
5 things to know for April 7: Global markets, Israel, Flooding, Deportations, Sea lions
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The US Naval Academy has removed 381 books from the Nimitz Library to comply with the Trump administration’s decision to remove diversity, equity and inclusion efforts from the federal government. Among the texts that cadets are no longer allowed to access are: “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings” by Maya Angelou, “Our Time Is Now: Power, Purpose, and the Fight for a Fair America” by Stacey Abrams and “Memorializing the Holocaust” by Janet Jacobs. Here’s what else you need to know to Get Up to Speed and On with Your Day. President Donald Trump’s escalating trade war continued to cause turmoil today across world financial markets. Japan’s benchmark Nikkei 225 index closed 7.9% lower and the Shanghai Composite Index ended down more than 7%. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index tumbled nearly 12% while South Korea’s Kospi finished 5.6% lower. In Europe, Germany’s Dax opened down 9% and London’s FTSE was off about 5%. The picture is just as grim on Wall Street where stocks are set to open sharply lower, putting the S&P 500 on the precipice of a bear market — a decline of 20% from its peak and an ominous sign for investors and perhaps the broader economy. It’s been a month since Israel cut off humanitarian supplies to the Gaza Strip and without that much-needed aid, the living situation of 2 million civilians has rapidly deteriorated. In the past few weeks, Israel’s renewed bombing campaign has claimed hundreds of lives and displaced more than 280,000 people, according to UN officials. Without access to food, fuel and clean water, hunger in Gaza is worsening and could lead to famine. A lack of basic infrastructure and sanitation could also spark outbreaks of disease. The UN and other aid groups have accused Israel of violating international law by blocking the flow of aid into Gaza and using starvation as a weapon of war. On Sunday, Israel announced that it would continue to withhold aid to pressure Hamas into releasing more hostages and would impose new conditions on the extension of the ceasefire agreement. Violent storms that swept through the central US have claimed the lives of at least 19 people in seven states since Wednesday. In addition to strong winds, hail and tornadoes, the severe weather system dropped potentially record rainfall in areas unaccustomed to flooding. Rising river levels have prompted Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear to declare a state of emergency. Numerous water rescues took place in the Colesburg area some 30 miles south of Louisville as the Rolling Fork River rose rapidly on Sunday. Drone footage from nearby towns showed streets, fields, homes and businesses under vast quantities of water. Evacuations and warnings have also been issued near the Kentucky River, which is expected to crest at a historic high later today. The Trump administration has until 11:59 p.m. today to return a Maryland man who was deported to El Salvador in March. A federal judge issued the order Friday after the administration conceded in a court filing that it had mistakenly deported Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia. He is currently being held in a notorious mega-prison. Abrego Garcia had been living in the states under protected status since 2019 after fleeing gang violence in El Salvador. In its filing, the Trump administration admitted that ICE was aware of Abrego Garcia’s protected status and that his deportation was due to “an administrative error.” Now the White House claims it can’t get him back and is appealing the judge’s ruling.

Painting of iconic Trump raised-fist scene from Butler rally now hangs in Grand Foyer of White House
The official portrait of former President Barack Obama was moved from its position in the Grand Foyer of the White House on Friday and replaced by a painting of President Donald Trump surviving an assassination attempt in Pennsylvania last summer.