Thursday, 7 April 2022

What to know about those high gas prices — plus, baseball is back. Here's the latest news.

April 07, 2022 | VIEW IN BROWSER

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Gas prices are on the rise, and Congress is getting to the bottom of why. Plus, Travis Barker and Kourtney Kardashian shared photos of their "practice" wedding, and it's time to play ball — today is opening day for Major League Baseball.

THE LATEST

⛽ Congress grilled oil executives over accusations of price-gouging at the pump

As Americans continue to feel pain at the gas pump, the CEOs of six large oil and gas companies denied claims by Democratic lawmakers of profiteering and price-gouging by refusing to increase production. Gas has risen an average of $1.34 a gallon in the last year, which the oil executives said at Wednesday's hearing is due to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, a tight supply chain and other factors. Republican House members, meanwhile, blamed the increase on President Joe Biden's policies.

⚾ Baseball is back! Opening Day is today.

The owners' lockout is in the rearview mirror, and it's time to play ball. So buy us some peanuts and Cracker Jills (yes, Jills), as Major League Baseball kicks off its season with seven games today, including the defending World Series champion Atlanta Braves. This season also marks the 75th anniversary of Jackie Robinson breaking the sport's color barrier, which MLB will honor later this month.

🚶‍♀️Did your National Walking Day get rained out? It's not too late to get moving.

National Walking Day yesterday was a reminder that sometimes a simple walk is all you need to boost your mental health and kickstart an exercise plan. Here's how to get your best walking workout, whether you have 5 minutes or 40. And if you're looking for a daily regimen to get you off the couch, this 31-day walking plan will get you back in a good routine.

Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Barker are sharing photos from whatever happened in Vegas.

Was it a real wedding? Was it a "practice" wedding? Is it official if you don't have a marriage license? We don't know! (But probably not.) Kourtney shared some new pics from her Las Vegas nuptials with Travis Barker, which occurred after the Grammys (and apparently some tequila) on Sunday. "Practice makes perfect," she wrote on Instagram.

The sister of a man with autism is using TikTok to break down stereotypes about his condition.

In a moving essay, Brittany McGuire shares how making TikTok videos with her older brother Ryan has helped educate people about autism. Whether it's doing viral dances or giving out Ryan's "Tip of the Day," Brittany, 25, says the experience has been "priceless" after a childhood where she struggled to understand him. It's also helped Ryan come out of his shell. "I'm stepping out of my comfort zone and into the fire," he told Hoda.

WHAT'S FOR DINNER?

Allow us to do the meal-planning for you.

Chef Ayesha Nurdjaja stopped by with a few modern twists on classic Middle Eastern appetizers, perfect for your next get-together or weeknight hang. These cheesy bourekas — a popular baked pastry — look so impressive, but they're surprisingly easy to make. We've also got some braised butter beans that are like a big, warm hug in a bowl. Or, slather them on a hot pita. Yum.

DAILY DELIGHT

A little pick-me-up before you go.

Sgt. Tim Gordon pulled off a top-secret mission that ended in tears of joy and sweet hugs with his two children. Gordon, who serves in the Army National Guard, came home early from Iraq and surprised his young daughter and son at their elementary school in New York, where his wife also works. The emotional reunion after 386 days apart was only fitting as April is the Month of the Military Child.

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