Happy Spring Break, Panthers! The temperatures are finally rising, school is coming to a close, trips are being planned, and with spring break here we are one step closer to graduation day. Exactly 49 days to go until the seniors walk across the stage! This week we have Trump threatening to destroy Iranian energy sources, gas prices rapidly rising, crashes causing traffic issues across metro Atlanta, and Trump firing Pam Bondi.
World – Trump threatens to destroy Iranian energy source, Tehran calls plan unrealistic
Trump is threatening to blow up Iran’s oil wells and electric plants if the war does not reach an end soon. An oil refinery in Israel was already hit with debris from another intercepted attack.
In a peace talk, Iran contradicted Trump’s claim that they had agreed to most of the 15-point list of demands the US submitted for the end of the war. In response, they said the plan was unreasonable. Oil prices have risen following Trump’s comments.
A single barrel of oil now costs $116. Trump told the press that his preference would be to take the oil rather than reaching a peace agreement.
National – US gas prices continue to increase
Gas prices within the United States have increased to $4 per gallon or more. Gas has not been this expensive since 2022.
The sale price has increased exponentially due to the war in Iran. According to motor club AAA, the national average for gas is $4.02, which is over $1 more than when the war began. Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the price was almost as high, but four years later the price has returned to gas pumps.
Because the $4 estimate is a national average, many states have been paying more than $4 for a gallon when filling their cars. The price is anticipated to increase as the war in Iran continues.
State – Crashes cause traffic issues across metro Atlanta
As of 6 a.m. Wednesday morning, metro Atlanta was heavily impacted by traffic due to multiple crashes reported during the morning drive, including both Interstate 285 and Interstate 20. In west Atlanta, a vehicle on Interstate 285 briefly blocked three lanes near Langford Parkway.
A separate crash happened on Interstate 285 westbound at Clark Howell in Clayton County blocking all lanes temporarily. Experts reported the crash, but the extent of injuries had not been confirmed. Delays extended back to Jonesboro Road. Drivers were recommended to drive to Forest Parkway or Interstate 75 inside the perimeter as different routes.
In Atlanta, a crash on Interstate 20 at the Downtown Connector caused multiple delays, with two lanes blocked and the exit closed. This story was later updated to include two pedestrians killed in the incident.
Politics – Pam Bondi fired from attorney general position
As of April 2, President Trump fired attorney general Pam Bondi. Trump wrote on Truth Social that Bondi would be moving to a “much needed and important new job,” with no apparent reason for her firing.
The US President put on a solid front of happiness with her work, though issues have come about between the two in the past. In the period of the past few weeks, two members of the Cabinet have been booted, including Bondi. Trump recently discussed the decision to fire Bondi with allies and Bondi herself.
Bondi is being replaced by Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche. Some sources say that Bondi has another position lined up elsewhere in a different sector, and others say that is just a cover up.