Spirit Airlines collapses, stranding passengers; gas prices keep surging across the country.
There is no more runway for Spirit Airlines. The discount carrier, known for yellow planes, ceased operations after struggling with rising fuel costs, intense competition and heavy debt. The airline ran out of cash after two bankruptcy filings in two years. A proposed $500 million bailout unraveled when bondholders opposed terms. Passengers at airports were grounded with little notice; some final flights landed and crews were bid farewell by air traffic controllers. At its peak, Spirit employed about 17,000 people. The Transportation Department said several airlines offered capped or discounted fares for stranded passengers, and carriers were offering spare seats and hiring interviews for Spirit employees, but those discounted rates will last only a few days and travelers should rebook quickly.
Gas prices continue to surge amid the Iran war. A gallon of regular averaged $4.43, climbing sharply since hostilities began—up more than $1.40 in some regions. Midwest states have been hardest hit, with prices jumping roughly $1 in a week in places like Ohio, Indiana and Michigan. The White House and the administration have pointed to global disruptions, including the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and resulting jet-fuel price spikes, while critics blamed past merger-blocking decisions. President Trump said prices will fall when the war ends, while also dismissing some diplomatic moves and calling the U.S. Navy’s blockade actions “pirate” operations.
In the Strait of Hormuz and surrounding waters, the U.S.-imposed blockade has halted much shipping. U.S. forces have seized Iranian vessels and turned back Iranian-linked ships, while Iran’s Revolutionary Guard has launched dozens of attacks and seizures on commercial vessels. Thousands of mariners remain trapped at sea, rationing supplies and awaiting a resolution to return home. At least 10 merchant mariners have been reported killed and tens of thousands are affected by the maritime standoff.
Legal and political updates: an emergency application was filed with the U.S. Supreme Court seeking to restore mail access to the abortion pill mifepristone after a lower-court ruling restricted distribution. Meanwhile, mid-decade redistricting fights intensified after the Supreme Court ruled that a Louisiana congressional map was an unconstitutional race-based gerrymander. The decision has prompted several Southern states to scramble and adjust maps before the midterms, raising concerns about changes in congressional representation and the potential for more Republican seats. Some officials insist minority representation won’t be lost; Democrats promise legal fights and look at other states for potential map changes.
Weather and environment: Severe weather moved across the Gulf Coast with heavy rain and storms causing slick roads and crashes in Houston, while another system raised concerns for the Midwest and Plains with storms possible into Tuesday. In the Pacific, an unusually massive marine heat wave stretches 1,500 miles from California to Mexico; ocean temperatures are 4–8 degrees above normal in places. Scientists warn this could last months, fuel harmful algal blooms, harm marine ecosystems, and amplify extreme weather if El Niño develops, potentially bringing a stormy summer.
Science and wildlife: Off Germany, a stranded humpback whale nicknamed Timmy was released back into the North Sea after capture and transport following failed attempts to coax it back to deeper waters. In Oakland, an orphaned mountain-lion cub named Crimson, found at three weeks old in the Santa Monica Mountains and missing toes on one hind foot, is receiving care at the zoo and has captured public attention. The zoo emphasizes rescue and rehabilitation efforts for animals that cannot survive in the wild.
Other items:
– Kentucky Derby: Golden Tempo won the 152nd Kentucky Derby, beating favorites; the winner was trained by a woman—a first for the Derby.
– Royal family: A new photo of Britain’s Princess Charlotte was released for her 11th birthday, taken during a family Easter trip. The family also shared video of Charlotte playing at the beach with the family dogs.
– Weekend features included coverage of rescue efforts, human-interest stories and national news roundups.
The CBS Weekend News production in New York covered these stories and more, with reporting from correspondents at airports, regional field bureaus, the White House and international desks. The broadcast also included regular weather updates, environmental reporting on ocean heat, and pieces on animal rescue and human-interest segments.