Tensions continue to rise throughout the U.S. amid the ongoing Iran War, from threats of energy strikes to increased fuel prices, with a partial government shutdown increasing the presence of Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents in major airports.
Trump extends deadline for Iran to open Strait of Hormuz, pausing strike on energy infrastructure for 10 days
Donald Trump has extended his proposed deadline for Iran to open the Strait of Hormuz for a second time, citing a request from the Iranian government.
Trump made threats on Saturday, March 21 to strike Iranian energy sites if the Strait of Hormuz—a global shipping route located in Iran in which 20% of the world’s oil passes through—was not opened by the following Monday. Trump then postponed said threats until Friday, March 27, citing “very good and productive” negotiations with Iran.
Trump announced a second, 10-day extension on Truth Social on Thursday, March 26, stating that the postponement was made as per a request from the Iranian government.
Iranian government officials have previously stated that no peace negotiations have taken place. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told Iranian state television that “no negotiations [were] underway” on Wednesday, March 25.
“In recent days, the American side has sent various messages through friendly countries,” said Araghchi. “The fact that messages are sent and we respond with warnings or state our positions does not constitute negotiation or dialogue; it is an exchange of messages.”
(Sources: The Guardian, CBS, NBC)
United States Postal Service announces first-ever fuel surcharge after a war-driven increase in fuel cost
The U.S. Postal Service is implementing a temporary surcharge to offset increased fuel costs caused by the Iran War, as announced on Wednesday, March 25.
“This temporary price adjustment will provide needed flexibility for the Postal Service by helping to ensure that the actual costs of doing business are covered, as required by Congress,” USPS stated in an announcement.
The plan, which proposed an 8% surcharge on select packages, was approved by the Governors of Postal Service on Tuesday, March 24. The plan filed notice with the Postal Regulatory Commission the following day and is set to take effect Thursday, March 26.
The surcharge will only apply to base postage prices on Priority Mail Express, Priority Mail, USPS Ground Advantage and Parcel Select packages. Letter mail and first-class stamps will remain unaffected.
Increased prices will remain in place until the Postal Service reevaluates departmental costs on Jan. 17, 2027.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents deployed to major airports amid ongoing Department of Homeland Security shutdown
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents have been stationed at airports across the nation after a partial government shutdown froze payment for Transportation and Security Administration employees.
Disagreements regarding DHS funding resulted in suspended payment for agencies operating under the department, including TSA, the Coast Guard and the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
Without payment, TSA employees nationwide have been increasingly absent. The Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport reported that 42% of agents called out; the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport reported a 41% employee absence.
Acting Deputy TSA Administrator Adam Stahl said that the duties of ICE agents deployed to airports would include “non-specialized security functions” that “help support” essential TSA staff. These security functions include controlling crowds, guarding entrances and exits and verifying identifying credentials and travel documents.
“The more support we have available, the more efficiently TSA can focus on their highly specialized screening roles to efficiently get airport security lines moving faster,” said DHS spokesperson Lauren Bis.
Two pilots killed, passengers injured after jet collides with fire truck at LaGuardia airport
An Air Canada jet collided with a fire truck at New York’s LaGuardia Airport shortly before midnight on Sunday, March 21, killing both pilots and injuring several passengers.
The collision involved an Air Canada jet and a fire truck that had been approved to cross the tarmac to report an “odor” on an unrelated aircraft.
The Air Canada aircraft was carrying 72 passengers and four crew members, including the pilot and co-pilot. Authorities stated that 41 people were injured in the collision, but that 32 had been released the following day. Some still remain seriously injured.
The LaGuardia Airport reopened at 2 p.m. on Monday, March 23.
New Orleans among three finalists for Elon Musk’s proposed underground tunnel loop
Elon Musk’s The Boring Company announced on Tuesday, March 24 that New Orleans was one of three finalists for their ongoing “Tunnel Vision Challenge,” a project offering a free 1-mile tunnel to any winning city.
The loop, nicknamed the “New Orleans Loop,” would “strengthen connectivity by the Convention Center and business district, and reduce event-related congestion,” according to an X post made by Boring Co.
Musk is reportedly still discussing the project with city government and elected officials.
(Sources: Fox 8, Fox Business, X)
