Zwely News Staff

U.S. Apr 9

The next Social Security payment is coming in just over three weeks

The next round of Social Security payments is set for early May, with Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients getting up to $994 on May 1. Retirees born between the 11th and 20th of the month will receive their April checks on April 15. Some beneficiaries may also be eligible for thousands in retroactive payments by adjusting their start date with the Social Security Administration.

3 min read

World Apr 9

Trump ends up with a shaky Iran ceasefire after a rush to free an American journalist

After a tense week marked by the kidnapping of an American journalist in Iraq and rapid-fire diplomacy, the U.S. has reached a fragile ceasefire understanding with Iran. The deal, brokered through intermediaries, led to the release of the journalist but faces skepticism from hardliners in both countries and leaves key regional tensions unresolved.

3 min read

World Apr 9

NASA shares the wake-up songs for the Artemis II crew, keeping a space tradition alive

NASA has released the official wake-up playlist for the Artemis II mission, continuing a decades-old tradition of playing music for astronauts in space. The selections include songs chosen by the crew and their families, ranging from rock anthems to soulful ballads. The playlist reflects both personal meaning and historical nods, reinforcing morale and connection during the journey around the Moon. One lighter moment came with a story about a fortune cookie seemingly predicting the mission years in advance.

3 min read

U.S. Apr 9

The DOJ is looking into whether the NFL's TV deals are making games too expensive to watch

The Department of Justice has opened an investigation into the NFL's media rights deals, raising concerns that the league's agreements with broadcasters may be inflating subscription costs and reducing viewer access, especially as games shift toward streaming platforms.

3 min read

World Apr 9

Lebanon mourns more than 250 dead as Israeli strikes spark fears the ceasefire is unraveling

Lebanon declared a national day of mourning after Israeli airstrikes killed over 250 people and wounded more than 1,000, marking the deadliest day in the conflict so far. The strikes have raised alarms that a recently negotiated ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran may already be collapsing, with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian calling the attacks a violation that undermines ongoing diplomacy.

3 min read

World Apr 9

Brian Hooker is in custody after his wife vanished on a Bahamas boat trip

Brian Hooker has been arrested in the Bahamas in connection with the disappearance of his wife, Lynette Hooker, who went missing during a boating trip near Elbow Cay. The U.S. Coast Guard is leading a criminal investigation into the case as search efforts continue.

3 min read

World Apr 9

Trump is sending JD Vance to Pakistan to talk with Iran about a ceasefire

Vice President JD Vance is set to lead US negotiations with Iran in Pakistan this weekend, as the Biden administration seeks a diplomatic off-ramp amid rising regional tensions. The talks come after a fragile ceasefire took hold, with China also playing a quiet but influential role. While the US frames the move as a push for stability, skepticism remains on all sides.

3 min read

U.S. Apr 9

A small Wisconsin town just put voters in charge of data center plans

Residents of Port Washington, Wisconsin, approved a ballot measure requiring voter approval for new data centers, reflecting growing local resistance to large tech infrastructure amid concerns about energy use and community control. The move follows similar debates in states like Maine and comes as more communities weigh the costs and benefits of hosting data centers.

3 min read

Politics Apr 9

A federal judge just blocked part of Trump's immigration push while his administration moves against transgender school policies

A federal judge has blocked the Trump administration's attempt to end temporary protected status for Ethiopians, citing legal shortcomings, while the same administration launched a new effort to strip federal support from school districts with transgender-inclusive policies, including in Los Angeles.

3 min read

Business Apr 9

More airlines are raising bag fees and it's making flying even more expensive

Several major U.S. airlines, including Delta, American, and Southwest, have raised checked bag fees amid rising jet fuel costs tied to global tensions. The increases, now affecting basic economy passengers most, add to the growing cost of air travel in 2026.

3 min read