Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed Wednesday that an Iranian missile struck near Australia’s Al Minhad Air Base located in the United Arab Emirates, though he reported no injuries among Australian military personnel stationed there.
Speaking to media in Tasmania, Albanese described the damage as limited. “There was minor damage to an accommodation block and a medical facility due to a small fire that was created as a result of that projectile hitting on a road leading up to that base,” the Prime Minister explained.
The incident marks a concerning escalation in regional tensions, with the missile landing close enough to the Australian military installation to cause property damage through the resulting blaze.
The head of Advanced Micro Devices is traveling to South Korea this Wednesday for a high-profile visit to Samsung Electronics’ semiconductor manufacturing facility in Pyeongtaek, according to an industry source familiar with the planned meeting.
Lisa Su, who serves as CEO of AMD, will take a guided tour of Samsung’s production facilities and engage in discussions about broadening their business relationship to include foundry services, moving beyond their current memory chip partnership, the source revealed. The individual requested anonymity due to the confidential nature of the business discussions.
During her visit, Su is scheduled to meet with key Samsung semiconductor executives, including Jun Young-hyun, who leads Samsung’s chip division, and Han Jin-man, head of the company’s Foundry Business operations, according to the source.
The two technology companies already have an established working relationship, with Samsung providing high-bandwidth memory 3E (HBM3E) semiconductors for AMD’s newest artificial intelligence processing units since the previous year, creating strong connections in the memory chip sector.
Following the facility tour, Su is also planned to attend a dinner meeting with Samsung Electronics Chairman Jay Y. Lee, the source indicated.
When contacted for comment, AMD representatives were not available during off-business hours, while Samsung Electronics chose not to provide a statement regarding the visit.
A vehicle accident has shut down a major highway interchange, causing traffic disruptions for Delaware commuters.
The crash has blocked Exit 165A, preventing drivers from accessing southbound Interstate 95 from northbound Route 7. Delaware Department of Transportation officials are monitoring the situation as emergency crews respond to the scene.
Motorists traveling in the area should anticipate delays and consider using alternative routes until the roadway reopens. No timeline has been provided for when normal traffic flow will resume.
The Salisbury University women’s tennis squad continued their dominant run on Tuesday, capturing their seventh consecutive victory with a commanding 5-2 triumph over Willamette University in Salem, Oregon.
The Sea Gulls delivered a convincing performance against the Bearcats during the afternoon match held at Willamette University’s tennis facilities, showcasing the team’s continued momentum this season.
This latest win adds to what has become an impressive winning streak for the Salisbury program, demonstrating the squad’s consistency and competitive edge as they continue their season on the road.
MOSCOW – Russia’s defense ministry announced Tuesday that its military forces have seized two Ukrainian settlements, marking the latest territorial claims in the ongoing conflict that has stretched into its fourth year.
According to Moscow officials, Russian troops now control Sopych village in Ukraine’s northern Sumy region and Kalenyky in the eastern Donetsk area. The announcement came one day after both nations made competing assertions about which side was gaining ground along the extensive 1,250-kilometer (775-mile) battle zone.
“The armed forces of the Russian Federation liberated the settlement of Kalenyky in (Donetsk) as well as establishing control over the settlement of Sopych in Sumy region,” the ministry stated in a Telegram message.
Top Russian military commander Valery Gerasimov provided an update Monday regarding his forces’ progress, indicating that troops were working to create protective buffer areas within the Sumy and Kharkiv regions.
The village of Sopych sits directly on Russia’s border within Sumy region, an area where Moscow’s military has spent months attempting to gain a foothold.
Ukrainian media outlet Suspilne reported last week, citing the former director of the nation’s foreign intelligence service, that Russian soldiers had entered Kalenyky and forcibly relocated 19 local residents across the border into Russian territory.
Kalenyky’s location places it to the east of Sloviansk, a heavily fortified city that has become a key defensive position. Gerasimov stated in his military briefing that Russian forces were “actively moving towards Sloviansk.”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy countered Moscow’s claims Monday, asserting that his nation’s military had successfully thwarted a planned Russian assault. He stated the attack’s intensity fell short of “what Russia had planned and what its command promised to Russia’s political leadership.”
Russia’s defense ministry also reported intercepting 35 Ukrainian unmanned aircraft between 1:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. (1000-1700 GMT) in their most recent operational summary, with the majority shot down over the Krasnodar region along Ukraine’s eastern frontier.
The ongoing conflict involving Iran could drive an additional 45 million people into severe hunger by June, according to new projections released Tuesday by the World Food Programme.
The military operations between U.S.-Israeli forces and Iran, which commenced on February 28, have significantly disrupted critical humanitarian supply chains and delayed essential aid deliveries to regions already facing severe food crises.
World Food Programme Deputy Executive Director Carl Skau warned reporters in Geneva that the additional 45 million people facing acute hunger would push global totals beyond the current record of 319 million people experiencing food insecurity. The increase stems from escalating costs for food, fuel, and shipping services.
“This would take global hunger levels to an all-time record and it’s a terrible, terrible prospect,” Skau stated. “Already, before this war, we were in a perfect storm where hunger has never been as severe as now, in terms of numbers and how deep that hunger is,” he continued.
The humanitarian organization reports that transportation costs have jumped 18 percent since the conflict began in late February, forcing aid shipments to take longer, more expensive alternative routes. These mounting expenses come at a time when the World Food Programme has already implemented significant budget reductions as donor nations shift resources toward defense spending, Skau noted.
Federal attorneys are backing the Pentagon’s controversial decision to ban artificial intelligence company Anthropic from government contracts, filing court documents Tuesday that argue the move was both legal and necessary for national security.
The dispute centers on Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s March 3rd declaration that labeled Anthropic – the company behind the popular Claude AI assistant – as a supply chain security threat. This designation came after Anthropic declined to eliminate safety measures that prevent their technology from being used in autonomous weapons systems or domestic surveillance operations.
In their court filing, Justice Department lawyers contend that Anthropic’s constitutional challenge will likely fail, stating the conflict involves contract negotiations and security issues rather than speech restrictions.
“It was only when Anthropic refused to release the restrictions on the use of its products — which refusal is conduct, not protected speech — that the President directed all federal agencies to terminate their business relationships with Anthropic,” government attorneys wrote in their response. The filing emphasized that “no one has purported to restrict Anthropic’s expressive activity.”
Anthropic filed suit in California federal court seeking to halt the Pentagon’s action during the ongoing legal proceedings. Several legal analysts suggest the company may have solid grounds to argue government overreach.
President Trump has endorsed Hegseth’s decision, which blocks Anthropic from certain military contracts but could potentially harm the company’s standing and result in billions in financial losses this year, company leaders warn.
The blacklisting followed extended negotiations between Pentagon officials and Anthropic that reached a stalemate, leading Trump and Hegseth to publicly criticize the company and claim its usage limitations put American lives at risk.
Anthropic has rejected these accusations, maintaining that artificial intelligence technology remains too unsafe for autonomous weapons applications. The company also stated it opposes domestic surveillance on ethical grounds.
In their March 9th legal challenge, Anthropic characterized the designation as “unprecedented and unlawful,” arguing it infringed upon their free speech and due process protections while violating federal requirements for agency decision-making procedures.
The Pentagon has also classified Anthropic as a supply chain risk under separate legislation that could extend the restrictions government-wide.
Anthropic is fighting that additional action through a second lawsuit filed in a Washington D.C. appeals court.
The NFL Players Association has selected JC Tretter, a former union president who stepped away from his leadership position last summer, to serve as its new executive director following Tuesday’s election results.
The 35-year-old Tretter becomes the fifth person to hold the executive director position for the NFLPA. His victory came after the union evaluated over 300 potential candidates, with Tretter ultimately prevailing in a final three-candidate race against David White, who had been serving as interim executive director, and Tim Pernetti, the American Conference commissioner in the NCAA.
“There are times in your life when you know that you are exactly where you’re supposed to be. That’s where I am today,” Tretter said in a statement. “I’m grateful for the trust my fellow players have placed in me, and I’m going to reward that trust with my fullest commitment to these players and chart a new course for our union. My sole goal is to build up the strength of the NFLPA.”
“I understand the responsibility that comes with this role and how important it is to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with player leadership. This union has always played a critical role in shaping the game, and that work is as important now as it’s ever been. The NFLPA needs leadership that listens, leads with integrity, and puts players first every day. That’s exactly how I plan to lead.”
Union officials expressed strong support for their new leader, stating they have “confidence in the leadership” Tretter will provide to the players organization.
“This decision reflects the responsibility our Board of Player Representatives carries on behalf of every player,” the NFLPA said in its official statement. “We conducted a thorough, deliberate search to identify the right long-term leader to deliver sustained, meaningful progress for our members. JC earned the trust of our Board and demonstrated a clear commitment to serving this membership. We’re excited about what’s ahead.”
During his professional football career, Tretter played center for nine seasons, including four years with the Green Bay Packers from 2013 to 2016, followed by five seasons with the Cleveland Browns through 2021. He also earned a degree in labor relations from Cornell University.
The search for new permanent leadership became necessary when Lloyd Howell stepped down last summer following several controversies and ethical questions surrounding his tenure.
Multiple media investigations revealed that Howell had concealed important details of an arbitration decision from union members, maintained a problematic business relationship with The Carlyle Group—a private equity company authorized to buy minority stakes in NFL teams—and charged the union for expenses related to visits to adult entertainment establishments.
During the interim period with White leading the organization, Tretter had initially been considered a strong possibility for the permanent role before he departed his union position in July 2025.
During Tretter’s tenure as NFLPA president from 2020 to 2024, he led the selection process that brought Howell into the executive director role. Tretter’s involvement also came under scrutiny when his name surfaced in a “Pablo Torre Finds Out” podcast episode that exposed another arbitration decision that had been kept secret from players.
A formal complaint was filed against Tretter alleging he had advised players they could feign injuries as a strategy during contract discussions. Speaking to CBS Sports, Tretter acknowledged this was “a dumb tongue-in-cheek remark” that he regretted making.
“I don’t have any proof of this,” Tretter told CBS. “I think a lot of the attacks on me came from inside the building over the last six weeks. And I don’t want to walk inside that building anymore.”
At the time of his departure, Tretter clarified to CBS that he wasn’t leaving “in disgrace,” but felt he had been left vulnerable to criticism without adequate support from the union. Despite these challenges, he maintained sufficient player support to be considered for the top executive position.
Tretter played a significant role in negotiating the current collective bargaining agreement that was finalized with the league in 2020. He also spearheaded the development of the NFLPA’s yearly “team report cards,” which enable players to evaluate each franchise’s workplace standards, covering everything from training facilities and meal programs to how teams treat players’ family members.
Team ownership has criticized the public release of these evaluations, and recently, an arbitrator determined that the union’s distribution of the report cards breached the collective bargaining agreement by containing content deemed harmful to NFL teams and personnel.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell issued a statement acknowledging Tretter’s election victory.
“We have worked with JC for several years, first as union president when he helped the league and the NFLPA successfully navigate through COVID during the 2020 season,” Goodell said. “We look forward to building upon that relationship to further our shared priorities, including our commitment to advancing player health and safety and ensuring the global growth of our game for our fans, the players and our clubs.”
Milwaukee Bucks star player Giannis Antetokounmpo faces another week on the sidelines after medical tests confirmed he suffered a hyperextended left knee along with a bone bruise, according to ESPN’s Tuesday report.
The injury adds to what has become a challenging season for the two-time MVP, who has already been absent for a career-high 31 games due to various health issues. Team officials plan to reassess his condition after seven days.
Head coach Doc Rivers provided some encouraging news, stating that recent medical scans showed no serious structural problems with the knee.
“The good news was it was really a good image. There was no damage,” Rivers said.
Despite the setbacks, the 31-year-old forward continues to put up impressive numbers when healthy, posting averages of 27.6 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 5.4 assists across 36 appearances this season. However, he’s on track to play fewer games than any of his 13 seasons with Milwaukee, falling short of his previous low of 61 games during the pandemic-shortened 2020-21 season.
Antetokounmpo had just returned to action on March 2 following a 15-game absence caused by a right calf strain. During a recent eight-game stretch where Milwaukee went 2-6, he was forced to miss two additional contests, and the team went 0-2 in games without their star player.
His most recent absence came during the team’s 122-99 defeat against the Atlanta Hawks on March 14, when he was ruled out due to a left ankle sprain.
The struggling Bucks currently hold a 28-39 record and trail the Charlotte Hornets by 5.5 games for the Eastern Conference’s final play-in tournament position. Charlotte sits at 34-34.
Throughout his career, the 10-time All-Star has maintained averages of 24.1 points, 9.9 rebounds, and 5.0 assists over 895 games, starting 830 of those contests.
Leading American airlines report they don’t anticipate major hits to their quarterly earnings, even as aviation fuel expenses have skyrocketed due to Middle Eastern conflict, adding hundreds of millions in operating costs.
During Tuesday’s investor presentations, leadership from Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, and United Airlines indicated that robust passenger demand is helping counterbalance escalating fuel expenses, with each company achieving unprecedented booking levels throughout this year.
Aviation fuel costs have surged dramatically since hostilities commenced on February 28, creating strain on worldwide petroleum distribution, especially near the Strait of Hormuz, the critical shipping lane that handles approximately 20% of global oil transport. The unstable petroleum markets driving up gas prices have similarly impacted jet fuel, which represents roughly one-fourth of airline operational expenses.
Tuesday’s jet fuel pricing reached $3.93 per gallon, a significant increase from $2.50 the day before military action started, data from Argus Media shows. Delta’s CEO Ed Bastian calculated this translates to approximately $400 million in extra expenses to date. American and United leadership shared comparable financial impacts during their Tuesday presentations at the J.P. Morgan Industrials Conference.
Currently, America’s major carriers indicate that continued strong travel interest is helping absorb these increased operational costs.
“It’s across all segments, covering corporate, covering international, covering premium leisure, covering main cabin, covering our domestic system,” Bastian said. “We’re seeing strength in every market that we look at.”
Bastian highlighted that Delta experienced eight of its highest-performing sales days during this year, with five occurring after the conflict began.
United’s CEO Scott Kirby reported that the year’s initial 10 weeks represented the airline’s strongest booking period ever, with recent weeks setting new sales records.
American’s CEO Robert Isom noted that eight of his company’s top booking periods occurred this year, anticipating continued high passenger interest through April and May.
These executive statements indicate passengers are purchasing tickets now to secure current pricing before airlines implement further rate adjustments ahead of peak summer travel.
Aviation industry experts say fare increases due to elevated fuel costs are inevitable, with questions remaining about timing, duration, and magnitude. International long-distance routes may see the greatest impact due to significantly higher fuel consumption compared to shorter domestic flights.
Several international carriers have already implemented fuel surcharges or increased base ticket prices. American airlines typically incorporate such costs into standard fares or modify ancillary fees like seat upgrade charges, rather than adding separate fuel surcharges.
Certain airlines maintain partial protection against sudden price spikes through fuel hedging contracts that secure pricing months or years ahead. However, not every carrier uses hedging strategies, and those that do usually cover only portions of their fuel requirements, meaning extended price increases could prompt more widespread fare adjustments.
Should fuel costs remain high, airlines might modify flight schedules or eliminate certain routes to control expenses.
“We’re certainly going to be nimble in terms of capacity to make sure that supply and demand stay in balance,” Isom said.
An Iranian missile bombardment targeting central Israel resulted in two fatalities late Tuesday evening, with an elderly couple in their 70s killed in Ramat Gan during the assault that triggered warning sirens throughout multiple regions.
According to United Hatzalah emergency services, the victims were making their way down a stairwell toward a protective shelter when the strike occurred.
Medical personnel from MDA provided care to a 25-year-old man from Bnei Brak who suffered shrapnel injuries to his hand during the bombardment.
Authorities believe the weapon used was a cluster-type munition, creating more than eight separate debris impact zones throughout central Israel’s urban areas.
Video evidence documented destruction at numerous locations following the assault, with a Tel Aviv railway station among the damaged facilities.
Early assessments indicated that debris from defensive interceptor missiles fell across various locations, including educational grounds in Jerusalem and residential sections of Ramat Gan.
Warning systems activated across Jerusalem, the Dead Sea region, and West Bank territories, along with the Sharon district and Lakhish vicinity, encompassing communities such as Bat Yam, Tel Aviv-Jaffa, Brenner, Hevel Yavneh, and Lev HaSharon. Iranian missile launches prompted two separate overnight alert cycles.
First responders rushed to numerous locations throughout the affected areas to evaluate structural damage and provide medical assistance to injured civilians.
This bombardment represents another escalation in Iran’s ongoing missile campaign against Israel’s heavily populated metropolitan regions, with overnight strikes documented across urban population centers.
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — An extraordinary winter heat wave is blasting through the western United States, delivering record-threatening temperatures across a vast region spanning from California into the desert Southwest. The typically fog-shrouded city of San Francisco, known for its characteristically cool climate even during summer months, is witnessing residents peeling off winter clothing and gathering at popular outdoor spots like Crissy Field as the area endures its warmest March weather in more than 20 years.
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This represents a photo gallery assembled by AP photo editors.
The University of Maryland Eastern Shore Hawks softball squad earned a split decision in their doubleheader matchup against Colgate University, claiming victory in the first contest while falling short in the nightcap.
UMES dominated the opening game, blanking their opponents to secure a shutout win. The Hawks’ pitching staff and defense worked together effectively to prevent Colgate from crossing home plate throughout the entire first contest.
However, the second game told a different story as Colgate bounced back to even the series. The visiting team managed to overcome the Hawks in the finale, ensuring both squads would leave with one victory apiece.
The doubleheader results continue the Hawks’ season as they work to build momentum in their softball campaign. UMES will look to carry the positive elements from their shutout performance into future matchups while addressing the areas that led to their loss in game two.
State prosecutors in Arizona have filed criminal charges against Kalshi, marking the first time any state has pursued criminal action against the online prediction market platform.
The charges filed Monday accuse the company of operating an unlicensed gambling business, making Arizona the first state to claim the prediction market platform violated criminal statutes.
According to the allegations, Kalshi ran gambling operations without proper state licensing, which prosecutors say constitutes illegal activity under Arizona law.
The criminal filing represents a significant escalation in regulatory scrutiny of prediction market platforms, as states examine whether such sites cross the line from legal betting into unlicensed gambling operations.
New data from the United Nations reveals that approximately 4.9 million children worldwide failed to reach their fifth birthday during 2024, highlighting concerns that global efforts to reduce childhood mortality have plateaued.
The statistics, released by UNICEF, the World Bank, the World Health Organization, and the UN population division, indicate that the majority of these deaths could have been avoided through improved healthcare access and affordable medical treatments for issues such as premature birth complications and diseases like malaria.
While childhood deaths that could be prevented have dropped by more than half since 2000, the international agencies note that advancement has decelerated since 2015.
The 2022 figure also stood at 4.9 million, marking a record low at that time, while 2023 saw 4.8 million deaths. Although the 2024 numbers suggest an increase, officials explain that different calculation methods were used between years, making direct comparisons impossible.
A World Health Organization representative acknowledged a worldwide deceleration in mortality reduction efforts. “However… we do see a global slowdown in mortality reduction,” the spokesperson stated, citing armed conflicts, economic uncertainty, climate-related challenges, and inadequate health infrastructure as contributing factors to the stagnant progress. The representative added that reduced aid funding would compound these difficulties.
“Together, these pressures risk undermining past achievements and could lead to stagnation – or even reversal – in hard-won child survival gains if not addressed,” the spokesperson warned.
The Wednesday data release covers 2024, preceding significant international aid budget reductions initiated by the United States and subsequently adopted by major donor nations including the United Kingdom and Germany.
According to a Gates Foundation analysis from late 2025, worldwide development assistance for health decreased by nearly 27% in 2025 compared to 2024. The foundation cautioned that these funding cuts were causing child mortality progress to reverse course.
UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell expressed concern about the trend. “No child should die from diseases that we know how to prevent. But we see worrying signs that progress in child survival is slowing – and at a time where we’re seeing further global budget cuts,” Russell stated. The organizations noted that funding reductions could also hamper progress monitoring due to weakened data gathering capabilities.
The analysis draws from UN statistics and projections provided by the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.
Despite escalating tensions from the ongoing U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran, Dubai’s cryptocurrency sector continues functioning with minimal disruption, industry professionals report.
Laia Fernández, a cryptocurrency marketing executive operating from her downtown Dubai apartment, says business proceeds as usual despite occasional sounds of missile defense systems activating overhead. The conflict, now in its third week since strikes began February 28, has disrupted energy markets and transportation throughout the Middle East.
However, the digital currency industry’s cloud-based operations and virtual trading platforms have proven remarkably adaptable to the unstable conditions.
“Daily life hasn’t dramatically changed,” Fernández explained, referring to the United Arab Emirates’ situation. The UAE has positioned itself as a major cryptocurrency center, with government backing and significant investment in blockchain technology.
Fernández noted that her clients and other UAE-based crypto firms maintain global operations through internet infrastructure and digital marketplaces, allowing continued business even with staff working remotely or temporarily relocating.
Although Dubai has experienced several attacks, including Monday’s airport strike that damaged its reputation as a regional business sanctuary, cryptocurrency transactions have proven more stable than traditional energy commodities.
Alex Scott, who advocates for the Solana blockchain platform in Dubai, remains confident about long-term prospects. He believes the crisis has sparked important discussions about financial system durability.
“The fundamentals that made the UAE attractive for crypto and blockchain haven’t changed,” Scott stated.
Bitcoin prices have risen modestly since the February 28 strike initiation, reaching $73,949 Tuesday, though remaining approximately 15% below year-opening levels.
Thomas Puech, who leads crypto trading company INDIGO, reported no evidence of capital flight from the UAE related to the conflict.
The Emirates has fully embraced digital currencies, approving dirham-backed stablecoins through its central bank, offering blockchain trading through domestic banks, and accepting cryptocurrency payments for real estate developments, including a Trump Tower project under construction in Dubai.
Additionally, Abu Dhabi-supported investor MGX acquired a $2 billion Binance stake last year, while another government-connected entity invested $500 million in World Liberty Financial, a cryptocurrency venture co-founded by U.S. President Donald Trump and his sons.
A World Liberty representative previously clarified that the President played no role in the transaction and dismissed suggestions of political favoritism.
Karl Naim, an Abu Dhabi-based executive with crypto investment firm XBTO, described increased caution as the primary immediate effect, including travel complications, postponed meetings, and enhanced emergency planning.
His team, already accustomed to flexible work arrangements, now operates entirely remotely rather than from their ADGM office in Abu Dhabi’s financial district, located near a targeted military facility.
“We are not worried about our wellbeing, but worried about the situation not stabilizing anytime soon,” Naim expressed.
Several regional gatherings have been canceled or delayed, including TOKEN2049, a significant cryptocurrency conference scheduled for Dubai, while regional security conditions remain unpredictable.
Citigroup announced Monday it would keep most UAE branches and offices shuttered indefinitely. The American bank, along with Britain’s Standard Chartered and London Stock Exchange Group, previously instructed Dubai employees to work from home.
Gordon Einstein, founder of CryptoLaw Partners, confirmed that UAE regulatory operations continue functioning normally, with Dubai maintaining advantages over European and Asian alternatives regarding regulation and capital access.
Einstein observed that many UAE investors and entrepreneurs, particularly temporary expatriates, have departed temporarily while maintaining business operations abroad. Their return and the cryptocurrency sector’s continued strength depend on conflict duration.
“Dubai lives off the idea that people want to come here,” Einstein, a city resident, explained.
A California financial technology company is threatening to take legal action against an investment research firm after allegations of financial misconduct sent its stock price tumbling on Tuesday.
SoFi Technologies announced it may pursue legal remedies against Muddy Waters Research following the publication of a report that the lending company characterized as “factually inaccurate and misleading.”
The investment research firm disclosed it had taken a short position against SoFi while publishing claims that the company “appears to have a material misstatement of at least $312 million of unrecorded debt. If we are correct, it raises the possibility that there are more extensive misstatements we have not detected.”
SoFi’s stock price dropped by as much as 6.5% to $16.48 during Tuesday’s trading session after the report became public.
The fintech company pushed back forcefully against the allegations, stating: “We have reviewed the full report and believe it is designed to deceive investors. SoFi maintains strong confidence in the integrity of our financial reporting.”
Muddy Waters Research did not provide a response to requests for comment regarding SoFi’s potential legal action when contacted after normal business hours.
NEW YORK (AP) — During an ongoing antitrust trial, a Live Nation Entertainment ticketing executive expressed deep regret Tuesday for private messages he sent years ago, describing concert-goers as “so stupid” and bragging about “robbing them blind, baby.”
Benjamin Baker, who oversees ticketing operations for Venue Nation’s amphitheater division, acknowledged his private instant messages were “very immature and unacceptable” when questioned about communications with a colleague several years back.
Baker emerged as a crucial witness in the legal challenge brought by more than 30 states against the concert promotion and ticketing powerhouse, after a Manhattan federal judge denied Live Nation’s attempt to keep his messages out of the proceedings.
Last week, the Justice Department announced a settlement agreement with Live Nation designed to increase competition in ticketing and promotional markets, with federal attorneys claiming the deal will lead to lower ticket costs.
Of the 39 states plus the District of Columbia that initially joined the federal lawsuit, all except six continue pursuing the case. Multiple states argue the Justice Department’s settlement fails to achieve the objective of dismantling what they consider a monopoly and forcing Live Nation’s breakup.
State attorney Jeffrey Kessler attempted to leverage Baker’s private communications to demonstrate that Live Nation and its Ticketmaster division were eliminating competition and inflating fan costs through monopolistic behavior and attitudes.
Live Nation disputes these characterizations, presenting executive testimony that depicts the company as competing aggressively yet fairly with rivals in a high-stakes, thin-margin industry where earnings can quickly disappear while serving the needs of artists and venues that hold the real influence.
Speaking forcefully at times, Kessler challenged Baker with messages he had sent to a coworker in early 2022 discussing Live Nation’s pricing for VIP access at Tampa’s MidFlorida Credit Union Amphitheatre.
In those messages, Baker described the costs as “outrageous,” stated “these people are so stupid,” and wrote “I almost feel bad taking advantage of them” followed by “BAHAHAHAHAHA.”
Baker consistently showed remorse and disappointment regarding his Slack communications with colleagues. He explained he was expressing amazement to a coworker about what customers would pay for extras like lawn seating, premium parking, and VIP access.
When Kessler read Baker’s message about almost feeling guilty for exploiting ticket buyers, Baker became visibly upset, his voice breaking as he stated: “I used very immature and regrettable language and that was not the language I was trying to convey.”
Despite Baker’s repeated apologies and admission he had no justification, Kessler continued pressing.
“You could have charged $25!” Kessler exclaimed after Baker explained his “poor immature language” was simply “conveying my surprise that the market dictated fans were willing to pay $50 to park closer.”
Baker clarified that he and his colleague were discussing only “optional” add-ons that ticket purchasers weren’t required to buy. Kessler countered that for Live Nation, it was “also optional not to exploit every single dollar it can extract from these fans.”
Judge Arun Subramanian upheld an objection to Kessler’s remark.
Subsequently, as Baker discussed increased revenue from amenity sales, Kessler quoted Baker’s own words back at him: “What you were really doing was ‘robbing them blind, baby.’”
Baker, who has received two promotions since the private conversation, attempted to protect his employer by stating his discussion with his colleague was “speaking for myself, not Live Nation as a whole.”
Kessler pointed out the messages were sent as concert fans eagerly returned to live events following the coronavirus pandemic.
When asked whether his company had demoted him or reduced his compensation, Baker replied: “No sir, not at this time.”
A Live Nation attorney chose not to question Baker when given the opportunity.
The previous week, Live Nation sought to exclude the statements from trial proceedings, arguing they represented “off-the-cuff banter, not policy” between two employees who are close friends.
The company also noted that since the exchange occurred through private messaging, executives only discovered it this month and “will be looking into the matter promptly.”
GLENDALE, Ariz. — Two-way baseball superstar Shohei Ohtani will take the mound Wednesday for his inaugural spring training pitching performance with the Los Angeles Dodgers as they face off against the San Francisco Giants.
Dodgers skipper Dave Roberts announced Tuesday that the Japanese sensation will also serve as designated hitter during Friday’s matchup with the San Diego Padres, as the dual-threat player prepares for the March 26 season opener.
The four-time MVP recently rejoined the Dodgers at Camelback Ranch following Japan’s quarterfinal exit from the World Baseball Classic. While Ohtani didn’t take the mound for his national team during the tournament, he maintained his pitching form through bullpen work.
“I think three to four (innings) is fair for tomorrow,” Roberts explained. “It’s more of just doing what we can with what we have left to get him ready for the season. He did his part when he was with Team Japan and now you’re putting him in against real competition, build him up there, and try to get as much buildup before the season starts.”
According to Roberts, the team plans to have Ohtani pitch in one additional exhibition contest against the Los Angeles Angels on March 23 or 24.
This timeline suggests the right-handed pitcher likely won’t make his regular season debut until the Dodgers’ second series when they meet the Cleveland Guardians.
Last season, Ohtani posted a 2.87 ERA across 14 regular season starts following his comeback from elbow surgery. During the playoffs, he compiled a 2-1 record with a 4.43 ERA while contributing to the Dodgers’ consecutive World Series championship.
GULP, Iraq — In a small village nestled at the base of mountains that separate Iraq from Iran, a Kurdish family comes together for their evening Ramadan observance in Gulp, located close to Halabja.
The family prepares their iftar meal — the traditional dinner that ends each day’s fasting period during the sacred month of Ramadan — while children laugh and play around them as extended family members join the gathering.
However, the joyful atmosphere of these closing days of the holy month carries an undercurrent of anxiety about events happening just beyond their border.
Family member Nyan Fayaq expresses deep concern about her relatives living in Saqqez, a Kurdish community in Iran, explaining she has been unable to contact them for an entire month.
The gathering represents both the continuation of cherished religious traditions and the reality of cross-border family connections that can be disrupted by regional tensions.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s legal team is seeking to end the city’s representation of former Mayor Eric Adams in a civil lawsuit alleging sexual assault from over 30 years ago, court documents filed Tuesday reveal.
The decision comes several months into Mamdani’s tenure, after a contentious election cycle that saw both Democratic politicians exchange harsh criticisms of one another.
The lawsuit centers on accusations that Adams sexually assaulted Lorna Beach-Mathura in 1993 during his time as a police officer, with claims he requested sexual favors in return for career advancement assistance within the department. Adams has strongly disputed these allegations and stated he has no recollection of ever meeting Beach-Mathura.
Beach-Mathura has agreed to be publicly identified in connection with this case through her legal counsel.
Speaking on Adams’ behalf, spokesperson Todd Shapiro expressed confidence that “the facts will ultimately prevail.”
The city’s corporation counsel filed the withdrawal motion, contending that Adams should not receive taxpayer-funded legal defense because the alleged incident occurred outside “the scope of his City employment.”
A representative for Mamdani emphasized Tuesday that this decision originated “independently by the Corporation Counsel, as is required by law,” clarifying that the mayor neither directed the review nor influenced its outcome.
“Of course, Mayor Mamdani has full faith and confidence in the Corporation Counsel’s independent judgment and in his ability to reach the appropriate and just legal conclusions,” spokesperson Dora Pekec stated.
The relationship between Mamdani and Adams remains strained following their political battle.
Adams exited last year’s Democratic primary after facing federal corruption charges that were later dropped following unusual intervention by the Trump administration. He then pursued reelection as an independent candidate, portraying Mamdani as an elitist progressive disconnected from regular New Yorkers.
Mamdani countered by characterizing Adams as a compromised official whose close ties to the Trump administration undermined his capacity to lead the city effectively.
Though Adams ultimately abandoned his reelection bid and backed former Governor Andrew Cuomo, he intensified his criticism of Mamdani in an effort to derail the younger candidate’s campaign. Adams controversially suggested without elaboration that terrorist threats might increase under a Mamdani administration.
“New York can’t be Europe, folks,” Adams declared while endorsing Cuomo at a campaign rally. “I don’t know what is wrong with people. You see what’s playing out in other countries because of Islamic extremism,” he added, referencing recent terrorist incidents in Europe and Africa.
Mamdani decisively defeated Cuomo in November’s mayoral race, making history as the city’s first Muslim mayor and youngest leader in recent memory. Adams has continued criticizing his successor through social media since the election.
Beyond withdrawing from Adams’ defense, the city’s legal department has also ceased funding attorneys for two Adams associates in unrelated legal matters.
Beach-Mathura’s lawsuit was filed under New York’s Adult Survivors Act, legislation that temporarily extended deadlines for sexual assault claims. She initially submitted her complaint in November 2023, shortly before the law expired, then filed the comprehensive lawsuit months later.
When the case was first brought, the city’s corporation counsel dismissed the accusations as “ludicrous” and anticipated “full vindication in court.”
A federal judge has blocked an Arkansas law that would have forced public schools to prominently post the Ten Commandments in every classroom, delivering a blow to Republican-backed efforts to bring religious displays into government-funded education.
U.S. District Court Judge Timothy L. Brooks issued the ruling on Monday, striking down the state requirement that had mandated elementary and secondary schools display the religious text in classrooms and libraries. The Arkansas law represents part of a broader Republican initiative, supported by President Donald Trump, aimed at integrating religious elements into public education.
Similar legislation has been passed in Louisiana and Texas, with all three states now facing court challenges that legal experts anticipate will ultimately be resolved by the U.S. Supreme Court. The cases have reignited longstanding constitutional debates about religious expression in government institutions.
Seven Arkansas families from different religious and non-religious backgrounds brought the lawsuit last year, targeting six school districts across the state. Despite the ongoing legal battle, some institutions had already begun implementing the displays, including the University of Arkansas Fayetteville campus, according to reports from the Arkansas Advocate in October.
Those opposing the mandate contend it breaches constitutional principles separating church and state, while supporters argue the Ten Commandments hold historical importance as foundational elements of American law.
In his written decision, Judge Brooks emphasized the inappropriateness of such displays across different academic subjects. “Nothing could possibly justify hanging the Ten Commandments—with or without historical context — in a calculus, chemistry, French, or woodworking class, to name a few,” Brooks stated.
The judge, who received his nomination from former President Barack Obama, further declared that no constitutional version of the 2025 law exists. “There is no need to strain our minds to imagine a constitutional display mandated” by the legislation, he wrote. “One doesn’t exist.”
The scope of Brooks’ decision remains uncertain—whether it applies solely to the six school districts named in the lawsuit or extends statewide. Megan Bailey, representing the American Civil Liberties Union of Arkansas, which supported the challenging families, said the decision demonstrates the law’s unconstitutional nature.
“Given that, it would be unwise for any school district in Arkansas to move forward with posting the Ten Commandments,” Bailey stated to The Associated Press.
Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders announced plans to challenge the ruling, saying she intends to appeal and “defend our state’s values.”
Louisiana made history in 2024 as the first state requiring poster-sized Ten Commandments displays in all public school classrooms, from elementary through college levels. After nearly two years of federal court proceedings, a recent ruling removed previous restrictions, allowing schools to begin installation.
Following the February 20 decision from the full 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry directed schools to implement the law immediately. Landry informed educators that the court’s action “removes any obstacles to the implementation of Louisiana’s Ten Commandments law” and instructed schools to “proceed with placing the posters in classrooms.”
Louisiana’s law mandates schools accept donated Ten Commandments posters featuring “large, easily readable font.” The Louisiana Family Forum, a conservative advocacy organization, distributed posters to most parish school systems earlier this year, according to The New Orleans Advocate/The Times-Picayune.
Widespread poster installation has not yet occurred, with some school officials expressing concerns about potential lawsuits. However, others indicate implementation is approaching. Louisiana State University President Wade Rousse confirmed the university plans to comply but has not yet received donated materials as of last week.
Texas implemented its own similar requirement last year, creating the nation’s most extensive effort to install Ten Commandments displays in public schools. The initiative sparked diverse reactions among educators, parents, and students as school districts either accepted donations or purchased their own posters.
Approximately two dozen of Texas’s roughly 1,200 school districts received court injunctions preventing poster installation after federal judges intervened in legal challenges. The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals heard arguments regarding the Texas law in January, with litigation still ongoing.
LIMA, Peru — Peru’s Prime Minister Denisse Miralles stepped down Tuesday before facing a mandatory confirmation vote in the nation’s legislature, where she needed majority support to retain her position.
Miralles received her appointment as prime minister in late February following the removal of Interim President José Jerí due to corruption charges. Congressman Jose María Balcázar took over the presidency after Jerí’s departure.
Under Peru’s governmental structure, prime ministers oversee the execution of government policies but are appointed rather than elected and do not serve as the head of the executive branch, a role reserved for the president.
The former economy minister under Jerí offered no explanation for her departure. Speaking to reporters, Miralles expressed doubt about obtaining the legislative majority necessary for Wednesday’s confirmation vote.
An independent oversight body, the Fiscal Council, recently criticized Miralles’ ministry for failing to oppose 26 congressional laws, leading to substantial increases in government expenditures.
The South American nation will conduct presidential elections on April 12, featuring more than two dozen contenders vying for the position.
Should no candidate achieve a majority exceeding 50% of votes, the two leading vote-getters will compete in a runoff election scheduled for June.
Political instability has plagued Peru with eight different presidents serving over the last ten years, many ousted by Congress following corruption scandals. However, the country’s economic situation has remained relatively steady throughout this period, as successive administrations have maintained conservative financial policies featuring controlled government spending while welcoming foreign investment in sectors such as mining and infrastructure development.
The Grand Canyon State made history Tuesday by becoming the first to bring criminal charges against prediction market platform Kalshi, alleging the company runs an unlawful gambling operation within state boundaries. This move represents a major escalation in the ongoing battle over regulating these increasingly popular platforms.
State prosecutors filed 20 separate charges against Kalshi, claiming the company illegally accepts wagers on political races, college athletics, and individual athlete performance in violation of Arizona’s gaming regulations. State law forbids unlicensed betting operations and specifically bans election wagering.
Democratic Attorney General Kris Mayes stated, “Arizona will not be bullied into letting any company place itself above state law.”
This criminal prosecution opens a new chapter in an intense legal dispute over whether prediction market platforms must follow the same regulations as traditional gambling enterprises.
The Trump administration has backed the multi-billion dollar prediction market sector, intensifying the clash between state and federal authorities over regulatory jurisdiction. The final outcome could dramatically reshape how sports wagering—comprising approximately 90% of Kalshi’s transaction volume—gets regulated nationwide.
Kalshi maintains it operates as a financial exchange rather than a gambling platform and should only answer to federal oversight through the Commodity Futures Trading Commission. The CFTC under Trump supports having sole regulatory authority.
Donald Trump Jr. serves as a strategic advisor to Kalshi, while the former president’s Truth Social platform is developing its own cryptocurrency-powered prediction market called Truth Predict.
Kalshi spokesperson Elisabeth Diana called the Arizona charges “meritless” and claimed the state was attempting to bypass federal courts.
The company has filed lawsuits against Arizona, Utah, and Iowa to prevent expected state enforcement actions against its platform.
However, U.S. District Judge Michael Liburdi in Arizona, appointed by Trump, rejected Kalshi’s request for a temporary restraining order Tuesday and directed the company to justify why the case belongs in federal court given the new state criminal charges.
Nine additional states have pursued various legal actions against Kalshi, while Utah’s Republican governor has promised to sign legislation that could damage the company’s operations in that state.
Results have been inconsistent so far. Courts in Nevada and Massachusetts have issued preliminary decisions favoring states seeking to prohibit Kalshi and rival Polymarket from offering sports betting, while courts in New Jersey and Tennessee have sided with Kalshi.
CFTC Chairman Michael Selig called the legal dispute between Arizona and Kalshi a jurisdictional matter and deemed it “entirely inappropriate as a criminal prosecution.”
Arizona contends Kalshi operates a gambling business disguised as a marketplace, while the company argues its service differs because customers participate in “swaps” with each other rather than betting against the house.
The platform functions by enabling users to purchase and sell “Yes” or “No” contracts based on potential event outcomes. Smartphone users can wager on various scenarios, from Miami snowfall to specific words Trump might use in speeches. Contract prices typically range from one cent to 99 cents, roughly reflecting the percentage of users who expect that outcome.
Arizona filed these charges just before the NCAA men’s and women’s basketball tournaments begin, representing one of the year’s busiest periods for prediction markets and sportsbooks.
On Monday, Kalshi unveiled a $1 billion perfect bracket contest without referencing the NCAA or March Madness, both NCAA-protected trademarks. The NCAA has voiced concerns about sports betting contracts on prediction platforms and their potential impact on collegiate competitions.
NEWARK, Del. – The University of Delaware will welcome the NCAA men’s lacrosse quarterfinals to Delaware Stadium on Sunday, May 17, 2026, marking a significant milestone for the Blue Hens athletics program.
This upcoming tournament represents the fifth occasion that the university has served as an official host site for the NCAA men’s lacrosse championship beyond first-round competition. Tickets for the quarterfinal matchups are currently available for purchase.
The announcement positions Delaware Stadium as a premier venue for collegiate lacrosse’s most important games, continuing the university’s tradition of hosting high-level tournament action in Newark.
The University of Delaware Blue Hens softball squad is gearing up for a busy homestand as they prepare to welcome two visiting teams to their diamond.
The Blue Hens will host both Delaware State University and Missouri State University in what promises to be an exciting stretch of home games for the team.
The upcoming contests will give local fans the opportunity to support their Blue Hens as they take on competition from both in-state rivals and out-of-state opponents.
Details about specific game times and dates for the matchups against Delaware State and Missouri State are expected to be announced by the university’s athletics department.
New Jersey Devils forward Jack Hughes is demanding the Hockey Hall of Fame give back the puck from his overtime goal that clinched Olympic gold for Team USA, according to a Tuesday report from ESPN.
The historic puck, which delivered America’s first men’s Olympic hockey championship since the 1980 Miracle on Ice, currently sits in a display case at the Toronto museum. It’s featured in the Hall of Fame’s “Olympics ’26” exhibition next to the puck from Megan Keller’s overtime game-winner that secured gold for the U.S. women’s squad.
“I’m trying to get it. Like, that’s bulls — that the Hockey Hall of Fame has it, in my opinion. Why would they have that puck?” Hughes said during his ESPN interview Tuesday.
The 23-year-old center expressed frustration that both he and Keller are missing these precious mementos from their career-defining moments. Hughes revealed his plan to present the puck to his father, Jim Hughes, who maintains a memorabilia collection for Jack and his hockey-playing brothers.
Hall of Fame officials defended their possession of the items, stating the donated artifacts capture pivotal moments in hockey’s history and serve to preserve these memories for future museum visitors.
A representative from the International Ice Hockey Federation previously explained to Sportico that officials collected Hughes’s puck immediately following the championship game, with plans to archive it permanently at the Hall of Fame.
Both the Hockey Hall of Fame and USA Hockey have yet to respond to requests for additional comment regarding Hughes’s demands.
Graphics processing giant Nvidia is working on a Chinese market-ready version of its recently acquired Groq artificial intelligence processors, according to two industry insiders who spoke with Reuters on Tuesday.
The California-based tech company purchased Groq, a startup specializing in AI chip technology, in a massive $17 billion acquisition late last year. This week at Nvidia’s annual developer conference in San Jose, California, the company unveiled its latest product lineup featuring the Groq-based technology.
This development occurs alongside news that Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang announced the company has resumed manufacturing its H200 processors – the previous generation model before their current top-tier chip – after securing export permits from the Trump administration and receiving purchase commitments from Chinese buyers.
The company intends to utilize Groq’s technology for inference operations, which involve AI systems responding to user queries, generating computer code, and executing various tasks. In this week’s product demonstrations, Nvidia revealed plans to combine the Groq processors with their upcoming Vera Rubin chips, though the latter cannot be exported to China.
Although Nvidia maintains market leadership in AI system training, the company encounters significantly stronger competition in the inference sector. Multiple major Chinese corporations, including search giant Baidu and other artificial intelligence leaders, have already developed their own inference processing technology.
According to one source, the China-bound chips are not reduced-capability versions or specially designed for that market. However, the modified variant can be configured to integrate with alternative systems, with availability expected in May.
Nvidia representatives did not provide immediate comment when contacted about the development.
Motorists traveling on Pike Creek Road should expect delays today as construction crews continue work that requires periodic lane closures.
The affected stretch runs between Abbey Lane and Abbey Drive, where workers are implementing intermittent lane restrictions that will remain in place until 5 PM this evening.
Drivers are advised to allow extra travel time when using this route and to exercise caution in the construction zone.
Artificial intelligence technology is fundamentally changing how modern warfare operates, transforming both actual combat and the battle for public opinion in the current Middle East conflict involving Israel, Iran, and the United States.
Military forces are now deploying AI-powered systems to analyze intelligence data, accelerate targeting procedures, and enhance missile defense capabilities. Meanwhile, social media networks have become flooded with computer-generated images, repurposed video content, automated accounts, and algorithm-boosted propaganda designed to create false narratives as rapidly as weapons can change battlefield realities.
The outcome is a war where speed is crucial not only in aerial and naval operations, but also in digital spaces. The competition now centers on who can establish their version of events first, not just who can launch the initial attack.
Technology strategist John Keith King, who previously served as a US government communications engineer working on critical command systems for senior national leadership, explained that artificial intelligence has already become integrated throughout multiple levels of contemporary military operations.
King spoke with The Media Line about AI’s primary military applications. “One of the most important uses is intelligence fusion,” he stated. According to King, AI technology can quickly analyze massive amounts of satellite photographs, drone recordings, radar information, and intercepted communications, enabling military commanders to locate missile facilities, track troop deployments, and discover hidden infrastructure “with much greater speed and accuracy.”
This explanation matches what officials and news reports have disclosed, though the specific systems currently being used remain classified. During Operation Epic Fury, which commenced on February 28, US and allied forces targeted Iranian command centers, air defense systems, missile and drone launching sites, and military airfields. Admiral Brad Cooper, who leads US Central Command, subsequently revealed that sophisticated AI technologies were assisting American forces in processing vast amounts of information more quickly, while emphasizing that human operators retain final authority over shooting decisions. A DefenseScoop report from March 11 noted that the command did not reveal which specific AI systems were being utilized.
King emphasized that AI’s most significant battlefield role involves enhancing rather than replacing military commanders by speeding up their ability to observe and comprehend situations.
“AI is also heavily used for target identification and tracking,” King described, explaining that computer vision technology can recognize vehicles, weapon systems, aircraft, and other equipment from drone or satellite footage and then continuously monitor them in real-time.
This capability proves especially valuable in the type of combat environment currently characterizing the region, according to King.
“The region is characterized by missile arsenals, drone warfare, and dispersed military infrastructure,” King observed. AI technology, he noted, assists analysts in tracking mobile missile platforms, locating drone launch areas, and detecting patterns that might signal an approaching attack, significantly speeding up detection and response capabilities.
Regarding Israel’s AI usage, public information remains limited and disputed. International media reported in April 2024 that the United States was investigating claims that Israel had employed AI to select bombing targets in Gaza. The Israel Defense Forces rejected allegations of using AI systems to identify suspected Hamas members, stating that information systems only served as tools helping human analysts with target identification. Additional reporting in 2025 alleged that US technology companies had supplied AI and cloud computing services to the Israeli military during conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon, contributing to a significant expansion in AI and computing support used for faster target tracking. While this doesn’t definitively prove how these tools were applied in the current Iran conflict, it suggests Israel entered this regional escalation with already expanded AI-enabled military capabilities.
King noted that AI is also becoming increasingly incorporated into both offensive and defensive systems that characterize this conflict.
“Another major application is in autonomous and semi-autonomous platforms,” he explained, pointing out that numerous drones and loitering weapons employ AI-assisted navigation, object identification, and threat avoidance to search extensive areas, identify targets of interest, and transmit targeting information while reducing operator workload.
“AI also plays a growing role in defensive systems,” King added. Missile defense networks, he explained, depend on machine learning to detect approaching threats, eliminate radar interference, and prioritize interceptions, often within seconds.
This evaluation corresponds with the broader characteristics of the conflict. CENTCOM has described the campaign against Iran as heavily concentrated on drone and missile infrastructure, and officials have stated that the United States has needed to defend against large-scale retaliatory attacks while rapidly striking launch sites and command centers. Cooper said AI tools were helping leaders “cut through the noise and make smarter decisions faster than the enemy can react,” while stressing that final engagement authority remained with humans.
While AI is accelerating military decision-making processes, it’s producing similar effects in information warfare.
Yael Moshe, who leads an OSINT team and serves as an intelligence product specialist for the Israeli Defense Ministry’s Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories, said the digital aspect of warfare is no longer secondary. It has evolved into its own battlefield, powered by AI-created content and social media virality.
“I call it digital psychological terrorism,” Moshe told The Media Line. She said actors like Iran are utilizing AI and recycled footage to overwhelm platforms such as TikTok and Instagram, targeting younger audiences with manufactured realities, including false images of Tel Aviv in ruins and exaggerated portrayals of Iran’s military capabilities.
Moshe explained that these campaigns operate simultaneously on two levels.
“This serves two distinct arenas: manufacturing a fake ‘victory picture’ for Iran’s domestic audience, while simultaneously sowing fear globally,” she observed.
Multiple reports have documented this pattern. A pro-Iran propaganda network has employed AI-generated misinformation and Epstein-related conspiracy theories to promote anti-US and anti-Israel messages to large online audiences. Fabricated AI content about the Iran conflict has also circulated widely on X, including manufactured visuals of attacks, false battlefield scenes, and manipulated imagery amplified by prominent accounts.
Moshe argued that much of this material is technically basic but operationally successful because it spreads faster than fact-checking can occur.
“When we talk about fake news, we mostly see two simple tricks,” she described: old videos from Syria or even video games are relabeled as current attacks, while AI generates false images of Israeli cities on fire. “It takes them 10 seconds to make, but by the time we prove it’s fake, millions of people have already seen it and believed it.”
The danger increases when such content escapes fringe channels and reaches broader audiences, Moshe warned.
Moshe said she personally remains unaffected by such content because she understands ground reality and recognizes psychological warfare tactics. However, “the true danger arises” when fabricated material spreads across social media and “bleed[s] into mainstream media.” That, she cautioned, is when “a localized lie becomes a dangerous global narrative.”
This dynamic has become more apparent as the conflict has expanded. AI-generated images have falsely claimed to show captured US soldiers in Iran, while old footage has been recirculated as new strikes on Tel Aviv. These examples demonstrate that information warfare involves not only persuasion, but also saturation: flooding feeds so rapidly and extensively that verification becomes reactive rather than preventive.
Moshe also highlighted the role of platform architecture itself.
“Seeing people cheer when missiles are fired at us is frustrating,” she said, but added that platforms like TikTok and X reward extreme and hateful content because it generates views. She also noted that much apparent support for such content is artificially amplified: “A lot of this cheering isn’t just real people—it’s fake accounts and bots pushing this hate on purpose to make it look like the whole world supports it.”
She noted that false reports about Israeli leaders, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, being killed are part of the same psychological strategy.
“Spreading fake news about Israeli leaders dying is a classic psychological trick,” she said. The goal, she added, is both to create panic within Israel and to provide audiences in Iran or Gaza with a false “victory” to celebrate.
She also described how unrelated global trends are deliberately exploited to expand reach. “And as for the Epstein files, since everyone in the world was searching for it, they started putting Epstein hashtags on their anti-Israel videos. They did this just to ‘hijack’ or jump on the trend and expose it to millions of completely unrelated people so they could see their propaganda. Plus, it’s a way to connect Israel to crazy global conspiracy theories.”
Many international outlets similarly discovered that pro-Iran networks had used Epstein-related content as part of a broader disinformation system connected to the war.
What emerges from both military and digital fronts is the same fundamental reality: algorithmic acceleration. On battlefields, AI is helping militaries detect threats, identify targets, filter radar interference, and compress the time between detection and action. Online, it’s helping propagandists generate synthetic evidence, capture attention, and create illusions of consensus or victory before facts can be verified.
King cautioned that even on the military side, this speed introduces serious dangers.
“While artificial intelligence can improve precision and situational awareness on the battlefield, it also introduces new strategic risks,” he observed. As AI reduces detection and response times, he said, human deliberation decreases, raising the risk of rapid escalation if systems operate faster than political leaders can intervene.
He described the broader transformation in dramatic terms.
“Artificial intelligence is becoming the central nervous system of modern warfare,” he stated. By combining data from satellites, drones, electronic intelligence, and battlefield sensors into a real-time operational picture, AI compresses “the time between detection, decision, and action,” making wars increasingly influenced by algorithm-assisted decision cycles rather than traditional command timelines.
The same acceleration is now occurring online. On social media, false information can now be created, amplified, and accepted before journalists, officials, or analysts have time to debunk them. On battlefields, AI may help identify launchers, prioritize intercepts, or accelerate strike planning. In both areas, the defining characteristic is velocity.
As King concluded: “AI will not replace military leadership, but it will increasingly shape how quickly leaders must make decisions.”
And as Moshe cautioned, the challenge is no longer only what occurs on the ground, but how rapidly false information about it can become accepted reality.
Motorists traveling through northern New Castle County should expect delays on Naamans Road this evening due to ongoing construction work.
DelDOT reports that the westbound right lane at the intersection of Naamans Road and Carpenter Station Road is currently closed to traffic. The lane restriction is related to construction activities in the area.
The closure is expected to remain in place until 8 PM tonight, according to state transportation officials. Drivers are advised to use caution when traveling through the work zone and allow extra time for their commute.
Traffic is being directed around the construction area, but delays are possible during peak travel times.
El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele is advancing constitutional changes that would authorize lifetime imprisonment sentences in a nation where more than one percent of citizens are currently behind bars due to anti-gang operations.
Bukele’s political party introduced the constitutional amendment to lawmakers on Tuesday, and the measure appears headed for approval given his party’s dominant control of the legislature.
The proposal represents the latest in a series of constitutional modifications that critics argue are eroding democratic safeguards and weakening institutional oversight in the Central American country.
“We will see who supports this reform and who dares to defend the idea that the Constitution should continue prohibiting murderers and rapists from remaining in prison,” Bukele wrote in a post on X on Tuesday.
This past August, lawmakers approved another constitutional change eliminating presidential term restrictions, creating a pathway for Bukele to remain in office without time limits. Constitutional scholars widely view Bukele’s current second term, which started in 2024, as violating the nation’s charter that bars consecutive presidential reelections.
The latest reform proposal expands upon Bukele’s existing anti-gang initiatives, including an emergency decree implemented in March 2022 after a surge in gang-related violence swept the country.
This emergency declaration, designed as a short-term response but renewed for almost four years, has suspended fundamental constitutional protections and resulted in approximately 91,300 arrests.
Human rights organizations have documented numerous cases of wrongful imprisonment over several years, with one advocacy group presenting evidence to the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights claiming most emergency detainees were unlawfully arrested. While Bukele strongly disputed these accusations, he has acknowledged releasing 8,000 individuals found to be innocent.
Bukele’s administration has also targeted political opponents, arresting critics and activists while increasingly pressuring journalists and opposition figures to choose between leaving the country or facing imprisonment.
Individuals arrested during the emergency period remain in custody with minimal evidence, facing unclear charges from government officials and receiving extremely limited access to legal protections. Many defendants face group trials while their attorneys frequently cannot locate their clients within the prison system.
Government representatives under Bukele have previously declared that detained gang members “will never return” to freedom.
Officials within the Trump administration are pushing back against assertions made by conservative commentator Tucker Carlson regarding a supposed CIA investigation targeting him, calling his concerns baseless.
In a social media post, Carlson claimed intelligence agencies were building a case against him for potential prosecution. “The CIA is preparing some kind of criminal referral against me, a crime report to the Department of Justice, on the basis of a supposed crime I committed,” he stated. Carlson went on to explain: “What’s that crime? Well, talking to people in Iran before the war. They read my texts,” while implying the purported investigation stemmed from his criticism of Israel.
However, Axios White House correspondent Marc Caputo contradicted these assertions, reporting that White House officials called the claims “bullsh*t” and confirmed no CIA probe exists targeting Carlson. According to Caputo, his inquiries with appropriate agencies revealed no evidence that any intelligence organization had initiated an investigation or submitted a referral.
Caputo further investigated whether other agencies like the National Security Agency might be involved, but his research yielded identical results, showing no activity from either the NSA or CIA regarding Carlson.
Regarding a recent conversation between Carlson and President Trump, Caputo characterized their interaction as respectful, noting they “politely disagreed.” The reporter indicated that Trump stood firm on viewing Iran as a threat and dismissed any notion that he had been deceived. A source with knowledge of their discussion stated the president “wasn’t participating in an op.”
Although no intelligence agency probe has been confirmed, Caputo noted that the Department of Justice and FBI have received multiple requests from private individuals urging an investigation into Carlson under the Foreign Agents Registration Act.
These events stem from Carlson’s public accusations of government surveillance and possible legal consequences related to his correspondence and positions regarding Iran.
Federal health officials have expanded their nationwide investigation into Medicaid fraud by targeting Florida, marking the fifth state to face scrutiny from the Trump administration this year.
Dr. Mehmet Oz, who leads the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, sent a formal request Tuesday to Florida officials demanding detailed information about how the state identifies and combats fraudulent activity within its Medicaid program.
The federal administrator has issued comparable demands to officials in New York, Minnesota, Maine and California as part of a broader Trump administration campaign against fraud and waste in government benefit programs.
Florida represents the first Republican-controlled state to receive such a request from Oz, signaling the administration’s intention to pursue fraud investigations without regard to party politics.
The Florida investigation follows President Trump’s Monday executive order establishing a federal anti-fraud task force under Vice President JD Vance’s leadership, as concerns about government spending resonate with voters ahead of upcoming elections.
In his social media announcement, Oz declared that Florida “has been a hotspot for health care fraud for years” and urged state leadership to “step up and work with us to stop it.”
The federal administrator pointed to previous large-scale fraudulent operations within Florida’s Medicare and Medicaid systems that led to criminal prosecutions, stating that the extensive nature of these schemes requires additional oversight information from state officials.
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier acknowledged Oz’s concerns on social media platform X, highlighting a recent Medicaid fraud arrest within the state.
“The Medicaid system is overwhelmed with fraud and abuse, and we look forward to working with Dr. Oz on these issues,” Uthmeier stated.
Representatives for Governor Ron DeSantis and Florida’s Agency for Health Care Administration have not yet responded to media requests for comment. Federal officials have given state leaders 30 days to answer a comprehensive list of questions.
In January, CMS suspended Medicaid payments to Minnesota due to fraud concerns, prompting Democratic Governor Tim Walz to condemn the action as politically motivated. Oz indicated funding would resume only after Minnesota develops a thorough corrective strategy.
Federal officials have also implemented a six-month freeze on new Medicare enrollments for suppliers of medical equipment and prosthetics to address suspected billing irregularities.
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Residents of San Francisco shed their typical layers Tuesday as an extraordinary winter heat wave continues to break temperature records across the western United States, bringing the city its warmest March temperatures in more than two decades.
The Bay Area is approaching 90-degree highs while Phoenix expects to surpass 100 degrees this week — a milestone typically reached in early May that has never occurred before March 26. Las Vegas may also record its earliest triple-digit temperature ever in the coming days.
This stands in stark contrast to the Midwest and eastern regions, where residents continue clearing snow from powerful storms that caused thousands of flight delays this week.
At San Francisco’s Crissy Field near the Golden Gate Bridge, dog owners and sunbathers gathered to enjoy the unseasonably warm weather.
“It feels like summer already in March. That’s crazy, but I love it,” said dog walker Justyce Roliz. “The dogs, they love running in the water. They love to cool off. They’re loving it.”
Local resident Jessica Ling welcomed the warm temperatures but noted challenges: “but it’s difficult because we don’t have AC in our house. So we have our fans going, our windows open, but we try to be outside as much as we can.”
Temperature records fell throughout the Bay Area on Monday, with Tuesday’s forecasts predicting even higher readings. San Francisco International Airport registered 83 degrees Monday, while Redwood City in Silicon Valley hit 90 degrees, surpassing a 2004 record. San Jose’s 85-degree reading matched a mark established in 1914.
According to National Weather Service meteorologist Roger Gass, while such early heat is uncommon for San Francisco, it’s not unprecedented. The last occurrence was in 2005, when downtown temperatures reached a record 87 degrees on March 11 during a two-day heat wave that set the monthly record. March 2004 saw nearly a week of 80-degree temperatures.
Las Vegas meteorologist Brian Planz forecasts temperatures between 94 and 98 degrees over the next several days, with Saturday potentially reaching 100 degrees — which would mark the city’s earliest triple-digit reading. The current March record stands at 93 degrees, established in 2022.
“If people are visiting Vegas this weekend, they just need to prepare for the heat, make sure they’re hydrating,” Planz advised. “This is going to be unusual for this time of year.”
New Zealand visitor Mark Reeves was following that guidance, staying hydrated and seeking shade and air-conditioned casinos. Standing before the Bellagio fountains, he admitted the heat exceeded his expectations.
However, the weather hasn’t diminished his experience.
“For me, this is the trip of a lifetime,” he explained. “I’ve never been to the USA before and I may never get here again.”
Colorado faces particular challenges as this heat wave caps an unusually mild winter that left mountain snowpack well below normal. This snow typically supplies water to millions of residents. Denver-area water utilities have implemented or are considering lawn watering restrictions.
With temperatures expected to climb into the 80s this week, officials warn against early sprinkler use, as reduced water supplies must last through summer. Colorado utilities typically advise homeowners to wait until May before activating irrigation systems.
Aurora Water spokesperson Shonnie Cline, whose utility serves 400,000 suburban Denver residents, cautioned that late freezes could still damage prematurely activated sprinkler systems.
“The sooner you wake it up, it’s not necessarily better,” she said regarding lawn care.
Israeli military forces announced Tuesday they had killed Ali Larijani, a high-ranking Iranian government leader, in strikes that could significantly impact Iran’s governing structure.
The attack also claimed the lives of Basij commander Gholamreza Soleimani and his deputy, Karishi, according to Israeli Defense Forces confirmation.
Uncertainty surrounded Larijani’s fate for several hours before officials verified his death Tuesday afternoon.
Larijani had emerged as a crucial figure in Iran’s government, especially after the killing of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Following that event, Khamenei’s son Mojtaba Khamenei was named as the new leader but has been notably absent from public view amid reports he suffered severe injuries in an Israeli attack.
On March 1, Larijani declared he would lead a temporary governing body to run Iran, though the scope of his power remained unclear. In recent weeks, he became Tehran’s most visible spokesperson, regularly addressing remarks made by US President Donald Trump amid the ongoing conflict.
Throughout his career, Larijani occupied numerous high-level roles, serving as an Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps commander, parliamentary speaker, and head of the National Security Council. Though he was blocked from the 2021 presidential race to clear the path for Ebrahim Raisi’s victory and temporarily lost political standing, he had recently returned to prominence.
His influence expanded after Khamenei’s assassination and the deaths of other top Iranian leaders during both the current fighting and earlier clashes in summer 2025. Many considered him Khamenei’s second-in-command during the former leader’s lifetime, and he held major responsibilities for Iran’s security operations and nuclear talks with the United States.
Should Larijani have been Iran’s de facto leader in recent weeks, his death could have major consequences for the Iranian government’s future stability.
Iraqi security officials report that the American Embassy in Baghdad faced a significant assault early Tuesday morning, with multiple rockets and at least five unmanned aircraft targeting the diplomatic facility in what they describe as the heaviest bombardment in the region since current hostilities between the United States, Israel, and Iran began.
According to a Reuters eyewitness, no fewer than three drones were observed flying toward the embassy complex. Defense systems successfully stopped two of the aircraft, but a third managed to impact the embassy grounds, resulting in visible flames and smoke billowing from the compound.
The Iranian-supported Popular Mobilization Front distributed footage capturing one of the drones approaching the embassy facility.
In a separate incident within Iraq, an attack on a residence in the al-Jadriyah district resulted in four fatalities. An AFP security source reported that preliminary information suggested two of the deceased were “Iranian advisers” working with Tehran-affiliated organizations.
The violence extended beyond Iraq’s borders, with additional attacks reported against energy installations and civilian locations throughout the Middle East.
In the United Arab Emirates, an assault ignited a blaze within the Fujairah Oil Industry Zone. Production at the Shah field continued to be disrupted Tuesday following Monday’s missile strike on the facility, which ranks among the globe’s largest sour gas operations.
Maritime authorities in Oman reported through the British Maritime Trade Center that a projectile hit an oil vessel, resulting in damage though no personnel were harmed.
Kuwait’s Health Ministry announced that two healthcare workers sustained injuries at an ambulance facility due to falling debris, though additional details were not released.
These incidents occur as military actions connected to the current conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran spread throughout several nations in the region, with attacks impacting diplomatic facilities, energy infrastructure, and civilian locations.
Israeli Defense Forces announced Tuesday they executed military strikes against high-ranking Iranian leadership, including senior official Ali Larijani and Basij commander Gholamreza Soleimani, alongside other top Islamic Jihad leaders in an operation that could significantly impact Iran’s command structure.
According to reports from The Jerusalem Post later that morning, Soleimani died along with his deputy, Karishi, when both men were discovered hiding in a temporary shelter designed to evade detection. Larijani’s fate following the attempted strike remains unknown, though the assassination attempt has sparked widespread rumors that he may have been either killed or severely injured.
Larijani has emerged as a key figure in Iran’s government hierarchy, especially after the killing of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Since Khamenei’s son, Mojtaba Khamenei, assumed leadership but has been notably absent amid reports he suffered serious injuries in an Israeli attack.
On March 1, Larijani declared his intention to lead a temporary governing committee for Iran, although the scope of his power remains questionable. In recent weeks, he has become Tehran’s most visible spokesperson, regularly issuing responses to statements made by US President Donald Trump throughout the ongoing conflict.
Throughout his career, Larijani has occupied numerous high-level roles, including commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards, parliamentary speaker, and head of the national security council. While he was prevented from seeking the presidency in 2021 to clear the path for Ebrahim Raisi’s victory and experienced a period of diminished influence, he has recently restored his political standing.
His prominence increased after Khamenei’s assassination and the deaths of other top Iranian leaders during both the current hostilities and an earlier round of combat in summer 2025. Many considered him Khamenei’s second-in-command during the former leader’s lifetime, and he maintained significant oversight of Iran’s security operations and nuclear discussions with the United States.
Should Larijani have been functioning as Iran’s de facto leader in recent weeks, his elimination or serious injury could create major disruptions within the country’s power structure.
The online retail giant Amazon is preparing to dramatically reduce its reliance on the U.S. Postal Service for package deliveries, a decision that threatens to strip millions of dollars in revenue from the federal agency, according to a Wall Street Journal report published Tuesday.
The Seattle-based company, which has historically been the Postal Service’s largest customer, is working to slash its postal shipments by a minimum of two-thirds before its current agreement with the agency concludes this fall, the Journal reported, referencing sources with knowledge of the situation.
The retail behemoth has already begun scaling back its use of postal delivery services as it develops its own logistics network and explores alternative shipping partnerships.
Neither Amazon nor the U.S. Postal Service provided immediate responses when contacted for comment about the reported changes to their business relationship.
President Donald Trump announced Tuesday that he is rescheduling his planned diplomatic visit to China’s capital to meet with President Xi Jinping, as the ongoing conflict with Iran disrupts American foreign policy priorities and stalls efforts to improve relations between the two economic superpowers.
Speaking to members of the media from the Oval Office, Trump stated, “We are resetting the meeting. We’re working with China. They were fine with it.”
The president had originally planned to visit Beijing from March 31 through April 2, marking his first journey to China during his current 14-month second presidential term. According to Trump, the rescheduled meeting will occur in “about five or six weeks,” though the White House has not announced specific new dates.
A representative from the Chinese embassy in Washington confirmed ongoing discussions about the visit timing, saying, “China and the U.S. remain in communication on President Trump’s visit to China, including the dates. I have nothing to add at the moment.”
The rescheduled diplomatic meeting creates additional uncertainty in both financial markets and international relations, as the Iranian conflict has pushed oil costs upward, created threats to maritime commerce through the Strait of Hormuz, and increased investor concerns about energy supply chains.
The postponement also puts on hold negotiations aimed at reducing tensions between Washington and Beijing across multiple areas including Taiwan, trade tariffs, semiconductor technology, narcotics trafficking, rare earth minerals, and agricultural trade.
Trump’s military campaign in Iran has created widespread military and economic ripple effects that have demanded focus from throughout his administration.
According to a source familiar with the Beijing visit planning, the optics of Trump participating in an elaborate state ceremony appeared increasingly inappropriate given America’s economic challenges and the return of fallen American military personnel from Middle East operations.
Iran has responded to combined American-Israeli military strikes by issuing threats to attack ships traveling through the Strait of Hormuz.
Trump’s appeals for international support have been largely unsuccessful so far. China, which brought in approximately 12 million barrels of oil per day during the first two months of 2026 – more than any other nation – has not provided a direct response to his requests for assistance.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian stated earlier Tuesday that characterizing the visit delay as resulting from disagreements over the strait would be “misguided.”
Beijing had never formally announced specific dates for Trump’s visit, and typically does not reveal Xi’s schedule until just days beforehand.
Trump’s most recent meeting with Xi occurred in October in South Korea. His last trip to China took place in 2017.
Advance preparations for the planned meeting included discussions this week in Paris between American Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng.
Those Paris negotiations centered on potential expanded Chinese purchases of American farm products including poultry, beef, and various non-soybean crops. The officials also addressed increasing supplies of rare earth minerals that China largely controls, along with new strategies for managing trade and investment relationships between the nations, according to sources with knowledge of the discussions.
Drivers navigating Gerald Drive should plan for potential delays as construction work creates intermittent lane restrictions along a stretch of the roadway.
The temporary lane closures affect the section of Gerald Drive that runs between Ralph Road and Powderhorn Road. Work crews are actively operating in the area, causing periodic traffic disruptions throughout the day.
According to DelDOT officials, the construction-related lane restrictions are expected to conclude by 5 PM today. Motorists are advised to allow extra travel time when using this route and to exercise caution while passing through the work zone.
Traffic patterns may shift periodically as crews complete their operations, so drivers should remain alert for changing conditions and follow any posted signage or flagging personnel directing traffic flow.
Motorists should expect delays on Naamans Road today as construction crews have shut down the right lane of westbound traffic at the intersection with Carpenter Station Road.
The lane closure is part of ongoing construction activities in the area and is expected to remain in effect until 5 PM this evening.
Drivers are advised to allow extra travel time and use caution when navigating through the work zone. Traffic may experience backups during peak travel hours.
Motorists traveling on Route 1 should expect delays and plan alternate routes as the Delaware Department of Transportation continues construction work requiring periodic lane restrictions.
The affected stretch of Coastal Highway runs from Lockerman Road to Hudson Road, where crews are implementing intermittent lane closures throughout the day.
According to DelDOT officials, the construction-related lane restrictions will remain in effect until 6:00 PM today. Drivers are advised to use caution when traveling through the work zone and allow extra time for their commute.
The department has not specified the nature of the construction work or provided details about when the project will be completed.
The USS Gerald R. Ford, the world’s most advanced aircraft carrier, is approaching what could become a record-breaking deployment after spending more than nine months away from its home port.
The massive warship and its crew departed from Norfolk, Virginia on June 24th with plans to operate in the Mediterranean Sea. However, their mission has extended far beyond the original timeline, with the vessel now stationed in the Red Sea amid ongoing military operations involving Iran.
What began as a routine Mediterranean deployment has transformed into an extended overseas assignment with no definitive homecoming date established for the crew members.
The Ford represents the Navy’s newest class of aircraft carriers and serves as the flagship of American naval power projection capabilities around the globe.
Delaware Department of Transportation officials have implemented a complete road closure on Sharpless Drive affecting traffic in both directions, according to DelDOT’s incident reporting system.
The temporary shutdown spans the section of roadway from McDaniel Avenue to Woodrow Avenue while construction crews complete necessary work in the area.
Transportation authorities indicate the closure will remain in effect until 7:00 AM, after which normal traffic flow is expected to resume.
Motorists traveling through the area are advised to seek alternate routes during the closure period to avoid delays.
A Border Patrol official who rose to national prominence during the Trump administration’s intensive immigration enforcement campaigns has announced his decision to step down from federal service, according to confirmation he provided to The Associated Press on Tuesday.
Gregory Bovino, age 55, began his career with the Border Patrol in 1996 and advanced through various leadership positions over nearly three decades. His public profile expanded significantly last June when he took charge of enforcement operations in Los Angeles, leading to thousands of detentions through high-profile raids at locations including Home Depot stores and vehicle cleaning facilities. During these operations, federal agents broke vehicle windows, forced entry into residential properties, and conducted mounted patrols through the well-known MacArthur Park area.
Frequently seen wearing tactical equipment, Bovino subsequently moved his operations to Chicago, where his teams conducted enforcement activities along the Chicago River, in the popular Michigan Avenue shopping district, and throughout various neighborhoods and suburban areas. His Chicago tenure included directing a helicopter-assisted operation at a large residential complex and deploying chemical agents against protesters.
Following brief deployments in Charlotte, North Carolina, and New Orleans, Bovino maintained an almost constant presence in Minnesota’s Twin Cities region, where tensions escalated between protesters and immigration officials, ultimately resulting in the deaths of two American citizens: Renee Good and Alex Pretti. Bovino departed Minnesota soon after Pretti’s death on January 24 and was subsequently replaced by Tom Homan, the White House’s border enforcement coordinator.
Currently serving as sector chief for the Border Patrol’s El Centro, California division since 2020, Bovino will conclude his federal career from that position.
During an August 25 interview with the AP, Bovino outlined his enforcement philosophy: “We’re not going to hit one location. We’re going to hit as many as we can. All over — all over — the Los Angeles region, we’re going to turn and burn to that next target and the next and the next and the next, and we’re not going to stop. We’re not going to stop until there’s not a problem here.”
In that same interview, Bovino defended the Border Patrol’s expanded operations in urban areas far from international boundaries: “What happens at the border, even 100 years ago, didn’t stay at the border, and it still doesn’t. That’s why we’re here in Los Angeles.”
Regarding a controversial incident in Chicago’s Little Village neighborhood where he deployed tear gas against a crowd, Bovino stated in a November 3 AP interview: “We use the least amount of force necessary to effect the arrest, we do that. If I had more CS gas, I would have deployed it.” The Department of Homeland Security claimed Bovino had been struck by a rock, though witnesses disputed this account and alleged agents used gas without advance warning. A federal judge later determined that Bovino provided false testimony about this incident.
U.S. District Judge Sara Ellis addressed Bovino directly on October 28, stating: “My role is not to tell you that you can or cannot enforce validly passed laws by Congress. … My role is simply to see that in the enforcement of those laws, the agents are acting in a manner that is consistent with the Constitution.” The judge mandated that Bovino provide daily reports on his agents’ enforcement methods in Chicago.
At a January 24 press conference following the fatal shooting of 37-year-old nurse Alex Pretti by federal officers, Bovino characterized the incident by saying: “This looks like a situation where an individual wanted to do maximum damage and massacre law enforcement.” Eyewitness footage immediately contradicted his account of the events.
President Donald Trump addressed Bovino’s removal from Minnesota during a January 27 Fox News Channel interview: “I don’t think it’s a pullback, it’s a little bit of a change. Everybody in this room that has a business, you know you make little changes. You know Bovino’s very good, but he’s a pretty out there kind of a guy, and in some cases, that’s good, maybe it wasn’t good here.”
On March 5, following Trump’s dismissal of Kristi Noem as homeland security secretary, Bovino offered his assessment: “She is the best Secretary I ever worked for, period. The others weren’t even close. Noem is the ultimate patriot.”
Motorists across the nation are confronting fuel costs they haven’t experienced since late 2023, as the continuing conflict with Iran creates significant disruptions in worldwide oil markets.
Data from AAA shows that regular gasoline now averages $3.79 nationwide as of Tuesday, representing a substantial increase from the $2.98 drivers were spending before joint U.S. and Israeli military operations against Iran commenced on February 28. These current prices mark the most expensive fuel costs Americans have faced since October 2023.
“It’s pretty hard. I mean, times are tough for everybody right now,” Louisiana resident Amanda Acosta shared with reporters while refueling her vehicle this week. “I’m getting way less gas and paying way more money.”
Acosta’s experience reflects a widespread challenge. The surge in fuel expenses represents one of the most direct economic consequences of the military conflict, as crude oil values – gasoline’s primary component – have experienced dramatic increases and volatility in recent weeks. This stems from ongoing supply chain interruptions and production reductions by major Middle Eastern oil producers. International Brent crude reached over $102 per barrel Tuesday, climbing from approximately $70 just weeks earlier. Meanwhile, U.S. benchmark crude now trades near $96 per barrel.
Political attention has focused on the White House response. President Trump, who previously highlighted his administration’s success in maintaining affordable gas prices, has recently shifted his messaging to portray elevated oil costs as beneficial for America. In a social media post last week, Trump emphasized that since the U.S. leads global crude production, “when oil prices go up, we make a lot of money.”
While oil companies profit from higher prices, consumers face increased financial pressure – particularly as many families already struggle with broader affordability challenges. These rising costs could potentially accelerate inflation in the near term and create more significant economic damage if sustained over time. Political analysts suggest this situation may increase pressure on the Trump administration, especially given voters’ continued focus on cost-of-living issues.
“I just want all of it to end. I just want to get out of there, out of Iran,” expressed New Jersey resident Meghan Adamoli while filling up at a gas station Tuesday. Though Adamoli indicated she can personally “roll with the punches” regarding fuel prices, she recognizes many others cannot.
Pennsylvania flatbed truck driver Dan Bradley described feeling the impact on both his commercial and personal vehicles. Diesel prices have also surged, with the national average exceeding $5 per gallon Tuesday according to AAA, compared to approximately $3.76 before hostilities began.
“It sucks when you’re filling up,” Bradley commented. “What are you going to do, not get gas?”
However, some regions see economic benefits from higher oil prices. Texas resident Clay Plant noted that increased crude costs boost his hometown of Lubbock’s economy, as more drilling activity creates employment opportunities.
“It’s kind of a good sign for us in west Texas,” Plant observed. “I look at it as my friends and family get to eat and they get to go to work.”
Despite America’s status as a net oil exporter, the country remains vulnerable to price fluctuations. Oil trades as a global commodity, and while the U.S. produces primarily light, sweet crude, many East and West Coast refineries require heavier, sour crude for processing, necessitating continued imports.
Future price trends remain uncertain, with potential for further increases if the conflict continues. Iran has effectively blocked nearly all tanker traffic through the crucial Strait of Hormuz, eliminating a critical shipping route that typically handles about one-fifth of global oil transport daily. This blockade has forced production cuts by regional producers unable to export their crude. Additionally, military strikes by Iran, Israel, and the U.S. have targeted oil and gas infrastructure.
These disruptions have prompted international efforts to secure alternative supplies. The International Energy Agency announced plans last week to release 400 million barrels from member nations’ strategic reserves. Trump subsequently confirmed U.S. participation by releasing 172 million barrels from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve. The administration also temporarily lifted sanctions on Russian oil related to the Ukraine conflict.
Energy analysts caution that these measures provide only temporary relief. Refineries purchase crude oil in advance, and new supply takes time to reach consumers. Beyond crude oil costs, several other factors influence current gas prices. Fuel expenses typically rise seasonally as driving increases and refineries switch to more expensive “summer blend” gasoline production.
Regional price variations persist due to factors including local refinery capacity and varying tax structures. California recorded the highest average at over $5.54 per gallon Tuesday, while Kansas maintained the lowest at approximately $3.21.
Economic experts warn these fuel cost increases could reduce consumer spending in other areas. Georgetown University finance professor Francesco D’Acunto explains that as households allocate more money toward essential expenses like gasoline, many families – especially middle and lower-income groups – must reduce spending elsewhere. Higher fuel costs also affect other economic sectors through increased transportation expenses for goods and higher utility bills.
D’Acunto noted that combined inflation pressures and wartime uncertainty “makes many houses and consumers freeze.” He suggested this could delay major financial decisions such as vehicle or home purchases, potentially creating broader economic impacts down the road.
MONTGOMERY, Ala. — Alabama’s highest court has determined that law enforcement officers may require individuals to produce physical identification during stops when verbal responses don’t satisfy them, following a case involving a Black minister arrested while tending to his neighbor’s garden.
The state Supreme Court delivered the 6-3 ruling last week after a federal judge overseeing litigation related to Michael Jennings’ 2022 arrest sought clarification on Alabama’s “stop-and-identify” statute. The religious leader was taken into custody after refusing to present identification to Childersburg police.
Justice Will Sellers explained in the decision that the state statute “does not exclude from its purview a request for physical identification when a suspect provides an incomplete or unsatisfactory response to an officer’s demand to provide his or her name and address and an explanation of his or her action.”
The incident occurred in May 2022 when officers approached Jennings in his neighbor’s front yard. A nearby resident had contacted 911 after observing an unfamiliar vehicle and a “young Black male” near the property. Responding officers discovered Jennings tending to flowers and questioned his activities.
Jennings introduced himself as “Pastor Jennings” and explained he resided across the street and was maintaining his neighbor’s landscaping during their vacation. When officers requested his identification, Jennings declined, stating he had committed no wrongdoing. The 911 caller subsequently confirmed Jennings as a fellow neighbor.
Authorities charged Jennings with obstructing a government operation, though prosecutors later dropped the charge.
Jennings filed a federal lawsuit against the municipality and officers alleging wrongful arrest. While a federal judge initially dismissed the case, the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals overturned that ruling. U.S. District Judge R. David Proctor subsequently requested the state Supreme Court’s interpretation of whether the law permits officers to demand identification following unsatisfactory verbal responses.
Matthew Cavedon, who directs the Cato Institute’s Project on Criminal Justice, characterized the ruling as a “significant expansion of government power over people.”
Both the Cato Institute and American Civil Liberties Union filed supporting briefs contending the statute doesn’t authorize physical identification demands. Cavedon emphasized the ruling’s implications for situations where officers find responses inadequate.
“The significance now for Alabamians is if an officer’s not satisfied with whatever answer you give, I sure hope you’ve got your driver’s license or passport on you,” he stated.
The United Farm Workers organization has withdrawn its support for yearly festivities honoring founder Cesar Chavez following disturbing but vague accusations that have emerged.
On Tuesday, union leadership issued a statement indicating that claims involving “abuse of young women or minors” were serious enough to recommend that supporters nationwide participate in immigration advocacy activities or community service rather than traditional March events celebrating Chavez’s contributions.
Union officials clarified they have not been contacted directly about any abuse incidents and lack personal knowledge of the accusations. Both the union and Cesar Chavez Foundation declined to provide additional details when contacted by The Associated Press.
“Some of the reports are family issues, and not our story to tell or our place to comment on,” union representatives stated.
Multiple commemorative gatherings scheduled in San Francisco, Texas, and Arizona – where Chavez was born – were called off following requests from the foundation, which acknowledged becoming aware of concerning claims about Chavez during his tenure leading the organization. Event coordinators did not respond immediately to AP inquiries.
Both organizations announced plans to create systems allowing anyone potentially harmed by Chavez to share their experiences privately.
“These allegations have been profoundly shocking,” the union declared. “We need some time to get this right, including to ensure robust, trauma-informed services are available to those who may need it.”
California pioneered the establishment of March 31 – Chavez’s birth date – as an official day recognizing the labor activist, with other states adopting similar observances. President Barack Obama designated March 31 as national Cesar Chavez Day in 2014, encouraging Americans to celebrate his contributions.
Numerous roads, educational institutions and recreational areas carry Chavez’s name. Born in Yuma, Arizona, he was raised in a Mexican-American household that migrated throughout California harvesting lettuce, grapes, cotton and other seasonal produce. He passed away in California in 1993 at 66 years old.
Chavez gained national recognition through his early organizing efforts in agricultural fields, conducting hunger strikes, leading grape boycotts and ultimately securing agreements with growers to negotiate with farm laborers for improved compensation and workplace conditions.
In 1962, Chavez partnered with Dolores Huerta to establish the National Farm Workers Association, later renamed the United Farm Workers of America.
Agricultural workers remain essential to California’s farming industry, which produces approximately half of America’s fruits, nuts and vegetables.
Chavez fought against inadequate wages and harsh working environments. Field workers lacked restroom facilities and used short-handled tools that required hours of bending over while weeding crops.
Supervisors routinely disregarded worker health and fair compensation, particularly affecting Spanish-speaking employees who were in the country temporarily or without documentation and possessed limited political or legal resources to combat mistreatment.
Financial markets displayed mixed signals Tuesday as equity indexes climbed while oil prices surged back beyond the $100 per barrel threshold, setting the stage for the Federal Reserve’s anticipated interest rate announcement Wednesday.
Market participants appeared unfazed by the energy price spike that pushed Brent crude above the century mark, instead focusing their attention on tomorrow’s central bank policy decision. Bond yields and the dollar both declined during the session.
The day’s trading revealed stark contrasts in global market performance since Middle Eastern conflicts began. While European markets have dropped 3-4% and Asian indexes fell around 7%, U.S. stocks have shown remarkable resilience with the S&P 500 down less than 2% and the Nasdaq nearly unchanged.
However, year-to-date figures tell a different story. European and Asian markets have posted gains of 1-7%, while the S&P 500 has declined 2.5% and the Nasdaq sits 4.5% lower.
Energy costs are creating significant pressure on American consumers. Gasoline prices have surged 25% to approximately $4 per gallon, while diesel has exceeded $5 per gallon. Jet fuel costs have skyrocketed more than 50%, which will likely drive up air travel expenses considerably.
Despite these fuel price increases, consumer spending has remained strong. Analysts suggest that if energy costs stay elevated, economic impact will eventually materialize. This concern may explain the flattening bond yield curve, as markets anticipate slower growth following the initial inflation surge.
The yield curve flattening trend extends beyond U.S. markets. German bond spreads have compressed from 80 basis points in early February to 45 basis points recently, marking the flattest curve in a year. British yields have similarly narrowed after reaching their steepest levels since 2018, while Australian curves face pressure from rising policy rates.
Tuesday’s market movements showed the S&P 500 gaining 0.25% and the Nasdaq advancing 0.5%. European markets rose 0.6%, with UK stocks up 0.8%. Eight S&P 500 sectors posted gains, led by consumer discretionary and energy stocks, each up 1%. Healthcare stocks declined 1%, representing the day’s biggest sector loss.
Individual stock movements included Delta Air Lines surging 6% alongside other airline shares, while private credit firms Apollo and Blackstone each gained 5%. Pharmaceutical giant Eli Lilly dropped 6%.
Currency markets saw the dollar weaken broadly, with the Norwegian krone leading gains among major currencies, up 0.9%. The Australian dollar rose 0.5% following a central bank rate increase.
Wednesday’s trading session will likely hinge on several key developments, including Middle Eastern situation updates, energy market movements, and most significantly, the Federal Reserve’s interest rate decision accompanied by updated economic projections and Chair Jerome Powell’s press conference.
Additional market-moving events include central bank meetings in Europe, Brazil, and Canada, along with U.S. economic data releases covering durable goods, factory orders, and producer price inflation.
Motorists should expect delays on Northeast Boulevard today as construction crews have shut down the right lane of northbound traffic.
The lane closure affects the stretch of Northeast Boulevard that passes over Brandywine Creek, specifically between East 11th Street and East 12th Street.
According to DelDOT officials, the construction work is expected to wrap up by 3 PM this afternoon, at which point normal traffic flow should resume.
Drivers are advised to allow extra travel time and consider alternate routes if possible during the construction period.
The Georgian Orthodox Church is mourning the loss of its longtime spiritual leader, Ilia II, who died Tuesday at age 93 after nearly five decades of leadership that transformed the religious institution from Soviet oppression to national prominence.
Metropolitan Shio, a senior church official, confirmed that the Catholicos-Patriarch passed away after being hospitalized Monday evening for severe internal bleeding. Church leaders now have 40 days to select his successor through the Holy Synod of senior bishops.
Born Irakli Ghudushauri-Shiolashvili on January 4, 1933, in Russia’s North Caucasus region, he came from a Georgian family originally from the mountainous Kazbegi area. His religious education took place at Moscow’s Theological Academy, where he received ordination under the name Ilia despite Soviet restrictions on religious teaching.
After completing his theological training, he returned to Georgia and advanced through church leadership, ultimately becoming Catholicos-Patriarch in 1977. At that time, he took control of an organization devastated by Soviet anti-religious policies, including violent persecution of clergy and destruction of sacred sites.
Georgia embraced Christianity as its official religion in the early 300s, and faith remains central to the nation’s identity today. Research from the Pew Center in 2017 showed that 89% of Georgians consider themselves Orthodox Christians.
The church’s modern influence was solidified through a 2002 agreement with Eduard Shevardnadze, Georgia’s first leader after Soviet rule ended. This pact granted the church special authority over education and cultural preservation, plus significant tax benefits.
When the Soviet system collapsed in 1991, the Georgian Orthodox Church stepped into the resulting ideological void, becoming a cornerstone of national identity as citizens searched for new meaning beyond communist doctrine. Public opinion surveys consistently ranked the church as Georgia’s most trusted institution, with Ilia II personally earning recognition as the country’s most respected figure in a 2008 poll.
Under Ilia II’s leadership, the church became central to Georgia’s ongoing tension between traditional conservative values and aspirations for closer European ties. Some clergy viewed Western liberal ideologies as incompatible with Georgia’s spiritual mission and cultural heritage.
The patriarch maintained deeply conservative positions on social matters. He opposed abortion rights and characterized homosexuality as a “disease,” comparing LGBT individuals to those struggling with addiction. In 2013, he urged government officials to prohibit a gay rights demonstration. When the event proceeded, thousands of counter-protesters led by Orthodox priests violently confronted participants, injuring 17 people according to Amnesty International.
Critics argued that Ilia II allowed the Georgian church to fall under Russian Orthodox influence, particularly concerning given President Vladimir Putin’s use of religious institutions to support the Ukraine conflict. This Russian connection remains politically sensitive in Georgia, which lost a brief war with Russia in 2008.
When Russia launched its full invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Ilia II expressed “deep heartache” about the violence and later joined other global religious leaders, including Pope Francis, in calling for a ceasefire.
However, in his final years, Ilia II controversially involved himself in church politics surrounding Russia and Ukraine. In 2023, as Ukraine moved to ban a Russian-affiliated Orthodox faction for alleged Moscow collaboration, Ilia II urged the leader of Eastern Orthodox Christianity to “reduce tensions” and promote “mutual rapprochement.”
This stance coincided with Georgia’s ruling Georgian Dream party strengthening economic relationships with Moscow while abandoning its Western-oriented policies.
In his 2023 Easter message, delivered one year after the Ukraine war began, Ilia II reflected on conflict and peace.
“We live in difficult times, explosive times, when the threat of a nuclear catastrophe is real,” he stated. “Therefore, we reflect especially on peace, which is a priceless gift of God.”
Iranian state media outlets confirmed Tuesday that Ali Larijani, the nation’s security chief, has died.
Multiple Iranian news organizations reported Larijani’s death on March 17th, though details surrounding the circumstances were not immediately provided.
The U.S. Senate approved a contentious judicial nominee Tuesday, voting 51-45 to place Anna St. John on the federal bench in Louisiana’s Eastern District Court despite fierce opposition from Democrats and an unexpected critic – former Fox News personality Gretchen Carlson.
St. John, who serves as president and general counsel for the Hamilton Lincoln Law Institute, faced scrutiny over her 2021 congressional testimony where she argued against banning mandatory arbitration in workplace sexual assault and harassment cases.
President Trump had announced St. John’s nomination via social media in January, praising her “strong record of tirelessly fighting to protect Free Speech, champion Religious Liberty, and keep men out of women’s sports.”
The New Orleans attorney has spent nearly a decade at Ted Frank’s Center for Class Action Fairness, which later became part of the Hamilton Lincoln Law Institute, where she has challenged class action settlements that the organization claims benefit attorneys while providing minimal relief to affected consumers.
Louisiana Republican Senator John Kennedy, who sits on the Judiciary Committee, praised the confirmation Tuesday, stating: “She knows our Constitution like the back of her hand and has the smarts and experience to be a great, fair judge.”
However, Senate Judiciary Committee ranking Democrat Dick Durbin strongly criticized the nomination during recent hearings, arguing that her “record reflects a partisan ideology and raises serious questions about her ability to impartially administer justice.”
Durbin highlighted opposition from Carlson, who gained national attention a decade ago when she filed a prominent sexual harassment lawsuit against former Fox News CEO Roger Ailes. Ailes, who passed away in 2017, had denied those allegations.
In a January 29 opinion piece published by Alliance for Justice Action, Carlson accused St. John of attempting to “gaslight” women who sought to eliminate forced arbitration during the #MeToo era.
The dispute centers on legislation that Congress ultimately passed in 2022 – the Ending Forced Arbitration of Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment Act – which prohibits companies from requiring employees to resolve sexual assault or harassment claims through arbitration rather than the court system.
During her November 2021 House Judiciary Committee testimony opposing the bill, St. John argued in written statements that arbitration offers a quicker and more cost-effective method for resolving disputes, “even when serious harms such as sexual harassment and assault are at issue.”
When questioned about her position during a February 4 hearing, St. John maintained her stance, asserting that arbitration “can be beneficial and that it can result, and often does result, in much higher recoveries for plaintiffs and sexual assault survivors.”
Air passengers nationwide are facing significant disruptions as multiple challenges converge to create travel chaos across American airports.
The combination of unfavorable weather conditions, airline operational issues, and lengthy security screening processes is creating a perfect storm of delays for those trying to reach their destinations.
These widespread transportation problems are affecting airports from coast to coast, leaving many travelers stranded or facing extended wait times as they attempt to complete their journeys.
Motorists traveling through New Castle County should expect delays on Old Orchard Road northbound today due to construction activity.
Delaware Department of Transportation reports that intermittent lane restrictions are in effect along the northbound stretch of Old Orchard Road between East Edgemoor Street and the Lewes Georgetown Trail.
The construction-related lane closures are scheduled to remain in place until 5:00 PM today. Drivers are advised to allow extra travel time and consider alternate routes if possible.
DelDOT continues to monitor traffic conditions in the area as work progresses.
Motorists traveling on Andries Road should expect delays as intermittent lane restrictions remain in effect through this evening.
The temporary lane closure affects the stretch of roadway from Red Mill Road to the cul de sac, with traffic impacts expected to last until 6 PM today.
Drivers are advised to allow extra travel time or consider alternate routes to avoid potential delays in the area.
Motorists traveling on Upland Court at South Skyward Drive should plan for potential delays as intermittent lane restrictions remain in effect until 5:30 PM today.
The ongoing lane closures are causing periodic traffic disruptions in the area as crews work to complete their operations. Drivers are advised to allow extra travel time and use alternate routes when possible.
The restrictions are expected to be lifted by 5:30 PM this evening, returning normal traffic flow to the intersection.
SALEM, Ore. – Salisbury University’s men’s tennis squad continued their successful road trip through the Pacific Northwest, dominating Willamette University with a decisive 6-1 victory on Tuesday at the Willamette University Tennis Courts.
The Sea Gulls secured their second straight win in as many days on the West Coast, showcasing strong performance across the lineup against the Bearcats.
The lopsided result demonstrates the team’s solid preparation and execution as they compete away from home during their spring schedule.
Drivers using Gerald Drive are experiencing intermittent lane restrictions today as construction crews work along the roadway between Ralph Road and Powderhorn Road.
According to DelDOT traffic information, the temporary lane closures are expected to continue until 5 PM this evening. Motorists are advised to allow extra travel time and use caution when navigating through the construction zone.
The intermittent nature of the closures means lanes may open and close periodically throughout the day as work progresses. Drivers should be prepared for potential delays and consider alternate routes if possible.
The Caribbean island nation of Cuba finds itself in the grip of severe economic hardship and mounting political pressure as President Donald Trump makes increasingly bold statements about potential U.S. intervention.
This week marked the third major power grid collapse since December, leaving the island in widespread darkness and prompting Trump to declare he might have the “honor of taking Cuba.”
“I mean, whether I free it, take it. I think I could do anything I want with it,” Trump stated on Monday.
The island nation faces a crippling energy crisis as U.S. sanctions have effectively blocked oil deliveries for the past three months, creating devastating consequences for Cuba’s 11 million citizens.
Residents battle to prevent food from rotting without refrigeration, medical facilities have postponed surgical procedures, and the country’s premier university has scaled back academic programs due to power failures and transportation breakdowns.
On Tuesday, the State Department characterized the ongoing electrical failures as evidence that Cuba’s leadership cannot meet citizens’ fundamental requirements.
During a White House gathering Tuesday, Trump consulted Secretary of State Marco Rubio, whose parents emigrated from Cuba, about the situation.
Rubio declared that Cuba’s existing governmental structure cannot address the nation’s challenges. “So they have to change dramatically,” Rubio stated.
The current administration is insisting that Cuba free imprisoned dissidents and embrace political and economic reforms before sanctions will be removed.
For several months, Trump has indicated Cuba’s leadership is nearing collapse and has referenced a potential “friendly takeover” following the U.S. removal of former Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, though he hasn’t explained what such action would entail.
Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel acknowledged last week that conversations with Washington have occurred.
Though he declined to share specifics about these discussions, he indicated they focused on resolving “bilateral differences between our two nations.”
Trump has implied that Cuban officials should learn from Maduro’s experience, who was detained during a U.S. military action in January.
According to anonymous U.S. officials and sources familiar with Washington-Havana communications, the Trump administration seeks Díaz-Canel’s departure from office, though no preferred successor has been identified.
Cuba’s energy shortage intensified after the U.S. removed Venezuela’s government, cutting off vital petroleum imports. Trump subsequently warned of tariffs against any nation providing Cuba with oil.
The country now depends on domestic natural gas, solar energy, and local oil reserves for its power plants, but these sources cannot satisfy national energy needs.
The consequences have been devastating. Public transportation has reduced service, fuel distribution is severely limited, and Cuban officials report the healthcare system is on the brink of failure.
These problems compound existing shortages of essential items like food and medical supplies.
Cuba’s deteriorating electrical infrastructure has become increasingly unreliable over recent years. Daily power interruptions and frequent major blackouts have become routine.
The nation’s aging power generation facilities receive minimal upkeep. Government representatives say U.S. economic restrictions have blocked purchases of replacement equipment and technical components.
Limited availability of fuel oil and diesel has further restricted electricity generation capacity.
WASHINGTON — During a Tuesday White House meeting, President Donald Trump voiced his displeasure after NATO and allied nations turned down his requests for assistance in protecting the Strait of Hormuz, expressing frustration that international partners won’t support what he describes as efforts benefiting global security.
The President, who has been seeking allied participation in safeguarding the vital shipping lane that serves as a crucial route for regional oil transportation, criticized the lack of backing “despite the fact that we helped” NATO “so much,” arguing that preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear capabilities serves allies’ interests as well.
Trump’s frustrated reaction to the rejection highlights how the three-week conflict, which is creating ripple effects throughout the global economy, has become something the international community expects the U.S. leader to handle independently after he initiated it without consulting partners.
“You would have thought they would have said, ‘We’d love to send a couple of minesweepers.’ That’s not a big deal,” Trump said. “It doesn’t cost very much money. But they didn’t do that.”
Despite his disappointment with traditional American allies, Trump indicated he accepts the developing situation where responsibility for the conflict will fall primarily on his administration alone.
Although Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had been encouraging this approach for months, Trump has increasingly argued that the path to confrontation was his individual decision. He has stated it began with what Trump called a “feeling” about Iran’s threat level, and he maintains it will conclude when his instincts indicate the time is right.
“We don’t need any help, actually,” Trump declared to reporters while welcoming Ireland’s Prime Minister Micheál Martin during a St. Patrick’s Day White House visit.
The President pointed out that NATO members have relied on tens of billions in American support for Ukraine’s defense against Russian aggression, yet failed to reciprocate by assisting the U.S. and Israel in efforts to neutralize Iran’s regional threats. He emphasized that America has invested hundreds of billions in strengthening European and Asian security.
Trump’s relationship with the alliance has been inconsistent, viewing the post-World War II security framework as overly dependent on American resources. He has consistently criticized member nations for insufficient spending and has questioned U.S. commitment to NATO’s mutual defense provision that treats attacks on one member as attacks on all.
While NATO functions as a defensive rather than offensive alliance and has stated it won’t participate in the U.S.-led Iran conflict, the organization did maintain an 18-year presence in Afghanistan and conducted a 2011 air campaign that helped remove Libya’s former leader Moammar Gadhafi.
“We will protect them, but they will do nothing for us, in particular, in a time of need,” Trump posted on social media.
The President noted that partners in Japan, Australia, and South Korea — along with China — have also declined his requests to help secure the waterway, which typically handles approximately 20% of global crude oil shipments daily. Asian nations face the greatest exposure to trade disruptions due to their heavy dependence on imported fuel transported through the strait.
The European Union’s chief diplomat responded to Trump’s criticism, stating the 27-member bloc refuses involvement in the U.S.-Israel conflict with Iran and rejected demands to deploy warships to the Strait of Hormuz.
“This is not Europe’s war. We didn’t start the war. We were not consulted,” EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas stated Tuesday, following discussions among member nations about Trump’s naval deployment request.
“We don’t know what are the objectives of this war,” Kallas added. “The member states do not have the wish to be dragged into this.”
Trump characterized the situation as a “great test” for NATO and declared the alliance was making “a very foolish mistake” in rejecting his appeal.
When asked whether he might reconsider America’s NATO relationship given the Iran conflict response — or potentially consider withdrawing from the military alliance — Trump replied: “It’s certainly something that we should think about. I don’t need Congress for that decision.”
He continued, “I have nothing currently in mind, but I’m not exactly thrilled.”
Questions remain about Trump’s ability to unilaterally exit NATO. Congressional legislation from 2023 requires legislative approval to leave the military alliance. Legal experts suggest Trump might attempt to find workarounds, possibly invoking presidential foreign policy authority to circumvent the requirement.
Trump’s argument that America’s longstanding NATO support should be reciprocated now that the U.S. seeks assistance with Iran is encountering significant resistance.
French President Emmanuel Macron indicated his nation’s willingness to help secure the Strait of Hormuz, but only through a mission separate from the current Middle East conflict.
“We are not a party to the conflict, and therefore France will never take part in operations to reopen or liberate the Strait of Hormuz,” Macron declared.
Trump dismissed Macron’s stance, saying “Well, he’ll be out of office very soon,” referring to the French president’s second five-year term ending in May 2027.
Although Trump may have concluded that America no longer requires external military assistance for strait security, the State Department has contacted multiple countries requesting support in isolating Iran through terrorist designations of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and Hezbollah, which would trigger sanctions against these organizations and their members.
A Monday cable distributed to all U.S. diplomatic missions instructed American diplomats in countries without such designations to pursue them quickly, given Iran’s widespread retaliation for the U.S.-Israeli military operation over the past two weeks.
“Now is the time for other nations to take concrete action against Iran, including by designating the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and its proxy. Hezbollah, as terrorist organizations,” stated the cable obtained by The Associated Press.
Drivers traveling on Armory Road should expect delays this evening due to a fallen utility pole that has forced authorities to close the right lane of traffic.
The lane closure affects the stretch of Armory Road running between Omar Road and Lecates Road, according to Delaware Department of Transportation officials.
Transportation authorities indicate the right lane will remain blocked to traffic until approximately 8 PM tonight while crews work to address the downed pole situation.
Motorists are advised to use caution when traveling through the area and allow extra time for their commute due to the reduced traffic capacity.
A growing number of residents in Galveston County, Texas are making the decision to call their boats home, driven by both the appeal of waterfront living and mounting financial pressures from traditional housing costs.
This floating lifestyle has gained popularity in the coastal community as individuals seek alternatives to expensive apartments and houses. The boat-dwelling trend represents both a creative housing solution and a way to embrace life on the water in this Gulf Coast region.
Former President Donald Trump continues to delay his promised endorsement in the Texas Republican Senate runoff, while incumbent Senator John Cornyn and state Attorney General Ken Paxton refuse to exit the race ahead of Tuesday’s withdrawal deadline.
Both candidates are doubling down with fresh attack advertisements targeting each other, setting the stage for more than two months of expensive and divisive campaigning that party leaders hoped to avoid.
Trump informed NBC News on Saturday that he expects to make an endorsement this week. However, it has already been two weeks since he initially pledged to support a candidate “soon” and encourage the other to exit the race “for the good of the Party.”
In the March 3 primary election, Cornyn led Paxton but failed to capture the majority required to prevent a runoff.
When questioned about the possibility of Cornyn withdrawing, campaign spokesperson Matt Mackowiak responded “of course not” and noted “we’ve already started our campaign.”
Cornyn’s campaign unveiled an advertisement Tuesday focusing on allegations of Paxton’s extramarital affair and his impeachment by the Republican-majority Texas House. While Paxton was subsequently cleared of charges and has rejected corruption claims, another Cornyn ad characterized these same allegations as violations of the Ten Commandments.
Regarding Paxton’s potential withdrawal, campaign spokesperson Nick Maddux refused to provide comment. However, the attorney general rolled out a new attack advertisement against Cornyn on Friday and is set to address the Conservative Political Action Committee’s annual gathering this month, indicating no intention to quit.
Paxton’s advertisement features news footage showcasing Cornyn’s previous criticism of Trump, particularly regarding the former president’s unfounded claims about the 2020 election being fraudulent, while positioning Paxton as the MAGA-supporting contender.
A super PAC supporting Paxton has attempted to capture Trump’s notice by broadcasting an advertisement with similar themes in West Palm Beach, Florida, where Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort is located.
Despite being a more conventional Republican, Cornyn is not backing away from the battle over MAGA loyalty, with his campaign website leading with the statement “Cornyn votes with President Trump 99% of the time.”
Trump shared with NBC News that he has great affection for “both candidates very much” and is confident either could defeat Democratic nominee state Representative James Talarico in the general election.
Although Cornyn narrowly outperformed Paxton in the initial primary, the runoff election could benefit the attorney general since these contests typically attract the most conservative and engaged Republican voters.
“Cornyn has always had a weakness with the most conservative voters in the electorate,” explained Joshua Blank, research director for the Texas Political Project at the University of Texas, Austin, which conducts statewide polling.
However, Blank noted that Cornyn’s primary campaign seemed to address some of that disadvantage and “illustrate for the Republican primary electorate what kinds of vulnerabilities that Ken Paxton has.”
Veteran Texas Republican strategist Dave Carney emphasized that television advertisements carry less weight in runoff elections. The smaller, more focused voter pool requires campaigns to concentrate on identifying specific supporters and reaching them through targeted digital outreach and text messaging.
“Whoever has good data and knows who their supporters are and turns them out will win,” Carney stated.
WASHINGTON — A congressional committee has issued a subpoena compelling Attorney General Pam Bondi to testify about how the Justice Department has managed Jeffrey Epstein investigation documents and the agency’s handling of millions of records connected to the convicted financier.
The House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform has mandated that Bondi appear for questioning on April 14, following a committee vote from earlier this month that received backing from five Republican members.
The Justice Department’s inability to block the subpoena from the GOP-controlled committee highlights growing frustration within President Donald Trump’s own political supporters regarding Bondi’s oversight of reviewing and releasing the extensive collection of documents from Epstein’s criminal case.
Committee Chairman Rep. James Comer explained the reasoning in correspondence to Bondi, stating: “The Committee has questions regarding the Department of Justice’s handling of the investigation into Jeffrey Epstein and his associates and its compliance with the Epstein Files Transparency Act.”
Comer further noted in his letter: “As Attorney General, you are directly responsible for overseeing the Department’s collection, review, and determinations regarding the release of files pursuant to the Epstein Files Transparency Act, and the Committee therefore believes that you possess valuable insight into these efforts.”
The Justice Department responded Tuesday by characterizing the subpoena as “completely unnecessary.” Officials indicated that Bondi and Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche were scheduled to conduct a closed-door briefing with committee members on Wednesday.
Department representatives emphasized in their statement: “Lawmakers have been invited to view the unredacted files for themselves at the Department of Justice, and the Attorney General has always made herself available to speak directly with members of Congress.” The agency expressed its commitment to “continuing to provide policymakers with the facts.”
The Trump administration has encountered ongoing political challenges since document releases commenced in December, with detractors claiming the department has concealed certain records and excessively censored materials. Additionally, some victims have criticized the agency for careless redaction work that exposed their private information.
Department officials have vigorously defended their approach to the Epstein document process, asserting they operated with maximum speed and thoroughness to examine and publish the millions of records mandated by federal law. The agency has rejected claims that redactions were used to shield specific individuals or that materials were inappropriately withheld, and has stated it promptly addressed any redaction mistakes brought to their attention by victims.
A Marine Corps investigation has determined that an extraordinarily rare equipment failure during a live artillery demonstration at Camp Pendleton caused metal fragments to shower Interstate 5, damaging two California Highway Patrol vehicles last October.
The incident happened during a military celebration marking the Marine Corps’ 250th anniversary, with Vice President JD Vance and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth in attendance. Debris from the malfunctioning shell scattered across the closed interstate, hitting both a patrol car and motorcycle.
According to a comprehensive 666-page investigation report released December 19 and first disclosed Monday, military officials found “no definitive answer” for why the M795 high explosive round detonated prematurely at approximately 1,480 feet above ground. The report states such early detonation goes “beyond reasonable expectations and should not have happened, but it did.”
“It is manufactured to a tolerance of one defect in a million,” the investigation states. Officials determined no Marine personnel acted negligently or improperly.
Following the mishap, 26 California House representatives and both state senators wrote to Hegseth demanding answers about who authorized firing live rounds over the freeway and what safety measures were implemented.
The incident intensified tensions between President Donald Trump and California officials, including Governor Gavin Newsom. Some Republicans initially criticized Newsom for shutting down a 17-mile section of the highway before the exercise, while local leaders questioned the unconventional military display they believed was staged for Trump administration officials.
“We’re thankful to the Marines for their thorough and precise investigation — in stark contrast to the dangerous and performative demands by JD Vance and Pete Hegseth to shoot live ammunition over a civilian area for their entertainment,” Diana Crofts-Pelayo, a Newsom spokesperson, stated Tuesday.
Prior to the celebration, Newsom had criticized the highway closure, characterizing the live-fire exercise as an intimidation tactic against Trump critics who were holding “No Kings” demonstrations throughout San Diego that day.
“Firing live rounds over a busy highway isn’t just wrong — it’s dangerous,” Newsom stated at the time.
The Marine investigation identified multiple possible contributing factors to the malfunction, including howitzer cannons positioned too closely together during firing and the “potential presence of anomalous electromagnetic energy in the vicinity.”
The October 18 demonstration at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton showcased aircraft, naval vessels, and amphibious vehicles for the anniversary event. The planned artillery display involved 60 rounds fired across the coastal highway, according to an October CHP incident report.
“It will be a good show regardless of who shows up,” Gen. Eric Smith, Marine Corps commandant, wrote in an October 14 email to Brig. Gen. Garrett “Rainman” Hoffman from the White House Military Office.
Military and public safety officials noted the location was atypical. While live-fire training occurs regularly, it typically happens on designated ranges within the 195-square-mile base located north of San Diego.
The initial round fired at 1:46 p.m. from M777 howitzers positioned on a beach west of Interstate 5 failed to clear the roadway and exploded mid-flight near southbound I-5, sending fragments toward protective details assigned to the vice president. Officials immediately stopped the exercise and fired no additional munitions, CalMatters reported in October.
One officer reported hearing sounds like “pebbles” hitting his CHP BMW motorcycle, while other fragments struck an unoccupied Ford patrol vehicle. The two officers who had been using that vehicle discovered a 2-inch by ½-inch shrapnel piece on the hood, creating a small dent. Incident report photographs show the damaged patrol car and an officer holding the metal fragments.
In a December 5 statement included in the military report, an unnamed Marine said the Secret Service requested the I-5 closure for security reasons involving a “Very Very Important Person” — the president — due to proximity to the demonstration viewing area. Trump ultimately did not attend the event.
JASPER, Ga. — Authorities responded to gunfire at a Veterans Affairs medical facility Tuesday afternoon in this Georgia mountain community, resulting in one victim being flown to a hospital and the alleged gunman being wounded by police officers.
Law enforcement arrived at the VA medical facility at approximately 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, according to an official city statement posted on social media. When officers found the alleged shooter, they engaged the individual, resulting in the suspect being wounded by gunfire, the announcement stated.
Phone attempts to reach the Pickens County VA facility on Tuesday were unsuccessful, with calls being directed to automated message systems.
The medical facility provides outpatient services to veterans, including primary medical care and specialized treatments such as lab work, remote healthcare consultations, and psychological support services, based on information from the clinic’s official website.
The community of Jasper, home to approximately 5,000 residents, sits about 60 miles north of Atlanta’s city center. Local highway markers identify the town as Georgia’s “First Mountain City” as travelers encounter the beginning of the Appalachian mountain range.
Images published by the Pickens Progress, the area’s local publication, captured numerous law enforcement personnel at the incident location, with officers in protective gear positioned near a shopping center in the community.
The medical facility began operations during summer 2020, according to a Department of Veterans Affairs announcement celebrating its opening.
“The new Pickens County VA Clinic will increase access and ensure that our Veterans continue to receive the high-quality health care that they have earned and deserve closer to their home,” officials said in the release.
The University of Delaware baseball program is gearing up to host Saint Joseph’s University in a non-conference clash this week.
The midweek contest provides both teams with an opportunity to face competition outside their regular conference opponents, offering valuable game experience as the season progresses.
Details about the specific game time and additional matchup information are expected to be announced by the Blue Hens athletics department.
National Public Radio host Mary Louise Kelly conducted an interview with Christopher Sununu, who serves as president and chief executive officer of Airlines for America, an industry trade organization. The conversation centered on the impact that a partial federal government shutdown is having on thousands of Transportation Security Administration workers across the country.
The discussion highlighted concerns about how the funding disruption is affecting airport security personnel nationwide during the ongoing government closure.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani is making deliberate efforts to bring Islamic practices into the mainstream of city life as he publicly observes Ramadan. His push to integrate Muslim traditions faces opposition from multiple fronts, including pushback from some members of the Jewish community and resistance from far-right groups.
The mayor’s efforts to make Muslim life more visible and accepted in the city have also been met with serious security concerns, including a recent bomb threat targeting him.
Alabama basketball guard Aden Holloway was taken into custody Monday after law enforcement officers discovered more than two pounds of marijuana during a search of his residence, according to ESPN reporting based on court documents filed Tuesday.
The 21-year-old junior now faces serious felony drug charges just four days ahead of Alabama’s first NCAA Tournament matchup against 13th-seeded Hofstra scheduled for Friday in Tampa, Florida. The Crimson Tide earned the fourth seed in the Midwest Region bracket.
University officials announced Monday evening that Holloway has been “removed from campus” and will not travel with the basketball team while an investigation proceeds.
The cannabis seized during the search weighed nearly one kilogram at 2.1 pounds, falling just 0.1 pounds below Alabama’s threshold for drug trafficking charges, which begin at 2.2 pounds.
According to ESPN’s report, investigators found marijuana scattered throughout multiple areas of the residence, including inside a backpack, luggage, within a television entertainment center, and stored in a bedroom dresser drawer. Officers also seized cash, unprescribed sedative medication, drug paraphernalia for rolling, and materials used for packaging.
During questioning, Holloway told authorities he “only smokes” the substance and does not engage in selling drugs, ESPN reported.
The junior guard was formally charged with first-degree marijuana possession not intended for personal use, classified as a Class C felony in Alabama. Additionally, he received charges for failing to affix a required tax stamp, which represents a second felony count. After posting $5,000 bond, Holloway was released from custody Monday morning.
The tax stamp violation stems from Alabama law requiring individuals who distribute, sell, or transfer controlled substances to pay specific taxes on those transactions.
Each felony count carries potential penalties of up to 10 years imprisonment and $15,000 in fines if Holloway is ultimately convicted.
Head coach Nate Oats discussed the situation during his Monday evening radio program.
“We’re certainly disappointed in his behavior. But that being said, we still love him, he’s still our guy,” Oats stated. “We’re helping him get the help that he needs and we’re going to continue to help him whatever way we can. But as far as our team goes, I thought we had a great practice. We’re preparing to play without him this weekend.”
A new Wall Street Journal report indicates that Russia has been deepening its military alliance with Iran through the provision of satellite intelligence and enhanced drone capabilities, according to sources familiar with the intelligence sharing arrangement.
The March 17 report suggests this collaboration is designed to help Iran more effectively target American military personnel deployed throughout the Middle East region.
The expanded partnership between Moscow and Tehran represents a significant escalation in their defense cooperation, with Russia reportedly offering both surveillance imagery from space-based assets and technological improvements to Iran’s unmanned aircraft systems.
Reuters has not been able to independently confirm the details outlined in the Wall Street Journal’s reporting at this time.
A United Nations internal investigation has concluded that Israeli military tank rounds struck a UN peacekeeping facility in southern Lebanon earlier this month, injuring three Ghanaian soldiers, according to a Western military source familiar with the findings.
The preliminary investigation results from the March 6 incident at the al-Qawzah base indicate that three direct strikes came from an Israeli battle tank’s main weapon system, the source revealed. The tank fired 120-mm M339 HE-MP-T ammunition during the attack.
“Israeli involvement in the attack against UNIFIL is undeniable, given that these munitions are manufactured by Israel Military Industries (IMI),” the source stated.
The UN peacekeeping force, known as UNIFIL, operates in southern Lebanon to oversee tensions along the border with Israel, an area that has become a flashpoint for confrontations between Israeli forces and Hezbollah militants backed by Iran.
When the incident occurred on March 6, UNIFIL officials described the wounding of Ghanaian peacekeepers during intense fighting as “unacceptable” but did not initially identify who was responsible for the attack.
UNIFIL spokesperson Kandice Ardiel confirmed the investigation remains ongoing. “That investigation is not yet complete. Once it is finalized, it will be shared with the parties, per usual practice,” Ardiel said.
“Nonetheless, we reiterate the obligation of all actors to ensure the safety and security of peacekeepers and avoid harm to civilians. Any deliberate attack on peacekeepers is a grave violation of international humanitarian law and a violation of resolution 1701,” she added.
Israeli military officials have not yet provided a response to requests for comment regarding the incident. Israel Military Industries and Elbit Systems, the defense contractor that owns IMI, also have not responded to inquiries. Lebanese government officials similarly have not commented.
The military source explained that the specialized ammunition used can target personnel, helicopters, equipment, armored vehicles, and structures. The three rounds were fired within a five-minute timeframe, suggesting deliberate targeting rather than an accidental stray shot.
The source emphasized that all military forces in the region know the exact location and coordinates of the UN base, which raises significant safety concerns for international personnel stationed there.
“This escalation, far from being isolated, is part of a worrying dynamic, severely testing UNIFIL’s ability to carry out its peacekeeping mission,” the source explained.
The incident highlights growing dangers facing UN peacekeepers as Israeli military operations continue to expand in the region. Lebanon became involved in the broader Middle East conflict when Hezbollah launched rocket attacks against Israel, prompting Israeli military responses against the group.
UNIFIL reported another concerning incident on Sunday, stating that peacekeepers likely came under fire three separate times from “non-state armed groups,” though no injuries occurred in those attacks.
The peacekeeping mission, scheduled to conclude at the end of 2026, has repeatedly found itself caught between Israeli forces and Hezbollah fighters. Israeli officials maintain control of five positions within Lebanese territory and continue conducting airstrikes in southern Lebanon, claiming they target Hezbollah militants.
UN Security Council Resolution 1701 specifies that only UN peacekeepers and Lebanese military forces should operate in southern Lebanon. Israeli officials have consistently accused Hezbollah of attempting to rearm while criticizing Lebanese forces for failing to disarm the militant organization.
A new federal report reveals that Maryland’s outdoor recreation sector delivered a massive $10.6 billion economic boost to the state in 2024, accounting for 1.9% of Maryland’s total gross domestic product. The Bureau of Economic Analysis found that activities ranging from boating and fishing to hiking, hunting, cycling, RVing, camping, and skiing supported more than 85,000 jobs while providing over $5 billion in worker compensation for the first time.
“The latest data reinforces what we see every day across Maryland — outdoor recreation is an economic engine and a quality-of-life asset,” said Sandi Olek, Director of the Maryland Office of Outdoor Recreation. “In a state defined by vibrant urban centers and treasured natural resources, investing in outdoor access, sustainable infrastructure, local businesses, and stewardship ensures that our communities remain healthy, resilient, and economically competitive for years to come.”
The Maryland Office of Outdoor Recreation, created in 2021, has been working to boost this expanding sector through conferences, community gatherings, and efforts to improve access for adaptive users and underserved populations. Last year, the office unveiled the Maryland Outdoor Recreation Business Directory, an interactive online map featuring more than 650 recreation-focused businesses statewide. The Department of Natural Resources aims to use this directory to link consumers with Maryland companies and drive additional economic expansion.
These outdoor businesses create employment opportunities across numerous fields, from equipment manufacturers and trail construction crews to mechanics, boat operators, instructors, guides, park staff, and retail workers.
According to the Bureau of Economic Analysis data, boating and fishing activities alone contributed more than $700 million in economic value to Maryland. The complete economic breakdown by recreational activity is available through the bureau’s official website.
“Our Chesapeake Bay is unique, and it is certainly a big part of who we are and why we live here,” said John Stefancik, Executive Director, Marine Trades Association of Maryland. “With 3,190 miles of shoreline, our waterways and watersports are explored and fished by boaters who have a $4.2 billion economic impact in Maryland and support an industry of 16,871 jobs throughout the state.”
The federal data shows Maryland’s outdoor recreation economy is expanding more rapidly than the national trend. The sector’s contribution to Maryland’s gross domestic product jumped 5.6% from 2023 to 2024, outpacing the 4% national growth rate. The Bureau of Economic Analysis operates under the U.S. Department of Commerce.
“The State of Maryland, our counties, towns, local communities, residents and small independent businesses all benefit greatly from the immense dollars spent on camping, RV’ing and other outdoor recreation in our beautiful state,” said Deb Carter, Executive Director of the Maryland Association of Campgrounds. “Camping attracts people from all walks of life looking for a time to create memories, reduce stress and reconnect with nature. After all, camping just comes naturally in Maryland!”
The state’s Outdoor Recreation Business Directory covers 30 different recreational categories, including newly added sections for history and heritage to commemorate Maryland 250, plus an agritourism section highlighting the office’s collaboration with the Department of Agriculture. Users can search results by county and business category.
Looking ahead to 2026, the Office of Outdoor Recreation plans to support MD 250 events marking the nation’s 250th anniversary, three AgriTrails programs: Sip & Shuck (February-March), Maryland’s Best Ice Cream Trail (Memorial Day-Labor Day), and Bikes & Brews (September-November); plus the Maryland Outdoor Recreation Summit scheduled for Ocean City in September.
WASHINGTON – Trump administration officials assured lawmakers Tuesday that military operations in Iran have not interrupted weapons deliveries to Taiwan or altered American policy toward the island democracy.
“Have we delayed moving things to Taiwan? We haven’t,” Stanley Brown, principal deputy assistant Secretary of State for Political-Military Affairs, told members of the House Foreign Affairs Committee during testimony.
The reassurance addresses growing concerns that America’s defense manufacturing sector might struggle to meet increased demand following the U.S.-Israeli air campaign against Iran that began February 28. Some officials worried this could force slower deliveries to nations like Taiwan, which continues facing mounting military threats from China.
Even before the Iran conflict began, Taiwan faced a multi-billion-dollar backlog in American arms shipments. Brown indicated the administration is exploring methods to speed up these deliveries, though he did not elaborate on specific plans.
The congressional hearing occurred on the same day President Trump announced he would postpone his planned summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing. Taiwan was expected to be among the key topics during those discussions.
Beijing considers Taiwan part of Chinese territory and has not ruled out military force to bring the island under its control. Taiwan’s government disputes China’s territorial claims, maintaining that only Taiwan’s citizens should determine their future.
Chinese military exercises around Taiwan last occurred in December, while Beijing’s naval vessels and aircraft routinely patrol near the island.
According to recent reports, a significant American weapons package for Taiwan worth approximately $14 billion awaits Trump’s signature. This deal, featuring advanced interceptor missiles, would represent the largest arms sale ever to the democratic island. The postponed China trip may affect the timing of this agreement.
Congressional Republicans and Democrats continue clashing over Trump’s use of national emergency declarations to bypass legislative oversight of international weapons sales. This includes the recent expedited $650 million bomb sale to Israel.
During the hearing, Committee Chairman Brian Mast of Florida and fellow Republicans criticized Democrats for allegedly delaying vital support to key allies facing international threats.
New York Representative Gregory Meeks, the committee’s ranking Democrat, argued that circumventing congressional review of major deals undermines human rights oversight.
Marine scientists have made an extraordinary discovery in the Pacific Ocean, finding what appears to be the world’s largest coral structure within the Mariana Islands region.
The enormous coral formation spans an astounding 14,500 square feet and was located inside an underwater volcanic crater during a research expedition conducted by NOAA scientists in May 2025.
The remarkable find was made within the protected waters of the Mariana Trench Marine National Monument, where researchers were conducting underwater surveys of marine life and coral ecosystems.
This massive coral structure represents a significant scientific discovery, as its size surpasses any previously documented coral formation of its type. The finding highlights the incredible biodiversity that exists in some of the world’s most remote ocean locations.
NOAA researchers documented their discovery through underwater photography and video, capturing images of divers swimming alongside the colossal coral to demonstrate its impressive scale.
The discovery was made possible through advanced underwater exploration techniques that allow scientists to study deep-sea environments that were previously inaccessible to researchers.
This finding adds to the growing body of knowledge about coral ecosystems in protected marine areas and underscores the importance of conservation efforts in preserving these unique underwater habitats.
Emergency dispatchers across Ohio and Pennsylvania were flooded with 911 calls Tuesday morning after a spectacular meteor created a thunderous explosion and brilliant fireball streaking across the sky, according to meteorologists and space scientists.
The dramatic celestial display occurred around 9 a.m. Eastern Time and was witnessed as far away as Virginia and Canada, prompting confused local emergency officials to contact the National Weather Service for answers, said meteorologist Bill Modzelewski from the NWS Pittsburgh office.
“We’re receiving reports across western Pennsylvania and eastern Ohio of a loud boom and a fireball in the sky. Our satellite data suggest it was possibly a meteor entering the atmosphere,” the weather service announced on social media.
Scientists believe the space rock touched down in Medina, located approximately 40 miles southwest of Cleveland, according to Laurence Garvie, who serves as a research professor and curator at Arizona State University’s Buseck Center for Meteorite Studies. He expects meteorite hunters searching the area will discover numerous small black stone fragments.
The explosive sound occurred when the celestial object shattered the sound barrier while traveling at speeds ranging from 25,000 to 160,000 miles per hour, Garvie explained. The American Meteor Society documented over 100 witness reports of the fireball sighting, as reported by the astronomy website EarthSky.
“I’ve been getting calls and texts all morning. This is very exciting for us,” Garvie said. “They may just look like black stones on the ground, but you can actually hold something older than the Earth. Something from outer space. And we can learn new things from them.”
Amazon’s chief executive believes artificial intelligence will dramatically boost the company’s cloud computing revenues, potentially reaching $600 billion annually by 2036.
During a company-wide employee meeting this week, CEO Andy Jassy shared his updated revenue projections for Amazon Web Services, the tech giant’s cloud division.
“I’ve been thinking for the last number of years that AWS, call it 10 years from now, could be about a $300 billion annual revenue, run rate business,” Jassy told staff members. “I think what’s happening in AI that AWS has a chance to be at least double that.”
The Tuesday gathering was part of Amazon’s routine employee briefings, where leadership discussed various business units including drone delivery services, advertising revenue, and Amazon Fresh grocery operations.
Amazon Web Services generated $128.7 billion in revenue during 2025, marking a 19% increase from the previous year. Jassy’s ambitious forecast would require maintaining an average annual growth rate of approximately 17% over the coming decade.
The CEO did not provide specifics about how these projected revenues might be allocated across different services. Amazon representatives have not yet responded to requests for additional details.
Following the news, Amazon’s stock price climbed roughly 1% to reach $213.87 per share.
The death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has sparked renewed debate about America’s role in assassinating foreign officials, raising fundamental questions about democratic principles and international law.
Advanced technological capabilities made it possible for the United States and Israel to carry out the operation that killed Iran’s top leader, but the action has revived long-standing ethical concerns about whether democratic nations should engage in targeted killings of foreign leaders.
The assassination has prompted discussions among policymakers, legal experts, and ethicists about the appropriate limits of covert operations and whether such actions undermine the moral authority that democracies claim to uphold on the global stage.
In Baghdad’s Sadr City district, Iraqi Shiite Muslims held a symbolic funeral ceremony the day following the killing, with mourners carrying images of the deceased Iranian leader as they processed through the streets.
The incident highlights the ongoing tension between national security objectives and democratic values, as officials grapple with questions about accountability, international law, and the long-term consequences of state-sponsored assassinations.
During the final week leading up to March Madness, BYU freshman AJ Dybantsa exploded for 40 points in his Big 12 Tournament debut, surpassing a single-game freshman scoring record previously held by NBA legend Kevin Durant.
“I’m just trying to win games,” Dybantsa said afterward.
Meanwhile, by Selection Sunday, Darius Acuff Jr. had powered through a dominant three-game stretch in the Southeastern Conference Tournament, delivering Arkansas its first conference title in over two decades.
“Downhill was working all weekend and today,” he said.
This exceptional freshman class, packed with future NBA talent, has consistently made remarkable performances appear effortless throughout the season — creating such buzz that NBA executives worry about teams deliberately losing games to improve their draft positioning for June.
Featuring headliners like Dybantsa, Acuff, Duke’s Cameron Boozer, and Kansas’ Darryn Peterson, this potential draft class ranks among the most talent-rich in recent memory, assuming all pursue the anticipated one-and-done path.
These standout players have now reached college basketball’s premier showcase event. March Madness has transformed into a freshman showcase, potentially extending all the way to the Final Four in Indianapolis.
“I know most of those guys. They’re all having great years,” Acuff commented during his SEC Tournament run. “They’re playing special. It’s great to see all the young guys playing great.”
The East Region features top overall tournament seed Duke, anchored by the imposing 6-foot-10, 250-pound Boozer, who contributes 22.5 points and 10.2 rebounds while spearheading a devastating offensive attack.
The East also showcases Peterson, a potential top overall draft selection — the 6-6 guard has maintained a 19.8-point average despite missing time throughout the season for the fourth-seeded Jayhawks. Additionally, sixth-seeded Louisville features potential top-10 talent in 6-5 guard Mikel Brown Jr.
The West Region highlights the 6-foot-9 Dybantsa, who has strengthened his position as the longtime frontrunner for the NBA draft’s first overall pick while leading the nation with 25.3 points per game for the sixth-seeded Cougars. Acuff joins him there — the 6-3 point guard recently established an SEC Tournament scoring record by averaging 30.3 points while dominating wherever he chose to attack, playing 117 of 120 possible minutes for the fourth-seeded Razorbacks.
West Region leader Arizona features its own promising NBA freshman prospects: 6-4 guard Brayden Burries (15.9 points) and 6-8 forward Koa Peat (13.6 points).
South Region second seed Houston is guided by 6-4 guard Kingston Flemings (16.4 points), while third-seeded Illinois discovered a star in four-star recruit Keaton Wagler — a 6-6 guard leading the team with 17.9 points per game.
The Midwest Region includes sixth-seeded Tennessee’s lean 6-10 forward Nate Ament, who has posted 20.3 points per game since mid-January while coach Rick Barnes has praised his improvement in physical situations.
The tournament’s freshman talent could have been even more impressive if South sixth seed North Carolina hadn’t lost 6-foot-10 freshman Caleb Wilson (19.8 points, 9.4 rebounds) to a season-ending thumb injury in early March.
Tuesday’s Associated Press All-America team announcements highlighted the freshman dominance. Boozer earned unanimous first-team recognition, joining Dybantsa and Acuff in the elite top five. Wagler and Wilson received second-team honors, while Flemings made the third team.
“You knew they were extremely talented, but you just never know how they’re going to adjust moving to this level,” Tar Heels coach Hubert Davis observed about the freshman class. “I know a lot of people think going from high school to playing at this level, the transition is easy. It is not.”
However, freshmen have made the adjustment appear seamless throughout the season, extending well beyond the high-profile professional prospects.
Currently, 24 freshmen are averaging at least 16.0 points according to Tuesday’s NCAA leaderboard statistics. This represents nearly triple the annual average from the 2011-12 season through last year (8.8), with no season during that period producing more than 15 players reaching that benchmark.
These numbers had been particularly suppressed in recent years, as college basketball aged with players who competed during the COVID-19 pandemic utilizing extra eligibility to extend their careers to five seasons. During that period, only 17 freshmen achieved the 16-point threshold across the previous three seasons combined.
This season, freshmen have produced 10 games of 40 or more points, compared to just seven such performances in the previous seven seasons combined.
Acuff topped that list with 49 points in a double-overtime defeat at Alabama, while Wagler exploded for 46 against eventual Big Ten champion Purdue. Louisville’s Brown scored 45 against N.C. State, breaking the Atlantic Coast Conference freshman single-game record previously held by last year’s top NBA draft pick, Duke’s Cooper Flagg. Flemings contributed 42 points against NCAA Tournament participant Texas Tech.
Dybantsa accomplished the feat twice, first scoring 43 against Utah in January before last week’s 40-point performance against Kansas State. He subsequently shattered Durant’s overall Big 12 Tournament scoring record despite a loss to Houston.
“I coached six years in the NBA,” Cougars coach Kelvin Sampson explained. “So I sat on the front of that bench and watched everybody from Allen Iverson to Rip Hamilton, to LeBron, Derrick Rose, Kevin Durant, Dubinski, Jason Kidd, all of those guys.
“You know, some of them just have the bucket gene. I don’t think you can teach that. For us, we have to recruit it. For the NBA, they have to draft it. … But Dybantsa has got the gene.”
ESPN analyst Fran Fraschilla believes this freshman-dominated draft class could rank as the strongest since the 2003 group that featured LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony, Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade among the top five selections.
“If you don’t get a top-3 pick, there’s going to be a lot of consolation prizes for the tankers right down to probably 8 or 9 or 10,” he said. “That’s a good thing.”
Fraschilla ranks Dybantsa, Boozer and Peterson as his premier prospects, while Acuff — whose potential he compares to NBA star Damian Lillard — along with Wilson and Flemings form the next tier of a top group expected to provide “instant production” professionally.
He also believes Burries and Brown could develop into all-star caliber players, and he’s optimistic about Ament’s long-term potential as he builds strength to handle physical play.
Fraschilla estimates most NBA teams have completed “75% of the way home” in their draft prospect evaluations, though he notes: “There are still guys that can help themselves.”
“A piece of it is the NCAA Tournament, a piece of it will be interviews and background, a piece of it might be talking to these kids at the combine,” Fraschilla explained. “Here’s the way I’d put it: the NCAA Tournament is like getting an extra-credit question on your final exam. … You can go from a B to an A.”
Perhaps that’s true, but this freshman class appears to have earned Dean’s List recognition long ago.
EDMONTON, Alberta — The Edmonton Oilers announced Tuesday that superstar Leon Draisaitl will be sidelined for the remainder of the NHL regular season due to a lower-body injury, forcing the two-time defending Western Conference champions to battle for playoff positioning without one of hockey’s premier talents.
Draisaitl will be unavailable for Edmonton’s final 14 regular season contests, which conclude on April 16.
Team officials have not disclosed the specific nature of the injury or indicated whether the German forward might return in time for playoff action, which is scheduled to begin during the April 18-19 weekend.
The injury occurred during Sunday’s matchup against the Nashville Predators when Draisaitl took a hard hit from Nashville’s Ozzy Wiesblatt in the opening period. He was unable to continue playing after the collision.
Following their victory over Nashville, Edmonton currently holds third place in the Pacific Division standings, trailing Vegas by one point and Anaheim by two points, although both the Golden Knights and Ducks have played one fewer game.
The 30-year-old Draisaitl has been instrumental in Edmonton’s playoff push this season. He currently sits fourth league-wide in scoring with 97 points across 65 games, ranking second on his team behind only Connor McDavid, who leads the NHL with 114 points.
Draisaitl captured the Hart Trophy as the league’s Most Valuable Player in 2020 and finished as runner-up for the award last season. He recently represented Germany at the Olympics, leading his national team in scoring with seven points over five games.
Draisaitl joins Toronto’s Auston Matthews as the second high-profile NHL player ruled out for the regular season’s remainder, with Matthews sidelined by a torn medial collateral ligament in his left knee.
Delaware Department of Transportation crews are conducting construction work that has resulted in a temporary lane closure on eastbound Park Avenue today.
The affected area spans from Springfield Road to the Lewes Georgetown Highway, also known as Route 9, where traffic is being reduced to a single lane.
DelDOT officials indicate the lane restriction will remain active until 5 PM this evening. Motorists traveling through the area should expect potential delays and are advised to allow extra travel time or consider alternate routes if possible.
A Belgian court made an unprecedented decision Tuesday, ruling that a 93-year-old former diplomat must face trial for his alleged involvement in the 1961 murder of Patrice Lumumba, Congo’s first prime minister and celebrated independence leader, media outlets reported.
Lumumba became the driving force behind Congo’s liberation from Belgian colonial rule in June 1960. The mineral-rich nation’s inaugural prime minister was just 35 when he was murdered, serving only three months in office before being ousted and killed the following year.
The defendant, Etienne Davignon, worked as a young diplomatic intern in Kinshasa during that period and represents the final living person among 10 Belgians suspected of participating in Lumumba’s death.
Davignon, who later became a vice president of the European Commission, has 14 days to challenge the charges and has consistently maintained his innocence.
Belgian federal prosecutors are pursuing charges against Davignon for “participation in war crimes” related to his alleged role in Lumumba’s “unlawful detention and transfer.”
The legal action stems from a 2011 lawsuit brought by Lumumba’s children in Belgium, seeking accountability for their father’s January 1961 killing by separatist forces. While Congolese individuals carried out the actual murder, suspicions have long surrounded potential Belgian and American involvement due to Lumumba’s suspected communist connections.
Lumumba’s remains were never recovered and are believed to have been destroyed with acid.
A federal court has thrown out a civil rights lawsuit filed by a Tennessee family who claimed law enforcement and emergency responders used deadly force on their son during a medical emergency.
The case centered on the 2017 death of Austin Hunter Turner, a 23-year-old Bristol, Tennessee man who died after police and paramedics responded to a seizure call at his apartment. On Monday, a federal judge sided with the city of Bristol and its employees, determining that too much time had passed before Turner’s family brought their legal challenge.
Turner’s death was among more than 1,000 cases nationwide identified in an Associated Press investigation where individuals died following police use of non-lethal force methods.
The victim’s mother, Karen Goodwin, didn’t file her lawsuit until 2024 after AP journalists provided her with police body camera footage she had never seen before. This video evidence led the family to question the official autopsy findings that attributed Turner’s death to multiple drug toxicity. The family’s legal team has announced plans to challenge the dismissal.
The heart of the lawsuit involved discrepancies between what the body camera footage showed and officers’ accounts of the incident inside Turner’s residence after his girlfriend requested emergency medical assistance.
Legal representatives for Bristol city officials, emergency medical personnel, and the involved officers chose not to provide statements when contacted by the AP this week.
According to police reports, officers deployed a Taser and held Turner face-down because he was allegedly resisting paramedics. However, the lawsuit contended that the video evidence revealed Turner wasn’t striking or kicking anyone and couldn’t follow commands because he was experiencing a seizure.
The legal filing described how the footage showed law enforcement and medical personnel applying “significant pressure on the back of Mr. Turner’s head and upper back while Turner was face-down, in the prone position, with a spit sock covering his airway, hands cuffed behind his back and legs shackled.”
Family attorney David Randolph Smith expressed disagreement with the court’s timing interpretation in his statement to the AP.
“In our case, the state’s official autopsy affirmatively and incorrectly attributed Austin’s death to ‘multiple drug toxicity as a consequence of recreational drug use’ and it was not until 2023 — when body‑camera footage surfaced and a forensic pathologist reviewed the evidence — that Karen Goodwin first learned restraint‑induced asphyxia, not drugs, caused his death,” Smith stated. “We intend to appeal and will ask the Court of Appeals to hold that families in this position are entitled to their day in court when they could not reasonably have discovered the true cause of death until long after the fact, through no fault of their own, but because of misinformation and omissions by government actors.”
The Associated Press investigation revealed that in similar cases examined, officers failed to follow established safety protocols for restraining individuals, including positioning people face-down in ways that could impair breathing or using Tasers excessively.
Defense attorneys representing the city, police department, and paramedics maintained that since Goodwin witnessed officers using force against her son, she had only one year from that incident to initiate legal proceedings.
The family’s legal team argued their case involved a cover-up that should have extended their filing deadline. They contended the statute of limitations shouldn’t begin until AP reporters provided the police video to the family in August 2023, during their collaborative investigation with FRONTLINE PBS and the Howard Centers for Investigative Journalism at the University of Maryland and Arizona State University.
MADISON, Wis. — Wisconsin lawmakers have reached agreement on a $133 million initiative to address contamination from persistent chemicals known as PFAS, sending the bipartisan legislation to Governor Tony Evers on Tuesday and concluding years of political disputes between the Democratic governor and GOP legislators.
Governor Evers indicated he would sign the measures into law immediately following the Senate’s approval Tuesday afternoon. This uncommon cross-party agreement provides hope for numerous Wisconsin municipalities dealing with PFAS contamination in their water supplies.
“Beautiful,” said Campbell Town Supervisor Lee Donahue regarding the Senate’s decision. Citizens in this community of 4,300 people have relied on bottled water since 2021 when state health authorities alerted them that over 500 wells contained contamination. “This has been a long time coming. This is definitely a day for celebration.”
PFAS chemicals — per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances — are synthetic compounds that resist natural breakdown. These substances appear in numerous consumer goods, from cookware to stain-resistant fabrics, and were previously common in aviation firefighting foam. Research has connected these chemicals to health issues such as low birth weight, cancer, liver disease, and reduced vaccine effectiveness.
Towns near industrial facilities and military installations across America face PFAS contamination challenges. Federal estimates indicate nearly half of American households have detectable PFAS levels in their water supply, whether from private wells or municipal systems. However, while federal authorities have established stringent standards for utility-provided water, these regulations don’t cover approximately 40 million Americans who depend on private wells.
Multiple Wisconsin communities are battling PFAS groundwater contamination, including Marinette, Madison, Peshtigo, Wausau, Stella, and Campbell. Green Bay’s waters also show contamination.
In Stella, private wells suffered severe PFAS contamination from fertilizer containing these chemicals that was applied to agricultural land. State resources for assistance have been limited, with restricted free testing availability and only modest grant programs for well replacement.
The governor and Republican legislators have disagreed for years about the best approach to tackle this pollution. Wisconsin’s 2023-25 budget established a $125 million trust fund for PFAS remediation, but both sides couldn’t reach consensus on spending priorities.
Two years ago, Evers rejected a Republican proposal that would have allocated funds for grants to municipalities, property owners, and waste facilities for PFAS testing in treatment plants and wells. The governor argued the legislation restricted state regulators’ ability to pursue polluter accountability, and environmental organizations supported his veto.
During the political impasse, the fund has increased to $133.4 million, according to Legislative Fiscal Bureau data.
The original bill’s primary sponsors, Republican Senator Eric Wimberger and Representative Jeff Mursau, introduced two revised proposals in January following consultations with the state Department of Natural Resources, which reports to Evers.
The first measure allocates $132.2 million from the PFAS trust fund for community grants, well replacements, airports, and industrial sites, plus $1.3 million from the general fund for 10 additional Department of Natural Resources staff positions to oversee the program.
The second bill creates a liability exemption list for contamination, resembling the 2024 legislation Evers vetoed. Exemptions include individuals who spread PFAS while following permits that didn’t address PFAS; property owners whose land was contaminated under permit conditions; owners of contaminated industrial sites who didn’t cause the pollution; and fire departments that used PFAS-containing foam. However, businesses operating facilities that have used PFAS or spread industrial waste could still face liability.
The Assembly approved both bills unanimously on the final day of its two-year session in February. The Senate passed the legislation by overwhelming margins, with one bill receiving a 33-0 vote and the other passing on a voice vote with minimal debate.
“I’m incredibly proud we were able to work across the aisle to get this done — and get it done right,” Evers stated.
BOSTON — A federal judge’s temporary order has brought Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s sweeping vaccine policy changes to an abrupt stop, dealing a significant blow to his anti-vaccine agenda during his first year in the Trump administration.
Kennedy had achieved several major victories for “medical freedom” advocates, including dismissing all 17 members of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), appointing vaccine skeptics as their replacements, and substantially reducing the recommended childhood vaccination schedule — moves that alarmed pediatricians nationwide.
However, Judge Brian Murphy’s Monday ruling in Boston has temporarily blocked each of these controversial actions.
The decision disrupts Kennedy’s progress at a crucial political time, as the White House and Department of Health and Human Services had been shifting their focus from vaccines to less controversial healthy food initiatives before November’s midterm elections.
It’s unclear whether this setback will mobilize Kennedy’s supporters to mount a stronger defense, give the administration reason to permanently abandon vaccine policy changes, or perhaps both.
HHS spokesperson Andrew Nixon stated that the department “looks forward to this judge’s decision being overturned.” Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche announced plans to appeal and referenced another Murphy ruling on immigration deportations that was overturned by a federal appeals court the same day.
“How many times can Judge Murphy get reversed in one year?” Blanche posted on X. “We will keep appealing these lawless decisions, and we will keep winning. The question is, how much embarrassment can this Judge take?”
Kennedy’s current position stems from his decision to abandon his independent presidential campaign and endorse Trump two years ago. Trump promised to reward this support by allowing Kennedy to “go wild” on health, food and medicine issues.
The health secretary has delivered on this promise, rapidly transforming public health guidelines and restructuring established vaccine policymaking procedures throughout the past year.
In his Monday decision, Judge Murphy determined that Kennedy ignored established government procedures, particularly when rebuilding the scientific committee that provides vaccine guidance to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in ways that likely broke federal law.
“There is a method to how these decisions historically have been made – a method scientific in nature and codified into law through procedural requirements,” Murphy stated in his order. “Unfortunately, the Government has disregarded those methods and thereby undermined the integrity of its actions.”
Mark Gorton, who leads the Kennedy-supporting MAHA Institute, criticized the judge for treating pre-Kennedy HHS bureaucratic procedures as “some sort of ideal.”
“You’ve had all sorts of ACIP decisions for decades, and you never had a judge standing up and saying that his judgment is superior to that of the panelists, even though the ACIP members for years have been incredibly corrupt and incredibly conflicted,” Gorton argued.
Dr. Robert Malone, among Kennedy’s new vaccine advisory committee appointments, labeled Murphy a “rogue” judge and demanded his impeachment.
Malone encouraged the Trump administration to continue pursuing Kennedy’s vaccine reforms, writing on Substack that the temporary order “is a delay, not a defeat.”
Jeffrey Tucker, who founded the nonprofit Brownstone Institute and has championed Kennedy’s cause, views the ruling as beneficial. He calls it a “clarifying moment” that could unite MAHA activists following recent internal disputes and disagreements.
“It makes the battle lines really, really obvious to everybody,” Tucker explained. “It’s an opportunity for moral courage, strategic intelligence and doubling down in dedication to the agenda of medical freedom above all else.”
The ruling arrives as Republican polling experts have cautioned that Kennedy’s vaccine positions might hurt the party in midterm races — precisely when the White House and HHS had begun focusing on less divisive issues.
A White House official, speaking anonymously about internal administration strategy, revealed earlier this week that Kennedy had already accomplished most of his vaccine-related objectives, with the administration now prioritizing food policy for this year.
White House representatives did not immediately respond to questions Tuesday regarding how the court decision might alter this strategic direction.
Sara Rosenbaum, who teaches health law and policy at George Washington University, believes the judge’s decision coincided with the administration’s growing awareness that “Kennedy had gotten them into a very bad place.”
“I think it hopefully will toughen their resolve to keep getting vaccines off the agenda for now,” she commented.
AKRON, Ohio — An Ohio jury started deliberations Tuesday to decide whether two former FirstEnergy Corporation leaders are guilty of corruption in a massive bribery scandal involving $60 million that led to a profitable nuclear plant rescue package.
Chuck Jones, the company’s former chief executive, and Michael Dowling, a former senior vice president, are facing corruption, bribery, conspiracy and aggravated theft charges. Prosecutors allege they paid $4.3 million to Sam Randazzo, who later became Ohio’s top utility regulator and helped craft the bailout legislation called House Bill 6 while providing other benefits to the company. Both defendants have entered not guilty pleas.
Prosecutors spent two days making their final case, emphasizing that Jones and Dowling deliberately bought off Randazzo, who was destined to chair the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio, to serve their own interests. They argued that obtaining Randazzo’s assistance in securing valuable legislative and regulatory benefits improved the Akron utility company’s financial performance, which directly boosted Jones and Dowling’s pay.
“They rigged a process that was supposed to be fair for everyone. Their corruption here was using power, influence and money for personal and corporate greed,” Special Assistant Attorney General Matthew Meyer told jurors Monday. “By cleverly structuring the timing and labels of their payoff to Sam Randazzo, these two captains of industry behaved like they were untouchable.”
Defense lawyers dismissed this argument as absurd, maintaining their stance that the money given to Randazzo in early January 2019, before he became a candidate for the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio, was a legitimate legal settlement.
“Chuck Jones did not bribe Sam Randazzo,” Jones’ attorney Carole Rendon told jurors on Tuesday. “He made a legitimate business decision to terminate a settlement agreement that was for Sam Randazzo’s clients, the members of IEU-Ohio.” Industrial Energy Users-Ohio was one of Randazzo’s businesses.
Prosecutors presented text messages between the former executives and their discussions about how to approach then-Governor-elect Mike DeWine and then-Lieutenant Governor-elect Jon Husted, now a U.S. senator who testified during the trial. Evidence from post-election meetings was also introduced to support prosecutors’ claims that the two men had an elaborate scheme to enrich themselves at Ohioans’ expense.
Steven Grimes, representing Dowling, argued Monday that the state didn’t meet the burden of proving guilt beyond reasonable doubt. He contended that prosecutors’ arguments relied heavily on assumptions that Dowling planned for the $4.3 million to reach Randazzo, which he said the evidence contradicts.
Grimes accused prosecutors of selectively choosing events from years past to create a narrative that Dowling conspired with Randazzo and Jones, but said the evidence didn’t definitively prove this occurred.
“I’ve been fighting for Mike for a long time. And this is it. I’m done fighting. I get to turn it over to now,” he told jurors. “You guys are the safeguards. You’re the constitutional protection that Mike has. You’re what he’s got. And so when you go back there in your jury room, please demand the details. Don’t compromise. Listen. Respect your fellow jurors. Talk it out. But don’t accept these assumptions. Keep up the fight for Mike. Send him home.”
FirstEnergy acknowledged in a 2021 nonprosecution agreement that it funded the $60 million scheme where former Ohio House Speaker Larry Householder installed allies, gained control, passed the nuclear bailout legislation, and then protected it from a citizen referendum through underhanded tactics.
Householder received a racketeering conviction along with lobbyist and former Ohio Republican Party chair Matt Borges in 2023. The jury gave Householder 20 years for leading the scheme while Borges received five years. Two additional political operatives admitted guilt for their participation, and a dark money organization acknowledged in court that it funneled the money. Neil Clark, a fourth Householder associate charged in the scheme and influential Statehouse lobbyist, took his own life in 2021.
Randazzo died by suicide in 2024 after entering not guilty pleas to numerous state and federal charges. Summit County Common Pleas Judge Susan Baker Ross, who has presided over the Jones and Dowling case for six weeks in Akron, kept some of the more disturbing details that emerged over the past five years from the jury.
Iranian state television reported Tuesday that Gholamreza Soleimani, who served as the leader of Iran’s paramilitary Basij organization, died in joint military operations conducted by American and Israeli forces.
Earlier on Tuesday, Israeli officials had announced they had successfully targeted and eliminated Soleimani in the coordinated strike.
The Basij force operates as a volunteer paramilitary organization within Iran’s military structure, reporting to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
Tesla CEO Elon Musk and federal securities regulators are working to reach an agreement that could resolve their ongoing legal battle over his Twitter stock purchases from 2022.
According to court documents filed Monday, both Musk and the Securities and Exchange Commission stated they are “engaged in discussions of a potential resolution that would mean further proceedings might not be necessary.”
The two parties have requested that the judge postpone their deadline for scheduling future court proceedings from March 18 to April 1 to allow more time for negotiations.
Representatives for both the SEC and Musk’s legal team were not available for immediate comment on the settlement discussions.
Federal regulators filed their lawsuit against Musk in January 2025, alleging that he violated securities laws by waiting 11 days before publicly disclosing his initial 5% ownership stake in Twitter during late March and early April 2022. According to the SEC, this delay allowed Musk to purchase more than $500 million worth of additional shares while prices remained artificially depressed.
The government agency is seeking financial penalties and wants Musk to return the estimated $150 million they claim he improperly saved at other investors’ expense. Musk has maintained that his failure to disclose the purchases on time was an unintentional mistake.
A prominent Senate Democrat is demanding transparency from the White House regarding reports of a massive $10 billion payment arrangement to the U.S. Treasury tied to TikTok’s corporate restructuring.
On Tuesday, Senator Mark Warner, who serves as the leading Democrat on the Senate Intelligence Committee, called on the administration to clarify details surrounding the financial agreement that emerged from negotiations during the previous Trump presidency over TikTok’s American business operations.
Warner referenced reporting from the Wall Street Journal indicating that major stakeholders in the restructured TikTok partnership have already transferred $2.5 billion to federal coffers, with plans to deliver an additional $7.5 billion through scheduled payments over time. The investor group reportedly includes technology giant Oracle, private equity firm Silver Lake, Abu Dhabi’s sovereign wealth fund MGX, along with additional financial backers.
Earlier this year in January, ByteDance announced that TikTok USDS Joint Venture LLC would implement comprehensive safeguards to protect American user information, applications, and underlying technology through enhanced data protection and cybersecurity protocols.
LIMA – Peru’s government underwent a major shakeup Tuesday when Prime Minister Denisse Miralles stepped down from her post, according to an announcement from the presidential office, creating uncertainty just weeks before the nation heads to the polls on April 12.
The departure automatically triggers the resignation of Peru’s entire cabinet under the country’s legal framework, which mandates that all 18 ministers must vacate their positions when the prime minister, who leads the cabinet, resigns.
President Jose Balcazar now faces the decision of whether to reappoint the existing ministers or replace them with new appointees as the country approaches its general election.
The presidential office provided no explanation for why Miralles chose to leave her position at this critical time.
In a statement posted on social media platform X, Balcazar’s administration expressed gratitude for her service: “The presidency of the Republic of Peru thanks Ms. Denisse Miralles for the services rendered to the nation as president of the council of ministers during an important period for the country, and wishes her success in her professional career and in her future endeavors.”
Rush out immediately or miss your chance! That’s usually the urgent call when birdwatchers pursue an unusual species visiting from distant lands.
However, one exceptionally rare bird classified as Code-4 by the American Birding Association – previously documented just once on the East Coast – has been leisurely residing at Virginia’s Great Falls Park, feasting on wintercreeper berries while overlooking the stunning Potomac River since the start of the year.
This female red-flanked bluetail (Tarsiger cyanurus), whose natural habitat spans the opposite side of the globe, was initially discovered by Phil Kenny, a birdwatcher from Fairfax County, Virginia. Following that sighting, hundreds of enthusiasts from as far as Florida and New York have journeyed to this national park located nine miles upstream from Washington D.C., bypassing the park’s photogenic waterfalls to observe this diminutive creature. The author made seven separate visits.
Wildlife experts remain puzzled about what drew this energetic bird to Virginia for its inaugural state visit. Red-flanked bluetails normally spend winter months in Japan, Korea, southern China, Thailand, and Myanmar, while their breeding territories extend across Japan, Siberia, and Finland. Although these birds have appeared in Alaska and western states, only one previous Eastern United States sighting occurred – along New Jersey’s coast in December 2023. Scientists theorize that wind patterns may have carried them eastward, or perhaps a genetic anomaly affected their migratory instincts.
This specific bird, bearing resemblance to a compact version of our familiar eastern bluebird, has clearly found adequate sustenance in Northern Virginia to survive even during this winter’s harsh, snowy conditions. Her diet consists of red wintercreeper euonymus seeds, oriental bittersweet berries, and additional treats that grow naturally in China, matching her typical winter habitat. These plants are considered invasive species in America, yet the bluetail thrives on them. “It’s like an American tourist going to Paris and eating at McDonalds. It’s something from back home,” the author explained to Washington Post reporter Dana Hedgpeth for her March 8 article about this displaced winter guest.
As both a former journalist and current Virginia Master Naturalist, the author enjoys educating others about remarkable wildlife discoveries. Despite preferring later hours, she agreed to accompany Dana and photographer John McDonnell to the park at dawn, searching for this needle-in-a-haystack bird. She had already observed it four times previously – typically with assistance from fellow birders who helped locate the 5.5-inch beauty.
On this solo mission during a fog-shrouded morning when the river remained invisible, spotting a small, light-brown bird featuring twin orange patches along its sides presented significant challenges. Fortunately, a dedicated birder joined their search party. Together they navigated the muddy pathway to the bird’s regular territory, and suddenly – within minutes – his keen eyesight located the creature perched prominently on a thick, fallen log within the compact winter range she appears to have claimed. She typically moves throughout approximately two-tenths of a mile along a narrow corridor between the river and granite cliffs. Cornell University ornithologist and migration specialist Andrew Farnsworth noted that some birds naturally prefer confined areas. Even within that limited space, this frequent flyer often vanishes among tangled vegetation and moss-covered rocks.
Without her characteristic blue tail movement, locating her challenges even seasoned birdwatchers. She regularly darts between the riverbank and ridge (displaying typical flycatcher behavior), venturing to the forest floor to hunt insects beneath decomposing leaves. During this misty morning, however, she remained unusually motionless for an extended period, almost as if aware that a Washington Post photographer would soon make her famous.
Following the newspaper’s publication, additional visitors flocked to observe her. Both amateur enthusiasts and professionals sometimes spotted her immediately, while others searched the trails for hours unsuccessfully. Some wondered how long the bluetail might remain, considering March 1 marked spring’s meteorological beginning and warmer temperatures had already arrived. New Jersey’s bluetail reportedly departed around late March. Perhaps this one will leave when her overwintering companions like kinglets, hermit thrushes, and white-throated sparrows head north for breeding season.
The author will miss this celebrity bird, wishing she could tell her: “Don’t hurry home! Back home you’re just an ordinary bird, but in Virginia, you’re a superstar.”
While bats typically don’t draw crowds when hanging on walls, over 350 attendees flocked to The Gallery at Main Street Station in Richmond, Virginia on March 6 to admire artistic interpretations of the Rafinesque’s big-eared bat (Corynorhinus rafinesquii) during the 2026 Restore the Wild Artwork Competition opening celebration.
The annual contest received more than 250 submissions from artists across Virginia and neighboring states, all focusing on this year’s featured species – the Rafinesque’s big-eared bat. This state-endangered mammal calls the Coastal Plain’s bottomland hardwood forests and swamplands home, and its distinctive oversized ears and prominent facial glands presented artists with a fascinating creative challenge that they tackled using diverse artistic techniques and styles.
Competition judges awarded prizes across multiple categories: Natural History Illustration, Artistic Expression, and two Youth divisions, plus selected pieces for promotional use throughout 2026. The winners received recognition at the March 6 opening event, which featured educational presentations, fundraising activities including a silent auction and raffle for Restore the Wild, and live bat demonstrations courtesy of Bat Conservation and Rescue of Virginia. Every single submission from the competition is displayed in the comprehensive exhibition.
Virginia Secretary of Natural and Historic Resources David Bulova addressed the packed reception, celebrating the intersection of art and conservation efforts.
Fairfax resident Michelle Gates claimed victory in the Natural History Illustration division with her painting titled “Echolocation,” which challenged artists to create authentic depictions of the species within its native environment. An avid outdoor enthusiast who enjoys underwater exploration, paddling, hiking, and wildlife photography, Gates also cultivates native plants in her garden to support local ecosystems.
“Winning the Natural History Illustration category feels validating as both a naturalist and as an artist. I put a lot of research into this,” Gates explained. “I wanted to show [the bat] hunting moths (~90 percent of its diet). I ultimately decided on the angle wing emerald [moth] because they’ll eat bald cypress as caterpillars. I was intrigued to find out that this [bat] species’ historical range seems to coincide with historical range for cypress swamps. Now that we’ve cut down and drained a lot of those areas, the bats have moved into human-made structures.”
The Artistic Expression category, which welcomed creative interpretations of the species and habitat, went to Cassandra Picard from Broadlands, Virginia, for her ink pen drawing “Happy Hunting.” “Being one of the winners in this competition is very exciting! Being able to contribute to conservation through a passion of mine is a dream come true,” Picard shared. “I was so excited to learn the focal species this year, as wings and winged creatures are some of my favorite things to draw. Bats have always been adorable to me, so this was a perfect opportunity!” Picard works professionally as a biologist specializing in threatened and endangered tortoise species. “I do my best to spread the word about protecting them and all threatened wildlife,” she added.
Young artists also shined in the competition’s youth categories. Emma Bridges from Brambleton, Virginia, earned top honors in the 11-17 age group, while Madison’s Ellie Chapman dominated the 10 and Under division. Both winners share a love for nature exploration and outdoor adventures. Bridges’ colored pencil creation “I’m All Ears” captivated the judging panel. “I completely fell in love with the Rafinesque’s big-eared bat as soon as I saw a picture,” Bridges said. “I’m happy I was able to do him justice. [This win] means so much to me because I put a lot of time and energy into my art, and I’m very passionate about every piece I make. I learned that the Rafinesque’s big-eared bat’s diet consisted mainly of moths and bugs, so I wanted to include that in the drawing. I had to read through research papers to find the type of moths they eat, so I could make it as realistic as possible and I chose the lettered sphinx moth.”
Chapman drew inspiration from the possibility that her graphite and colored pencil piece “In the Forest by the Creek” might help raise awareness about the Rafinesque’s big-eared bat. “I decided to draw the bat and enter the competition because when my mom showed me the bat online I thought he was really cute,” she explained. “When I learned that the bat is endangered, I thought maybe my picture might help more people like them and then that would help the bats be less endangered someday.”
Joyce Cornelius from Hurt, Virginia, saw her watercolor and acrylic creation “Twilight Trio” selected as the official 2026 Restore the Wild Fine Art Print. “It is gratifying to know that others admire something I’ve created. I hope this piece of art will be enjoyed by many,” Cornelius remarked.
“I was inspired by the subject matter as I’ve always been interested in bats. Since I usually try to incorporate trees into my painting, this combination was a great opportunity. Having never done a nighttime painting before I tried to make it a striking contrast of light and dark. One of the interesting things I learned about the Rafinesque’s big-eared bat was that they are distinguished from other big eared bats by the white hair on their belly, gray/brown back, and that the hair on their toes extends past the claws. This was the main reason I chose to paint three bats, so I could show the back, belly, and toes.” Cornelius actively participates in habitat restoration by cultivating native pollinator wildflowers and grasses for seed collection, which supports restoration projects aimed at reestablishing damaged ecosystems.
Richmond artist Grace Mae Huddleston’s vibrant “Rafinesquii in the Taxodium,” created using liquid ink and acrylic paint pen, was chosen from the Artistic Expression entries to become the 2026 Restore the Wild sticker. “As a lifelong lover of science and nature, it has been a joy to spend much of my art career exploring these topics from realistic and fantastical angles,” Huddleston said. “The Rafinesque’s big-eared bat is such a charismatic creature, and I had so much fun learning about its roosting and feeding habits. Knowing that the art piece I made about this bat will be used to draw attention to the species, to help spread knowledge, awareness, and joy is such a privilege. As for the inky style with fantastical colors—I am an avid reader of comics and sci fi, [and] those aesthetics naturally make their way into my art as a way to convey the fantastical sense of awe I feel for the special real-life creatures I depict.”
Virginia faces challenges with more than 900 wildlife species experiencing population declines, primarily due to habitat loss affecting their access to essential food, water, and shelter. The Department of Wildlife Resources serves as Virginia’s primary agency for wildlife and habitat conservation. Through the Restore the Wild initiative, DWR expands its efforts to preserve, establish, and maintain critical wildlife habitats while protecting Virginia’s natural areas. Contributions to Restore the Wild and purchases of related merchandise directly fund DWR habitat projects benefiting Virginia’s wildlife, including Species of Greatest Conservation Need.
The public can learn more about DWR’s Restore the Wild initiative and support habitat restoration through donations or merchandise purchases. The complete Restore the Wild Artwork Exhibition remains open at The Gallery at Main Street Station, located at 1500 E. Main St., Richmond, VA 23219, daily from 8:00 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Sunday, March 29.
Delaware Department of Transportation officials have implemented a lane restriction on a busy stretch of Route 1 southbound today.
The right lane is currently blocked to traffic between Cave Neck Road and Janice Road, creating potential delays for commuters and travelers in the area.
According to DelDOT, the lane closure will remain active until 5 PM this evening. Motorists are advised to expect slower traffic conditions and allow extra travel time when using this section of the highway.
Drivers should use caution when approaching the work zone and merge safely into the available left lane.
Delaware lawmakers are moving forward with legislation that would significantly restructure the governing board of the Delaware Institute for Dental Education and Research.
Senate Bill 191 introduces sweeping changes to how the institute’s board of directors operates, including modifications to both voting and non-voting member positions. The proposed law would establish new term limits for board positions and revise the process for choosing the board’s Chair and Vice Chair.
Under the new requirements, every board member would be mandated to undergo diversity training as part of their service. The legislation also specifies that university consultants brought in to help with official board matters would not have voting privileges.
The bill represents the latest effort to modernize the institute’s governance structure, with lawmakers making additional minor adjustments to the board’s stated mission and responsibilities. The Delaware Institute for Dental Education and Research plays a key role in advancing dental education and research initiatives throughout the state.
The measure updates existing language in Title 16 of the Delaware Code that originally established the board’s framework and operational guidelines.
Delaware legislators are considering modifications to state regulations governing community-owned power generation facilities through proposed legislation known as Senate Bill 210.
The proposed measure would alter existing language in Delaware’s legal code that defines what qualifies as a “Community-owned energy generating facility.” Under the new requirements, these facilities would need to connect to the electrical grid at locations within service territories overseen by utilities that fall under Public Service Commission oversight.
The legislation specifically targets Section 1001(5) of Title 26 in Delaware’s legal code, which covers public utility regulations. The change would add geographic restrictions to where these community energy projects can link into the power grid.
Currently, the bill is under review by state lawmakers as part of the legislative process.
Motorists should expect delays on a busy stretch of Janice Road today as construction crews have closed one southbound lane between Nassau Commons Boulevard and Siham Road.
According to DelDOT officials, the lane restriction will remain active until 4:00 PM as work continues in the area.
Drivers are advised to plan alternate routes or allow extra travel time when navigating through the construction zone during the afternoon hours.
Paralympic champion Oksana Masters has returned from Italy carrying five new para Nordic skiing medals, further cementing her position as the United States’ most successful Winter Paralympic competitor in history.
The remarkable athlete now holds 24 Paralympic medals total from both summer and winter competitions, with 14 of those being gold medals. Her latest achievements in Italy add to an already impressive collection that spans multiple sports and seasons.
Masters competes in both summer and winter Paralympic events, demonstrating exceptional versatility across different athletic disciplines. Looking ahead, she has already set her sights on the 2028 Los Angeles Paralympics, continuing her competitive journey on home soil.
Despite her extraordinary medal count and record-breaking achievements, Masters prefers to focus conversations on the setbacks and defeats she has experienced throughout her career, viewing these moments as equally important to her athletic story.
Her success in Italy reinforces her dominance in winter Paralympic sports while highlighting her ongoing commitment to excellence as she prepares for future competitions.
