By William Coffman, Local & National News Editor

Iran War Continues

The war between Iran and the United States is continuing into its fifth week, with a major point of contention being the Strait of Hormuz. Gas has jumped to more than $4 a gallon due to the Straits closure, which sees a quarter of the world’s maritime oil trade pass through its waters. 

Another thing to monitor is the deployment of U.S. troops to the Middle East, and a potential ground attack of Iran. So far, the U.S. has sent Marines and paratroopers of the Army’s 82^nd Airborne Division to the region. 

Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Shutdown

Congress has not reached a deal yet on funding for the DHS. This resulted in Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agents not being paid, causing long lines at US airports and the ordering of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents to assist with airport security. TSA agents have received backpay, and wait times at U.S. airports have improved, but the DHS shutdown seems poised to continue, stretching the record length even longer.

The main debate over funding centers around funding for immigration enforcement agencies. Democrats say more protection is needed to ensure Americans civil liberties are not being infringed, citing controversial actions by ICE agents across the country, while Republicans oppose any guardrails being added. 

Cincinnati Budget Shortfall

Cincinnati faces a budget shortfall of almost $30 million. WKRC is reporting the police could be one department expecting cuts, according to interim police chief Adam Hennie.

“Hennie said a 5.1% budget reduction would be equivalent to losing about $11 million. He said 90% of the police department’s operating budget goes toward personnel, meaning cutting officers would be the only way to meet that requirement,” Hennie said to WKRC.

Remains of the Musketeer d’Artagnan, Namesake of Xavier’s Mascot, Believed Found

The remains of the namesake of Xavier’s mascot, d’Artagnan, have believed to be found under a church in Maastricht. The classic hero was killed in the siege of the city in 1673. His legacy grew after his death, when he was featured as one of the Three Musketeers in the fictional stories by Alexandre Dumas, who wrote three novels about the Musketeer, called the d’Artagnan romances. 

“He was buried on sacred ground below where the altar was; we found the bullet that put an end to his life and we found a coin from 1660 in his grave, and it was from the bishop who attended mass for the Roi Soleil,” The BBC reported, quoting the archeologist who helped discover the skeleton. Further DNA confirmation is needed, but it seems a legend lost to history may now have been found.