Stories from United States

Twenty-two people have been indicted in connection with an extortion ring. Among those indicted is James Geradimas.

Researchers with the New England Aquarium reported tracking 23 newborn right whale calves during the current birthing season. This figure represents the highest number of calves observed in more than a decade.

The Environmental Protection Agency is distributing approximately $80 million in grants across the United States.

The San Francisco Police Department is honoring several officers and community leaders for their work in supporting survivors and preventing violence. The recognition occurs during April, which is Sexual Assault Awareness Month.

Ukrainian President Zelensky has instructed representatives to travel to Washington to obtain details regarding a Russian ceasefire proposal. The proposal reportedly suggests a ceasefire date of May 9. The Kremlin previously claimed US President Trump was involved in the context of the proposal. The Kremlin stated that US President Trump discussed a limited truce with Vladimir Putin during a telephone call yesterday. The proposal is linked to the Russian commemoration of Victory Day. President Zelensky stated that Ukraine seeks to understand the specific details of the Russian proposal to ensure security for Moscow parades or maritime interests. Zelensky reiterated that Ukraine aims for peace and a definitive end to the war. He again proposed a long-term ceasefire to provide reliable security and establish lasting peace.

A 10-year-old was taken into custody after a vehicle slammed into a fire hydrant. Witnesses reported seeing what appeared to be a bobblehead or the top of a child's head behind the wheel. A 12-year-old passenger fled the scene on foot following the crash.

A 66-year-old man named Jim Jordan died Tuesday morning following a gunfight with law enforcement outside a home in Suncrest, located 30 minutes outside of Spokane. A Stevens County Sheriff's Deputy was wounded while responding to a home burglary and is expected to recover.

Federal forecasters are predicting an active fire season across much of the Western United States. The US Forest Service has not yet confirmed if it anticipates a fuel shortage for firefighting aircraft this year.

The U.S. Forest Service has budgeted $45 million for fire aviation fuel this year. This amount is $7 million less than the agency spent last year. Officials noted that last year's fuel expenditure was slightly above the six-year average. Several western states experienced dry to record dry winters, which may impact wildfire season costs. Brett Lesparance, CEO of Dauntless Air, suggested the budget may change. Most aerial firefighting companies hold contracts allowing them to pass increased fuel prices to taxpayers. The agency declined an interview regarding the budget. Officials stated in emailed statements that the $45 million figure is $7 million less than the fuel consumption required for high-altitude climbing operations. California's Energy Commission reports that jet fuel stocks at refineries are at their lowest in over two years.

Private firefighting aircraft contractors, such as Dauntless, burned approximately $50 million in jet fuel last year. If current fire season trends continue, fuel expenditures are projected to nearly double to almost $100 million. Willis-Curdy, a retired firefighting aircraft pilot in Montana, noted that these planes are often pushed to their operational limits. Aerial firefighting companies may face fuel costs that double due to the high power and fuel consumption required for advanced maneuvers. Pilot Kurti, who spent 40 years fighting wildfires, noted that these maneuvers differ significantly from standard commercial flight profiles. Most aerial firefighting companies hold contracts that allow them to pass these increased fuel costs on to clients. Firefighting aviation fuel is expected to cost $45 million this year in Montana.