In this image provided by Sepahnews, the Iranian Revolutionary Guard's official website, wreckage is shown at what Iran's state TV claimed was the site of a downed American transport plane and two helicopters involved in a rescue operation, in Isfahan province, Iran, April, 2026. (Sepahnews via AP)

Tricky U.S. rescue mission in Iran accomplished

The United States has pulled off a daring rescue of two aviators whose fighter jet was shot down by Iran. After plucking the pilot from behind enemy lines, it launched a complicated extraction of the second service member hiding deep in the mountains as Tehran called for Iranians to help capture him. The CIA looked to throw off Iran’s government before the crew member was found, launching a deception campaign to spread word he had already been located. Rescuers also faced major obstacles, including two Black Hawk helicopters coming under fire and problems with two transport planes that forced the U.S. military to blow them up.

Raw dairy recall amid E. coli outbreak

WASHINGTON (AP) — A California producer of raw milk and cheese products is recalling some of its products under pressure from federal officials. Raw Farm said Thursday it is voluntarily recalling more than a half-dozen varieties of its cheddar cheese made from raw milk. Previously the company had refused repeated requests from the Food and Drug Administration to issue a recall. The FDA is conducting an inspection of the company’s facilities after identifying multiple cases of E. coli food poisoning tied to the firm’s products. Raw Farm said in a statement that FDA has not detected the bacteria in its products. The company said it issued the recall “under protest.”

Wind fells tree, kills three during Easter egg hunt in Germany

FRANKFURT, Germany (AP) — German police say three people, including a 10-month-old girl, were killed Sunday when high winds toppled a tree during an Easter egg hunt. Around 50 people from a nearby residential care facility for new mothers, pregnant women and children were attending the event near the town of Satrupholm in northern Germany when a 100-foot tree fell. A 21-year-old woman and a 16-year-old girl were pronounced dead at the scene while the woman’s 10-month old daughter died later in the hospital. An 18-year-old woman suffered serious injuries and was brought to the hospital by helicopter.

Scientists get look at early complex life through fossils

WASHINGTON (AP) — Scientists have discovered fossils in China that reveal a crucial transition from simple to complex life on Earth. These fossils, dating back 539 million years, show complex animals living three-dimensional lives, millions of years earlier than previously thought. This challenges the belief that such complexity only emerged during the Cambrian explosion. Experts say this finding provides a glimpse into how modern animal life developed. The study, published in Science, also helps settle the “rocks versus clocks” debate in paleontology, aligning fossil evidence with genetic data. Researchers are now exploring how and why this rapid evolution occurred.

United Airlines raises fees

United Airlines is raising checked bag fees starting Friday. The move comes as higher fuel costs ripple through the airline industry. Most travelers flying within the U.S., Mexico, Canada and Latin America will now pay $45 for the first checked bag and $55 for a second. That’s $10 more than before the Iran war started Feb. 28. United says it’s their first baggage fee increase in two years. Some customers like loyalty members will still get a free bag. JetBlue also raised fees this week. Airlines say rising crude oil prices are pushing up operating costs. United on Friday also announced a pricing change coming this month for its front cabins. Three new tiers will offer different perks for premium passengers, similar to economy.