “Expediency Discernment Council” Mohsen Rezaee: “In response to the brutal aggression against Lebanon, maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz must be halted immediately and a strong, decisive strike must be delivered against the entity.”

This perhaps represents a hardline faction approach, given clearly Tehran has held significant leverage and maintains de facto control of the Hormuz Strait. However, it does not yet appear the official government position, given also the first two vessels have passed through the waterway since the ceasefire was announced.

As we reported earlier Wednesday, The Liberia-flagged Daytona Beach, destined for the United Arab Emirates, crossed just before 8am UK time, while the Greek-owned NJ Earth followed about two hours later, with its destination undisclosed, the tracking platform Kpler showed.

Saudi Aramco Export Pipeline To Red Sea Struck

A huge, and not very ‘ceasefirey’ development in Saudi Arabia, per the FT (just as Hegseth was speaking): “A pumping station was hit at 1 p.m. local time, the people told FT. The attack was carried out by a drone and damage was being assessed, one of the people told FT Saudi Aramco, which owns and operates the pipeline.” FT continues, “The people said a pumping station, one of several along the 1,200km pipeline that has become an economic lifeline for the kingdom since the near closure of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, was hit at about 1pm local time on Wednesday.”

One Gulf based representative and analyst complains, “For a ceasefire, the fire does not seem to be ceasing. The UAE and Kuwait are under attack, and Iran says it is under attack too. Beyond the ceasefire itself, the bigger question is that the plan still looks unclear when it comes to what follows…”

The development pushed oil slightly up…

Pentagon Tries to put a Bow on Operation Epic Fury: ‘Overwhelming Victory’

Hegseth in his Pentagon press briefing called the ceasefire an “overwhelming victory” for the United States and stated the military “stands ready” to ensure Iran complies with the agreement. He said US forces will still be “hanging around” the region, and further that Iran’s nuclear “dust” is being monitored, buried under the rubble, and that eventually the US will either take the enriched uranium or else it will be handed over. “Iran begged for ceasefire,” Hegseth declared.

“We stand ready in the background to ensure Iran upholds every reasonable term,” Hegseth said. Also Joint Chiefs chairman Gen. Caine stated that all US objectives in Iran have been achieved.

He hailed that US has destroyed Iran’s defense-industrial base, including over 80% of missile facilities gone, and its navy lies at the “bottom of the Arabian Sea”. It’s clear that after six weeks the Pentagon is trying to put a bow on Operation Epic Fury.

During the Q&A, there was a question – largely dodged by Hegseth – centered on wither the US has achieved “strategic” victory vs. merely tactical victory. That ultimately is the question.

Also, is there really ceasefire on the ground? But this is merely day one:

For a ceasefire, the fire does not seem to be ceasing. The UAE and Kuwait are under attack, and Iran says it is under attack too. Beyond the ceasefire itself, the bigger question is that the plan still looks unclear when it comes to what follows, assuming the ceasefire actually…
— Nawaf Al-Thani نواف بن مبارك آل ثاني (@NawafAlThani) April 8, 2026
But Iran also sees this as Victory

The United States and Iran have announced a two-week suspension of all attacks, and Tehran reportedly agreed to allow safe transit of vessels through the Strait of Hormuz. It all started with President Trump seizing on the last-minute olive branch plan offered by Pakistan’s prime minister, which urged a two week extension of the US deadline before massive obliteration bombings began, and in return Iran would agree to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran has essentially declared victory and stated that upcoming talks in Islamabad, Pakistan, on Friday do not guarantee an end to the war. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has given supportive lip service to the US decision but stated that Lebanon is excluded from the two-week ceasefire.

Iran warns of decisive response to any ‘miscalculations’ by US. The IRGC said in a statement: “While we remain open to talks, we trust no promises from our adversaries. Our forces are poised, prepared by decades of experience in confrontations with American and Zionist forces, ready to respond decisively to any miscalculations by the enemy.”

Latest from Trump on Truth Social:

Oil prices dropped rapidly after Trump announced the pause, with Brent crude trading just below $95 per barrel. Qatar’s Cabinet welcomed the US-Iran ceasefire brokered by Pakistan, stating it emphasizes “the necessity of immediately halting all hostile actions and practices that undermine regional stability, respect for state sovereignty, and the assurance of security for maritime passages, freedom of navigation, and international trade.”

Iran meanwhile is demanding stiff fees for ships passing through Hormuz during the ceasefire, and says it holds the final authority on which vessels get to pass. So now, in essense… stability in global energy flows depends on accommodating Iran AND it will likely get sanctions relief, per the deal on the table.

Iranian state media has featured celebratory scenes in the streets:

🇮🇷🇺🇸 Breaking | Iranian television:
Trump agreed to Iran’s conditions to end the war.
Iran has officially won. pic.twitter.com/qjnt9lnTOO
— Global Insight Journal (@GlobalIJournal) April 7, 2026
Ceasefire Hailed Internationally

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on X that he held a “warm, substantive” conversation with Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian. “I conveyed my deep appreciation for the wisdom and sagacity of the Iranian leadership in accepting Pakistan’s offer to host peace talks in Islamabad later this week to work jointly for the return of peace to the region,” he said.

“President Pezeshkian reaffirmed Iran’s participation in the upcoming negotiations and expressed appreciation for Pakistan’s efforts, while conveying his best wishes for the people of Pakistan,” he added.

Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun welcomed the ceasefire, while Israel has instead asserted that Lebanon remains outside the agreement and continued strikes on the country.

To quote armchair war hawk Michael Weiss, A month ago Trump demanded Iran’s “unconditional surrender.” Now the U.S. claims these are a feasible starting point for negotiations…

Pope Leo XIV praised the agreement as a “sign of real hope,” stating, “I welcome with satisfaction, and as a sign of real hope, the announcement of an immediate two-week truce. Only by returning to negotiations can we reach the end of the war,” during his weekly audience at the Vatican.

The International Atomic Energy Agency welcomed the ceasefire and signaled readiness to support a diplomatic resolution. Director General Rafael Grossi stated, “IAEA DG Grossi welcomes … a return to diplomacy aimed at negotiating a settlement on key issues including Iran’s nuclear program.” It added: “The IAEA stands ready to support these efforts through its indispensable safeguards and verification role.”

Attacks Continue? Hormuz Status

However, attacks on Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, and Kuwait continued on Wednesday, hours after the ceasefire announcement. Also, there’s as yet been no significant change in navigation traffic in the Strait of Hormuz today, per Bloomberg satellite data.

A global shipping industry group representing 130 companies and around 1,500 vessels stated that conditions in the Gulf remain unstable. CEO Knut Arild Hareide said, “We note the signals of a ceasefire, but the situation in the Strait of Hormuz remains unresolved and unpredictable.”

Airstrikes have reportedly targeted the Lavan oil refinery in Iran today. The ceasefire is seemingly in effect in name only. pic.twitter.com/PdH9CrjS6T
— OSINTdefender (@sentdefender) April 8, 2026
“It is not yet clear under what conditions safe transit can be carried out. Shipowners are assessing the situation and will not resume transits until there is real security for safe passage,” Hareide added.

Will it hold?

Ceasefire day 1:
Israel took multiple waves of Iranian missile fire after the ceasefire was announced.
Kuwait reports that more than two dozens drones were launched by Iran since 8am.
UAE is currently under an Iranian missile attack.
Iran, via state media, reports strikes…
— Trey Yingst (@TreyYingst) April 8, 2026
Earlier, Denmark’s Maersk shipping company stated that the ceasefire announcement does not provide sufficient certainty to resume normal operations in the region.

More Geopolitical Headlines

via Newsquawk…

US President Donald Trump announced a two-week suspension of bombing in Iran, conditional on Iran reopening the Strait of Hormuz, describing it as a double-sided ceasefire and stating US military objectives have been met while a long-term peace agreement is close to completion.
Trump said the US received a 10-point proposal from Iran that serves as a workable basis for negotiations, with most major points of contention already agreed and the two-week period intended to finalize the deal.
Trump posted: “A big day for World Peace! Iran wants it to happen, they’ve had enough! Likewise, so has everyone else! The United States of America will be helping with the traffic buildup in the Strait of Hormuz. There will be lots of positive action! Big money will be made. Iran can start the reconstruction process…this could be the Golden Age of the Middle East!!!”
Trump told AFP the Iran deal is complete and a comprehensive US victory, stating Iran’s uranium “will be perfectly taken care of” and that China played a role in bringing Iran to negotiations.
Iranian outlet SNN reported possible ceasefire violations, citing explosions on Siri and Lavan islands, while Iran’s National Security Council warned that if attacks continue in southern Lebanon, it will strike Tel Aviv within hours.
Iran confirmed negotiations with the US will take place in Islamabad starting April 10, aiming to formalize battlefield gains politically within 15 days, with talks extendable by mutual agreement.
Iranian officials stated talks with the US do not signify the end of the war, while confirming safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz for two weeks and that operations will halt if attacks on Iran stop.
Pakistan’s leadership invited US and Iranian delegations to Islamabad, with reports indicating US envoys and Vice President JD Vance are expected to attend.
A US official said the ceasefire will begin this evening, though delays are expected in relaying orders to IRGC field units.
Iran and Oman are expected to charge transit fees in the Strait of Hormuz under the ceasefire arrangement.
Israeli outlet Ynet reported security sources stating the ceasefire will include Lebanon.
Iran’s Supreme Leader instructed negotiators to pursue a truce, according to Axios.
Iran’s UN ambassador stated Iran “categorically rejects any temporary ceasefire” and said any resolution must ensure a definitive end to aggression and establish lasting peace.
The US will demand removal of nuclear materials from Iran, according to Israeli officials cited by Al Hadath via Haaretz.
A White House official stated the ceasefire takes effect once the Strait of Hormuz is reopened.
A senior White House official said Israel is included in the two-week ceasefire and has agreed to suspend bombing during negotiations.
Oman’s transport minister stated no transit fees can be imposed in the Strait of Hormuz under existing agreements.
Iraq’s Islamic Resistance announced a two-week suspension of operations.
Hezbollah is preparing to announce its formal position on the ceasefire and respond to claims that Lebanon is excluded.
A new wave of Iranian missiles was launched toward Israel.
An Israeli military official stated Israel continues to conduct strikes inside Iran.
Explosions were reported on Iran’s Sirri Island, with the source unidentified.
Explosions were also reported at the Lavan oil refinery in Iran, with the cause unknown.
Bahrain issued a missile alert hours after the US-Iran ceasefire announcement.
Reports indicated an explosion in Kermanshah in northwestern Iran.
The IDF confirmed detection of missiles launched from Iran toward Israel.
Iran’s Supreme Security Council stated forces remain ready to respond immediately and with full force to any escalation.
Maritime data showed traffic through the Strait of Hormuz remains light and limited.
* * *

Tyler Durden
Wed, 04/08/2026 – 12:10

Daniil Medvedev suffered a notorious crashout after a historic loss at the Monte Carlo Masters on Wednesday.The former world No. 1 smashed his racket seven times in a row midway through a 6-0, 6-0 loss to wildcard Matteo Berrettini. The outburst came after Medvedev fell behind 2-0 in the second set. He continued to smash his racket against the clay, chasing it down and repeating the tantrum. The crowd egged him on, letting out a drawn-out chant in sync with each swing.CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COMMedvedev eventually made his way to the bench, throwing the broken racket into the garbage can before receiving a code violation for unsportsmanlike conduct. He will also likely receive a hefty fine for the outburst.Medvedev lost the match in 49 minutes, marking his first professional loss without winning a game – also referred to as a double bagel loss.”I wouldn’t expect to win like that and it doesn’t happen that often,” Berrettini, a 2021 Wimbledon finalist, said. “It was definitely one of the best performances of my life.”TENNIS STAR MIRRA ANDREEVA ERUPTS WITH PROFANITY-LACED TIRADE TOWARD FANS AFTER INDIAN WELLS DEFEATMedvedev had five double-faults, won just 17 points, and had just 36% of his first serves in play. It was his first clay match of the season. Medvedev paid a large fine for a similar incident at the U.S. Open last year following a first-round elimination. He was fined $30,000 for unsportsmanlike conduct and an additional $12,500 for racket abuse. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.