Israel to establish buffer zone in south Lebanon up to Litani River, defence minister says

JERUSALEM, March 31 (Reuters) - Israel will establish a buffer zone inside southern Lebanon ‌and maintain control over the entire ‌area up to the Litani River once the conflict ​with Hezbollah militants ends, Israel's defence minister said on Tuesday.

"At the end of the operation, the IDF would control the area ‌up to the ⁠Litani River, including the remaining Litani bridges, while eliminating Radwan forces that ⁠infiltrated the area and destroying all weapons there," Israel Katz said in a statement ​following a ​security assessment, calling ​it a "security zone".

Radwan ‌forces are an elite military unit of Hezbollah.

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Katz said that the more than 600,000 Lebanese residents who have been evacuated northward would be barred from returning south of the ‌Litani until the safety ​of residents in northern ​Israel is guaranteed.

To ​that end, "all homes in villages ‌near the border in ​Lebanon would be ​destroyed, according to the model of Rafah and Beit Hanoun in Gaza, in ​order to ‌permanently remove threats near the border ​to northern residents" in Israel, Katz ​said.

(Reporting by Steven Scheer)

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March 31, 2026

Israel to establish buffer zone in south Lebanon up to Litani River, defence minister says

JERUSALEM, March 31 (Reuters) - Israel will establish a buffer zone inside southern Lebanon ‌and maintain control over t...

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April 2026 calendar includes April Fools' Day, Passover, Easter, more

Spring has sprung, birds are singing and flowers are blooming, which can only meanAprilis arriving.

While there are no federal holidays in April, the month is still packed with religious holidays and observances like Passover, Good Friday and Easter, as well as other celebrations such as April Fools' Day and Earth Day.

This month's full moon, known as the Pink Moon, will also make an appearance in addition to two major meteor showers.

Here's everything the month of April has in store in 2026.

Warmer days and blossoming flowers are signs that spring — which officially began on March 20 — is upon us. See stunning photos of scenes from spring 2026.

The Pink Trumpet Tree (Tabebuia Impetiginosa) springs to life at the Hibiscus Fountain in Palm Beach, Fla., March 5, 2026.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Light rain gathers on a car window parked near Scituate Light which is reflected in the raindrops on the windshield in in Scituate, Mass., March 16, 2026

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Mist rises pond at Lakes Park, Fla., on March 24, 2026.

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See the beauty of spring in these stunning photos from across the US

Warmer days and blossoming flowers are signs thatspring— which officially began on March 20 — is upon us. See stunning photos of scenes from spring 2026.The Pink Trumpet Tree (Tabebuia Impetiginosa) springs to life at the Hibiscus Fountain in Palm Beach, Fla., March 5, 2026.

What is Holy Week?A guide to the days leading up to Easter.

Federal holidays in April 2026

There are no federal holidays in April.

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In total, 2026 has 11 federal holidays across 11 days, according to theOffice of Personnel Management. The next one, Memorial Day, won't be until Monday, May 25.

What religious holidays are in April 2026?

There are multiple cultural and religious holidays in April. Here are when they'll be, according toInterfaith AmericaandDiversity Resources:

• Passover (Jewish) - begins on the evening of Wednesday, April 1, and ends on Thursday, April 9

• The Memorial of Jesus' Death (Jehovah's Witness) - Thursday, April 2

• Holy Thursday (Christian) - Thursday, April 2

• Good Friday (Christian) - Friday, April 3

• Easter (Christian) - Sunday, April 5

• Buddha's Birthday (Buddhist) - Wednesday, April 8

• Vaisakhi (Sikh) - Monday, April 13

• Ridván (Baha'i) - Begins on Monday, April 20, and ends on Saturday, May 2

What space events are happening in April 2026?

The Pink Moon will peak on Wednesday, April 1, at 10:12 p.m. ET, according to theOld Farmer's Almanac.The following celestial events will also happen throughout the month:

• Full moon/Pink Moon - Wednesday, April 1

• Lyrids Meteor Shower - Tuesday, April 14, to Thursday, April 30; peaks from Tuesday, April 21 to Wednesday, April 22

• New Moon - Friday, April 17

• Eta Aquariids- Sunday, April 19th, 2026, to Thursday, May 28th, 2026; peaks Tuesday, May 5, to Wednesday, May 6

Other notable calendar dates for April 2026

The following are other holidays, celebrations, and events occurring in April:

• April Fools' Day- Wednesday, April 1

• Tax Day- Wednesday, April 15

• Earth Day- Wednesday, April 22

• Arbor Day- Friday, April 24

Unique days in April 2026

The following are some of the more unique and odd days celebrated throughout the month of April, according to the National Day Calendar:

• National Walking Day- Wednesday, April 1

• National Burrito Day- Thursday, April 2

• National Unicorn Day- Thursday, April 9

• National Siblings Day- Friday, April 10

• National Pet Day- Saturday, April 11

• National Grilled Cheese Sandwich Day- Sunday, April 12

• National Laundry Day- Wednesday, April 15

• National Lookalike Day- Monday, April 20

• Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day (also known as Take Your Child to Work Day)- Thursday, April 23

• National Pretzel Day- Sunday, April 26

Julia Gomez is a Trending reporter for USA TODAY and covers popular toys, scientific studies, natural disasters, holidays, and trending news. Connect with her onLinkedIn,X,Instagram, andTikTok: @juliamariegz, or email her at jgomez@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:What's happening in April 2026? See key calendar dates, holidays, more

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March 31, 2026

April 2026 calendar includes April Fools' Day, Passover, Easter, more

Spring has sprung, birds are singing and flowers are blooming, which can only meanAprilis arriving. While the...

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Celine Dion says she's returning to live concerts

After an emotional return to the stage at the 2024 Paris Olympics opening ceremony,Celine Dionhas announced she will return to the City of Light for a series of comeback concerts this fall.

The singer announced in a press release Monday that she will perform a residency-style run of shows at Paris La Défense Arena beginning Sept. 12, marking her first full concerts in years as she continues to managestiff-person syndrome.

The concerts were teased in March through a poster campaign across Paris featuring the titles of some of Dion's most famous songs, including "Pour que tu m'aimes encore" and "Power of Love," before the shows were officially confirmed.

Dion will perform multiple shows per week throughout September and October at the 40,000-seat venue, which has previously hosted major acts such as Taylor Swift, the Rolling Stones and Kendrick Lamar.

The 10-show concert series is currently scheduled to conclude Wednesday, Oct. 14, according to a press release.

In a statement included in Monday's press release, Dion said, "Over the last few years, every day that's gone by, I've felt your prayers and support, your kindness and love. You've helped me in ways that I can't even describe, and I'm truly fortunate to have your support."

"This year, I'm getting the best birthday gift of my life…I'm getting the chance to see you, to perform for you once again in Paris, beginning in September!" she continued. "I'm feeling good, I'm strong, I'm feeling excited, obviously a little nervous, but most of all, I'm grateful to all of YOU! I love you all and I'll see you soon!"

Celine Dion gives impromptu performance of 'My Heart Will Go On' during golf match

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ABC News reached out to Dion's representative for comment but did not immediately receive a response.

The Paris shows mark a long-awaited return to the venue for Dion, who was originally scheduled to bring her Courage World Tour there in 2020. Those dates were postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and later canceled following Dion's 2022 diagnosis of stiff-person syndrome, a rare neurological disorder that includes rigidity and stiffness of certain areas of the body, causing unsteadiness, slower movements and difficulties walking.

The diagnosis forced her to cancel multiple subsequent tour dates across North America, Europe and the U.K.

Dion's health journey was documented in the 2024 film"I Am: Celine Dion,"where the singer spoke candidly about how much performing means to her.

"When you record, it sounds great. But when you go on stage, it will be greater. I think we did create our own magic," she said in the film.

She also reflected on the emotional toll of canceling shows due to her health.

"It's not hard to do a show, you know. It's hard to cancel a show," Dion said, adding that while her condition had kept her off the stage, she had no plans to give up.

"I'm working hard every day, but I have to admit: It's been a struggle. I miss it so much. The people, I miss them," she said at the time. "If I can't run, I'll walk. If I can't walk, I'll crawl. And I won't stop. I won't stop."

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March 31, 2026

Celine Dion says she's returning to live concerts

After an emotional return to the stage at the 2024 Paris Olympics opening ceremony,Celine Dionhas announced she will ret...

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Eric Dane's final TV performance teased in new 'Euphoria' trailer

Eric Dane'sfinal television performance is set to air nearly two months after his death.

The late actor died Feb. 19, following a battle withALS. Prior to his death, he returned to his role as Cal Jacobs in the hit HBO series "Euphoria" for the show's highly anticipated third season.

Fans got a preview of Dane's final performance as Cal in the show's latest trailer, which dropped Monday.

In the trailer, Jules Vaughn, played by Hunter Schafer, approaches Cal and asks him, "Remember me?"

Cal replies, "How can I forget?"

Eric Dane remembered by friends, costars after his death at 53

Dane's performance as Cal is regarded as one of his most unforgettable roles.

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In his final interview with Brad Falchuk on Netflix's "Famous Last Words," which aired Feb. 19, Dane said that he "put a lot of effort into" the role.

Eric Dane's family attends 'The Drama' LA premiere 1 month after his death

He added, "Cal and I are very similar in that we know what it's like to lead a double life. I've had experience with that with my battle with drugs and alcohol. I know what it is like to not have my insides match my outside.

A logline for "Euphoria" season 3 states that the new installment will focus on the group of childhood friends as they "wrestle with the virtue of faith, the possibility of redemption, and the problem of evil."

Returning to season 3 with Dane and Schafer are Zendaya, Jacob Elordi, Sydney Sweeney, Alexa Demie, Maude Apatow, Martha Kelly, Chloe Cherry, Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje and Toby Wallace.

Colman Domingo, Nika King, Alanna Ubach, Sophia Rose Wilson, Melvin Bonez Estes, Daeg Faerch, Paula Marshall, Zak Steiner and Marsha Gambles are also returning as guest stars.

"Euphoria" season 3 will debut on HBO and stream on HBO Max on April 12.

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March 31, 2026

Eric Dane's final TV performance teased in new 'Euphoria' trailer

Eric Dane'sfinal television performance is set to air nearly two months after his death. The...

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