## Trump's VA killed a home loan program. Vets are now losing their homes because of it

Authored by npr.org

A loan backed by the VA is considered one of the most valuable benefits for military service members and has helped millions achieve homeownership.

After an NPR investigation exposed the problem, the VA halted foreclosures for a year while it rolled out a fix.

Since then, more than 10,000 veterans have lost their homes through foreclosure sales, according to ICE Mortgage Technology, which tracks such data.

It's unclear how many of those veterans could have avoided foreclosure through the rescue plan, called VASP, or the VA Servicing Purchase program.

VA officials did not respond to NPR's questions about why the agency shut down VASP without first replacing it with anything else.

But because VA killed VASP before standing up the new program, they were stranded without either option.

In its written statement, the VA said it stands ready to assist the Ledfords with health care services as needed. »

### Hershey switching back to classic Reese’s recipe after backlash

Authored by aol.com

Hershey will use classic recipes for all Reese’s products starting next year, a change that comes after the grandson of Reese’s founder criticized the company for shifting to cheaper ingredients.

Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups have always been made with real milk chocolate or dark chocolate and peanut butter.

Hershey said that in 2027, it will shift those products to “their classic milk chocolate and dark chocolate recipes.”. »

### Universities pressured to strip names of Epstein associates from campus buildings

Authored by apnews.com

Wexner hasn’t been charged with any crime in connection with Epstein, the one-time financial adviser by whom he says he was “duped.”.

Pushback against buildings named for Epstein associates is growing on some U.S. campuses.

The Epstein associates whose names are on campus buildings also are typically generous donors, as well as alumni. »

### US lifts sanctions on Venezuela’s acting President Delcy Rodríguez

Authored by apnews.com

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. on Wednesday lifted sanctions on Venezuela’s acting President Delcy Rodríguez, according to an Office of Foreign Assets Control entry on the Treasury Department website.

Rodríguez and her brother, Jorge Rodríguez, were hit with U.S. sanctions during Trump’s first term for their role in allegedly undermining Venezuelan democracy.

The current Trump administration, however, chose to work with Delcy Rodríguez, instead of Venezuela’s political opposition, after Maduro’s ouster. »

### Trump’s croaky and absurd Iran speech shows just how badly the war is going

Authored by inews.co.uk

Even for a speech on April Fool’s Day, Donald Trump’s address to the nation about the Iran war felt like a bad joke.

Speaking from the White House, the US President sounded croaky, tired and looked like he didn’t want to be explaining yet again how well the war was supposedly going.

In the speech, Trump tried to portray the bombing of Iran as an “investment in your children and grandchildren’s future”. »

## In pictures

## Also in the news

#### UK gathers more than 40 countries to press Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz

#### ‘Not up to standard’: Macron criticises Trump after comments about his marriage

#### Maybe Trump Should Not Have Given This Speech

#### World's oldest known land animal, Jonathan the tortoise, still alive at nearly 200

#### Hershey to resume using chocolate in most products; Reese’s grandson may taste sweet victory