How do you like your eggs? in News stories

Eggflation Escalates
The cost of eggs continues to hit record highs in the US, with data from the USDA showing wholesale prices above $7.30 for a dozen large white eggs. The figure is up from around $5 at the beginning of the year and almost three times as much year over year.

Primarily driven by the ongoing bird flu outbreak—close to 70 million chickens have been culled since early 2024—the spiraling costs have caused many vendors to enact temporary policies to account for cost. Waffle House added a 50-cent-per-egg surcharge last week, and Trader Joe’s announced a one-dozen-per-customer limit nationwide Friday.

Last week, a variant of the H5N1 influenza virus that had been identified in human cases was found circulating in dairy cow herds. To date, health officials say the risk to the public is low, and human-to-human transmission is rare. The US has recorded 67 confirmed cases and one death from the current outbreak.
Politics & World Affairs

US courts temporarily limit Elon Musk-led DOGE’s access to Treasury data with sensitive information, pause USAID furlough | President Donald Trump revokes former President Joe Biden’s security clearance, citing similar move by Biden against him in 2021 | … and says he’ll name himself chair of Kennedy performing arts center | … and will announce 25% tariffs on steel and aluminum today

Former aide to New York City Mayor Eric Adams (D) pleads guilty to conspiracy charges; Adams himself faces corruption charges, trial scheduled to begin April 21

Sudanese army close to recapturing the capital of Khartoum, its biggest advance since fighting broke out between rival factions in April 2023; an estimated 100,000 people in the city currently in famine conditions
Business & Markets

US stock markets close down Friday (S&P 500 -1.0%, Dow -1.0%, Nasdaq -1.4%) on renewed inflation and tariff fears

Trump administration delays tariffs on small package Chinese imports valued under $800, suggesting Commerce Department lacked system to collect fees

Meta expected to begin planned layoffs today, targeting low performing employees; CEO Mark Zuckerberg said in January the company would target a 5% reduction in force

Gaza Corridor Cleared

Israeli troops yesterday withdrew from a four-mile strip—the Netzarim Corridor—that divides northern and southern Gaza as part of a ceasefire agreement with Hamas. Israeli forces are now limited to a southern area near Egypt’s border and a buffer zone along the Israeli border to the north and east.

The ceasefire began Jan. 19 and is in its first 42-day phase. Hamas has been gradually releasing hostages in exchange for Palestinians held in Israeli prisons. So far, 16 hostages have been freed, including three over the weekend, in exchange for 566 Palestinian prisoners. Negotiations for the second phase are underway in Qatar to extend the truce and secure the release of more hostages. However, challenges remain over differing demands for a long-term agreement.

Separately, neighboring Lebanon formed its first full government in over two years, marking a shift away from Hezbollah’s influence and aiming to address the country’s economic crisis and rebuild war-torn areas.

You can find all the links in the 1440 morning news here