Federal Executive Branch
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Wawa Issues Product Recall on 16-oz. Wawa Brand Iced Tea Lemon, Iced Tea Diet Lemon, Diet Lemonade and Fruit Punch Due to Possible Undeclared Milk Allergen
WASHINGTON, April 4 -- The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Food and Drug Administration issued the following recall notice:
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Wawa Issues Product Recall on 16-oz. Wawa Brand Iced Tea Lemon, Iced Tea Diet Lemon, Diet Lemonade and Fruit Punch Due to Possible Undeclared Milk Allergen
Summary
Company Announcement Date: April 03, 2026
FDA Publish Date: April 03, 2026
Product Type: Food & Beverages
Allergens
Reason for Announcement: Potential or Undeclared Allergen - Undeclared Milk
Company Name: Wawa
Brand Name: Wawa
Product Description: Iced Tea Lemon, Iced Tea Diet Lemon,
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, April 4 -- The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Food and Drug Administration issued the following recall notice:
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Wawa Issues Product Recall on 16-oz. Wawa Brand Iced Tea Lemon, Iced Tea Diet Lemon, Diet Lemonade and Fruit Punch Due to Possible Undeclared Milk Allergen
Summary
Company Announcement Date: April 03, 2026
FDA Publish Date: April 03, 2026
Product Type: Food & Beverages
Allergens
Reason for Announcement: Potential or Undeclared Allergen - Undeclared Milk
Company Name: Wawa
Brand Name: Wawa
Product Description: Iced Tea Lemon, Iced Tea Diet Lemon,Diet Lemonade and Fruit Punch
Company Announcement
Wawa, of Media PA, is recalling its 16 oz pints of Wawa Iced Tea Lemon, Wawa Iced Tea Diet Lemon, Wawa Diet Lemonade and Wawa Fruit Punch produced by the Wawa Beverage Company for sale in a limited number of Wawa stores located in Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey and Virginia because they may contain an undeclared milk allergen.
The recalled products have been removed from sale and disposed of by impacted stores. No Wawa stores in any other state in which Wawa operates are impacted by this recall and no other Wawa branded beverages are included in the recall.
People who have allergies to milk run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume this product. The products subject to recall include:
Description: ... UPC/Code Date: ... # of Stores/States Impacted: ... Product Image:
Wawa Iced Tea Lemon in 16 oz Pint bottles ... UPC: 726191018425
Code Date: MAY 15, 2026
printed on top of bottle ... 123 stores in DE, MD, NJ, PA and VA ... See Image Below
Wawa Iced Diet Tea Lemon in 16 oz Pint bottle ... UPC: 726191018548
Code Date: MAY 18, 2026
printed on top of bottle ... 8 stores in NJ and PA ... See Image Below
Wawa Diet Lemonade in 16 oz Pint bottles ... UPC: 726191055901
Code Date: May 18, 2026
printed on top of bottle ... 12 stores in DE and NJ ... See Image Below
Wawa Fruit Punch in 16 oz Pint bottles ... UPC: 726191018432
Code Date: May 19, 2026
printed on top of bottle ... 53 stores in DE, MD, NJ, PA and VA ... See Image Below
For a full list and addresses of Wawa stores receiving the recalled products and product images, please visit wawa.com Recall Alert PageExternal Link Disclaimer.
No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this problem. Wawa's primary concern is always for the health and safety of our customers and associates. In the public's interest, we have removed this product from sales at all of the impacted stores and activated this recall.
The recall was initiated after Wawa identified and corrected a temporary equipment issue that may have resulted in the presence of an undeclared milk allergen in these products.
Consumers who have purchased these products are urged to dispose of them immediately and to contact the Wawa 24 hour Customer Contact Center through email: wawa.com/iframe/contactExternal Link Disclaimer or at 1-800-444-9292 with questions or to request a refund in the form of a Wawa Gift Card. Consumers may also refer to www.wawa.comExternal Link Disclaimer for full details.
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Original text here: https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/wawa-issues-product-recall-16-oz-wawa-brand-iced-tea-lemon-iced-tea-diet-lemon-diet-lemonade-and
Treasury and IRS to Provide Guidance to Religious Organizations
WASHINGTON, April 4 -- The U.S. Department of the Treasury issued the following news release on April 3, 2026:
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Treasury and IRS to Provide Guidance to Religious Organizations
In response to recent litigation, ongoing public interest, and the need for more clarity, the U.S. Department of the Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) today announced plans to develop and issue additional guidance on the application of the Johnson Amendment to religious organizations.
"Religious liberty is foundational to our Constitution, and the freedom to practice one's faith openly and in community
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, April 4 -- The U.S. Department of the Treasury issued the following news release on April 3, 2026:
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Treasury and IRS to Provide Guidance to Religious Organizations
In response to recent litigation, ongoing public interest, and the need for more clarity, the U.S. Department of the Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) today announced plans to develop and issue additional guidance on the application of the Johnson Amendment to religious organizations.
"Religious liberty is foundational to our Constitution, and the freedom to practice one's faith openly and in communityis central to the American story as we celebrate 250 years of independence as a nation this year," said Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. "As many Americans gather to observe Holy Week and Passover, President Trump and this administration continue to protect religious freedom as a fundamental right in principle and in practice as our laws are applied. Treasury and the IRS will provide additional clarity and guidance to houses of worship that reflect these ideals and uphold the First Amendment."
The forthcoming guidance will provide clear, administrable standards for houses of worship, including how the law applies to certain communications made within the context of religious services.
Treasury and the IRS will engage with stakeholders as appropriate in the development of the forthcoming guidance and its release will be determined later this year.
Background
In National Religious Broadcasters v. Bessent, the IRS sought to resolve the case through an agreement reflecting the government's position that bona fide communications internal to a house of worship, including communications between the house of worship and its congregation in connection with religious services and communicated through customary channels on matters of faith, do not constitute the type of political campaign intervention prohibited under current law. Such communications are distinguishable from broader political activity and are consistent with longstanding protections for religious exercise.
The federal district court dismissed the case for lack of jurisdiction before the court could consider or approve that proposed resolution.
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Original text here: https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/sb0432
Surface Transportation Board Issues Decision Involving Thomas L. Hey, James A. Hey, Minnesota Motor Bus
WASHINGTON, April 4 -- The U.S. Department of Transportation Surface Transportation Board issued the following decision (Docket No. MCF 21145) entitled "Thomas L. Hey and James A. Hey - Acquisition of Control - Minnesota Motor Bus Inc.":
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Thomas L. Hey and James A. Hey - Acquisition of Control - Minnesota Motor Bus Inc.
ACTION: Notice Tentatively Approving and Authorizing Finance Transaction.
SUMMARY: In 2010, Thomas L. Hey and James A. Hey (collectively, Applicants), both noncarriers, acquired control of Minnesota Motor Bus, Inc. (Minnesota Motor Bus), an interstate motor carrier of passengers,
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, April 4 -- The U.S. Department of Transportation Surface Transportation Board issued the following decision (Docket No. MCF 21145) entitled "Thomas L. Hey and James A. Hey - Acquisition of Control - Minnesota Motor Bus Inc.":
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Thomas L. Hey and James A. Hey - Acquisition of Control - Minnesota Motor Bus Inc.
ACTION: Notice Tentatively Approving and Authorizing Finance Transaction.
SUMMARY: In 2010, Thomas L. Hey and James A. Hey (collectively, Applicants), both noncarriers, acquired control of Minnesota Motor Bus, Inc. (Minnesota Motor Bus), an interstate motor carrier of passengers,without Board authority (the Transaction). At the time, Applicants were, and still are, the individual co-owners of Southwest Coaches, Inc. d/b/a Southwest Tour and Travel (Southwest Coaches), another interstate motor carrier of passengers. On March 6, 2026, Applicants filed an application for after-the-fact Board authority for the Transaction, to rectify what they describe as an accidental oversight. The Board is tentatively approving and authorizing the Transaction after the fact, and, if no opposing comments are timely filed, this notice will be the final Board action.
DATES: Comments may be filed by May 18, 2026. If any comments are filed, Applicants may file a reply by June 2, 2026. If no opposing comments are filed by May 18, 2026, this notice shall be effective on May 19, 2026.
ADDRESSES: Comments may be filed with the Board either via e-filing or in writing addressed to: Surface Transportation Board, 395 E Street, S.W., Washington, DC 20423-0001. In addition, send one copy of comments to Applicants' representative: Edward Fishman, Hogan Lovells US LLP, Columbia Square, 555 Thirteenth Street, N.W., Washington, DC 20004-1109.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jonathon Binet at (202) 915-4348. If you require an accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act, please call (202) 2450245.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: According to the application, Thomas L. Hey (Thomas) is an individual resident of Minnesota and U.S. citizen. (Appl. 2.) Thomas owns, and owned at the time of the 2010 Transaction, 50% of Southwest Coaches and serves as its President and Treasurer. (Id. at 2, 5.) James A. Hey (James) is an individual resident of Minnesota and U.S. citizen, and the brother of Thomas. (Id. at 2.) James owns, and owned at the time of the 2010 Transaction, 50% of Southwest Coaches and serves as its Vice President. (Id. at 3, 5.) Thomas and James are not motor carriers and neither hold individual operating authority. (Id. at 2-3.) Applicants' principal business address is 1500 Travis Road, Marshall, MN 56258. (Id. at 2.)
James Schoener (Seller) is an individual who at the time of the 2010 Transaction was residing at 1550 Falcon Drive, Fairmont, MN 56031. (Id. at 3.) Prior to the Transaction, Seller owned 100% of Minnesota Motor Bus. (Id.) As a result of the Transaction, Applicants acquired from Seller 100% of the issued and outstanding stock of Minnesota Motor Bus through a stock purchase agreement. (Id. at 5.) Applicants each own 50% of Minnesota Motor Bus and jointly control the carrier. (Id.) Minnesota Motor Bus has continued to operate under the same name and has provided substantially the same services under the ownership of Applicants as it provided prior to the Transaction. (Id.)
Applicants describe Southwest Coaches as a Minnesota corporation incorporated on August 26, 1965, with its principal place of business in Marshall, Minn. (Id. at 5-6.) Southwest Coaches has historically operated as an individual-owned or family-owned passenger transportation business and ownership changed hands several times prior to being purchased in 1988 by Marvin Hey and Janet Hey (Applicants' parents). (Id.) In February 2000, Thomas and James acquired Southwest Coaches from their parents. (Id. at 6.) Southwest Coaches operates as an interstate motor carrier of passengers subject to the jurisdiction of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) pursuant to authority issued in Docket No. MC-140554; U.S. DOT No. 153686. (Appl. at 6; Exhibit 1.)
The application states that Southwest Coaches provides school transportation services under contract to the Marshall School District, which it has serviced since 1965. (Id. at 6.) The Marshall School District consists of 7 public schools along with 3 non-public schools, has approximately 3,000 students, and the service area encompasses "162.9 miles."/1 (Id.) The contract service that Southwest Coaches provides for the Marshall public schools involves approximately 25 full-sized school buses that are used for transporting students to and from school and conducting extracurricular trips. (Id.) Southwest Coaches also utilizes approximately 6 smaller buses and 7 vans to transport preschool and special-needs students. (Id.) Southwest Coaches also served the Jackson County Central School District between 1991 and 2018, but it no longer maintains this contract. (Id.)
According to the Applicants, Southwest Coaches also provides charter services for a range of educational institutions, including elementary schools, high schools, and universities. (Id.) In addition, Applicants state that Southwest Coaches provides motorcoach services for private events, such as weddings and bachelor/bachelorette parties, and for coach travel tours. Southwest Coaches serves customers primarily in Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota, but from time to time it also operates trips in other states. (Id.) In the past 12 months, Southwest Coaches has conducted approximately 250 interstate trips and approximately 40% of its revenue is derived from these interstate trips. (Id. at 6-7.) Applicants further state that its customer base is made up of approximately 30% from the Marshall School District service, 30% from universities, 35% from tour companies, and 5% from youth groups. (Id. at 7.) Southwest Coaches has a fleet of 8 motorcoaches and 34 school buses. (Id.) It operates primarily from its Marshall, Minn., terminal. (Id.) The company has approximately 55 employees, including 45 drivers and 10 other employees. (Id.)
Applicants describe Minnesota Motor Bus as a Minnesota corporation, headquartered in Minnesota, and a federally registered interstate motor carrier of passengers. (Id. at 1.) Minnesota Motor Bus holds interstate carrier operating authority under FMCSA Docket No. MC-764429, USDOT Number 209770). (Appl. at 3-4; Exhibit 1.) Prior to the Transaction, Minnesota Motor Bus was controlled exclusively by Seller, and following the Transaction in 2010, it has been controlled jointly by Applicants as co-owners. (Id. at 3.) Minnesota Motor Bus is primarily a school transportation provider, providing general and special education transportation to and from school on regular routes under contract to the Fairmont, Minn., school district. (Id.) The Fairmont Area School District consists of 3 public schools along with 4 nonpublic schools. (Id.) The district has approximately 2,100 students and encompasses a service area of "175.1 miles."/2 (Id.) The contract service that Minnesota Motor Bus provides for the Fairmont Area Public Schools involves running approximately 17 full sized school buses that are used for transporting regular education students to and from school and for extracurricular trips. (Id. at 3-4.) Minnesota Motor Bus also utilizes approximately 5 smaller buses and 4 vans that transport preschool and special needs students. (Id. at 4.) Minnesota Motor Bus has serviced the Fairmont Area School District continually since 1979. (Id.) Minnesota Motor Bus also provides school charter trips for extracurricular activities and other special events within Minnesota. (Id.) On limited occasions, these charter services have involved transportation across state lines into neighboring states. (Id.) Minnesota Motor Bus also provides charter bus service for university and youth groups, transporting them to sporting events and similar activities within the state of Minnesota and across state lines, primarily into Iowa and South Dakota. (Id.) Minnesota Motor Bus does not conduct regularly scheduled motorcoach service in interstate commerce. (Id.) Minnesota Motor Bus conducts approximately 40 interstate trips per year, which is minimal in comparison to its overall intrastate school transportation operations. (Id.)
According to the application, approximately 10% of Minnesota Motor Bus's revenue is from interstate operations. Minnesota Motor Bus's customer base is comprised of approximately 40% from the Fairmont Area School District service, approximately 40% from providing charter bus service to universities in the Fairmont service area, and approximately 20% from providing charter bus service to youth groups in the Fairmont service area. (Id.) Minnesota Motor Bus operates a fleet that includes 2 motorcoaches and 22 school buses. (Id.) It operates its fleet primarily from its Fairmont terminal, with additional terminals in Northrup, Minn., and Ceylon, Minn. (Id. at 4-5.) Minnesota Motor Bus employs approximately 30 drivers and has approximately 31 total employees. (Id. at 5.)
The territories primarily serviced by Minnesota Motor Bus and Southwest Coaches do not overlap, as they are located 120 miles apart. (Id. at 7.) Minnesota Motor Bus provides service in the Fairmont area and Southwest Coaches provides service in the Marshall area. (Id.) Minnesota Motor Bus's main competitor for charter or tour transportation is Reading Bus Lines, whereas Southwest Coaches' main competitor for charter or tour transportation is Thielen Bus Lines. (Id.) There are approximately four other direct competitors in each of the service areas, and the competitive landscape has not materially changed since the Transaction in 2010. (Id.) Both Minnesota Motor Bus and Southwest Coaches generally face competition from national, regional and local bus providers operating within their respective service areas or within Minnesota or neighboring states. (Id.) In addition, both companies face considerable competition for transportation services from other modes of transportation including airlines, intercity passenger rail or commuter rail services, and private motor vehicles. (Id.) Applicants explain that, other than Southwest Coaches and Minnesota Motor Bus, there are no other affiliated carriers with Board-regulated interstate passenger operations within Applicants' control. (Id. at 8.) Applicants state that they now understand that a control application should have been filed with the Board prior to their 2010 acquisition of control of Minnesota Motor Bus and thus are seeking after the fact authority for the Transaction, (id. at 7-8). See 49 U.S.C. 14303(a)(5).
Under 49 U.S.C. 14303(b), the Board must approve and authorize a transaction that it finds consistent with the public interest, taking into consideration at least (1) the effect of the proposed transaction on the adequacy of transportation to the public, (2) the total fixed charges that result from the proposed transaction, and (3) the interest of affected carrier employees. Applicants have submitted the information required by 49 CFR 1182.2, including information to demonstrate that the transaction is consistent with the public interest under 49 U.S.C. 14303(b), see 49 CFR 1182.2(a)(7), and a jurisdictional statement under 49 U.S.C. 14303(g) that the aggregate gross operating revenues of the involved carriers exceeded $2 million during the 12month period immediately preceding the filing of the application, see 49 CFR 1182.2(a)(5). (See Appl. 10-13.)
Applicants state that the Transaction has not resulted in any significant changes to the nature or scope of the general operations conducted by Minnesota Motor Bus or Southwest Coaches. (Id. at 9.) Applicants assert that the Transaction has not produced adverse competitive effects in any relevant geographic market and has not impaired the adequacy of transportation to the public. (Id. at 9, 12.) According to the Applicants, the school transportation services that Minnesota Motor Bus and Southwest Coaches each provide are under contract to different school districts in different service areas that are 120 miles apart, and there is no overlap in the school district service areas or routes served by Minnesota Motor Bus and Southwest Coaches. (Id. at 9.) In addition, Minnesota Motor Coach and Southwest Coaches provide charter service to other customers in distinct service areas, with Minnesota Motor Bus operating in the Fairmont area and Southwest Coaches operating in the Marshall area. (Id.) Applicants also state that Southwest Coaches' service to tour companies is in a market in which Minnesota Motor Bus does not compete. (Id. at 9-10.) Furthermore, both carriers face substantial competition for charter and special-trip service from other bus providers, including national, local and regional, and from numerous other modes of transportation. (Id. at 10.)
Applicants state that the Transaction did not result in fixed charges that adversely affected the ability of Minnesota Motor Bus or Southwest Coaches to continue to provide safe and quality transportation service, and states that Minnesota Motor Bus was acquired by the Applicants individually, by and through their own personal financing. (Id.) Applicants assert that the Transaction has not had any material adverse effect on employee or labor conditions. (Id.) Applicants state that they are not aware of any layoffs, adverse changes to wages, benefits, or working conditions as a result of the Transaction, and Applicants note that the Transaction also allowed Applicants to expand and hire additional drivers and employees. (Id.)
The Board finds that the Transaction as described in the application is consistent with the public interest and should be tentatively approved and authorized after the fact. If any opposing comments are timely filed, these findings will be deemed vacated, and, unless a final decision can be made on the record as developed, a procedural schedule will be adopted to reconsider the application. See 49 CFR 1182.6. If no opposing comments are filed by the expiration of the comment period, this notice will take effect automatically and will be the final Board action in this proceeding.
This action is categorically excluded from environmental review under 49 CFR 1105.6(c).
Board decisions and notices are available at www.stb.gov.
It is ordered:
1. The Transaction is approved and authorized after-the-fact, subject to the filing of opposing comments.
2. If opposing comments are timely filed, the findings made in this notice will be deemed vacated.
3. This notice will be effective May 19, 2026, unless opposing comments are filed by May 18, 2026. If any comments are filed, Applicants may file a reply by June 2, 2026.
4. A copy of this notice will be served on: (1) the U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, S.E., Washington, DC 20590; (2) the U.S. Department of Justice, Antitrust Division, 10th Street & Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC 20530; and (3) the U.S. Department of Transportation, Office of General Counsel, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, S.E., Washington, DC 20590.
5. This notice will be published in the Federal Register.
Decided: March 28, 2026.
By the Board, Board Members Fuchs, Hedlund, and Schultz.
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Footnotes:
1/ The Applicants use the term "miles" throughout the application, which is a measure of length, not area. Likely the Applicants intended to use the term "square miles."
2/ See infra. note 1.
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Original text here: https://dcms-external.s3.amazonaws.com/DCMS_External_PROD/1775226602913/52949.pdf
Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory: Expanding America's Role in Fusion Systems in France and Japan
WASHINGTON, April 4 -- The U.S. Department of Energy Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory issued the following news:
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Expanding America's role in fusion systems in France and Japan
PPPL's Luis Delgado-Aparicio will lead a project to provide essential measurement equipment for two doughnut-shaped fusion devices: WEST and JT 60SA
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Harnessing fusion energy requires seeing deep inside the plasma that fuels the reaction to understand its behavior. But it's challenging to catch a glimpse. Custom technology is needed to measure particles hotter than the sun, many times per second.
A new international
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, April 4 -- The U.S. Department of Energy Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory issued the following news:
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Expanding America's role in fusion systems in France and Japan
PPPL's Luis Delgado-Aparicio will lead a project to provide essential measurement equipment for two doughnut-shaped fusion devices: WEST and JT 60SA
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Harnessing fusion energy requires seeing deep inside the plasma that fuels the reaction to understand its behavior. But it's challenging to catch a glimpse. Custom technology is needed to measure particles hotter than the sun, many times per second.
A new internationalproject will add powerful new X ray imaging systems to fusion experiments in France and Japan, along with a multi energy camera system in France, to make those measurements and help guide the design of future fusion systems.
The effort is led by the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL), a global leader in fusion research, working with partners at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UTK) and host laboratories overseas. R-V Industries (RVI), a private company based in Honey Brook, Pennsylvania, built and tested many of the system's parts, including the vacuum chambers, stands, mounts and bellows.
"This investment marks a critical step toward advancing our U.S. Fusion Science & Technology Roadmap and the Genesis Mission," said Jean Paul Allain, Director of the Office of Fusion at DOE. "The high-quality data generated will be invaluable for model validation and verification, while also advancing our efforts to converge artificial intelligence and fusion data, supporting the DOE's Genesis Mission through the AI-Fusion Digital Convergence Platform."
DOE has provided $12.5 million in funding for the project, with PPPL staff stationed abroad for several years. International partners often turn to PPPL for the Lab's unparalleled theory, computation and diagnostic techniques, adding rich value to the overall fusion landscape. As PPPL marks its 75th anniversary this year, the project highlights how the Lab's legacy of discovery continues to shape the future of fusion energy around the world.
"This is a strong example of scaling up the capability of the Lab and the U.S. program through international partnership on a major international facility," said Matthew Lanctot, acting research division director for the DOE's Fusion Energy Sciences.
Seeing the whole plasma
At the tungsten (W) Environment in Steady-state Tokamak (WEST), PPPL and MIT are adding two new X-ray Imaging Crystal Spectrometer (XICS) systems to look through the top and bottom of the plasma, adding to an existing French system that looks through the center. Because these new views avoid the central axis of the doughnut-shaped plasma, scientists call them 'off-axis' -- and they're essential for seeing the full picture. The additional systems will let researchers look at the plasma from more angles and with greater precision. Such a view is critical for understanding how plasma behaves and, ultimately, how to produce a sustained fusion reaction.
"If you think of the plasma like a human body, if you only look at the belly button, then you don't know what's happening with the head or the feet," said PPPL's head of advanced projects Luis Delgado-Aparicio, who leads the project. "Now we will be completing the picture, so we can study the entire body."
What is XICS?
XICS measures X-rays emitted by plasma to determine critical information, including temperature, flow speed and direction, along with the density of unwanted particles that can cool the plasma. These measurements are essential to keeping the fusion reaction stable. There are other systems that can gather such measurements, but they can sometimes provide inaccurate measurements if the temperature shifts. XICS' advanced calibration system ensures every measurement is highly accurate.
Ultimately, the expanded and improved view provided by XICS will allow for a better understanding of how plasma behaves inside a fusion system like WEST, which is operated by France's Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission in partnership with the EUROfusion consortium. It is one of many fusion systems worldwide known as a tokamak: a doughnut-shaped device that confines a plasma using magnetic fields. WEST is particularly interesting to study because its walls are made of tungsten, a material many fusion researchers believe is the best choice in terms of longevity and plasma management.
MIT is implementing the two off-axis XICS systems, which will show how temperature, rotation and tungsten impurity levels vary across the entire plasma -- not just at one point, but mapped from the plasma's core to edge. "This is crucial information for all heat, momentum and impurity transport studies," said John Rice, a senior research scientist at MIT's Plasma Science and Fusion Center.
Managing heat for future fusion systems
Delgado Aparicio and PPPL staff research scientist Tullio Barbui are also designing a new vertical multi-energy soft X-ray camera to pair with an existing horizontal camera on WEST. Much like XICS, the vertical multi-energy camera will provide insights into managing the heat inside a tungsten-clad tokamak.
"Using the data produced by the multi-energy suite and by XICS, we're going to all work together to understand particle transport, plasma confinement and radiation management and, ultimately, manage power loss so that fusion systems can run efficiently," said Delgado Aparicio.
Livia Casali, an assistant professor, Zinkle Fellow and ITER scientist fellow at UTK, will design and execute experiments to test impurity behavior. The measurements from the new PPPL spectrometer will provide detailed constraints on radiation and impurity transport. Casali will then use her novel computer code, SICAS, to analyze the experimental data gathered in WEST and the tokamak JT-60SA, which is in Naka, Japan. "Impurities affect radiation and temperature, which, in turn, modify plasma conditions that then alter impurity behavior," Casali said. "SICAS captures this feedback loop consistently, producing a clear and unified view of the whole plasma system." Casali's code simulates ion and impurity transport across the entire plasma system within an integrated framework that allows each region to dynamically influence the others.
Testing advanced scenarios on JT 60SA
JT 60SA, a tokamak operated by Japan's National Institutes for Quantum Science and Technology in collaboration with Europe's Fusion for Energy, will also receive a 3.3 metric ton XICS system designed and built by PPPL. The XICS system has already been packed into seven large crates for shipment and will be installed and tested over the next two years, with the first data expected in September 2026.
The project will involve significant international collaboration and data sharing, with PPPL researchers working in Japan for the next four years. The project is just one way that PPPL continues to amplify its impact through partnerships with companies, universities and labs across the U.S. and the world.
"This project ties together what we learn on WEST and JT 60SA and feeds it directly into PPPL's broader tokamak program," said Rajesh Maingi, head of tokamak experimental science at PPPL, who serves as the project's formal monitor. "It's a model for how U.S. laboratories can contribute high impact diagnostics to international facilities."
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PPPL is mastering the art of using plasma -- the fourth state of matter -- to solve some of the world's toughest science and technology challenges. Nestled on Princeton University's Forrestal Campus in Plainsboro, New Jersey, our research ignites innovation in a range of applications including fusion energy, nanoscale fabrication, quantum materials and devices, and sustainability science. The University manages the Laboratory for the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Science, which is the nation's single largest supporter of basic research in the physical sciences. Feel the heat at https://energy.gov/science and https://www.pppl.gov.
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Original text here: https://www.pppl.gov/news/2026/expanding-america%E2%80%99s-role-fusion-systems-france-and-japan
Karns Foods Issues Voluntary Recall of Mini Dark Chocolate Raspberry Cups Due to Undeclared Peanuts
WASHINGTON, April 4 -- The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Food and Drug Administration issued the following recall notice:
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Karns Foods Issues Voluntary Recall of Mini Dark Chocolate Raspberry Cups Due to Undeclared Peanuts
Summary
Company Announcement Date: April 02, 2026
FDA Publish Date: April 03, 2026
Product Type: Food & Beverages
Allergens
Reason for Announcement: May contain undeclared peanut allergen
Company Name: Karns Foods
Brand Name: Karns Foods
Product Description: Mini Dark Chocolate Raspberry Cups
Company Announcement
Mechanicsburg, PA -- Karns Foods
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, April 4 -- The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Food and Drug Administration issued the following recall notice:
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Karns Foods Issues Voluntary Recall of Mini Dark Chocolate Raspberry Cups Due to Undeclared Peanuts
Summary
Company Announcement Date: April 02, 2026
FDA Publish Date: April 03, 2026
Product Type: Food & Beverages
Allergens
Reason for Announcement: May contain undeclared peanut allergen
Company Name: Karns Foods
Brand Name: Karns Foods
Product Description: Mini Dark Chocolate Raspberry Cups
Company Announcement
Mechanicsburg, PA -- Karns Foodsis voluntarily recalling its approximate 8-ounce packages of "Mini Dark Chocolate Raspberry Cups" because they may contain undeclared peanuts. People who have allergies to peanuts run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products.
The recalled "Mini Dark Chocolate Raspberry Cups" were distributed to Karns Foods locations in Pennsylvania. The product comes in an 8-ounce, clear plastic package marked with a pack date on September 18, 2025. Approximal 26-42 packs were affected.
No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this problem.
The recall was initiated after it was discovered that the peanut-containing product was distributed in packaging that did not reveal the presence of peanuts as an active ingredient. Subsequent investigation indicates the problem was caused by a temporary breakdown in the company's packaging processes.
Products with this pack date were pulled immediately from shelves on January 30, 2026. Notification efforts to registered rewards shoppers who purchased the product were made at that time.
Consumers who have purchased packages of Mini Dark Chocolate Raspberry Cups are urged to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 717-766-6477 8 am - 3 pm Monday -Friday EST.
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Original text here: https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/karns-foods-issues-voluntary-recall-mini-dark-chocolate-raspberry-cups-due-undeclared-peanut
FEMA Supports Survivors at SBA Disaster Loan Outreach Center in Bethel
WASHINGTON, April 4 -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security Federal Emergency Management Agency issued the following news release:
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FEMA Supports Survivors at SBA Disaster Loan Outreach Center in Bethel
ANCHORAGE, Alaska -FEMA will now support survivors from SBA's Bethel Disaster Loan Outreach Center (DLOC). Alaskan residents impacted by the October severe storms, flooding and remnants of Typhoon Halong can connect with FEMA staff to answer questions about their application, upload required documents and receive further guidance.
Bethel DLOC - Bethel City Hall - Meeting Rm.
300
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, April 4 -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security Federal Emergency Management Agency issued the following news release:
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FEMA Supports Survivors at SBA Disaster Loan Outreach Center in Bethel
ANCHORAGE, Alaska -FEMA will now support survivors from SBA's Bethel Disaster Loan Outreach Center (DLOC). Alaskan residents impacted by the October severe storms, flooding and remnants of Typhoon Halong can connect with FEMA staff to answer questions about their application, upload required documents and receive further guidance.
Bethel DLOC - Bethel City Hall - Meeting Rm.
300Chief Eddie Hoffman Hwy.
Bethel, AK 99559
Monday - Friday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Alaskans may also get on-site assistance with their FEMA application from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays at:
Aspen Suites Hotel Anchorage North
624 Rodeo Place
Room 141
Anchorage, AK 99508
Survivors will continue to be able to connect with FEMA staff through FEMA's Alaska Call Center at 1-866-342-1699 from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, to answer questions about their application and receive further guidance.
Survivors are strongly encouraged to apply for both the State of Alaksa and FEMA Individual Assistance programs to maximize recovery benefits. Eligible survivors may get assistance with disaster-related needs such as subsistence equipment, snowmachines, stove oil, all-terrain vehicles, rental expenses, home repairs, vehicle damage, medical expenses, moving and storage and reimbursement for temporary housing.
If you applied for FEMA disaster assistance, it is important to stay in touch with FEMA about your disaster assistance application. If you disagree with FEMA's decision, you have 60 days from the date of your decision letter to make an appeal.
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FEMA is committed to ensuring disaster assistance is accomplished impartially, without discrimination on the grounds of race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, English proficiency, or economic status. Any disaster survivor or member of the public may contact the FEMA Civil Rights Office if they feel that they have a complaint of discrimination. FEMA's Civil Rights Office can be contacted at FEMA-OCR-ECRD@fema.dhs.gov or toll-free at 833-285-7448.
Follow FEMA Region 10 on X and LinkedIn for the latest updates and visit FEMA.gov for more information.
FEMA's mission is helping people before, during and after disasters.
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Original text here: https://www.fema.gov/press-release/20260403/fema-supports-survivors-sba-disaster-loan-outreach-center-bethel
District of Arizona Charges 226 Individuals for Immigration-Related Criminal Conduct This Week
PHOENIX, Arizona, April 4 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the District of Arizona posted the following news release on April 3, 2026:
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District of Arizona Charges 226 Individuals for Immigration-Related Criminal Conduct this Week
During the week of enforcement operations from March 28 through April 3, 2026, the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Arizona brought immigration-related criminal charges against 226 individuals. Specifically, the United States filed 117 cases in which aliens illegally re-entered the United States, and the United States also charged 95 aliens for
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PHOENIX, Arizona, April 4 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the District of Arizona posted the following news release on April 3, 2026:
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District of Arizona Charges 226 Individuals for Immigration-Related Criminal Conduct this Week
During the week of enforcement operations from March 28 through April 3, 2026, the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Arizona brought immigration-related criminal charges against 226 individuals. Specifically, the United States filed 117 cases in which aliens illegally re-entered the United States, and the United States also charged 95 aliens forillegally entering the United States. In its ongoing effort to deter unlawful immigration, the United States filed 14 cases against 14 individuals responsible for smuggling illegal aliens into and within the District of Arizona.
These cases were referred or supported by federal law enforcement partners, including U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Enforcement and Removal Operations (ICE-ERO), ICE Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI), U.S. Border Patrol, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the FBI, the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS), and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
Recent matters of interest include:
United States v. Porfirio Astorga-Rivera. Astorga-Rivera was charged by criminal complaint on April 1, 2026, with Bringing an Alien to the United States Unlawfully for Profit. On March 31, Border Patrol agents were alerted to the presence of a potential group of illegal aliens near Tule Road in Wellton, Arizona. The agents apprehended three individuals, including Astorga- Rivera, attempting to conceal themselves and wearing camouflage clothing and carpet shoes. Agents learned that Astorga-Rivera led the group through an opening in the border wall and that he would receive $1,000 per illegal alien he led into the country. Astorga-Rivera and the two other individuals are citizens of Mexico, unlawfully present in the United States. [Case Number: 26-MJ-1255]
United States v. Idefonso Beltran-Aispuro. Beltran-Aispuro was charged by criminal complaint on April 1, 2026, with Bringing an Alien to the United States Unlawfully for Profit. On March 30, a Border Patrol agent discovered a group of five individuals wearing camouflage clothing and carrying camouflage backpacks between the Cabeza Prieta Mountains and Copper Mountains in Wellton, Arizona. Border Patrol agents apprehended four of the individuals in brush and later located Beltran-Aispuro hiding in a tree. Agents learned that Beltran-Aispuro guided the group of four into the United States and that he was promised $1,000 per individual he led into the country. [Case Number 26-MJ-1248]
These cases are part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department's Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
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A criminal complaint is a formal accusation of criminal conduct. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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RELEASE NUMBER: 2026-057_April 3, 2026 Immigration Enforcement
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For more information on the U.S. Attorney's Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
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Original text here: https://www.justice.gov/usao-az/pr/district-arizona-charges-226-individuals-immigration-related-criminal-conduct-week
