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April 3, 2025
☕ Good morning. 1,562 words for you today - 8-minute read.
The Spotlight
1. GOP Leaders Unveil Plan To End DHS Shutdown
Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
Mike Johnson and John Thune announced a plan to fund the Department of Homeland Security and end the shutdown.
Takeaways
Proposal uses two-track funding strategy for DHS
Initial bill funds most agencies, excludes ICE and Border Patrol
Second phase aims to fund those via party-line legislation
Plan still faces uncertainty within GOP ranks
The move comes after a breakdown between House and Senate Republicans left Washington without resolving a record-setting partial shutdown.
Lawmakers may quickly revive a bipartisan Senate deal to restore most DHS funding, but timing in the House remains unclear.
The second phase of the plan could take months, setting up another potential clash over immigration-related funding priorities.
The proposal could reopen DHS soon but leaves deeper political fights unresolved. Read More
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2. Democrats Sue Trump Over Mail-In Voting Order
The Democratic National Committee and top party leaders filed a lawsuit challenging Donald Trump’s new executive order on mail-in voting.
Takeaways
Lawsuit targets expanded federal role in mail-in voting systems
Order would create federal lists of eligible voters by state
States risk losing funding if they don’t comply
Democrats argue it violates constitutional limits on presidential power
The suit, joined by leaders like Chuck Schumer and Hakeem Jeffries, claims the order oversteps federal authority by intruding on election rules traditionally handled by states and Congress.
It also challenges provisions directing the U.S. Postal Service to only send absentee ballots to federally approved voter lists—raising concerns about eligible voters being excluded.
Democrats argue the order is unconstitutional and violates multiple federal laws, while the White House defends it as an effort to secure elections and ensure only eligible citizens vote.
The lawsuit sets up a major legal battle over federal power, voting rights, and control of U.S. elections ahead of future races. Read More
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3. Global Leaders Pressure Iran To Reopen Key Oil Route
The United Kingdom convened 40+ nations to push Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz amid escalating global disruptions.
Takeaways
Critical oil route nearly shut down due to attacks on ships
Over 40 countries joined diplomatic talks to resolve crisis
Conflict has triggered spikes in fuel, food, and fertilizer prices
U.S. notably absent from talks amid shifting foreign policy stance
The waterway—one of the world’s most vital oil transit routes—has seen traffic drop to a trickle following repeated attacks on commercial vessels since the war began in late February.
U.K. officials accused Iran of effectively controlling access to the strait, disrupting global supply chains and contributing to rising costs worldwide.
Meanwhile, Donald Trump signaled the U.S. would not take the lead in securing the route, instead urging other nations reliant on the oil flow to act.
A major global economic chokepoint is at risk, and world powers are scrambling diplomatically to prevent further fallout. Read More
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Quick Headlines
A release from the Gila County Sheriff's Office announcing that Christina Marie Plante was no longer missing.Gila County Sheriff's Office
Christina Marie Plante, who vanished at age 13 in 1994 from Star Valley, Arizona, has been found alive after nearly 32 years, authorities said following a breakthrough using modern investigative techniques. Officials withheld details for privacy as the long-cold case was recently reopened and reexamined. Read More
Police arrested 21-year-old Amare Green in connection with the fatal shooting of a 7-month-old girl struck by gunfire from a moped in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, while her 2-year-old brother was grazed. A second suspect remains at large as investigators probe possible gang targeting. Read More
NASA’s Artemis II astronauts fixed a malfunctioning toilet in Orion shortly after reaching orbit, restoring relief for the crew of three Americans and one Canadian ahead of Thursday’s lunar fly-around. The capsule remains cold at 65°F as Mission Control works to warm it. Read More
Tiger Woods declined the Ryder Cup captaincy and received court approval to seek treatment abroad following a DUI crash near his Florida home, citing the need for privacy and specialized care. He pled not guilty to the incident and is focusing on his health. Read More
Dutch authorities recovered a 2,500-year-old Romanian golden helmet stolen last year from the Drents Museum, along with two of three missing armbands, following arrests of three suspects whose trial has not yet begun. Prosecutors continue searching for the final armband. Read More
President Trump has privately considered ousting Attorney General Pam Bondi over frustration with the Epstein investigation and perceived inaction on political opponents, with EPA chief Lee Zeldin discussed as a potential replacement, though no decision has been made. Bondi faces a congressional deposition later this month. Read More
Deep Dive
4. Trump Moves to Pay All DHS Workers Amid Stalled Shutdown Negotiations
Senate Majority Leader John Thune speaks with reporters at the US Capitol on Thursday. Andrew Harnik/Getty Images
President Donald Trump announced Thursday he will order pay for all Department of Homeland Security employees, expanding his previous directive covering only TSA staff, as Congress struggles to end the 44-day partial government shutdown.
Takeaways
Trump’s move aims to relieve pressure on tens of thousands of DHS employees working without pay, but funding for the broader order remains unclear.
Senate approved a partial DHS funding bill excluding ICE and border patrol; the measure now waits in the House amid GOP infighting.
House Republicans face a two-track plan: pass the Senate bill to partially reopen DHS, then pursue full funding later this spring.
Narrow margins and election-year priorities make passing a comprehensive DHS and immigration funding bill uncertain.
Trump set a June 1 target for full DHS funding, signaling continued pressure on Republican leaders to act.
Trump framed the directive as support for DHS workers and a rebuke of Democratic leaders, posting on Truth Social that their families “have suffered far too long.” Tens of thousands of other DHS employees, including FEMA, Coast Guard civilians, and Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency staff, remain without guaranteed pay.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune stressed keeping any reconciliation bill narrow to accelerate passage and maintain support. “Our theory of the case…maximizes the speed at which we can do it,” he said, acknowledging challenges in satisfying election-year GOP priorities while adhering to budget rules.
Both chambers remain on recess with pro forma sessions, and the House has not yet scheduled a vote on the Senate bill. Republican lawmakers remain wary of setting a precedent allowing Democrats to block parts of an agency they oppose.
Trump has also renewed calls to ease Senate rules, but Thune argued the filibuster remains critical to give minority voices weight in budget decisions. The partial shutdown has now entered its 44th day, and the broader legislative fight over immigration and border enforcement looms.
Full DHS funding is unlikely before early summer unless GOP leaders resolve internal divisions and coordinate strategy. Read More
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On Our Radar
5. FIFA Hikes World Cup Final Ticket to $10,990
Copyright THE CANADIAN PRESS
FIFA raised its top ticket price for the 2026 World Cup final to $10,990 as ticket sales reopened with technical glitches. The tournament kicks off in June across the U.S., Mexico, and Canada.
Takeaways
Final ticket prices jumped from $8,680 in December to $10,990 for category 1 seats at MetLife Stadium.
Category 2 and 3 tickets for the final increased to $7,380 and $5,785 respectively.
Only 17 of 72 group-stage matches had tickets listed, and no knockout stage games were available.
U.S., Mexico, and Canada matches see selective seat availability with modest price hikes for early games.
FIFA is applying dynamic pricing across 16 host cities. The reopening of sales was disrupted by glitches that slowed purchases. Early World Cup matches for the U.S., Mexico, and Canada have limited availability.
High prices and technical issues may pressure FIFA to adjust sales ahead of the June start. Read More
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6. Hershey to return all Reese’s products to classic recipes
Hershey announced it will restore classic milk and dark chocolate recipes for all Reese’s products starting in 2027 after criticism from the founder’s grandson over cheaper ingredients.
Takeaways
The move affects items like mini-Easter eggs that used a lower-chocolate coating.
Hershey will also transition to natural colors and make Kit-Kat creamier.
The company plans to boost R&D spending by 25% next year.
Brad Reese, grandson of the Reese’s inventor, sparked the change with a public letter on Valentine’s Day.
Hershey said it remains committed to products consumers love and regularly reviews recipes to match evolving tastes. The company is using the reformulation as a broader opportunity to enhance its sweets portfolio.
The return to classic recipes is expected to improve consumer trust and product perception. Read More
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8. 🎉 This day in history
A Motorola executive demonstrates a "shoe" phone in New York City. The first phone call made on a handheld cellular phone was made on April 3, 1973. Bettmann/Getty Images
On This Day — April 3
First Handheld Mobile Phone Call, 1973 – Martin Cooper of Motorola makes the first public handheld mobile phone call in New York City, marking the birth of personal cellular communication.
Obama Secures Nomination, 2012 – Barack Obama officially secures the Democratic presidential nomination for re-election.
Pope Francis Canonizes Laval, 2014 – Pope Francis canonizes François de Laval, the first bishop of Quebec, recognizing him as a Catholic saint.
Life Hack of the day
🍊🍋🟩 Smell Citrus Scents
Need a quick mental boost? Smell citrus scents like orange or lemon. These bright aromas can help increase alertness and lift your mood almost instantly.
That’s your morning brief. Now go show someone how smart you are. 🧠
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