First of all, most of you never heard of Yasujiro Ozu, but I'll get into films later after a few alerts on world news. Six states will have primaries today, and President Donald Trump, who seemingly has regained influence, will probably continue his success at determining which Republicans will run in the November general elections.   His Texas support for Ken Paxton over John Cornyn in particular should be interesting.     He last week ended Senator Bill Cassidy congressional career in Louisiana, and Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky might be in trouble.  These two Republicans defied Trump. Of course, will there even be elections on November 3? The U.S. was ready to again attack Iran, when, on pressure from Middle East allies, he cancelled the strikes yesterday, citing progress towards a deal.  Iran submitted a revised 14-point proposal to Pakistan mediators.  No details yet on what happens to the Strait of Hormuz, or the matter of enriched uraniu...

But first, the S&P 500 and Nasdaq hit record highs yesterday.  Also, this video shows that  Iran/U,S. peace talks are privately ongoing . In the meantime, to strengthen our bargaining position: Now,  three U.S. task forces will be available to support any invasion . The USS Abraham Lincoln has been deployed since January. The USS Gerald Ford arrived in the eastern Mediterranean in February. The USS George H.W. Bush was near the Horn of Africa on Tuesday and is expected to head towards the war region.   This aircraft carrier is also carrying 6000 troops.  Another 4200 military personnel are with the Boxer Amphibious Group and the 11th Expeditionary Unit are expected to arrive later this month. All the above will be to support approximately 50,000 U.S. troops already in the region. Boots on the ground? The last American killed in this war was more than a month ago, Today is April 16.  The two-week truce ends on April 22. In addition to better protect...

But first: President   Donald Trump   escalated his threat to target   Iran’s infrastructure , warning a "whole civilization" will die, "never to be brought back again," if Iranian officials miss his deadline to make a deal to end the war. Emphasizing the Tuesday night deadline, Trump referred to the upcoming crossroads as “one of most important moments in the long and complex history of the world.” Speaking of the Iranian regime, he added that “47 years of extortion, corruption, and death, will finally end.” Vice President J.D. Vance, during a joint press conference with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, with whom he is currently visiting,   said   the U.S. is confident it will get a response from Iran before the 8 p.m. E.T. deadline passes . However: Iran rejected a   cease-fire   draft on Monday and submitted its own counterproposal. "They made a proposal, and it's a significant proposal. It's a significant step. It's not good enough," ...