Iran has appointed a new Supreme Leader following the reported death of longtime ruler Ali Khamenei in what officials describe as an Israeli assassination attempt. The Assembly of Experts selected 56-year-old Mojtaba Khamenei, son of the deceased leader, to head the Islamic Republic during its ongoing conflict with Israel and the United States.
The younger Khamenei, a mid-level religious figure with strong connections to Iran’s Revolutionary Guards Corps, has never served in an official government role before this appointment. His father led Iran for 36 of the Islamic Republic’s 47-year history, taking power after founder Ruhollah Khomeini.
The leadership transition occurs just days following an alleged Israeli attack that reportedly wounded the new Supreme Leader. Iranian state media referenced him as “Jaanbaz [injured war veteran] of Ramadan,” seemingly acknowledging his injuries from the current warfare. Tragically, his spouse and reportedly one of his children died on the initial day of what Iran calls the joint US-Israeli conflict.
According to Iranian state broadcasting, the new leader is fluent in English and has completed advanced training in psychology and psychoanalysis. The network also reported his studies include modern technology, military strategy, and security matters.
Ayatollah Mohsen Heidari informed state media that the Assembly of Experts gathered Sunday in Qom, with more than two-thirds of the 88-member religious body present to meet the required attendance for selecting a new supreme leader.
“Some of the members were not informed about the meeting and could not make it to the session even though they were in the city of Qom,” Heidari said.
According to Heidari, Khamenei secured approximately 85% of votes from attending members.
The selection process took place after a March 3 Israeli attack targeted the facility where the Assembly of Experts’ 88 religious leaders were scheduled to gather for choosing a successor.
President Donald Trump responded to the appointment within hours of its announcement, having previously expressed opposition to Khamenei taking control.
“He’s going to have to get approval from us,” Trump told ABC News on Sunday. “If he doesn’t get approval from us, he’s not going to last long. We want to make sure that we don’t have to go back every 10 years, when you don’t have a president like me that’s not going to do it.”
Every year, millions of viewers tune in to watch Hollywood’s biggest night, eagerly waiting to hear those famous words: ‘And the Oscar goes to…’ But have you ever wondered how the Academy Award statuette earned its beloved nickname?
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences made the ‘Oscar’ name official back in 1939, yet the true story behind this moniker continues to puzzle entertainment historians. While several theories exist about who first coined the term, none have been definitively confirmed.
Four persistent stories have emerged over the decades, each claiming to reveal the real source of the Oscar name. However, entertainment industry experts acknowledge that the actual origin may forever remain one of Hollywood’s most enduring mysteries.
The golden statuette has become synonymous with cinematic excellence, regardless of how it acquired its famous nickname. Whether we ever learn the truth about Oscar’s identity or not, the name has certainly secured its place in entertainment history.
Drivers across the Delmarva Peninsula should prepare for hazardous travel conditions as dense fog is expected to blanket the region overnight into Tuesday morning.
The National Weather Service has issued a Dense Fog Advisory effective from midnight tonight through 10:00 AM Tuesday, warning that visibility could drop to just one quarter mile or less in some areas.
Locally, the advisory affects Kent County and Inland Sussex County in Delaware, along with Talbot County on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. The fog will also impact parts of New Jersey, including Western Monmouth, Atlantic, Cumberland, Ocean, and Southeastern Burlington Counties.
“Low visibility could make driving conditions hazardous,” warns the National Weather Service. Officials are urging motorists to take extra precautions if travel is necessary during the advisory period.
If you must drive in these conditions, safety experts recommend slowing down significantly, using your headlights, and maintaining extra distance between vehicles. Consider delaying non-essential travel until visibility improves.
The dense fog is expected to gradually lift Tuesday morning, with conditions improving by 10:00 AM. Stay with TV Delmarva for the latest weather updates and travel conditions throughout the night and tomorrow morning.
A traffic crash has shut down two lanes on Interstate 95 northbound at the Route 1 northbound flyover, causing significant delays for commuters.
The Delaware Department of Transportation is reporting the lane closures due to the ongoing traffic incident. Drivers traveling through the area should anticipate extended travel times and may want to seek alternative routes.
Crews are currently working to clear the scene and restore normal traffic flow. No additional details about the nature of the incident or potential injuries have been released at this time.
This is a developing story and updates will be provided as more information becomes available from authorities.
As this year’s influenza season begins to fade, federal health authorities report disappointing news about vaccine performance, with effectiveness rates among the poorest seen in more than ten years.
Health officials point to a new variant that became the dominant strain during early winter months, which poorly matched the available vaccine formulation, resulting in a severe early wave of flu cases nationwide.
Data released Friday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows continued decreases in medical visits for flu-related symptoms through the previous week. The count of states experiencing high influenza activity fell to 16, with many located in a corridor extending from Colorado through Virginia.
“The winter respiratory virus season is slowly coming to a close, and we’re all very grateful for that,” said Dr. William Schaffner, a Vanderbilt University vaccine expert.
According to CDC findings released this week, this season’s immunizations provided approximately 25% to 30% protection against flu severe enough to require medical attention at doctors’ offices, clinics, or hospitals for adults. Vaccinated children showed roughly 40% reduced likelihood of needing medical treatment at healthcare facilities.
Health authorities typically consider flu vaccines successful when they achieve 40% to 60% effectiveness. Based on previous CDC studies, this season recorded among the lowest protection rates witnessed over the past twenty years.
Influenza cases spiked dramatically in late December, hitting certain regions particularly hard. New York City health departments characterized it as the most severe season experienced in two decades.
While relatively modest flu vaccination coverage contributed to the problem, specialists primarily attributed the situation to the emerging flu variant responsible for most infections.
This new variant falls under the A H3N2 category of influenza virus. The specific version, known as subclade K, appeared to transmit more readily, though it didn’t necessarily produce more serious symptoms.
This season’s available vaccine targeted a different H3N2 version, and the rapid spread of the new variant likely explains the reduced vaccine effectiveness, according to Schaffner.
CDC researchers calculate at least 27 million cases, 350,000 hospital admissions, and 22,000 deaths from influenza during this season so far. Comparable figures from the previous year showed at least 40 million illnesses, 520,000 hospitalizations, but similar death totals.
At least 101 children have died this season. Among those with known vaccination records, approximately 85% had not received complete flu immunization.
While flu vaccines may not prevent all illness, they can reduce severity and prevent deaths, making vaccination still valuable, Schaffner emphasized.
CDC information indicates adult vaccination rates increased slightly this season to 46.5%, following last year’s particularly harsh season that established a record for pediatric deaths this century.
Roughly 48% of American children received flu vaccination by late last month. This matches last year’s rate but represents a decline from the 52% vaccinated at the same time in 2024, CDC data shows.
Beginning in 2010, federal authorities recommended yearly flu shots for Americans six months and older. However, in January, the Trump administration discontinued universal flu shot recommendations for all children, stating decisions should rest with parents and family physicians.
Meanwhile, preparations for next winter’s flu season have already begun. Last month, the World Health Organization issued recommendations for virus strains to target in vaccines for the 2026-27 northern hemisphere flu season. The organization specified that vaccines should address subclade K. This week, a U.S. Food and Drug Administration advisory panel supported the WHO guidance.
Atlanta Falcons General Manager Ian Cunningham announced Friday that recently acquired quarterback Tua Tagovailoa will get the chance to battle for the team’s starting position, as Michael Penix Jr. continues his recovery from an ACL tear he sustained in November.
“For Tua coming in here, he knows he’s coming in to compete, just like Michael knows he’s coming in to compete. Quite frankly, not just those two at the quarterback position, but everybody’s coming in to compete,” Cunningham told reporters. “We’re excited to have Tua, but we’re excited to have all the players that we were able to get in this free agent class.”
According to Cunningham, the organization maintained open communication throughout the process, reaching out to Penix’s representative before finalizing Tagovailoa’s signing. New head coach Kevin Stefanski also had direct conversations with the young quarterback about the situation.
“You don’t want to blindside somebody,” Cunningham said. “We want to have open conversations and communication, and we feel like we did that in regards to Michael and Tua.”
The Falcons selected Penix in the 2024 draft, and he recorded 1,982 passing yards along with nine touchdown passes and three interceptions before his season ended with the ACL injury in November. Kirk Cousins took over at that point but was released by the team earlier this week.
Medical expectations suggest Penix will remain out of action through the beginning of the 2026 season, potentially creating an early window for Tagovailoa to demonstrate his capabilities.
Tagovailoa’s departure from Miami concludes a six-year tenure marked by both highs and lows. Despite earning a four-year, $212.4 million contract extension after leading the NFL in passing yards during 2023, his final two seasons proved challenging. The quarterback sustained his fourth documented concussion, experienced declining performance, and was benched for the team’s final three games in 2025. Miami will still owe him $54 million in 2026 due to his contract structure.
During his final season with the Dolphins, Tagovailoa completed passes for 2,660 yards, 20 touchdowns, and 15 interceptions.
The United States has announced a temporary suspension of certain sanctions targeting Russian oil shipments, a decision driven by worldwide worries about soaring crude prices caused by supply disruptions linked to Middle East conflicts.
This action, designed to calm nervous markets amid concerns about oil and gas supply interruptions from the Middle East, highlights how current conflicts have strengthened Russia’s capacity to generate revenue from energy sales – a crucial component of Moscow’s budget while it continues its military operations in Ukraine.
According to U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent’s announcement on social media platform X, American sanctions will be suspended for 30 days on Russian oil deliveries that were already loaded onto ships by Thursday. This decision provides hesitant buyers permission to purchase the oil without fear of violating U.S. sanctions regulations.
Previously, the Trump administration had provided a similar 30-day exemption to refineries operating in India.
Bessent described this as a “narrowly tailored, short-term measure” that represents President Donald Trump’s “decisive steps to promote stability in global energy markets” and to “keep prices low.”
The Treasury Secretary explained that permitting sales of stranded Russian oil would not generate additional revenue for Moscow since the Russian government had already collected taxes when the oil was initially extracted. Washington has imposed sanctions on Russia’s largest oil corporations, Lukoil and Rosneft, as part of initiatives to halt the Ukrainian conflict. Apart from the 30-day exception for oil currently at sea, these sanctions continue.
Kremlin representative Dmitry Peskov stated Friday that this decision will contribute to stabilizing worldwide energy markets, noting it was impossible to achieve stability “without significant volumes of Russian oil.”
However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy criticized the action, saying it “does not help peace.”
“This easing alone by the United States could provide Russia with about $10 billion for the war,” Zelenskyy stated. “It spends the money from energy sales on weapons, and all of this is then used against us.”
International benchmark Brent crude prices dropped 1.5% to $98.76 per barrel by 1300 GMT Friday following the announcement. This remains significantly higher than the $72.87 level where Brent was trading on February 27, before the current conflict began.
The ongoing fighting has severely restricted tanker movement through the Strait of Hormuz at the Persian Gulf entrance, a waterway that normally handles 20% of global oil supplies. This disruption has created a substantial energy crisis for the world economy and raised concerns about rising inflation globally.
“In the short term this slightly increases available supply on the global market, which helps contain the current spike in oil prices,” explained Simone Tagliapietra, an energy specialist at the Bruegel think tank in Brussels. “The impact on prices should therefore be modestly downward, or at least stabilizing.”
Industry analysts calculate that approximately 125 million barrels of Russian oil are currently being transported at sea. This amount represents five to six days of typical shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, or slightly more than one day’s worth of worldwide consumption, which totals about 101 million barrels daily.
Following President Vladimir Putin’s order for a comprehensive invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the European Union – previously Moscow’s largest oil customer – ceased purchasing Russian oil, and numerous Western buyers also avoided it.
The oil was then redirected to China and India, where it sold at reduced prices due to efforts by the U.S., EU, and Ukraine’s allies to establish a price ceiling on Russian oil enforced through shipping and insurance companies.
Eventually, Russia managed to circumvent this cap by assembling a fleet of older tankers with unclear ownership and insurance from nations that weren’t following the cap.
In addition to sanctions on Lukoil and Rosneft, Ukraine’s supporters penalized increasing numbers of individual ships in Russia’s “shadow fleet.” Chinese and Indian customers began demanding larger discounts to offset the risk of sanctions violations, the complications of hiding oil origins, or finding alternatives that avoided banks reluctant to process payments for sanctioned oil.
In December, Russia’s Urals blend was trading below $40 per barrel, approximately $25 less than Brent. This reduced the Kremlin’s oil income to its lowest point since the invasion began. Oil and gas exports typically contribute 20% to 30% of the federal budget.
Russian oil prices have increased alongside general oil market trends and now trade above $80 per barrel – improving Russia’s financial position if Strait of Hormuz disruptions persist and maintain high prices while Asian refineries seek replacements for unavailable Middle Eastern supplies.
Russia’s daily oil sales revenue during the Iran conflict has averaged 14% higher than February levels, according to the nonprofit Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air. Isaac Levi of CREA reports that Russia has been earning 510 million euros ($588 million) daily this month from oil and liquefied natural gas exports.
However, a substantial discount to Brent prices remains due to sanctions. The recent U.S. decision “likely narrows the Urals discount somewhat” by reducing sanctions risk, Tagliapietra noted. But since it’s limited, the U.S. action “does not fundamentally change the structure of longer-term Russian oil flows or sanctions pressure.”
Former Russian Central Bank official Sergei Aleksashenko said the move “will not be a very significant boost” to Russia’s budget because the oil would have found buyers regardless – particularly given the Strait of Hormuz disruptions.
The Trump administration may not have anticipated such a dramatic price increase or extended conflict, suggested Aleksashenko, who heads economics at the NEST Centre, established by exiled Russian businessman and opposition figure Mikhail Khodorkovsky.
With U.S. gasoline prices rising alongside oil costs, “the president should say something, that ‘I’m dealing with the problem,’” he explained. This includes the relief for India and the coordinated release of 400 million barrels from strategic oil reserves with other nations.
“In my view it’s more rhetoric and perception,” he concluded.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz revealed that Group of Seven democratic leaders discussed Russian oil with Trump this week and that “six members expressed a very clear view that this is not the right signal to send.”
KINGSTON, N.Y. — A retired New York State Trooper has been found guilty of manslaughter in the death of an 11-year-old girl during a deadly pursuit in December 2020.
Christopher Baldner was convicted Friday in his second trial for causing the crash that killed Monica Goods. According to prosecutors, Baldner struck the family’s SUV two times while traveling on the New York State Thruway, which caused the vehicle to roll over and crash. Baldner’s legal team maintained that the collision happened when the SUV moved in front of the trooper’s patrol car as he drove alongside during the chase.
In November, a jury cleared Baldner of murder and reckless endangerment but could not reach a decision on the second-degree manslaughter charge. Following the hung jury, Judge Bryan Rounds called a mistrial, leading to the second trial that started last month on the remaining charge.
During the recent proceedings, Assistant State Attorney General Jennifer Gashi argued that Baldner made the decision to “recklessly use his patrol car as a weapon” during the pursuit north of New York City. The defense, led by attorney Anthony Ricco, countered that Monica’s father, Tristin Goods, was the one who drove recklessly and caused his daughter’s death, the Daily Freeman reported.
The fatal incident began when Baldner stopped Tristin Goods for driving over the speed limit on the highway near Kingston on the evening of December 22, 2020. The Goods family, including Tristin, his wife, and their two daughters, were traveling north from New York City to spend time with relatives.
After Baldner and Goods got into a dispute, the trooper used pepper spray inside their vehicle. Goods then drove away, prompting Baldner to give chase.
The defense claimed that Goods hit Baldner’s patrol vehicle twice during the pursuit. A crash reconstruction specialist testifying for the defense said Goods lost control of the SUV when he oversteered following “a very minor impact,” according to the newspaper.
Baldner ended his career with the state police in 2022 after serving nearly two decades with the force.
Transportation Security Administration employees faced empty paychecks on Friday as the partial government shutdown stretched past the one-month mark, leaving airport security workers without their first full paycheck during the funding crisis.
The situation has created a stark contrast at airports nationwide, where travelers continue paying mandatory security fees with every ticket purchase while the very workers providing those security services labor without compensation.
At Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in Arlington, Virginia, passengers and staff moved through terminals on Friday as TSA officers continued their duties despite the financial hardship caused by the Department of Homeland Security funding lapse.
The ongoing shutdown has meant that while security fee revenue keeps flowing from airline passengers, the federal workers responsible for airport security operations have been left waiting for their paychecks as the political standoff drags on.
The Kansas City Current will begin their season without their star player, as 2025 National Women’s Soccer League MVP Temwa Chawinga remains sidelined due to an adductor injury that has kept her out since October.
Head coach Chris Armas addressed the situation with media on Friday, providing an update on the team’s top performer.
“She’s not available yet, but she’s getting closer,” Armas told reporters, though he wouldn’t specify when fans might see her return to action.
The injury occurred during Kansas City’s October 18th match against Houston Dash, which ended in a 1-0 defeat. Chawinga’s absence forced her to sit out the entire playoff run, contributing to the top-seeded Current’s surprising 2-1 elimination by eighth-seeded NJ/NY Gotham FC.
According to Armas, the team is taking a cautious approach with their MVP’s rehabilitation.
“We’re seeing her out on the training pitch these days, but it’s such a demanding season for these athletes, especially the demands that she puts into games. She’s getting close. We still are managing it the right way,” the coach explained.
The 27-year-old forward had a remarkable 2024 campaign, not only earning MVP honors but also capturing the Golden Boot award with 15 regular season goals. Her outstanding performance also earned her a spot on the league’s Best XI team.
Saturday’s home opener against Utah Royals will mark a milestone for Armas as well, as the former New York Red Bulls and Colorado Rapids manager makes his NWSL coaching debut. Before joining Major League Soccer, Armas led the women’s soccer program at Adelphi University, where he was also a student.
European Union member countries have initiated groundbreaking legislation aimed at prohibiting artificial intelligence systems from creating child sexual abuse imagery, marking the first major governmental action of its kind.
The proposal, announced Friday in Brussels, would expand the EU’s comprehensive artificial intelligence regulations that were enacted two years ago to specifically address this emerging threat.
The legislative push comes as government officials and regulatory agencies across Europe and Asia are taking action against sexually explicit material created by Grok, the AI chatbot developed by Elon Musk’s xAI company and deployed on the X platform. Authorities are particularly concerned about intimate deepfake images produced by the technology.
Currently, technology oversight bodies in the European Union, along with regulatory agencies in Britain, Ireland, and Spain, are conducting investigations into Grok’s capability to generate sexualized artificial intelligence deepfakes.
Before the proposed restrictions can become law, EU member nations must secure approval from the European Parliament. Parliamentary representatives are set to consider their own comparable measure during a scheduled vote on Wednesday.
The competing proposals represent the opening positions as both legislative bodies prepare for upcoming negotiations regarding the European Commission’s plan to modify certain aspects of the AI Act. While technology companies and some business interests have praised the potential changes, civil liberties organizations and privacy advocates have condemned the modifications as capitulating to major tech corporations.
Political observers expect the legislative process to continue for approximately one year before any new regulations take effect.
Ultimate Fighting Championship CEO Dana White has revealed plans to distribute 85,000 complimentary tickets for a massive outdoor viewing party accompanying their historic June 14 event at the White House.
The event, dubbed Freedom Fights 250, is expected to mark the first time a professional sporting competition has taken place at the presidential residence.
Speaking on the UFC’s YouTube Channel, White explained the logistics of the unprecedented setup. “The way that the White House is laid out, you’ve got the White House, you’ve got the South Lawn, and then there’s a road and then the Ellipse as a park that’s right there,” White said. “We’re going to be ticketing 85,000 people in the Ellipse. And the tickets are free, and we’ll announce how we’re going to be giving them away soon. But you should plan on going to Washington, D.C., for this event.”
White promised an extensive entertainment experience for spectators gathered in the park area. “There’s going to be all kinds of activations in the Ellipse. There’s going to be music, bands are going to be playing, and you can actually sit in the park and watch the fight on the screens, but you’ll actually see the whole setup. It’s right there. It will be a very unique, cool experience for fight fans,” he explained.
The announcement of Freedom Fights 250 came last August following White’s meeting with President Donald Trump at the White House. This sporting spectacle represents one of several events scheduled to commemorate America’s 250th anniversary celebration, with the fight date coinciding with Trump’s 80th birthday.
The main card will feature Alex Pereira and Ciryl Gane battling for the interim heavyweight championship. Should Pereira emerge victorious, he would make UFC history as the promotion’s first three-division titleholder.
Additionally, undisputed champion Ilia Topuria will square off against interim champion Justin Gaethje for the lightweight championship.
WASHINGTON – Multiple Republican lawmakers are facing intense criticism for social media posts that many view as targeting Muslim Americans, amid new data showing anti-Islamic incidents have reached unprecedented levels nationwide.
Alabama Senator Tommy Tuberville sparked outrage Thursday with a post on X that placed a photo of the September 11 attacks next to an image of New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani hosting a Ramadan iftar dinner at City Hall on March 8. The post included text reading “less than 25 years ago” and “The enemy is inside the gates.”
The controversial post targeted Mamdani, who made history as New York’s first Muslim mayor. Tuberville, who has a track record of anti-Muslim statements both online and in Senate proceedings, did not respond to requests for comment and later reinforced his position in additional social media posts.
The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) took the unprecedented step of adding Tuberville to its registry of anti-Muslim extremists – the first time the organization has placed a sitting U.S. senator on such a list.
The incidents occur as CAIR released new research this week showing Islamophobic events in 2025 have hit an all-time high. The rise in religious hatred extends beyond the Muslim community, with antisemitic attacks also climbing, including Thursday’s incident where a driver crashed a truck into a Detroit-area synagogue.
Tennessee Representative Andy Ogles generated widespread condemnation earlier this week with his X post stating, “Muslims don’t belong in American society. Pluralism is a lie.”
Rather than backing down, Ogles intensified his rhetoric, writing: “Muslims are unable to assimilate; they all have to go back.” He attached this message to coverage of federal terrorism charges against two individuals accused of detonating an improvised explosive device at an anti-Islam demonstration outside Mamdani’s residence. Officials say the suspects claimed inspiration from ISIS.
Ogles has repeatedly attacked Mamdani personally, calling him “little muhammad” and demanding he face “DEPORTATION” and “denaturalization proceedings” following his Democratic primary victory for New York City mayor.
Democratic lawmakers have responded with two censure motions against Ogles during the current congressional session. Michigan Representative Shri Thanedar filed the latest censure resolution Thursday, seeking Ogles’ removal from the House Homeland Security Committee.
“Congressman Ogles’ disgusting and bigoted words have no place anywhere in our country, let alone from a member of Congress. His words incite hatred against millions of Muslim Americans,” Thanedar stated.
House Speaker Mike Johnson declined to condemn Ogles’ statements when questioned by reporters earlier this week.
“The language that people use, it’s different language than what I would use, but I think that’s a serious issue,” Johnson said, referencing concerns about Islamic law being imposed in America.
Islamic law, or sharia, represents a collection of legal and moral guidelines interpreted differently across the Muslim faith. The concept of implementing sharia law in the United States lacks broad support among American Muslims and their community leaders.
CAIR Government Affairs Director Robert McCaw responded: “Ironically, the only people trying to impose their religion on America are those politicians who seek to ban Muslims from our nation, who try to force public school teachers to read the Bible to their students, and who demand that our nation go to war in the Middle East to fulfill their end times prophecies.”
Georgia Representative Andrew Clyde used the same Mamdani photograph as Tuberville in his Thursday X post, claiming Democrats “whine” about church-state separation regarding Christian imagery in government but “when it’s Islam, they welcome it.”
Texas Representative Chip Roy shared a Capitol building image with text reading “Protect America. Ban Sharia.”
Roy and fellow Texas Republican Keith Self established the Sharia Free Caucus, comprising nearly 50 legislators committed to prohibiting Islamic law and advancing bills like the “Preserving a Sharia-Free America Act.” Tuberville authored the Senate version of this legislation, which would block immigration benefits and authorize deportation for immigrants who promote implementing sharia in ways that conflict with U.S. law or constitutional protections.
Clyde, Ogles, Roy and Self did not respond to comment requests.
New York Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer characterized Tuberville’s statements as “mindless hate.” The 2020 U.S. Religion Census counted approximately 4.5 million Muslim Americans.
“Muslim Americans are cops, doctors, nurses, teachers, bankers, bricklayers, mothers, fathers, neighbors, mayors, and more,” Schumer posted on X.
A Dense Fog Advisory remains in effect for Delaware’s beaches and several coastal counties in southern New Jersey until 10:00 AM Tuesday morning, creating potentially hazardous driving conditions across the region.
The National Weather Service in Mount Holly issued the advisory Monday evening, warning that visibility has dropped to just one-quarter to one-half mile in dense fog. The advisory affects Delaware Beaches County along with Eastern Monmouth, Cape May, Atlantic Coastal Cape May, Coastal Atlantic, and Coastal Ocean counties in New Jersey.
Motorists traveling through these areas should exercise extreme caution during the morning commute. The significantly reduced visibility could make driving conditions dangerous, particularly on coastal roadways and bridges.
If you must drive, the National Weather Service recommends slowing down, using your headlights, and maintaining plenty of distance between vehicles. Consider delaying non-essential travel until conditions improve.
The fog advisory is expected to lift by 10:00 AM Tuesday as temperatures warm and atmospheric conditions change. Drivers should continue monitoring local conditions and weather updates throughout the morning.
This is a developing weather story. Stay with TV Delmarva for the latest updates on travel conditions across the peninsula.
Drivers across the Delmarva Peninsula should prepare for hazardous travel conditions as dense fog is expected to blanket the region from midnight tonight through 10 AM Tuesday morning.
The National Weather Service has issued a Dense Fog Advisory for multiple counties in our viewing area, warning that visibility could drop to just one quarter mile or less. In Delaware, Kent and inland Sussex counties are included in the advisory. Maryland’s Talbot County is also affected, along with several New Jersey counties including Western Monmouth, Atlantic, Cumberland, Ocean, and Southeastern Burlington.
The thick fog will create dangerous driving conditions during the overnight hours and Tuesday morning commute. Weather officials are urging motorists to take extra precautions if travel is necessary.
If you must drive during the advisory period, remember to slow down significantly, use your headlights, and maintain a safe following distance from other vehicles. Give yourself extra time to reach your destination safely.
The Dense Fog Advisory remains in effect until 10 AM Tuesday morning. Commuters should check current conditions before heading out and consider delaying non-essential travel until visibility improves.
Stay with TV Delmarva for the latest weather updates and traffic conditions throughout the advisory period.
Italy’s national baseball squad has emerged as the beloved underdog story of the World Baseball Classic, winning over fans with their unique blend of Italian culture and athletic determination.
The team has brought distinctive Italian charm to the tournament, featuring coffee culture rituals, traditional greetings, and group performances of songs by renowned tenor Andrea Bocelli. These cultural touches have made them fan favorites throughout the competition.
However, Team Italy’s goals extend far beyond simply entertaining crowds. The organization has set its sights on a much larger objective: establishing Italy as a legitimate baseball development center and talent pipeline.
Their approach combines the warmth and passion of Italian culture with serious athletic ambitions, creating a unique presence in international baseball competition.
A devastating drone attack on a marketplace in western Sudan has claimed 11 lives and left more than 20 people wounded, according to the French humanitarian organization Doctors Without Borders.
The deadly strike occurred March 12 at the Adikong market located near Sudan’s border with Chad. The attack ignited fuel storage areas, causing victims to suffer severe burns. Medical staff confirmed that 11 individuals died from their injuries in the blaze.
Doctors Without Borders reported treating 23 injured people at a hospital the organization supports in Adre, Chad. Among those hurt were seven children who required medical care following the attack.
This marks the second fatal drone assault in the area within less than 30 days, highlighting the escalating violence in the region. UN High Commissioner Volker Turk revealed Thursday that his office has documented reports of more than 200 civilian fatalities from drone attacks across Sudan since March 4.
The strikes have caused widespread destruction beyond the loss of life. “Many homes, schools, markets and health facilities were damaged or destroyed in the attacks,” Turk stated.
These aerial weapons have emerged as critical tools in the ongoing conflict between Sudan’s military forces and the Rapid Support Forces, a war that started in April 2023. The deployment of drones has enabled the RSF to counter the army’s initial advantage in air power during the early stages of the fighting.
Moscow has added Nina Khrushcheva, a 62-year-old American professor and descendant of a prominent Soviet leader, to its registry of individuals classified as ‘foreign agents’ on Friday.
Khrushcheva, who teaches at The New School university in New York, is the great-granddaughter of Nikita Khrushchev, who governed the Soviet Union from 1953 until his removal by the Politburo in 1964.
Despite Russia’s ongoing conflict with Ukraine that began in 2022, the academic has continued conducting research visits to the country.
When reached for comment, Khrushcheva expressed little shock at her inclusion on the list, which now encompasses 1,164 individuals and organizations including media figures, politicians, artists, and advocacy groups.
‘It would have been sloppy on their part not to do this sooner or later,’ she stated, noting it was premature to determine the real-world consequences of the designation.
The professor acknowledged the historical significance of her situation, referencing the current rehabilitation of Josef Stalin’s image in Russia.
‘There is certainly historical irony but not anything shocking. When Stalin is up, Khrushchev is down,’ she explained.
Her observation points to Stalin’s growing popularity in contemporary Russia, despite her great-grandfather’s historic 1956 Communist Party speech that condemned the dictator’s brutal policies. Russia recently commemorated the 70th anniversary of that pivotal address, reigniting discussions about both leaders’ historical impact.
Nikita Khrushchev notably transferred Crimea from Russian to Ukrainian control in 1954, a decision that President Vladimir Putin reversed through military annexation in 2014. The former Soviet leader also confronted President John F. Kennedy during the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis, bringing the world close to nuclear conflict.
According to TASS news agency, Russia’s Justice Ministry accused Nina Khrushcheva of spreading misleading information about Russian government actions and opposing what the Kremlin terms its ‘special military operation’ in Ukraine.
The ‘foreign agent’ classification imposes significant administrative burdens and financial limitations on those affected. Designated individuals must identify themselves with the label on all published content and social media communications.
While some government opponents embrace the designation as recognition of their dissent, others find it creates obstacles in their professional activities as fellow Russians often avoid association with labeled individuals.
HOUSTON – The ongoing conflict in Iran is driving California’s already steep fuel costs to extreme heights, with energy analysts warning that gas prices in the Golden State could reach an unprecedented $10 per gallon.
California’s unique fuel requirements and geographic isolation from other U.S. markets have made the state particularly vulnerable to supply disruptions. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz has blocked crucial energy shipments from Asia that California depends on heavily.
Energy economist Philip Verleger issued a stark warning about the situation. “The U.S. West Coast will become the poster child for the consequences of the attacks on Iran,” Verleger stated in his analysis, predicting that California motorists should prepare for both fuel shortages and prices that could exceed $10 per gallon.
The numbers paint a troubling picture for California drivers. Regular unleaded gasoline has jumped over 18% in the past month alone, reaching $5.42 per gallon on Friday – significantly above the national average of $3.63, according to AAA data. Aviation fuel costs at Los Angeles airports have climbed even more dramatically, surging 47% to approximately $3.85 per gallon since Middle Eastern hostilities began.
Verleger’s analysis suggests that West Coast states may need to slash gasoline and diesel consumption by 20% if fuel-exporting nations decide to restrict shipments to protect their domestic supplies.
California’s vulnerability stems from its transformation over recent years. Once among America’s leading oil-producing states, California has become increasingly dependent on imported crude oil and refined fuels as local refineries have either closed or switched to renewable fuel production.
The supply crisis has rippled across Asia, where refineries in China, Korea, and India have reduced operations due to Middle Eastern crude shortages. Some facilities have invoked force majeure clauses, legally allowing them to suspend deliveries during emergencies. Both China and Thailand have halted fuel exports entirely.
Import data reveals California’s heavy reliance on foreign fuel supplies. The West Coast brought in a record 128,000 barrels daily of motor gasoline and additives in the previous year, primarily from South Korea and India. Additionally, California imported roughly 54,000 barrels per day of jet fuel, with nearly one-third originating from South Korea.
Randy Hurburun from Energy Aspects explained the challenging outlook: Korean fuel imports are expected to cease temporarily, while neighboring Washington state lacks sufficient spare refining capacity to help fill the gap.
The crude oil supply situation is equally concerning. West Coast refineries typically import about 230,000 barrels daily from Middle Eastern sources, representing half of all Middle Eastern crude coming into the United States.
Kpler analyst Matt Smith outlined the predicament facing regional refineries. “All the crude that West Coast refiners import from the Middle East is at risk,” Smith explained, noting that facilities will be forced to purchase more expensive oil from Canadian or Latin American sources.
Major California refineries owned by Chevron in Richmond and El Segundo, along with Marathon Petroleum’s Los Angeles operation, have been the state’s primary crude importers. Marathon representatives confirmed they are fulfilling contractual commitments but declined to discuss sourcing strategies. Chevron similarly avoided operational details while stating their refineries continue serving regional customers.
Alternative crude sources remain limited due to strong Asian demand. Smith noted that Canadian oil availability is constrained to roughly 500,000 barrels by Trans Mountain Pipeline limitations and competition from Chinese buyers. Asian refineries are also competing for Latin American crude from Ecuador and Guyana.
“There is not a great deal of incremental supply available to U.S. West Coast refiners,” Smith emphasized.
Industry experts suggest West Coast refiners will maximize Alaskan North Slope crude usage, redistribute Canadian supplies, and potentially purchase Venezuelan oil despite shipping complications.
President Donald Trump is reportedly considering a temporary waiver of the Jones Act, which mandates that domestic crude shipments use U.S.-flagged vessels. This requirement increases costs for California refineries seeking Gulf Coast oil, and suspending it could provide some price relief.
S&P Global Energy’s Debnil Chowdhury summarized the global competition for available supplies: “All other regions are also needing barrels at this point due to a widespread panic of availability. There’s competition now for the barrels.”
Pittsburgh has bolstered its defensive backfield by securing cornerback Jamel Dean through a three-year agreement announced Friday.
While the Steelers kept contract details private, industry sources at Spotrac indicate the deal carries a value of $36.75 million, including $12 million in guaranteed money.
The 29-year-old defender leaves Tampa Bay after seven seasons, having been drafted by the Buccaneers in the third round back in 2019.
Dean delivered his strongest statistical performance last season, hauling in three interceptions with one returned 55 yards for a score. Across 14 starts, he recorded 46 tackles, registered one sack, defended nine passes, and forced two fumbles.
Throughout his professional career, Dean has appeared in 96 contests with 77 starts, accumulating 11 interceptions including two touchdown returns, 61 pass breakups, three forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries. His tackle total stands at 359.
The veteran defensive back brings postseason experience with 10 playoff appearances and earned a Super Bowl LV championship ring during his time with Tampa Bay.
Anaheim Ducks defenseman Radko Gudas could be sidelined for as many as five games following a knee-to-knee collision that injured Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews during Thursday night’s matchup.
The NHL’s Department of Player Safety has scheduled a disciplinary hearing for Gudas on Friday. Since the meeting will be conducted via conference call rather than through an in-person or Zoom session, league rules limit any potential suspension to a maximum of five games.
The controversial incident occurred with approximately four minutes remaining in the second period, when Gudas’s left knee collided with Matthews’s left knee, causing the 28-year-old American superstar to collapse on the ice in obvious discomfort.
Officials assessed Gudas a five-minute major penalty and game misconduct. Matthews required support from both a trainer and teammate to exit the playing surface and was unable to continue in the contest.
Toronto head coach Craig Berube characterized the hit as intentionally dirty, while forward Matthew Knies noted that Gudas has “done a few of those before in his career.” Anaheim’s coach Joel Quenneville came to his player’s defense, arguing the contact wasn’t premeditated and resulted from instinctive reactions.
The 35-year-old Czech defender, who stands 6 feet tall and weighs 208 pounds, previously played a role in the incident that sidelined Canada’s Sidney Crosby during Olympic competition. However, no penalty was called on that play, and opposing teams didn’t publicly criticize Gudas’s involvement.
While Gudas doesn’t qualify as a repeat offender under current collective bargaining terms, which only consider disciplinary actions from the previous two years, his NHL career includes multiple suspensions. Between 2015 and 2019, he received four separate suspensions: three games for an illegal head check, six for interference, 10 for slashing, and two for high-sticking.
Those previous suspensions totaled 21 games and cost Gudas $751,360 in forfeited salary. Any suspension from this incident would cost him approximately $20,800 per game, potentially reaching $104,167 if he receives the maximum five-game penalty.
Matthews recently led Team USA to its first Olympic men’s hockey gold medal since 1980. The Arizona-born forward is currently in his 10th NHL season and tops the Maple Leafs’ scoring with 27 goals.
COLOMBO – Sri Lankan authorities are preparing to send home the remains of 84 Iranian naval personnel who perished when a US submarine torpedoed their warship off the island nation’s coastline last week.
The Iranian vessel IRIS Dena went down on March 4 after being struck by a torpedo fired from an American submarine. The warship was heading back from naval training exercises conducted in India during the current US-Israeli military campaign against Iran.
Two additional Iranian naval vessels that had taken part in the same exercises fled to safety – the IRIS Lavan found refuge at an Indian port, while the IRIS Booshehr made it to Sri Lankan waters.
A Sri Lankan judicial ruling this week directed that the sailors’ remains, which have been kept at the National Hospital morgue in the southern port city of Galle, should be released to Iranian diplomatic officials.
According to Sri Lankan defense ministry sources cited by local media outlets, the deceased sailors will be transported home Friday via a specially arranged aircraft departing from Mattala International Airport in the country’s southern region.
“Arrangements are being made to transport the bodies of the Iranian crew from the hospital to the Mattala airport,” an Iranian embassy source in Colombo told Reuters, declining to specify the exact departure time.
The remains were subsequently transported by truck convoy through the city under police escort.
Sri Lankan health, foreign affairs, and defense officials did not return Reuters’ requests for comment. The nation’s naval forces indicated they were not participating in the transportation and repatriation operations.
An Indian government official revealed that following the aircraft’s departure from Sri Lanka with the deceased sailors, India will permit the plane to land on Indian soil to collect some of the 183 crew members from the IRIS Lavan, along with Iranian civilians who have been unable to leave India.
India’s foreign ministry has not yet responded to requests for comment. The official noted uncertainty regarding the timing of the aircraft’s arrival and departure from India.
Currently in Sri Lanka are 32 survivors from the destroyed vessel, plus 208 sailors from the IRIS Booshehr.
Sri Lankan foreign ministry officials are maintaining contact with Iran’s embassy in Colombo regarding the crew situation, while the embassy coordinates with officials in Tehran, according to defense ministry statements.
Reuters previously reported that Washington has been urging Colombo not to allow the survivors from either vessel to return to Iran.
Salisbury officials have announced an emergency City Council meeting set to occur immediately following their standard work session on Monday, March 16, 2026.
The special legislative gathering will be held at the Council Chambers inside the Government Office Building at 125 N. Division Street, according to a notice issued by Deputy City Clerk Hannah Long on March 13, 2026.
City officials have indicated they may modify the meeting agenda if needed based on developing situations. The council also maintains the option to enter closed-door discussions as allowed under Maryland’s Annotated Code section 3-305(b).
The notice did not specify what issues will be addressed during the emergency session.
Ethiopian officials announced Tuesday that the nation will observe three days of mourning as recovery teams continue pulling bodies from deadly landslides that struck the country’s southern region this week.
Tagesse Chafo, Speaker of the House of Peoples’ Representatives, confirmed the mourning period will commence on Saturday.
Recovery crews have retrieved at least 80 bodies from the Gamo Zone region in southern Ethiopia, where torrential rainfall triggered the devastating landslides that buried residents.
Numerous individuals remain unaccounted for following Tuesday’s disaster, according to government officials. Ongoing search and rescue operations have faced significant challenges due to continued heavy precipitation in the affected area.
Hailemariam Tesfaye, the regional government’s communications director, reported that efforts to locate additional victims have been stepped up.
The Ethiopian Human Rights Commission reported Friday that 3,461 individuals have been forced from their homes due to the landslides.
Government officials announced Thursday that federal authorities are coordinating with regional leaders to deploy necessary resources to the disaster zone.
A relief fund established by regional authorities is receiving contributions from individual donors and business organizations to provide assistance to those impacted by the tragedy.
The disaster comes as intense rainfall continues battering East African nations, with neighboring Kenya reporting 62 fatalities from weekend flash flooding.
Meteorologists predict additional precipitation during the ongoing rainy season, prompting government warnings for residents to remain vigilant.
The IGAD Climate Prediction and Applications Centre forecasted last month that the March-April-May rainy season carries a 45% probability of above-normal rainfall throughout much of the region, affecting Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Tanzania, Kenya, Ethiopia, South Sudan, Northern Somalia, and Djibouti.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy voiced strong opposition Friday to America’s decision to temporarily suspend Russian oil sanctions, calling the move misguided and counterproductive to ending Moscow’s ongoing invasion of his country.
Speaking during a joint news conference with French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris, Zelenskyy warned that the temporary relief could generate substantial revenue for Russia’s military operations.
“This easing alone by the United States could provide Russia with about $10 billion for the war,” Zelenskyy said. “This certainly does not help peace.”
The Ukrainian leader expressed concern that Moscow would channel profits from energy exports directly into weapons procurement, creating a dangerous cycle that ultimately harms Ukrainian civilians.
“I believe that lifting sanctions will, in any case, lead to a strengthening of Russia’s position. It spends the money from energy sales on weapons, and all of this is then used against us,” Zelenskyy explained during his Paris visit.
“Therefore, ultimately lifting sanctions only so that more drones will later be flying at you is, in my opinion, not the right decision,” he said.
The Treasury Department revealed Thursday its plan to implement a month-long suspension of Russian oil penalties, designed to release stranded petroleum shipments and address supply shortfalls stemming from Middle Eastern conflicts.
Market experts indicate that rising crude prices resulting from Persian Gulf production disruptions are providing unexpected economic benefits to Russia. Moscow depends significantly on petroleum revenues to fund its military campaign, making sanctions increasingly burdensome for the Kremlin.
Diplomatic negotiations between Washington, Moscow and Kyiv aimed at resolving Europe’s largest military conflict since the 1940s have been suspended due to Iran-related tensions, though discussions may restart within days, according to Zelenskyy.
French President Macron emphasized that comprehensive penalties against Russia remain in place despite America’s temporary adjustment.
Recent American exemptions are “limited” and “taken on an exceptional basis,” Macron explained. “It does not broadly or permanently roll back the sanctions that they themselves decided to apply,” he added.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz expressed sharper criticism of the American decision. During a Norwegian visit Friday, Merz revealed that G7 leaders had previously discussed Russian energy supplies with President Donald Trump.
“Six members of the G7 expressed a very clear view that this (waiving of Russia sanctions) is not the right signal to send,” Merz stated. “We learned this morning that the U.S. government has apparently decided otherwise. Once again, we believe this is the wrong decision.”
“There is currently a price problem, but not a supply problem. And in that regard, I would like to know what additional motives led the U.S. government to make this decision,” Merz added.
Meanwhile, Ukraine has emerged as a major manufacturer of drone defense systems, with Kyiv proposing to share its technological expertise with America and Middle Eastern allies in exchange for advanced military equipment it cannot produce domestically.
However, Trump rejected Ukraine’s assistance offer in Friday radio comments. “No, we don’t need their help on drone defense,” Trump told the “Brian Kilmeade Show” on Fox News Radio.
Just one day earlier, Zelenskyy had announced Ukraine was seeking White House authorization for a drone production partnership agreement.
In Paris, the Ukrainian president claimed his government had received American requests for drone combat support. The reason for the conflicting statements between the two leaders remained unclear.
Zelenskyy disclosed that six nations have requested Ukrainian drone assistance, with expert teams already deployed to three unnamed countries.
The Ukrainian leader stressed that simply providing interceptor equipment is insufficient for effective drone defense operations. His military possesses specialized knowledge in system deployment and integration.
“There must be proper, systematic work with radars and with the entire air defense system,” Zelenskyy said. “Ukraine is ready to share this experience for the sake of the security of those partners who are helping us.”
Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro is currently fighting pneumonia in an intensive care unit at a Brasilia medical facility, according to hospital officials who released a statement Friday.
The 70-year-old’s transfer from prison to DF Star Hospital occurred after he developed symptoms including chills and vomiting upon waking, his son Flávio Bolsonaro reported on social media platform X.
“I ask for prayers that it not be anything serious,” Flávio posted online. The younger Bolsonaro has announced his intention to seek the presidency this year, with recent polling data showing him nearly even with current President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
Bolsonaro is currently incarcerated while serving a 27-year prison term for coup-related charges, following his conviction last year by Brazil’s Supreme Court justices.
Medical staff at the hospital documented his arrival with elevated body temperature, reduced oxygen levels, excessive sweating, and severe chills. Diagnostic testing revealed bronchopneumonia, a specific form of the lung infection that doctors believe resulted from aspiration.
“He is currently hospitalized in the intensive care unit, receiving IV antibiotics and non-invasive clinical support,” hospital representatives stated.
This marks another in a series of medical emergencies for Bolsonaro, who has required hospital care repeatedly since surviving a stabbing attack during a 2018 campaign rally.
Just last month, law enforcement officers accompanied him to the identical medical center for neurological examinations after he suffered a fall from his bed.
In September, Bolsonaro and multiple associates received convictions for conspiring to dismantle Brazil’s democratic institutions after his 2022 electoral loss. The conspiracy involved assassination plots targeting Lula, Vice President Geraldo Alckmin, and Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes, along with plans to incite civil unrest in early 2023.
Additional charges against Bolsonaro include orchestrating an armed criminal enterprise and attempting to violently destroy democratic governance. He continues to maintain his innocence on all counts.
Federal immigration officials announced Friday they are firing the company operating the nation’s biggest immigration detention center and bringing in a new firm with more expertise to enhance healthcare and other services.
The management change at Camp East Montana in El Paso, Texas, follows mounting criticism about conditions that people held there have characterized as cruel and inhumane since the facility was rapidly built and opened last year.
Housing nearly 3,000 detainees across six sprawling tent complexes on average, the facility has faced growing evidence supporting allegations of overcrowding, inadequate medical treatment, poor nutrition and psychological trauma. The camp also recently experienced a measles outbreak, prompting several Democratic lawmakers to demand its closure.
People detained there report difficulty accessing medications and healthcare, dramatic weight loss due to insufficient food, and fear of security personnel who reportedly use excessive force. Emergency services received at least 130 calls during the camp’s initial five months of operation, including responses to two deaths, multiple suicide attempts, altercations and medical crises, according to Associated Press reporting last week.
The dismissed primary contractor, Acquisition Logistics, LLC, had secured a contract last year valued at up to $1.3 billion to construct and operate the facility at Fort Bliss Army base. The company had never previously managed an ICE detention center, had no history of winning federal contracts exceeding $16 million, and operated without a working website.
ICE has chosen Amentum Services, Inc., which had been working as a subcontractor at Camp East Montana, to become the new primary contractor, according to a federal announcement published Wednesday and confirmed by an agency representative who declined to be identified. The Washington Post first reported the contractor change on Wednesday.
The agency representative would not explain what led to ending Acquisition Logistics’ agreement, which government records indicate was scheduled to continue until September 30, 2027, and has already cost taxpayers nearly $600 million.
ICE stated it recently finished inspecting conditions at Camp East Montana, though those findings remain confidential. Acquisition Logistics and its president and CEO Ken Wagner did not respond to requests for comment.
Immigration officials said Amentum, recognized for its work supporting military and intelligence operations, was the best choice to assume control and enhance facility operations.
“Amentum’s size, maturity and pedigree make them the right partner at the right time,” the spokesperson said. “We will work closely with them in their implementation of higher standards of medical care, more thorough case processing and intake procedures, and delivery of performance requirements according to well-defined accountability measures.”
Representative Veronica Escobar, an El Paso Democrat representing the area where the camp operates, welcomed Friday’s news that Acquisition Logistics had been removed. She renewed her demands for the facility’s permanent shutdown and called for investigations into the contractors for “the fraud they’ve perpetrated on the American taxpayer.”
“Whether the new contractor is an improvement remains to be seen, and I remain deeply concerned about the chronic substandard conditions that exist at Camp East Montana,” said Escobar, who has visited the facility seven times.
Headquartered in Chantilly, Virginia, Amentum’s parent organization describes itself as a “global advanced engineering and technology solutions provider” working with U.S. government agencies and other clients. The company has previously delivered services for ICE and other Department of Homeland Security components.
The federal contracting announcement indicated ICE was pursuing a sole-source agreement with Amentum to operate Camp East Montana, including providing secure accommodations, medical services and transportation. The document suggested a 180-day contract duration, leaving uncertain what would occur at Camp East Montana afterward.
“The contractor must demonstrate the capacity for rapid operational transition and sustained adherence to all regulatory and performance requirements, thereby safeguarding public safety and supporting national enforcement priorities,” the notice said.
The announcement cited the “proprietary nature” of the facility’s systems as justification for why only Amentum could maintain continuous operations there.
The center was designed for brief stays before detainees are transferred elsewhere, with ICE data showing an average nine-day detention period. However, some individuals have remained for weeks or months while contesting their detention or facing administrative delays related to their deportation cases.
This contractor change occurs as ICE prepares to operate warehouse-style facilities nationwide designed to house significantly more detainees than Camp East Montana, with some proposed locations planned for up to 8,500 people. Escobar urged ICE to cancel plans for these warehouses, including one proposed near El Paso, saying they would “serve only as tools for the administration’s inhumanity.”
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva announced Friday that his administration has canceled the visa of a United States State Department official in what he described as a retaliatory action following last year’s U.S. visa restrictions on Brazilian government officials.
The visa cancellation targets Darren Beattie and stems from actions taken in August by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who revoked and limited visas for certain Brazilian officials that Washington accused of connections to a Cuban medical program that deploys doctors internationally.
Brazilian Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes blocked Beattie’s access Thursday to the Brasilia detention facility where former President Jair Bolsonaro is being held.
“That American fellow who said he had come here to visit Jair Bolsonaro was forbidden to do so,” Lula stated, explaining that Beattie will remain banned from Brazil until visa privileges are restored for Brazil’s health minister and his family members.
Justice Moraes, who handed down a 27-year prison sentence to Bolsonaro for orchestrating a coup attempt in 2023, noted in his decision that Beattie had applied for a visa claiming he would participate in the Brazil–US Critical Minerals Forum held Wednesday in São Paulo.
The court document references the Brazilian foreign ministry’s concern that Beattie’s planned meeting with Bolsonaro might constitute “undue interference.” The 80-year-old Lula is seeking reelection this year, with Senator Flávio Bolsonaro, son of the imprisoned far-right former leader, anticipated to be his primary challenger in his campaign for a fourth presidential term.
A Brazilian government representative informed The Associated Press Friday that officials revoked Beattie’s visa due to “the omission of information and lies about the purpose of the visit upon his visa request.”
The official requested anonymity because they lacked authorization to publicly address the issue.
The White House has not responded to Lula’s action or the Brazilian Supreme Court’s decision.
Lula has consistently expressed interest in meeting with Trump in Washington this month to address tariff issues, security partnerships and additional matters, though no meeting date has been confirmed.
According to his State Department biography, Beattie joined the agency “from the private sector, where he worked as a media entrepreneur and political strategist.” His government experience includes roles as a White House speechwriter and policy advisor.
A troubled Chinese real estate company announced Friday its comprehensive strategy to reorganize $4.66 billion in international debt obligations, proposing to address creditor claims through fresh stock issuances, convertible securities, and long-term secured bonds.
Fantasia, the Shenzhen-headquartered property firm, detailed its restructuring approach involving new equity shares, mandatory convertible bonds, and approximately $1.44 billion in newly secured notes to resolve outstanding creditor demands.
The company joined numerous other developers who failed to meet debt obligations in 2021 during China’s widespread real estate industry turmoil. An increasing number of these firms have successfully negotiated restructuring deals with their lenders.
According to company disclosures, Fantasia carried roughly 66,972 million Chinese yuan (equivalent to $9.71 billion) in total debt as of June 30, 2025.
The restructuring framework calls for distributing 5.14 billion new shares to participating creditors, priced at HK$1.52 per share.
Additionally, Fantasia plans to distribute zero-interest mandatory convertible bonds valued at $501.2 million, which will transform into 2.57 billion shares at the identical HK$1.52 pricing.
The company will also distribute secured notes totaling $1.44 billion, structured as $632.5 million in bonds maturing in 2031 and $809.6 million due in 2034, both offering 3% annual interest rates.
The restructuring includes converting a complete HK$1.31 billion ($167.36 million) shareholder loan by distributing 4.38 billion fresh shares to its primary shareholder at HK$0.30 each, with all accumulated interest permanently eliminated once the reorganization takes effect.
In a related move, controlling shareholder Baby Zeng will provide $6 million as a shareholder loan carrying 8% annual interest. These resources will cover costs and expenses associated with the proposed restructuring process.
The aerospace giant Boeing is conducting repair work on up to 25 undelivered 737 MAX aircraft after discovering wiring problems, according to two sources with knowledge of the situation who spoke to Reuters.
The aircraft manufacturer confirmed earlier this week that repair crews are addressing electrical wires that sustained minor scratches. According to one source, Boeing was responsible for causing the damage to the wiring systems.
Both individuals requested anonymity since they lack authorization to discuss the matter publicly.
A Boeing representative confirmed on Tuesday that certain March aircraft deliveries would experience delays. However, it remains uncertain whether April deliveries will also be affected by these repairs.
When contacted on Friday, the company chose not to provide additional details about the situation.
The Texas Rangers have acquired left-handed relief pitcher Jalen Beeks on a one-year contract, the team announced Friday. Financial details of the agreement were not revealed.
To create space on their 40-man roster, the Rangers moved right-hander Alexis Diaz to waivers for potential assignment.
The 32-year-old Beeks led Arizona in game appearances last season, taking the mound 61 times with two starting assignments for the Diamondbacks. He compiled a 5-3 record along with one save opportunity, posting a 3.77 earned run average while recording 47 strikeouts across 57 1/3 innings of work.
Throughout his major league career, Beeks has accumulated a 28-18 record with 16 saves and a 4.31 earned run average across 263 total games, including 21 starts. His professional journey has taken him through multiple organizations: the Boston Red Sox in 2018, the Tampa Bay Rays from 2018-20 and 2022-23, the Colorado Rockies in 2024, the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2024, and most recently Arizona.
The 29-year-old Diaz struggled during spring training, allowing eight earned runs over just 1 2/3 innings across three relief outings. Texas had signed him to a one-year contract this past December.
Elon Musk has initiated another round of departures at his artificial intelligence company xAI, removing additional co-founders due to his concerns about poor performance in the startup’s coding operations, according to a Financial Times report released Friday.
Last month, Musk restructured xAI’s leadership team in preparation for a potential public stock offering that could become one of the largest in history, following the company’s integration with his space exploration business SpaceX.
The tech billionaire brought in troubleshooters from SpaceX and Tesla to evaluate xAI’s operations, resulting in the termination of multiple workers whose performance was considered insufficient, the Financial Times reported.
Guodong Zhang, a co-founder who led xAI’s Imagine division, informed his coworkers of his departure after Musk held him responsible for problems with the coding software and stripped him of his main responsibilities, according to two sources familiar with the situation cited in the report.
Zhang announced his exit through a post on X Thursday.
Another co-founder, Zihang Dai, also departed from xAI earlier this week, the report indicated. These departures mean the artificial intelligence company, established three years ago, now retains just two of the 12 original co-founders who assisted Musk in launching xAI in March 2023.
SpaceX, which acquired xAI to form a company valued at $1.25 trillion, has not yet provided a response to Reuters’ request for comment.
Employees at xAI have expressed concerns that the organizational turmoil is hurting workplace morale and preventing the company from achieving its maximum capabilities, the Financial Times report stated.
Research staff members continue departing due to exhaustion from Musk’s demanding work culture described as “extremely hardcore” or after accepting superior employment opportunities with competing companies.
Hiring managers have been reaching out to previously rejected job candidates to extend new employment offers, frequently with enhanced compensation packages, the report noted.
“Many talented people over the past few years were declined an offer or even an interview at xAI. My apologies,” Musk wrote in a Friday post on X, stating he would reconnect with qualified candidates.
On Thursday, xAI recruited Andrew Milich and Jason Ginsberg from Cursor, a startup specializing in code generation technology.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth voiced his support Friday for a media deal that would place CNN under the control of a Trump administration ally, while launching harsh criticism against news outlets’ coverage of the ongoing Iran conflict.
Speaking during a Pentagon briefing, Hegseth expressed enthusiasm for David Ellison’s potential takeover of the news network through Paramount’s massive $110 billion acquisition of CNN’s parent company, Warner Bros.
“The sooner David Ellison takes over that network, the better,” declared Hegseth, who previously worked as a Fox News host and served in combat roles before joining the Pentagon leadership.
The Defense Secretary’s remarks came on the 14th day of the Iran war, as he took aim at CNN’s reporting about Iran’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. The shipping disruption has caused oil prices to surge and created volatility in financial markets, while polling data indicates Americans have little appetite for the conflict due to fears of rising gas costs.
Under Hegseth’s leadership, the Pentagon has implemented new restrictions on media access, prompting approximately 30 prominent news organizations to surrender their press credentials. Major outlets including Fox News, the Washington Post, and Reuters have stepped back, while defense officials have welcomed alternative media sources.
CNN defended its journalism when questioned about the Pentagon’s complaints. “We stand by our reporting,” a network spokesperson stated. Paramount representatives declined to provide comment on the matter.
The controversy centers around CNN’s Thursday report claiming Pentagon and National Security Council officials badly misjudged Iran’s determination to shut down the crucial waterway, according to sources with knowledge of the situation.
David Ellison, whose father is tech billionaire Larry Ellison, maintains strong connections to President Trump’s inner circle and is spearheading the Warner Bros acquisition. His media empire expanded in 2025 when he gained control of Paramount following its merger with Skydance Media, which included CBS News.
Federal regulators must sign off on the Paramount-Warner Bros transaction, though the Federal Communications Commission leadership indicated this month they would not oppose the deal.
However, legislators across party lines have expressed worry that such media consolidation could limit consumer options and increase costs. Additional concerns focus on potential threats to editorial freedom and press independence, despite First Amendment constitutional protections.
While Hegseth has recently reopened Pentagon briefings to traditional media outlets covering Iran operations, he has primarily fielded questions from non-mainstream reporters during the past two weeks.
Friday’s briefing featured extensive criticism of war reporting from the Defense Secretary. He also targeted ABC News for covering an FBI warning about possible Iranian drone retaliation strikes in California following U.S. military action. ABC News had not responded to requests for comment by press time.
“We’re used to bad reporting. We’re used to ill-informed reporting, and so it doesn’t change how we operate, but we engage with it to prove that it’s not true,” Hegseth stated. He dismissed CNN’s Strait of Hormuz coverage as “fake news,” “patently ridiculous” and “a fundamentally unserious report.”
A Dense Fog Advisory remains in effect for Delaware’s coastal areas and several South Jersey counties through 10 AM Tuesday morning, creating potentially dangerous driving conditions with visibility dropping to just one-quarter to one-half mile.
The National Weather Service issued the advisory at 7:33 PM Monday evening, warning residents in Delaware Beaches, along with Eastern Monmouth, Cape May, Atlantic Coastal Cape May, Coastal Atlantic, and Coastal Ocean counties in New Jersey to exercise extreme caution on the roads.
The thick fog is significantly reducing visibility across the region, making morning commutes particularly hazardous. Drivers are urged to slow down, use headlights even during daylight hours, and maintain extra distance between vehicles.
“Low visibility could make driving conditions hazardous,” warns the National Weather Service, emphasizing the importance of adjusting driving habits for these conditions.
The advisory is expected to lift by 10 AM Tuesday as atmospheric conditions improve. Until then, residents should allow extra travel time and consider delaying non-essential trips if visibility becomes too poor.
Stay with TV Delmarva for continuing weather updates throughout your Tuesday morning commute.
Commuters across the Delmarva Peninsula should prepare for hazardous driving conditions Tuesday morning as dense fog is expected to blanket the region, reducing visibility to just a quarter to half-mile in some areas.
The National Weather Service has issued a Dense Fog Advisory effective from 2:00 AM until 10:00 AM Tuesday for much of our viewing area. Locally, the advisory includes New Castle and Kent counties in Delaware, plus Queen Anne’s and Caroline counties on Maryland’s Eastern Shore.
The fog will create particularly dangerous conditions for the morning commute, with meteorologists warning that visibility could drop significantly in a matter of minutes. Drivers should expect slower traffic and potential delays on major roadways including Route 1, Interstate 95, and Route 50.
If you must travel during the advisory period, the Weather Service strongly recommends slowing down, using your headlights, and maintaining extra distance between vehicles. Avoid using high beams, which can actually reduce visibility in fog.
The dense fog is expected to gradually lift and dissipate by mid-morning as temperatures warm. The advisory expires at 10:00 AM, though patchy fog may linger in some low-lying areas.
Stay with TV Delmarva for continued weather updates throughout your Tuesday morning commute.
Drivers along the Delaware and South Jersey coastlines should exercise extreme caution Tuesday morning as dense fog blankets the region, reducing visibility to just one-quarter to one-half mile.
The National Weather Service issued a Dense Fog Advisory Monday evening that remains in effect until 10 AM Tuesday for Delaware Beaches, along with Eastern Monmouth, Cape May, Atlantic Coastal Cape May, Coastal Atlantic, and Coastal Ocean counties in New Jersey.
The thick fog is creating hazardous driving conditions across the coastal corridor, prompting weather officials to urge motorists to take extra precautions during the Tuesday morning commute.
“Low visibility could make driving conditions hazardous,” the Weather Service warns. Officials recommend drivers slow down significantly, use headlights even during daylight hours, and maintain extra distance between vehicles.
The fog advisory is expected to lift by mid-morning Tuesday as atmospheric conditions improve. However, drivers should remain alert for patchy fog that could linger in some areas.
Commuters traveling along Route 1, coastal highways, and beach access roads should allow extra time for their Tuesday morning travels and consider delaying non-essential trips until visibility improves.
Stay with TV Delmarva for the latest weather updates throughout your Tuesday morning.
The Goldey-Beacom Lightning softball team experienced both sides of the game during their Florida trip, splitting a doubleheader against Bentley University in Melbourne.
The Lightning struggled in the opening matchup, falling to Bentley by a score of 4-0. However, the team showed resilience in the second contest of the day, mounting a comeback to secure a thrilling 12-11 victory over their opponents.
The split keeps the Lightning competitive as they continue their season play in the Sunshine State.
Drivers across the Delmarva Peninsula should prepare for potentially dangerous travel conditions as dense fog is expected to blanket the region overnight into Tuesday morning.
The National Weather Service has issued a Dense Fog Advisory effective from midnight tonight through 10 AM Tuesday, warning that visibility could drop to just one quarter mile or less in some areas.
Locally, the advisory covers Kent County and inland Sussex County in Delaware, as well as Talbot County on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. The fog warning also extends into southern New Jersey, affecting Western Monmouth, Atlantic, Cumberland, Ocean, and Southeastern Burlington counties.
“Low visibility could make driving conditions hazardous,” warns the National Weather Service. Officials are urging motorists to take extra precautions if they must travel during the advisory period.
If you’re driving through the fog, remember these safety tips: slow down significantly, turn on your headlights, and maintain a much greater following distance than usual. Avoid using high beams, as they can reflect off the fog and actually reduce visibility.
The dense fog is expected to gradually lift by mid-morning Tuesday as temperatures warm. Stay with TV Delmarva for continued weather updates throughout the night.
A Dense Fog Advisory remains in effect for Delaware’s beaches and several South Jersey coastal counties until 10 AM Tuesday morning, creating potentially hazardous driving conditions with visibility dropping to just one-quarter to one-half mile.
The National Weather Service issued the advisory Monday evening, warning residents in Delaware Beaches along with Eastern Monmouth, Cape May, Atlantic Coastal Cape May, Coastal Atlantic, and Coastal Ocean counties in New Jersey to exercise extreme caution while traveling.
The thick fog is significantly reducing visibility across the region, making roadways particularly dangerous for drivers. Motorists are urged to slow down, use their headlights, and maintain extra distance between vehicles when navigating through the affected areas.
“Low visibility could make driving conditions hazardous,” the National Weather Service warned in their advisory.
For those who must travel during overnight hours and Tuesday morning’s commute, officials strongly recommend allowing extra time to reach destinations safely. Consider delaying non-essential travel until the fog lifts.
The advisory is expected to expire at 10 AM Tuesday morning as atmospheric conditions improve and visibility returns to normal levels across the Delmarva region.
Drivers across the Delmarva Peninsula should prepare for dangerous morning conditions as the National Weather Service has issued a Dense Fog Advisory effective from 2 AM to 10 AM Tuesday.
Visibility will drop dramatically to just one quarter to one half mile in dense fog, creating hazardous driving conditions during the morning commute. The advisory affects New Castle and Kent counties in Delaware, along with Queen Anne’s and Caroline counties on Maryland’s Eastern Shore.
The fog will also impact areas beyond Delmarva, including parts of southern New Jersey and southeastern Pennsylvania, making regional travel particularly challenging.
“Low visibility could make driving conditions hazardous,” warns the National Weather Service Mount Holly office, which issued the advisory Monday evening at 7:33 PM.
Motorists are urged to take extra precautions if they must travel during the advisory period. Safety officials recommend slowing down, using headlights, and maintaining plenty of distance between vehicles. Consider delaying non-essential travel until visibility improves.
The Dense Fog Advisory is expected to expire at 10 AM Tuesday morning as conditions gradually improve throughout the region. Commuters should monitor local traffic reports and allow extra time for their morning travels.
A Dense Fog Advisory is in effect for Delaware’s beaches and coastal areas of New Jersey until 10 AM Tuesday morning, creating potentially hazardous driving conditions with visibility dropping to just a quarter to half mile.
The National Weather Service issued the advisory at 7:33 PM Monday evening, warning residents and travelers that thick fog will blanket the region overnight and into Tuesday morning’s commute. Delaware Beaches are included in the advisory, along with Eastern Monmouth, Cape May, Atlantic Coastal Cape May, Coastal Atlantic, and Coastal Ocean counties in New Jersey.
Motorists should exercise extreme caution during the fog event. Weather officials strongly advise drivers to slow down, use headlights, and maintain extra distance between vehicles. The dramatically reduced visibility could make normal driving speeds dangerous.
The fog is expected to gradually lift as temperatures warm Tuesday morning, with conditions improving by mid-morning. Commuters should plan for extra travel time and consider delaying non-essential trips until visibility improves.
Stay with TV Delmarva for continued weather updates throughout the night and Tuesday morning. We’ll monitor conditions and alert you when the advisory is lifted.
Drivers across the Delmarva Peninsula should prepare for dangerous travel conditions as dense fog is expected to blanket the region overnight into Tuesday morning.
The National Weather Service has issued a Dense Fog Advisory effective from midnight tonight through 10 AM Tuesday, warning that visibility could drop to just one quarter of a mile or less in some areas.
Locally, the advisory affects Kent and Inland Sussex Counties in Delaware, along with Talbot County on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. The fog will also impact parts of New Jersey, including Western Monmouth, Atlantic, Cumberland, Ocean, and Southeastern Burlington Counties.
“Low visibility could make driving conditions hazardous,” warns the National Weather Service. Officials are urging drivers to take extra precautions during the morning commute.
If you must travel during the advisory period, meteorologists recommend slowing down, using your headlights, and leaving plenty of distance between you and other vehicles. Consider delaying non-essential travel until conditions improve.
The dense fog is expected to gradually lift Tuesday morning, with the advisory set to expire at 10 AM. Stay with TV Delmarva for continued weather updates throughout the night and morning hours.
In a ceremony held at his Legislative Hall office on Thursday, Governor Meyer officially proclaimed March 12, 2026 as ‘Delaware Libraries Day’ to commemorate the 125th anniversary of library services throughout the First State.
The signing event brought together cabinet members, state legislators, library advocates, students, and library personnel from across Delaware to witness the historic proclamation.
The milestone celebration comes as Delaware’s library system works toward an ambitious objective: ensuring every resident in the state holds an active library card. This initiative aims to expand access to educational resources, technology, and community programming offered through the state’s library network.
The proclamation recognizes more than a century of library services that have provided Delaware residents with access to books, digital resources, educational programs, and community gathering spaces since the late 1800s.
Drivers using northbound Route 141 should plan for continued traffic restrictions affecting the stretch between Exit 3A and the North James Street exit, according to Delaware Department of Transportation officials.
The lane restrictions will remain active until 4:00 AM, potentially impacting early morning commuters and late-night travelers in the area.
Motorists are advised to allow extra travel time and consider alternate routes when possible to avoid delays during the restricted hours.
MOSCOW – Russian authorities have arrested the second-in-command at Star City, the secretive space training complex outside Moscow, along with six other individuals in connection with a major bribery investigation, according to Russian state media reports released Friday.
The corruption probe expanded from an earlier case involving Star City’s mayor, Yevgeny Barishevsky, who was placed under house arrest in January after being accused of taking a $4,557 bribe.
Russian investigators announced Friday that their expanded investigation revealed that between 2023 and 2025, both the mayor and his deputy accepted multiple payments from business owners, sometimes through third parties, to ensure favorable decisions when awarding city contracts.
The investigation found that the total value of bribes exceeded 9.9 million roubles, equivalent to approximately $123,602.
Star City is located roughly an hour’s drive northeast of Moscow’s Kremlin. The facility remained so classified during the Soviet era that it was completely absent from public maps, with its existence only becoming known after the USSR’s collapse.
The space training center serves as Russia’s primary facility for preparing cosmonauts and has been a cornerstone of the country’s space program for decades.
Brazil’s government plans to cancel the visa of Darren Beattie, a recently appointed advisor to President Donald Trump who was selected to oversee U.S. policy regarding Brazil, according to a government source who spoke to Reuters on Friday.
The decision follows comments from Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who indicated earlier Friday that Beattie would not be permitted to enter Brazil unless the United States first restores the visa of his Health Minister Alexandre Padilha, which American officials canceled last year.
Trump named Beattie, who has been critical of Brazil’s current administration, to the senior advisory position focused on shaping American policy toward Brazil just last month. The appointment highlights ongoing tensions between the two countries despite recent efforts to improve diplomatic ties.
Legal representatives for former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, who is currently imprisoned, had petitioned the nation’s Supreme Court to permit Beattie to meet with their client during a planned visit to Brazil next week. However, Justice Alexandre de Moraes rejected the request on Thursday.
In his ruling, Justice de Moraes referenced correspondence from Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira indicating that the American official had only agreed to participate in a critical minerals conference and government meetings during his Brazilian visit.
Bolsonaro, who led Brazil from 2019 to 2022, maintained close ties with Trump during their overlapping presidencies. He is currently imprisoned and serving a 27-year sentence for his role in attempting to orchestrate a coup against Lula, who succeeded him in office.
Speaking at a public event Friday, Lula addressed the situation directly: “That American guy who said he was coming here to visit Jair Bolsonaro was prohibited from visiting, and I forbade him from coming to Brazil until they release the visa for my health minister.”
Construction teams in Rehoboth Beach have begun the process of installing protective barriers near one of the city’s most popular tourist destinations. Work crews removed pavement stones earlier this week at the intersection where Rehoboth Avenue meets the Boardwalk in preparation for the safety project.
The installation of bollards is scheduled to commence next week and continue through May 15, according to city officials. These protective barriers will be positioned along Rehoboth Avenue as it approaches the Bandstand area, as well as at the junction where the Boardwalk and Rehoboth Avenue meet.
Construction will proceed in phases, with temporary fencing being relocated as workers concentrate on different sections of the project. City officials emphasize that pedestrians will maintain access to the boardwalk from Rehoboth Avenue throughout the construction period.
Residents and visitors can find additional details about the Bandstand Boardwalk Vehicular Barrier Plan on the City of Rehoboth Beach website.
City officials in Rehoboth Beach are working to set the record straight about proposed charter modifications after incorrect information began spreading through social media and private messages.
According to a statement from the city, false claims have been circulating suggesting that property taxes will increase under the proposed charter changes. Officials emphasize this information is completely inaccurate.
The actual proposal would modify how the tax ceiling is calculated, switching from a set dollar figure to a percentage based on property values, without raising current tax rates. City leaders explain this adjustment is designed to ensure that future hotels and commercial developments pay appropriate amounts for municipal services like police protection as their property assessments increase over time.
The statement makes clear that no tax hikes are included in the current budget plans. However, city officials indicated they will present the complete legislative text for the charter revisions during their April 9th meeting agenda.
The clarification comes as Rehoboth Beach anticipates continued growth and development in the coming years.
Federal investigators will deploy to Cuba to examine a deadly February confrontation involving Cuban exiles who attempted an armed infiltration by speedboat, Cuban officials announced Friday.
The collaborative investigation comes as both nations work to ease mounting tensions, particularly as Washington’s oil embargo continues to deepen Cuba’s economic struggles.
According to Havana authorities, ten Cuban nationals attempted to enter the country illegally on February 25th, carrying an extensive arsenal including nearly 13,000 rounds of ammunition, 13 rifles, and 11 pistols along with additional equipment. Half of the infiltrators died in the resulting conflict, while the surviving five remain in Cuban detention receiving medical care.
Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel confirmed the cooperative effort during Friday’s press briefing, stating: “There is cooperation with our American counterparts, and we are awaiting a group of FBI experts to continue advancing this investigation.” He noted that coordination between the FBI and Cuba’s Interior Ministry occurred through established diplomatic and consular pathways.
The FBI has not yet provided comment on the arrangement.
U.S. officials have shown interest in obtaining consular access to the survivors, as at least two held dual American-Cuban citizenship while others maintained legal U.S. residency status.
This incident occurred during a particularly strained period in U.S.-Cuban relations, following President Donald Trump’s intensified pressure campaign against the Communist government. The tensions escalated after Trump implemented a comprehensive oil embargo following the January 3rd capture and removal of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, who had been a key Cuban ally.
Cuban authorities characterized the infiltrators as exiles operating from the United States, with some previously linked to terrorist activities. Officials said their mission involved creating disorder and targeting military installations.
The confrontation began when a five-member Cuban border patrol aboard a nine-meter vessel detected the approaching speedboat approximately one nautical mile from a channel along the island’s northern coastline, roughly 100 miles from Marathon, Florida.
Cuban forces report the infiltrators opened fire from 185 meters away, striking the patrol captain in the abdomen. Despite severe bleeding, the wounded captain maintained control of his vessel and directed it toward the attackers, resulting in close-range combat at approximately 20 meters.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio clarified that this was not a U.S. government operation and confirmed no American government personnel participated in the incident.
Workers at BP’s Indiana refinery have delivered a resounding rejection of the energy company’s contract proposal, with nearly all union members voting against what BP had described as its final offer.
United Steelworkers union officials announced Thursday that 94% of eligible members participated in the vote, and a decisive 98.3% chose to turn down BP’s contract terms.
The energy giant had given the union one week to consider what it termed its “last, best, and final” proposal, setting a 10-day deadline for acceptance.
According to the USW, BP’s contract terms included significant changes that would harm workers, such as restrictions on the union’s strike capabilities, removal of collective bargaining rights, pay reductions for various job categories, elimination of 100 union positions through outsourcing, and removal of seniority-based layoff protections.
The dispute involves United Steelworkers Local 7-1, representing approximately 800 employees at what stands as the Midwest’s largest petroleum refinery. Union representatives have informed BP of the vote outcome and indicated they remain open to reviewing a more acceptable proposal from the company.
BP acknowledged the vote results Thursday evening, confirming that workers had declined to approve the company’s contract terms.
“BP will continue to bargain in the best interests of our employees, our company, and the community,” the company stated.
USW Local 7-1 President Eric Schultz described recent company tactics aimed at undermining union solidarity, including management distributing pastries to workers during their shifts while simultaneously warning of potential health insurance losses and workplace lockouts.
Workers have continued their duties under temporary 24-hour contract extensions since their previous agreement ended on January 31, following two months of unsuccessful negotiations.
Consumer staples stocks, which experienced a remarkable surge earlier this year, are now losing their appeal among investors who are growing concerned about elevated stock prices paired with weakening profit expectations, according to financial analysts.
These household name companies, typically viewed as secure investments during market uncertainty, attracted significant investor interest at the start of 2024 as money flowed away from expensive technology stocks. Concerns about massive artificial intelligence spending and potential business disruption drove this shift in investment strategy.
This dramatic movement pushed the forward price-to-earnings ratio for the S&P 500 consumer staples index to levels not seen since June 1999, according to LSEG data.
But warning signs emerged after the index reached an all-time peak in mid-February.
The sector has dropped 5.6% during March alone, as technology and energy stocks regained investor interest following the outbreak of Middle East tensions on February 28. Typically, investors seek shelter in defensive sectors during times of geopolitical turmoil, looking for consistent profits regardless of broader economic conditions.
“Rising inflation expectations tied to potential escalation with Iran could begin to undermine the defensive appeal of staples, particularly given how strongly the sector has already performed this year,” said Neil Wilson, investor strategist at Saxo.
Market experts worry that widespread inflation pressures, driven by the Iran conflict, might reduce consumer spending and damage sector earnings growth. Food manufacturers, which represent a significant portion of the staples index, already face challenges from shifting dietary preferences due to growing weight-loss drug usage.
Expected earnings growth for S&P 500 consumer staples companies in the first quarter has fallen to 1.9%, down from the 6.6% growth projected at year’s beginning, according to Tajinder Dhillon, head of earnings and equity research at LSEG.
By comparison, the broader S&P 500 index anticipates 12.8% earnings growth for the current quarter.
Even before U.S. and Israeli military action against Iran began, General Mills, maker of Cheerios cereal, reduced its annual core sales and profit projections, triggering widespread selling among food company stocks last month. More recently, Campbell’s Company lowered its outlook and halted share repurchase programs, pointing to sluggish demand for its snack products.
These companies rank among the poorest performing staples stocks this year, with Campbell’s shares hitting their lowest point since March 2003.
“We want to be selective in this environment, focused on earnings growth, as further multiple expansion (is) unlikely,” said Jake Johnston, deputy CIO of Advisors Asset Management.
However, the earlier shift toward defensive investments and strong quarterly performance from major retailers Costco Wholesale and Walmart have driven their stock prices to double-digit increases this year.
“A consequence of the rally is that the two largest stocks in the index are overvalued,” said Mark Preskett, senior portfolio manager at Morningstar Wealth.
Both Costco and Walmart shares trade at more than 40 times their projected earnings, representing the sector’s highest valuations.
“Walmart’s latest results were excellent. However, it is still overvalued in our eyes, and investors are clearly paying a lot for the perceived resilience of earnings,” Preskett said.
Despite recent losses, the sector maintains a 10% gain year-to-date, and some analysts don’t expect continued decline, particularly if AI concerns resurface.
“In this period now where we are living through so much AI-related uncertainty, including around its potential impact on which companies survive and broader employment, staples have a benefit in investors’ minds because they are not in AI’s path of destruction,” said Erika Maschmeyer, portfolio manager at Columbia Threadneedle.
Providence College has terminated basketball coach Kim English following three seasons at the helm, the school announced Friday after posting a losing record during his tenure.
During English’s time leading the program, his squads compiled a 48-52 overall record and went 23-37 in Big East Conference play. His coaching stint concluded Thursday evening following an 85-72 defeat to top-seeded St. John’s during the Big East tournament quarterfinals.
The Friars wrapped up the 2025-26 campaign with a 15-18 overall mark and a 7-13 conference record. English’s inaugural season saw the team go 21-14, while his second year resulted in a 12-20 finish.
Athletic director Steve Napolillo released a statement acknowledging the coaching change. “We appreciate Kim and his staff for their efforts over the past three seasons leading our men’s basketball team,” Napolillo said. “We wish him and his family all the best in the future.”
The college announced plans to launch a nationwide search for English’s replacement immediately.
The 37-year-old English was brought on board March 23, 2023, to take over for Ed Cooley, who left the program to join Georgetown. Before arriving at Providence, English served as head coach at George Mason.
According to ESPN’s reporting at the time of his hiring, English agreed to a six-year deal with the college.
The NHL has scheduled a disciplinary hearing for Friday involving Anaheim Ducks defenseman Radko Gudas following a controversial collision that left Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews injured during Thursday evening’s game.
TSN reports the NHL Player Safety department will conduct the hearing by telephone, which limits any potential suspension to a maximum of five games.
The collision resulted in Gudas receiving both a major penalty and game misconduct penalty for what Toronto head coach Craig Berube characterized as a “dirty play” after his team’s 6-4 victory at home.
The controversial play happened with 4:13 remaining in the second period when Matthews suffered a knee-to-knee contact that sent him crashing to the ice. Toronto’s team captain required assistance leaving the playing surface and was unable to continue in the game.
Despite pre-game comments from the 35-year-old defenseman, Anaheim head coach Joel Quenneville maintained there was “no premeditation” in Gudas’ actions during the play.
During Thursday’s morning practice session, Gudas had stated: “We got to be on top of him. We got to make sure that he doesn’t get space in the middle of the ice … make his nights not enjoyable.”
The veteran defenseman has recorded two goals and 11 assists while accumulating 45 penalty minutes across 52 contests this season in his third year with Anaheim and 14th NHL campaign.
The 28-year-old Matthews had netted his 27th goal of the campaign during the second period, just five minutes prior to the collision with Gudas. The Olympic gold medalist and U.S. team captain has tallied 53 points through 60 games in his tenth season with Toronto.
Coach Berube provided no medical update regarding Matthews’ injury status following the contest.
Motorists traveling on southbound Interstate 95 should expect delays this morning as two left lanes remain blocked between Route 141 and Churchmans Road.
According to DelDOT traffic officials, the lane restrictions will stay in place until 5:00 AM today.
Drivers are advised to allow extra travel time and use caution when approaching the work zone. Traffic is being directed around the closure using the remaining open lanes.
A Dense Fog Advisory is in effect for much of the Delmarva Peninsula and surrounding areas from 2 AM to 10 AM Tuesday morning, according to the National Weather Service.
Visibility could drop to just one-quarter to one-half mile in dense fog, creating potentially dangerous driving conditions during the morning commute. The advisory covers New Castle and Kent counties in Delaware, Queen Anne’s and Caroline counties on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, plus portions of southeastern Pennsylvania and central New Jersey.
“Low visibility could make driving conditions hazardous,” warns the National Weather Service Mount Holly office, which issued the advisory Monday evening.
Drivers are urged to take extra precautions if they must travel during the advisory period. Officials recommend slowing down, using headlights, and maintaining plenty of distance between vehicles. Allow extra time for your commute and consider delaying non-essential travel until conditions improve.
The fog is expected to gradually lift and dissipate by mid-morning as temperatures rise and winds increase. The Dense Fog Advisory expires at 10 AM Tuesday, though localized areas of reduced visibility may persist slightly longer in low-lying areas near waterways.
Stay with TV Delmarva for updated weather conditions throughout your Tuesday morning commute.
A Dense Fog Advisory is in effect for Delaware’s beaches and parts of southern New Jersey until 10 AM Tuesday morning, creating hazardous travel conditions across the coastal Delmarva region.
The National Weather Service issued the advisory at 7:33 PM Monday evening, warning of visibility dropping to just one-quarter to one-half mile in dense fog. The advisory affects Delaware’s coastal areas and extends into Eastern Monmouth, Cape May, Atlantic Coastal Cape May, Coastal Atlantic, and Coastal Ocean counties in New Jersey.
Motorists are experiencing significantly reduced visibility on major roadways, particularly along coastal routes including Route 1 and Route 9. The fog is expected to persist through the overnight hours and into Tuesday morning’s commute.
Drivers are urged to exercise extreme caution by slowing down, using headlights, and maintaining extra distance between vehicles. Officials recommend avoiding non-essential travel if possible during peak fog hours.
The advisory remains in effect until 10 AM Tuesday, though conditions may begin improving earlier in some inland areas. Commuters should allow extra travel time and stay updated on changing conditions. The fog is typical for this time of year when warm, moist air moves over cooler coastal waters.
SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — Kim Yo Jong, the influential sister of North Korea’s dictator Kim Jong Un, issued harsh condemnation of ongoing US-South Korea military exercises on Tuesday, warning of severe retaliation for any threats to North Korea’s security.
Her statement followed the launch of the allies’ 11-day Freedom Shield training exercise involving thousands of military personnel, occurring as Washington faces mounting conflicts in the Middle East.
While avoiding direct mention of Middle East warfare, Kim characterized the US-South Korea exercises as destabilizing regional peace during a period when global security frameworks are “collapsing rapidly and wars break out in different parts of the world due to the reckless acts of outrageous international rogues.”
The Freedom Shield operation represents one of two yearly command-post training exercises between American and South Korean forces. These predominantly computer-based simulations evaluate combined operational readiness while addressing emerging warfare scenarios and security threats. The exercise runs alongside field training known as Warrior Shield.
Referencing her nation’s growing nuclear capabilities, Kim Yo Jong declared North Korea would continue strengthening its “destructive power” against perceived external dangers and “constantly and repeatedly convince the enemies of our war deterrence and its fatality.”
Pyongyang has consistently characterized these allied training exercises as preparation for invasion and frequently uses them to justify escalating its own military activities or weapons testing. US and South Korean officials maintain these drills serve defensive purposes.
Last week, North Korea’s Foreign Ministry condemned American and Israeli strikes against Iran as an “illegal act of aggression” conducted under false pretenses of “fake peace.”
During an extended diplomatic standoff with Washington and Seoul, Kim Jong Un has increasingly positioned his international strategy around Cold War-style confrontation, strengthening relationships with Moscow and Beijing while presenting Pyongyang as part of an anti-American coalition.
Both North Korea and Iran joined the limited group of nations backing Russian President Vladimir Putin’s Ukrainian invasion, with both countries facing accusations of providing military supplies to Russia.
Six American military personnel have lost their lives following the crash of a KC-135 refueling aircraft in western Iraq, according to confirmation from U.S. military officials.
The fatal incident involving the aerial refueling plane has added to the mounting U.S. casualties amid two weeks of warfare between the United States and Iran.
Military authorities verified that no crew members survived the crash, which occurred in Iraq’s western region. The KC-135 aircraft serves as a critical component in military operations, providing fuel to other aircraft during missions.
This latest tragedy underscores the ongoing dangers faced by American service members deployed in the region as tensions with Iran continue to escalate into active conflict.
WASHINGTON — During a Republican Party retreat at his Florida golf resort on Monday, President Donald Trump issued an ultimatum to lawmakers: he will refuse to sign any legislation until Congress approves comprehensive voting restrictions that would eliminate most mail-in ballot options across the country.
Speaking to House Republicans at their annual gathering, Trump argued that electoral victories are impossible without stricter voting regulations to combat fraud, despite mail-in voting’s widespread popularity and existing federal requirements that voters in national elections must be U.S. citizens. Evidence of non-citizen voting attempts remains extremely limited.
The president is advocating for an expanded version of the SAVE America Act, which has already received House approval, and is urging the Senate to override filibuster procedures to deliver the legislation to his desk. According to voting rights experts, the current bill could prevent approximately 20 million Americans from casting ballots due to lack of readily available birth certificates or similar documentation, with Trump’s proposed mail-in voting ban potentially affecting millions more.
“I’m not going to sign anything until this is approved,” Trump declared, identifying it as his top legislative priority.
“It’ll guarantee the midterms,” he added. “If you don’t get it, big trouble.”
Trump’s push for federal election oversight has raised concerns among voting rights advocates, as his administration seeks expanded authority over elections that traditionally fall under state jurisdiction according to constitutional provisions.
These developments occur as Republicans maintain narrow congressional control while facing challenging prospects in upcoming fall elections. Lawmakers are juggling competing priorities, including urgent funding needs for the Department of Homeland Security as federal workers miss paychecks during ongoing congressional disputes over immigration enforcement operations.
Democratic opposition to Trump’s election control efforts remains strong, with Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer warning that Trump’s demands would create legislative paralysis.
“This is what he does — he’s a thug, he’s a bully,” Schumer of New York stated.
House Speaker Mike Johnson, maintaining close ties with Trump, joined the president on stage alongside other GOP leaders showing support for the proposed legislation.
However, Senate Majority Leader John Thune has expressed skepticism about using the “talking filibuster” approach to advance the voting bill, as Trump and supporters suggest.
“We can’t find a piece of legislation in history that’s been passed that way,” Thune explained to reporters.
Trump has indicated willingness to wait up to six months for the bill’s approval before considering other legislative matters.
The president maintains his position that the 2020 election results were illegitimate, with his Justice Department investigating these claims. Federal investigators have taken the unusual step of confiscating ballots and election materials in Georgia and Arizona.
Trump envisions Congress expanding the Safeguarding American Voter Eligibility, or SAVE America Act, into a comprehensive package he describes as the “best of Trump.”
The House-approved version currently mandates voters present citizenship proof through passports or birth certificates during registration, plus photo identification when voting, similar to existing requirements in numerous states.
Trump’s primary addition would prohibit mail-in voting nationwide, with limited exceptions for disabled voters, military personnel, and other specific circumstances.
While Trump considers mail-in ballots inherently fraudulent, voting advocacy groups have consistently promoted the practice as expanding voter access and participation.
The president also proposes including two unrelated transgender rights provisions — prohibiting individuals born male from participating in women’s athletics and restricting gender reassignment procedures for certain minors.
Trump additionally mentioned potentially incorporating an unrelated foreign surveillance measure, known as FISA, which requires congressional reauthorization and typically generates political controversy.
“Let’s go for the gold,” he told House Republicans at his Doral resort.
A coalition supporting Trump has promoted various SAVE America Act versions, with citizenship verification requirements representing a long-standing objective of the president’s MAGA movement. Trump also cautioned House GOP members that their current bill version falls short of expectations. “We’re not going to sign a watered-down version,” he emphasized.
Republican senators plan to address advancement strategies during private meetings this week. Currently, no consensus exists, with some favoring the talking filibuster approach while others strongly oppose it.
Thune has cautioned that allowing unlimited Senate debate, as the talking filibuster proposal would require, could also permit endless amendments that might alter the bill in ways that could fracture Republican unity.
Other senators argue the time has arrived to force action and overcome Democratic opposition to the legislation.
SANTA FE, N.M. — Authorities in New Mexico initiated a comprehensive search Monday of a remote ranch property once owned by convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following claims the location may have served as a site for sexual exploitation and trafficking of young women.
State Attorney General Raúl Torrez’s office confirmed the investigation is proceeding with full assistance from the property’s current owners.
The attorney general revived the ranch investigation last month after it had been shuttered in 2019 upon request from federal prosecutors in New York. State officials now indicate that “revelations outlined in the previously sealed FBI files warrant further examination.”
The disgraced financier acquired the expansive Zorro Ranch property in Stanley, New Mexico — located roughly 30 miles south of Santa Fe — in 1993 from former Democratic Governor Bruce King. Epstein constructed an elaborate hilltop estate complete with its own airstrip on the grounds.
Following Epstein’s death, his estate sold the ranch in 2023 to the family of Don Huffines, who recently secured the Republican nomination for Texas state comptroller. The sale proceeds were directed toward paying estate creditors.
“The New Mexico Department of Justice appreciates the cooperation of the current property owners,” officials stated. Prosecutors pledged to “continue to keep the public appropriately informed, support the survivors, and follow the facts wherever they lead.”
State lawmakers have also created a special commission tasked with examining historical activities that occurred at the ranch property.
Epstein died by suicide in a New York City jail cell in 2019 while facing federal charges for sexually abusing and trafficking numerous underage victims.
Though Epstein was never prosecuted in New Mexico, state prosecutors acknowledged in 2019 that they had conducted interviews with potential victims who had visited the ranch facility.
Community members can sign up now to take part in a watershed cleanup effort organized by the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control. The environmental initiative will span 13 different locations across northern New Castle County.
The volunteer cleanup activity is scheduled to run for three hours on Saturday morning, April 11th, beginning at 9 a.m. and concluding at noon. Officials are positioning the event as an opportunity for residents to celebrate Earth Day early while making a positive environmental impact.
Those interested in participating can register through DNREC to join the annual watershed restoration effort along the Christina River system.
CARACAS, Venezuela — Legislative discussions commenced Monday on new mining legislation introduced by Venezuela’s acting President Delcy Rodríguez, designed to restructure the nation’s mineral extraction sector and encourage international investment.
The proposed legislation seeks to rebuild trust with overseas investors, particularly those who previously suffered asset seizures through government takeovers years ago, while bringing essential funding to revitalize the industry. The measure follows a similar pattern to recent oil sector reforms that permitted privatization, marking a departure from socialist policies that have governed Venezuela for over twenty years.
This represents the most recent policy initiative Rodríguez has introduced following increased pressure from the Trump administration since January, when U.S. military forces removed former President Nicolás Maduro from power. The proposal was announced during U.S. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum’s recent trip to Caracas.
Burgum’s diplomatic mission aligns with the Trump administration’s strategy to counter Chinese dominance in critical mineral markets — resources that Venezuela possesses in abundance — while implementing a gradual stabilization plan for the South American nation that experienced ongoing turmoil throughout Maduro’s nearly 13-year presidency.
Beyond petroleum reserves, Venezuela contains substantial deposits of gold, copper, coltan, bauxite, diamonds and additional valuable minerals, though the poorly supervised industry suffers from dangerous working environments. Coltan yields niobium and tantalum, both classified as strategic minerals essential for smartphone production and electric vehicle batteries, while bauxite becomes aluminum, another mineral the United States considers critical.
“The restoration of relations between Venezuela and the United States has led the world’s leading mining corporations to evaluate the possibility of investing significant capital to reactivate sectors capable of guaranteeing the supply of critical minerals essential for the development of the technology industry, the generation of new energy sources, and the manufacture of electric vehicles,” stated legislator Félix Freites, who pledged dedicated efforts to ensure the bill creates employment opportunities for Venezuelan citizens.
The draft legislation addresses mineral ownership rights, creates classifications for small, medium and large-scale operations, and permits independent dispute resolution — a provision foreign investors consider crucial protection against future government seizures. Similar arbitration language was incorporated into the oil industry restructuring that Rodríguez enacted earlier this year.
Additionally, the bill prohibits the president, vice president, cabinet members, governors and other officials from obtaining mining permits.
Criminal organizations, guerrilla fighters, gangs and other unlawful groups have historically dominated Venezuela’s mineral-abundant regions, conducting extraction activities with official approval and military protection.
Numerous international companies with Venezuelan investments, including mining and petroleum operations, experienced government confiscation approximately twenty years ago. Subsequently, in 2016, Maduro’s administration created an extensive mining development area across the country’s central region to compensate for declining oil revenues, which dropped due to poor management, corruption and later U.S. economic sanctions.
Mining activities for gold, diamonds, copper and other materials have expanded significantly since that time. Many operate as unauthorized facilities under harsh conditions with criminal gang involvement, yet ordinary Venezuelans continue seeking these opportunities hoping for quick wealth and poverty escape. Government officials and military personnel receive portions of illegal mining profits in exchange for permitting operations, providing fuel access, equipment and mineral transportation.
The United States recently granted a sanctions exemption authorizing business dealings with Minerven, Venezuela’s government-owned gold mining enterprise.
When announcing the legislation Wednesday, Rodríguez informed reporters it would represent “a win for the social well-being” of Venezuelan people.
“May the Venezuelan people also see the good aspects of having good relations with the world and with the United States of America,” she said.
Delaware residents now have an unprecedented opportunity to safeguard their family treasures and historical materials through digital preservation. The Delaware Public Archives will conduct its first-ever Community Digitization Days from March 25 through March 28, 2026.
This interactive program welcomes community members to bring their cherished family photographs, personal correspondence, diaries, and various historical records for professional digitization services. The event accommodates a wide range of materials including photo slides, film negatives, property deeds, historical maps, and other small historical items.
The initiative represents a significant step forward in helping Delaware families protect their heritage and ensure these irreplaceable memories remain accessible for generations to come. Participants will receive digital copies of their materials while retaining their original documents.
Delaware State Police continue their investigation into a deadly crash that claimed the life of a Frederica woman Thursday evening in Harrington.
According to authorities, the fatal collision happened around 7:05 p.m. on March 12, 2026, when a Nissan Pathfinder heading east on Carpenters Bridge Road near Jackson Ditch Road veered off course. Initial findings show the SUV was unable to navigate a gentle bend in the road, causing it to leave the pavement on the northern side and collide with a tree.
Emergency responders transported the 27-year-old driver to a local medical facility, where she succumbed to her injuries. Officials are withholding her identity while relatives are being contacted.
The crash scene required a three-hour road closure as investigators worked to document evidence and clear the area.
Delaware State Police Troop 3 Collision Reconstruction Unit continues examining the circumstances surrounding the tragedy. Authorities are seeking anyone who may have seen the accident or possesses relevant information to reach out to Master Corporal J. Lane at (302) 698-8457. Tips can also be submitted through private messages to the Delaware State Police Facebook page or by calling Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-847-3333.
Those affected by sudden loss or crime-related trauma can access support through the Delaware State Police Victim Services Unit and Delaware Victim Center, available around the clock at 1-800-VICTIM-1 (1-800-842-8461) or via email at [email protected].
DORAL, Fla. — President Donald Trump acknowledged Monday that Vice President JD Vance held different philosophical perspectives on military engagement in Iran, though he minimized suggestions of any major rift between the two leaders.
During a press conference at his Doral golf club in Florida, Trump characterized Vance as being “philosophically a little bit different than me” regarding the Iran conflict, noting that his vice president was “maybe less enthusiastic about going” with the military strikes.
However, Trump defended his decision to proceed with airstrikes alongside Israeli forces, stating his belief that military action was unavoidable. “I felt it was something we had to do,” Trump told reporters. “I didn’t feel we had a choice.”
The Iran military operation has created divisions within Republican ranks as the party faces a difficult election cycle, with some GOP members questioning how the intervention aligns with the isolationist “America First” philosophy that has defined the Trump movement.
Vance has been a leading advocate of that non-interventionist approach throughout his rapid political ascent from bestselling author to senator and eventually vice president. As a potential 2028 presidential candidate, he’s positioned to continue Trump’s political legacy.
The former Marine has consistently championed Trump’s preference for addressing domestic issues rather than overseas military involvement. In a 2023 Wall Street Journal opinion piece that has received renewed scrutiny following the Iran strikes, Vance expressed support for Trump because “I know he won’t recklessly send Americans to fight overseas.”
Before the strikes commenced, Vance assured The Washington Post there was “no chance” America would get pulled into an extended conflict similar to the Iraq War.
The administration has since offered mixed signals about the operation’s duration. While Trump previously stated the war could continue “as long as necessary,” he referred to it Monday as a “short-term excursion” amid growing economic concerns.
Despite any private reservations Trump suggested, Vance has publicly backed the president since military action began. In a Fox News appearance with Jesse Watters, Vance distinguished the Iran operation from previous conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.
“If you think back to Afghanistan, 20 years of mission creep, 20 years (of) not having a clear objective and 20 years (of) the United States trying to bring liberal democracy to Afghanistan,” Vance explained. “Iraq was a little bit shorter, but we were still in that country for nearly a decade with no clear mission, no clear definition.”
“What’s so different about this, Jesse,” Vance continued, “is that the president has clearly defined what he wants to accomplish.”
Monday evening found Vance at Dover Air Force Base for the ceremonial transfer of Sgt. Benjamin Pennington, the seventh American service member killed in the Iran conflict.
Iran policy expert Behnam Ben Taleblu from the Foundation for Defense Democracies noted that Trump has maintained consistent hardline positions toward Tehran throughout his White House tenure and beyond.
During his initial presidency, Trump withdrew from the Obama-era Iran nuclear agreement despite strong European opposition. He later celebrated delivering “American justice” through a drone strike that killed Iranian General Qassem Soleimani, while criticizing Democrats who questioned his decision to act without congressional consultation.
The Soleimani assassination, targeting the Quds Force leader who ranked among Iran’s most influential figures, represented the most aggressive U.S. military action in the Middle East in years and dramatically escalated tensions with Tehran.
Trump’s antagonistic stance toward Iran’s religious leadership traces back to his real estate career in New York, when he publicly advocated military intervention during the Iran hostage crisis.
“There’s this narrative with Trump on Iran that Bibi’s in his ear,” Taleblu said, referencing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. “Or that Vance is in his ear. But Trump has had a fundamental view and personal interest on Iran for years.”
Trump concluded Monday’s remarks by dismissing speculation about disagreements with his vice president. “We get along very well on this,” Trump said.
A Goldey-Beacom College basketball standout has earned recognition on the regional level for his outstanding performance this season.
Sophomore guard Tre Powell, who hails from Mount Laurel, New Jersey, has been selected to the D2 Conference Commissioners Association All-East Region second team for men’s basketball.
The honor adds to Powell’s growing list of achievements during his time with the Lightning. The recognition comes from the Conference Commissioners Association, which selects top performers from Division II programs across the eastern region.
Powell’s selection highlights his contributions to Goldey-Beacom’s basketball program and places him among the top players in the competitive East Region landscape.
ABIDJAN, Ivory Coast (AP) — A sacred wooden drum seized by French colonial forces over a century ago has been returned to Ivory Coast in what officials are calling a historic moment of cultural restoration.
The ceremonial return on Friday marked the first time France has given back a cultural artifact to the West African nation, representing part of ongoing international efforts to restore treasured items taken during colonial rule.
Known as the Djidji Ayôkwé, the enormous hand-carved drum was originally used by the Atchan community near Abidjan for inter-village communication before French authorities confiscated it in 1916. The artifact is one of at least 140 cultural items that Ivory Coast has requested France return.
“This is a historic day and a moment of justice and remembrance,” declared Ivory Coast Culture Minister Françoise Remarck during the reception ceremony at Félix Houphouët-Boigny International Airport.
The impressive drum, whose name translates to “panther-lion,” stretches approximately 11.5 feet in length and tips the scales at nearly 950 pounds. Historical records indicate the drum served as an early warning system, alerting communities about colonial forced labor recruitment drives.
The repatriation initiative stems from French President Emmanuel Macron’s 2018 commitment to return African cultural artifacts, following recommendations from commissioned academic research. French lawmakers passed specialized legislation last year specifically allowing this Ivory Coast artifact to leave French museum collections.
The return process involved extensive coordination with Atchan traditional authorities, who made the journey to Paris to conduct ceremonial rituals that temporarily lifted the drum’s sacred designation, enabling restoration work and safe transport.
Village leaders who witnessed Friday’s homecoming described the moment as deeply meaningful for their community.
“After a long stay far from its land, our sacred drum is finally returning to its people,” expressed Aboussou Guy Mobio, chief of Adjamé-Bingerville village. “It is like the missing piece of our history coming back.”
The centuries-old artifact will spend the next month in a controlled environment, allowing the wood to slowly adapt from Paris’s arid conditions to Abidjan’s tropical humidity and prevent potential damage to the ancient material.
Public viewing is scheduled to begin in April when the drum goes on display at Abidjan’s newly refurbished Museum of Civilizations.
COLOGNE, Germany (AP) — Visitors to a prestigious German museum can now walk through a mirrored chamber filled with colorful polka dots, explore towering flower sculptures positioned near Cologne’s historic cathedral, and navigate through massive tentacle-like installations that create a captivating journey through art and space.
The distinguished Museum Ludwig in western Germany is marking its golden anniversary by launching an extensive exhibition featuring the work of celebrated Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama, opening Saturday for a nearly five-month run showcasing more than 300 pieces.
This comprehensive journey through the artistic evolution of the 97-year-old creator spans from her earliest sketch in the mid-1930s to a specially created “Infinity Mirror Room” designed exclusively for this exhibition.
Kusama, who celebrates her 97th birthday this month, has gained widespread popularity on social media through her vibrant color palettes and flowing forms that express her wonder about existence. Her personal journey took her from traditional post-war Japan to New York City, where she became involved with the Flower Power movement and Vietnam War protests during the 1960s, before returning to Japan in 1973.
Exhibition curator Stephan Diederich describes the show, running until August 2nd, as “very diverse, wide-ranging, and depicts an immensely rich, creative life spanning more than eight decades, still looking ahead.”
The display includes pieces from her “My Eternal Soul, 2009-2021” collection, featuring a mosaic of paintings, alongside “The Universe as Seen from the Stairway to Heaven” — constructed from mirror, glass and acrylic materials. At the museum’s entrance stands her internationally recognized 2009 “Pumpkin” sculpture, crafted from fiber-reinforced plastic and polyurethane paint, on loan from Museum Voorlinden in the Netherlands.
The rooftop installation showcases painted-bronze works titled “Flowers That Speak All about My Heart Given to the Sky” from 2018, while “I’m Here, but Nothing,” originally conceived in 2000, transforms everyday household items using fluorescent stickers and ultraviolet lighting.
“Kusama is undoubtedly one of the most significant artists of our time,” Diederich stated. “Her mirror rooms, balloon installations and polka dots have achieved cult status and are now iconic.”
Her diverse artistic creations frequently draw inspiration from the natural world. She spent her childhood surrounded by the greenhouses and farmland of her family’s extensive seed business in Matsumoto, Japan. During her youth, Kusama experienced intense hallucinations, many featuring spreading polka dots or flowers, and has battled ongoing psychological challenges.
“In my more than 70 years as an artist, I have always been in awe of the wonder of life,” she said in a statement. “More than anything, this strong sense of the life force in artistic expression is what has supported me and gave me power to overcome feelings of depression, hopelessness and sadness.
“I have been guided by my belief in this power,” Kusama said.
According to Diederich, Kusama has spent recent years living quietly in a Tokyo medical facility and worked with the exhibition team through intermediaries. Despite health limitations, she continues creating art daily and has maintained active involvement in planning this show.
Drivers across the Delmarva Peninsula should prepare for hazardous conditions overnight as the National Weather Service has issued a Dense Fog Advisory effective from midnight tonight through 10 AM Tuesday morning.
Visibility will drop to one quarter mile or less in dense fog, creating dangerous driving conditions across multiple counties. In Delaware, Kent and Inland Sussex Counties are under the advisory. Maryland’s Talbot County is also included, along with several New Jersey counties including Western Monmouth, Atlantic, Cumberland, Ocean, and Southeastern Burlington.
The fog is expected to develop after midnight and persist through the Tuesday morning commute, potentially causing significant delays for travelers.
Motorists are strongly urged to take extra precautions if driving is necessary. The National Weather Service recommends slowing down, using headlights, and maintaining plenty of distance between vehicles. Consider delaying non-essential travel until visibility improves.
The Dense Fog Advisory will remain in effect until 10 AM Tuesday morning. Conditions should gradually improve throughout the morning hours as temperatures rise.
Stay with TV Delmarva for continuing coverage of this weather event and updates on road conditions across the peninsula.
Drivers across the Delmarva Peninsula should prepare for potentially dangerous conditions overnight as the National Weather Service has issued a Dense Fog Advisory for several counties in our viewing area.
The advisory takes effect at midnight tonight and remains in place until 10:00 AM Tuesday morning. Visibility could drop to one quarter mile or less, creating hazardous driving conditions during the early morning commute.
Locally, Kent and Inland Sussex counties in Delaware are under the advisory, along with Talbot County on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. The warning also extends to parts of New Jersey, including Western Monmouth, Atlantic, Cumberland, Ocean, and Southeastern Burlington counties.
Motorists are strongly urged to take extra precautions if they must travel during these conditions. The National Weather Service recommends slowing down, using headlights, and maintaining plenty of distance between vehicles.
The dense fog is expected to gradually lift Tuesday morning as temperatures rise and atmospheric conditions improve. Commuters should allow extra time for their morning drive and consider delaying non-essential travel until visibility improves.
We’ll continue monitoring conditions overnight and provide updates on any changes to the forecast during our morning newscasts.
Delaware Department of Transportation officials are warning drivers to expect delays on Interstate 95 northbound due to ongoing construction activities that have shut down multiple lanes.
Three left lanes remain blocked along the northbound corridor between the State Route 1 flyover and Route 141, creating a significant bottleneck for morning commuters and travelers.
The lane restrictions are scheduled to lift at 5 a.m., according to DelDOT’s traffic management system.
Motorists are advised to allow extra travel time and consider alternate routes if possible during the construction period.
A majority of justices on Brazil’s Supreme Court ruled Friday to continue holding Daniel Vorcaro, the former owner of the shuttered financial institution Banco Master, behind bars.
Vorcaro was arrested earlier this month following a judicial determination that there was “strong indication” he tried to influence a former central bank official through bribery, offering gifts in exchange for favorable regulatory treatment.
The high court panel’s decision maintains Vorcaro’s detention as the case proceeds through Brazil’s legal system.
Amazon Web Services announced Friday a new partnership with artificial intelligence chip manufacturer Cerebras Systems to enhance AI-powered applications including chatbots and programming assistance tools.
The collaboration brings together the $23.1 billion chip company with Amazon’s cloud computing division. Cerebras has positioned itself as a competitor to Nvidia by developing AI processors that operate without the costly high-bandwidth memory required by Nvidia’s leading chips. The startup recently secured a massive $10 billion contract to provide processors to OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT.
The new arrangement will place Cerebras processors within Amazon Web Services data centers, where they’ll work alongside Amazon’s proprietary Trainium3 AI chips through specialized networking infrastructure.
“Every customer large or small is on AWS, from individual developers to the largest banks in the world,” Cerebras CEO Andrew Feldman explained to Reuters, adding that the partnership will “make it easy as a click to get on Cerebras.”
Neither company revealed the financial value of their agreement.
The partnership focuses on improving “inference” operations, where trained AI systems process user requests and generate responses. Amazon and Cerebras plan to divide this process into two distinct phases: “prefill,” which converts human language into computer tokens, and “decode,” where the AI generates the final answer.
Amazon’s Trainium3 processors will manage the prefill phase, while Cerebras chips will handle decoding operations in what Feldman described as a “divide and conquer strategy.”
This approach mirrors expectations for Nvidia’s upcoming announcement next week, where the company is anticipated to reveal how it will integrate its graphics processing units with chips from Groq, a startup Nvidia acquired for $17 billion in December.
Amazon expressed confidence that its service will provide superior value compared to Nvidia’s forthcoming offering, though detailed comparisons aren’t yet possible.
“The timeline for that (Nvidia-Groq) pairing remains unclear while our Trainium3 program is just months away from running production workloads,” Amazon stated. “What we can say is that we believe (Trainium3)—and future (Trainium4)—will continue to lead in price-performance versus merchant GPUs.”
The Amazon-Cerebras service is expected to launch during the second half of this year.
A Dense Fog Advisory is in effect for Delaware’s beaches and parts of southern New Jersey until 10:00 AM Tuesday morning, creating hazardous travel conditions with visibility dropping to just one-quarter to one-half mile.
The National Weather Service issued the advisory Monday evening at 7:33 PM, warning drivers to exercise extreme caution on roadways. The thick fog is impacting Delaware Beaches, along with Eastern Monmouth, Cape May, Atlantic Coastal Cape May, Coastal Atlantic, and Coastal Ocean counties in New Jersey.
“Low visibility could make driving conditions hazardous,” according to the weather service alert. Officials are urging motorists to slow down significantly, use headlights even during daylight hours, and maintain extra distance between vehicles.
The dense fog conditions are expected to persist through the overnight hours and into Tuesday morning’s commute. Drivers should allow extra travel time and consider delaying non-essential trips if possible.
For those who must travel, remember the key safety rules: reduce speed, turn on headlights and fog lights if available, avoid using high beams which can reflect back and worsen visibility, and never use hazard lights while driving.
The advisory is set to expire at 10:00 AM Tuesday as morning sunshine helps burn off the fog.
Delaware Department of Transportation crews are conducting work that requires periodic lane restrictions on Route 41 during overnight hours.
The intermittent closures affect the stretch of roadway running from Kirkwood Highway to Milltown Road, with restrictions scheduled to remain in place until 5:00 AM.
Drivers traveling through this corridor should anticipate possible delays and may want to consider alternative routes during the affected timeframe. DelDOT advises motorists to exercise caution when approaching work zones and to follow posted signage.
Drivers across the Delmarva Peninsula should prepare for potentially dangerous conditions overnight as the National Weather Service has issued a Dense Fog Advisory effective from midnight tonight through 10:00 AM Tuesday morning.
Visibility could drop to just one quarter mile or less in dense fog, creating hazardous driving conditions for the Tuesday morning commute.
The advisory affects several areas across our region, including Kent and Inland Sussex Counties in Delaware, and Talbot County on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. In New Jersey, Western Monmouth, Atlantic, Cumberland, Ocean, and Southeastern Burlington Counties are also under the advisory.
The National Weather Service is urging drivers to take extra precautions if they must travel during these conditions. Motorists should slow down, use their headlights, and maintain plenty of distance between vehicles.
The dense fog is expected to develop after midnight and could significantly impact the morning commute on Tuesday. Visibility may improve gradually throughout Tuesday morning, with the advisory set to expire at 10:00 AM.
TV Delmarva will continue monitoring conditions overnight and provide updates on our morning show. For the latest weather information, stay tuned to TV Delmarva.
Motorists using Route 896 southbound should expect delays today as construction crews have temporarily closed the right turn lane at the Welsh Tract Road intersection.
The Delaware Department of Transportation reports that the lane restriction affects the southbound lanes of South College Avenue (Route 896) where it meets eastbound Welsh Tract Road.
Officials indicate the construction-related closure will remain active until 3:00 PM this afternoon, after which normal traffic patterns are expected to resume.
Drivers are advised to allow extra travel time and consider alternate routes if possible while crews complete their work in the area.
Military officials have confirmed that six American service members died when their KC-135 refueling aircraft went down in western Iraq while conducting operations against Iran.
U.S. Central Command, responsible for Middle East operations, reported the tragedy occurred during an incident involving two military planes in “friendly airspace.” The second aircraft involved managed to land without incident.
This marks the fourth confirmed U.S. aircraft loss during the ongoing conflict with Iran, highlighting the dangerous nature of current military operations in the region.
The KC-135 Stratotanker serves as a vital Air Force asset for mid-air refueling missions, enabling other aircraft to extend their range and operational time without returning to base. Military specialists note these planes also handle medical evacuations and surveillance operations when needed.
The aircraft design stems from the Boeing 707 commercial airliner and has served American forces for over six decades, supporting Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, and allied operations worldwide. However, the military plans to gradually retire these aging planes as newer KC-46A Pegasus tankers become available.
The advanced age of the KC-135 fleet has raised questions about mechanical reliability and operational safety among defense experts.
“The last of these planes were produced in the 1960s,” said Yang Uk, a security expert at South Korea’s Asan Institute for Policy Studies. He added that the transition to the KC-46A has progressed more slowly than expected.
Congressional Research Service data shows the Air Force operated 376 KC-135s last year, with 151 serving on active duty, 163 assigned to Air National Guard units, and 62 supporting Air Force Reserve operations.
Standard crew configuration includes three personnel: pilot, co-pilot, and boom operator. Medical missions require additional nurses and technicians aboard.
Refueling operations occur at the aircraft’s rear section, where boom operators deploy fuel lines to connect with fighters, bombers, and other military planes. Many boom operators perform their duties lying prone while monitoring operations through windows beneath the aircraft.
Certain KC-135 models can also refuel aircraft using wing-mounted pods, and the planes have capacity for cargo or passenger transport when required.
Yang suggested refueling tankers may become increasingly critical if the Iran conflict continues, as American aircraft might need extended missions to target Iranian forces moving deeper into their territory.
Central Command initially reported four confirmed deaths among the six crew members, with rescue operations ongoing. Officials later confirmed all six perished in the crash. Investigators are examining the circumstances but have ruled out hostile or friendly fire as causes.
A military source, speaking anonymously about the developing investigation, revealed the second aircraft was also a KC-135. Israeli Ambassador to the U.S. Yechiel Leiter confirmed via social media that the other plane landed safely in Israel.
Yang noted that enemy fire rarely targets refueling tankers since these operations typically occur away from active combat zones.
The incident follows last week’s friendly fire tragedy when Kuwaiti forces mistakenly shot down three American F-15E fighter jets.
Previous KC-135 accidents have resulted in multiple fatalities over the years. The most recent fatal crash occurred on May 3, 2013, when a KC-135R went down after takeoff near Chaldovar, Kyrgyzstan, during Afghanistan war support operations.
Air Force investigators determined the 2013 crew faced rudder control problems. As they attempted to stabilize their aircraft, the tail section separated and the plane exploded in flight, killing all three crew members.
The most catastrophic mid-air collision involving a KC-135 happened in 1966 near Palomares, Spain, when a nuclear-armed B-52 bomber collided with the tanker.
That accident destroyed the tanker and killed four crew members. The disaster triggered a massive decontamination operation after conventional explosives in the hydrogen bombs detonated upon ground impact, spreading nuclear material across the area.
Drivers along the Delaware coast and southern New Jersey should prepare for hazardous travel conditions Tuesday morning as dense fog blankets the region.
The National Weather Service issued a Dense Fog Advisory effective until 10 AM Tuesday, warning of visibility reduced to just one-quarter to one-half mile in some areas. The advisory covers Delaware’s coastal communities and extends into eastern Monmouth, Cape May, Atlantic Coastal Cape May, Coastal Atlantic, and Coastal Ocean counties in New Jersey.
Motorists planning early morning commutes or beach travel should allow extra time and exercise extreme caution. Weather officials strongly advise drivers to reduce speed, use headlights, and maintain increased following distances.
“Low visibility could make driving conditions hazardous,” according to the weather service alert issued at 7:33 PM Monday evening.
The fog is expected to gradually lift as temperatures warm throughout Tuesday morning, with conditions improving by mid-morning. However, drivers should remain vigilant as fog can be patchy and unpredictable.
For the latest weather updates and road conditions, stay with TV Delmarva. We’ll continue monitoring this developing weather situation and provide updates as conditions change.
VANCOUVER, British Columbia — A couple whose daughter suffered life-threatening injuries during a devastating school attack in Canada has filed a civil lawsuit claiming artificial intelligence company OpenAI was aware the gunman was using their technology to orchestrate the violence.
According to the legal filing, OpenAI acknowledged they had concerns about the individual’s activities but chose not to contact law enforcement before Jesse Van Roostselaar carried out the deadly assault in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia on February 10.
The tech company only reached out to authorities following the tragic incident that claimed eight lives before Van Roostselaar took her own life. OpenAI revealed they had previously shut down the attacker’s ChatGPT access, but she circumvented the restriction by creating an additional account.
Court documents submitted to the British Columbia Supreme Court contend that OpenAI possessed “specific knowledge of the shooter utilizing ChatGPT to plan a mass casualty event like the Tumbler Ridge mass shooting.”
The legal action claims the AI chatbot served as a “trusted confidante, collaborator and ally” for the shooter, and alleges the system “behaves willingly to assist users such as the shooter to plan a mass casualty event.”
OpenAI representatives have not yet provided a response regarding the litigation.
The filing details how Maya Gebala sustained three gunshot wounds at point-blank range during the attack — one striking her head, another her neck, and a third grazing her face. According to the lawsuit, she now faces a devastating brain injury resulting in lifelong cognitive and physical impairments.
VATICAN CITY – During a Friday address to priests at the Vatican, Pope Leo called upon Christian political leaders engaged in warfare to seek the sacrament of confession and reflect deeply on whether their military actions align with the teachings of Jesus Christ.
Speaking to clergy gathered for a Vatican conference focused on the practice of confession, the Pope posed a pointed question: “Do those Christians who bear grave responsibility in armed conflicts have the humility and courage to make a serious examination of conscience and to go to confession?”
The pontiff refrained from identifying particular leaders or specific military engagements during his Friday remarks. However, he has intensified his appeals in recent days for a cessation of the current Iran conflict, which commenced with coordinated U.S.-Israeli military strikes on February 28.
President Donald Trump, who was brought up in the Presbyterian Christian tradition, leads an administration that includes several Catholic officials in key positions. Both Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio practice the Catholic faith.
The teachings of Jesus emphasized non-violence among his disciples, and the Catholic Church maintains a general stance opposing warfare. Throughout history, the Church has applied just war doctrine to evaluate military conflicts, employing specific standards to determine whether a particular war can be deemed morally acceptable, such as defending against an unprovoked attack.
Earlier this week, Washington D.C. Cardinal Robert McElroy declared that the U.S.-Israeli military actions against Iran were “not morally legitimate,” arguing they failed to satisfy the Church’s established just war principles.
The Pope’s comments came during his address to the Vatican gathering on confession, a Catholic sacrament where believers acknowledge their wrongdoings to a priest and seek divine forgiveness. According to the Pope, this spiritual practice benefits individual Catholics while fostering greater peace and harmony throughout society.
Authorities are looking into two separate deadly vehicle accidents that took place within hours of each other across Maryland’s Eastern Shore region yesterday evening.
The first incident happened at approximately 8:33 p.m. when law enforcement officers from the Easton Barrack were dispatched to 5948 Eldorado Road in Rhodesdale following reports of a single-car accident. Initial findings indicate that Brandi Stoneburner, a 40-year-old woman from Princess Anne, Maryland, was driving her Kia Sportage southbound on Eldorado Road when her vehicle veered off the road for undetermined reasons. The car collided with an electrical utility box before rolling over.
Stoneburner, who was alone in the vehicle, was declared dead at the crash site. Traffic was diverted for over three hours while investigators examined the scene.
Later that evening at approximately 11:16 p.m., officers from the Centreville Barrack were called to U.S. Route 301 near Maryland Route 544 in Millington following reports of a two-car collision. Preliminary findings show that Drew Satterfield, 19, from Middletown, Delaware, was driving a Chevrolet Traverse northbound when Easton Bryant, 22, from Chester, Maryland, rear-ended his vehicle with a Volkswagen GTI. The impact sent Satterfield’s Chevrolet off the highway where it flipped into nearby woods. Investigators suspect excessive speed and possible substance impairment contributed to the collision.
Satterfield was declared dead at the scene. Bryant sustained injuries and was airlifted by Trooper 1 helicopter to a regional trauma facility for medical care.
Criminal charges could be filed depending on investigation results and discussions with Queen Anne’s County prosecutors. The highway remained shut down for more than two hours during the investigation process.
The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration provided support for both road closures. Maryland State Police Crash Team specialists are continuing their active investigations into both incidents.
PHOENIX (AP) — Standing at 6-foot-7 “and some change,” San Francisco Giants newcomer Bryce Eldridge recently had his measurements recorded for Major League Baseball’s new Automated Ball-Strike System.
While that creates a large strike zone for the young slugger, it also means a more precisely defined one.
“I think they told me I’m the tallest guy they’ve measured, position player-wise,” Eldridge mentioned during spring training. “So I got that going for me, at least. So I’ve got the biggest zone, the biggest ABS.”
Following extensive testing in minor league play, the robotic umpire technology for evaluating ball and strike decisions will make its debut in major league regular season contests this year. While the system goes by ABS, the most significant aspect of this change may relate to S-I-Z-E — specifically how it affects the strike zone for baseball’s most towering athletes.
“I got a lot of respect for the umpires and what they do behind the plate,” New York Yankees slugger Aaron Judge said. “So I can usually pride myself in not showing them up or putting on a show or doing anything like that because they got a tough job back there. So we’ll see. I’ll find the right time to use it. If they’re pretty outrageous calls, I think I’ll use it.”
Judge, who stands 6-foot-7 and captured his third American League MVP trophy last season, appeared even more enthusiastic about how the system might help his 6-5 teammate Giancarlo Stanton.
“His whole career has been kind of getting screwed over. And also now, this kind of changes everything,” Judge said. “He’s so routine oriented to where you get a bad call, you get a good call, whatever, it’s kind of about flushing to get to the next pitch. Well, now you got 2 seconds to try to make up your mind.”
The dimensions of strike zones change based on each player’s stature — with the upper boundary set at 53.5% of a batter’s height and the lower edge at 27% of their height. For baseball’s tallest athletes — including 6-7 center fielder Oneil Cruz from the Pittsburgh Pirates and 6-6 left fielder James Wood of the Washington Nationals — these upper and lower boundaries have historically presented challenges for umpires to judge accurately.
However, the ABS technology offers the chance for more precise evaluation.
Teams will be allowed to dispute two decisions per contest. Successfully challenging a call allows a team to keep its challenge opportunity, following similar rules to video replay reviews. Teams that exhaust their challenges in games extending beyond nine innings will receive one additional challenge for each extra frame.
Challenge requests can only come from batters, pitchers or catchers, who signal by tapping their helmet or cap, and dugout assistance is prohibited.
“Specifically with Aaron Judge, I think like his zone I think is higher than most, right? Because he’s taller,” Chicago Cubs catcher Carson Kelly said. “So you might catch one at the knees that feels like a normal strike, but it’s low on him. So I think it’s another aspect of catchers is we’re going to have to understand who’s at the plate, what the zone is like. I mean, if it’s a smaller zone, that ball that might feel like it’s a strike at the top, it’s probably a ball.”
Eldridge, the 21-year-old who experienced ABS during his minor league career, believes the technology benefits the sport.
“I had a situation last year where we were in the ninth and we were down by two, I want to say, and I struck out looking,” Eldridge said. “I challenged it. It was a ball, and I hit a home run like the next pitch or something to tie it. The game can change just like that with this, so it’s pretty cool.”
STOCKHOLM — Maritime authorities in Sweden have launched an investigation into a tanker vessel suspected of illegally displaying false flag documentation while navigating Baltic Sea waters.
Swedish Coast Guard officials boarded the vessel “Sea Owl I” on Thursday near Trelleborg’s coastline. The ship was displaying the flag of the Comoros islands, located off the East African coast, but maritime investigators suspect this flag registration is fraudulent.
According to a coast guard statement, the tanker appears on European Union sanctions lists and had been making a voyage from Brazil toward Russia. While the vessel has previously been used for oil transportation between these nations, it appeared to be traveling without cargo during Thursday’s inspection.
Coast guard personnel plan to conduct a thorough vessel search and interview crew members to assess the ship’s operational safety and compliance.
This marks the second suspected false flag investigation launched by Swedish maritime authorities within the past week. Officials are also examining the cargo vessel “Caffa,” which operates with a predominantly Russian crew and faces accusations of transporting stolen grain while appearing on Ukraine’s sanctions registry.
Swedish officials announced last year they would intensify insurance verification procedures for foreign vessels as part of efforts to restrict operations of Russia’s “shadow fleet.” This fleet consists of older ships used for transporting oil and gas or carrying stolen Ukrainian agricultural products.
These vessels typically average 18 years in age, placing them near the end of their operational lifespan and making them more susceptible to maritime accidents, particularly when maintenance standards are poor.
Stockholm’s government directed the Coast Guard and Swedish Maritime Administration last year to expand insurance documentation collection beyond ships docking at Swedish ports to include all vessels passing through the nation’s territorial waters and exclusive economic zones.
LONDON (AP) — Throughout more than 60 years of “Doctor Who,” the time-traveling protagonist has battled countless foes including mechanical monsters, fierce Yeti creatures — and surprisingly, the BBC itself, which destroyed numerous early episodes of what would become a legendary science fiction series.
A film preservation organization revealed Friday that it discovered two missing episodes from the 1960s within the estate of a collector who had passed away. BBC restoration specialists have refurbished the episodes, making them available next month through the network’s digital streaming platform.
This find reduces the number of missing episodes to 95 from the space-and-time traveling alien’s adventures that first premiered in 1963.
“Doctor Who” — where the “who” serves as a philosophical inquiry rather than the character’s actual name — has evolved into a broadcasting phenomenon with devoted followers worldwide. However, the BBC’s early treatment of the program was negligent. Numerous episodes disappeared because the network erased the recordings to reuse the tapes.
“The attitudes to archiving back in the 60s in television was really very different from today, and lots of material was junked,” said Justin Smith, a cinema professor at England’s De Montfort University and chair of trustees of Film is Fabulous!, which works to preserve cinema and television history.
Smith informed the BBC that the organization discovered film containers holding the two recovered black-and-white episodes, “The Nightmare Begins” and “Devil’s Planet,” within the collection of a deceased film enthusiast. The collector’s family prefers to maintain their privacy.
These episodes originally broadcast during the program’s third season in 1965 and showcase William Hartnell, the initial actor among more than twelve performers to portray the Doctor, in an adventure featuring the notorious Daleks — salt-shaker-shaped metallic enemies whose signature phrase is “Exterminate!”
This marks the first such discovery since 2013, when nine missing episodes were located in storage at a television transmission facility in Nigeria.
The recovered episodes star Peter Purves, who portrayed the Doctor’s companion Steven Taylor across 46 episodes of the series.
“Twenty-seven of mine still are missing, but I’m delighted that two have been found,” 87-year-old Purves told the BBC. “It’s rather sad, but it’s great when some turn up.”
“Doctor Who” aired from 1963 through 1989 before returning in 2005. The show’s endurance stems partially from its adaptable concept. The Doctor, a Time Lord from Gallifrey, can journey to any location in space or time and can transform into new forms, enabling the character to survive beyond any single performer.
The latest season, featuring Ncuti Gatwa as the Doctor, aired in 2025. The series is scheduled to continue with a yet-to-be-announced actor taking over the role.
WASHINGTON — Available positions throughout the United States climbed to nearly 7 million during January, surpassing economist predictions at a time when employment growth has appeared sluggish.
The Labor Department announced Friday that job postings reached 6.95 million in January, marking an increase from December’s 6.55 million openings. This figure exceeded what economic analysts had predicted.
Workforce reductions decreased slightly while the count of Americans leaving their positions voluntarily — an indicator of worker optimism about future opportunities — dropped modestly.
During the employment surge that came after coronavirus pandemic restrictions, available positions reached an all-time high of 12.3 million in March 2022.
The nation’s employment sector is struggling. During the previous month, companies eliminated 92,000 positions. Throughout 2025, monthly job additions remained below 10,000, representing the weakest employment growth outside of recession periods since 2002.
The country’s economy has shown resilience despite President Donald Trump’s tariff policies and deportation efforts. However, the Commerce Department announced Friday that economic expansion decelerated dramatically during 2025’s final quarter — dropping to 0.7%, which represents half of the initial fourth-quarter growth projection and a decline from the robust 4.4% increase recorded in the third quarter.
The conflict in Iran has additionally generated significant uncertainty regarding future economic conditions.
NORFOLK, Va. — Law enforcement officials reveal that the firearm used in Thursday’s deadly attack at Old Dominion University had its serial number deliberately destroyed, creating additional challenges for investigators trying to determine how the convicted felon acquired the weapon.
According to a law enforcement source who requested anonymity due to the ongoing investigation, authorities must now attempt to restore the obliterated number to trace the gun’s origin.
Federal investigators have named Mohamed Bailor Jalloh as the gunman responsible for the classroom attack, which is being treated as an act of terrorism. Jalloh previously served in the Army National Guard and had admitted guilt in 2016 to charges of attempting to support the Islamic State.
Before launching his attack, Jalloh shouted “Allahu akbar” and began firing, but was quickly confronted and fatally stopped by ROTC students, according to FBI representatives who commended the students’ courage in preventing additional casualties. The violence claimed the life of an ROTC instructor who served as a professor of military science at the university, while two others sustained injuries.
Jalloh had completed an 11-year prison term and was freed from federal incarceration in December 2024. At the time of the shooting, he remained under supervised release conditions similar to probation.
The circumstances surrounding his early release from prison remain unclear. While inmates may receive sentence reductions for various factors, officials have not confirmed whether this applied to Jalloh’s situation.
University Police Chief Garrett Shelton reported that fewer than 10 minutes elapsed from the initial emergency call about gunfire in the business school facility to confirmation that the shooter had been neutralized.
Lt. Col. Jimmy Delongchamp, serving as public information officer for the U.S. Army Cadet Command at Fort Knox, Kentucky, confirmed to reporters that two shooting victims were enrolled in ODU’s Army ROTC program. This program provides educational scholarships to students while preparing them for commissioned military service.
Voorhees University in South Carolina has identified the deceased victim as Lt. Col. Brandon Shah, who was related by marriage to one of the university’s trustees.
According to his university biography, Shah had previously attended ODU as an ROTC cadet and returned to the institution in 2022 as a program leader. During his military career, Shah flew helicopter missions across Iraq, Afghanistan and Eastern Europe.
The perpetrator also possessed military experience. Jalloh, who became a naturalized American citizen after immigrating from Sierra Leone, served as a specialist in the Virginia Army National Guard between 2009 and 2015, receiving an honorable discharge.
IRBIL, Iraq (AP) — Iraq finds itself in a precarious position as the sole nation experiencing military strikes from both Iranian-backed forces and U.S. troops, threatening to pull the country into a comprehensive crisis after managing to stay clear of two years of regional instability.
With the conflict approaching its second full week, Iraq’s circumstances are becoming increasingly dire. Maritime shipping disruptions and attacks on petroleum facilities and infrastructure have virtually stopped all exports, putting at risk a nation that depends on oil trade for most of its government income.
Should the export stoppage persist, Baghdad may find itself unable to cover its massive public employee wages within a month, creating the potential for widespread civil disorder, according to two Iraqi Kurdish officials.
The central government has reached out to Kurdish leadership in the north to restart oil shipments through a pipeline to Turkey, but negotiations have stalled over long-standing internal disputes. The officials provided information to The Associated Press under anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the political discussions.
Meanwhile, a secondary battle related to the broader conflict has intensified between Iranian-supported Iraqi militia organizations and American forces. Daily drone attacks have focused on U.S. assets throughout Iraq, prompting American military responses against militia installations to protect personnel.
Beginning February 28 after a significant American and Israeli operation in Iran, the war has brought continuous drone and rocket attacks against U.S. interests in Iraq, including military installations at Baghdad and Irbil airports, plus American diplomatic compounds. Iranian forces and their Iraqi militia partners have also targeted petroleum facilities and energy systems to increase economic damage.
Iraq stands apart from other Middle Eastern nations affected by the conflict because it houses both established pro-Iranian groups and substantial American interests. The nation’s economy relies almost entirely on oil revenue, making any disruption to production or exports through the Strait of Hormuz potentially devastating to government finances during an already challenging political transition in Baghdad.
Extended conflict raises the likelihood that economic disruption, political deadlock, and tensions with Iran-aligned militias could combine to destroy Iraq’s carefully maintained relative peace.
Officials in Baghdad and Irbil continue advocating for restraint and maintaining that combat operations should not occur within their borders, yet the conflict’s direction is increasingly moving beyond their influence. American officials have provided reassurances to Iraqi leadership that the nation will not be pulled into the regional war, the two Kurdish officials told AP.
During the conflict’s initial phase, drone and rocket attacks by Iran and affiliated organizations began focusing on American military bases, diplomatic facilities, and oil installations. In Irbil, the seat of Iraq’s autonomous Kurdish territory, daily drone strikes have targeted not just U.S. military and allied facilities but also business locations and hotels.
Pro-Iranian groups have also attacked Kurdish organizations operating in northern Iraq following reports that Washington intended to provide weapons to some groups for operations against Tehran. Several Iranian Kurdish leaders have indicated readiness to conduct cross-border missions into Iran with American backing.
Iraq currently operates under interim government leadership after the U.S. rejected the nomination of former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki. Caretaker leader Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, working with even more restricted authority, cannot effectively control powerful militia organizations.
American forces have responded by attacking militia locations throughout Iraq, including strikes in Jurf al-Sakhr south of Baghdad, northern Iraq, and al-Qaim near the Iraq-Syria border.
Following patterns from previous crises, Iraqi citizens have adapted to daily violence that affects routine activities.
At an Irbil restaurant, customers heard approaching drones followed by a distant explosion before smoke appeared on the horizon where it was intercepted. A server encouraged calm, explaining the attacks targeted the U.S. Consulate or airport and presented no immediate danger to patrons.
The most serious risk to Iraq’s stability comes from interrupted oil production, which could devastate government income. Kurdish officials reported Baghdad’s warning that public employee payments could face disruption within a month.
To reduce pressure, Baghdad has requested exports of at least 250,000 barrels daily of crude from Kirkuk fields through the pipeline to Ceyhan in Turkey crossing Kurdish territory. Negotiations have stopped after Kurdish representatives demanded lifting an existing U.S. dollar restriction and restoring economic benefits from trade.
Iraq’s government reduced production from southern oil fields, which generate most of the nation’s 4.8 million barrels daily, after the war virtually halted Strait of Hormuz shipping and militias attacked facilities. Oil sales provide over 90% of government revenue.
Iraq maintains one of the world’s largest government workforces and pension systems, and previous payment delays have triggered mass demonstrations.
Production has stopped at oil fields affected by strikes. In the Kurdish region, Canada’s ShaMaran Petroleum and U.S. private company HKN have halted operations at the Sarsang and Atrush sites.
“If oil exports are disrupted, the immediate impact would likely be a decline in the value of the Iraqi dinar. This would quickly trigger inflation, and within a short time the prices of basic goods could rise sharply,” said Farhad Soleimanpour, an Iraqi Kurdish political analyst.
“For the Kurdistan region, the situation could be even more difficult because it does not have its own central bank or significant financial reserves. Iraq may be able to withstand the shock for several months, but the Kurdistan Region would likely face immediate financial pressure,” he added.
The conflict has also damaged electrical systems.
The Khor Mor gas facility in the autonomous Kurdish region is shut down, reducing electricity production by almost two-thirds. Previously providing continuous power, households now receive only four to six hours daily, according to Omed Ahmad, spokesperson for the Kurdistan Region’s Ministry of Electricity.
Following the November 2025 election, Iraq has lacked a government after American opposition to al-Maliki’s return as prime minister. The war complicates the difficult transition, forcing an interim administration with severely restricted powers to handle the consequences.
However, the caretaker status also allows Iraqi leaders to avoid responsibility by claiming insufficient authority to act, according to Iraq analyst Tamer Badawi. “No one wants to take this big responsibility at the moment,” he said.
This would require taking control and managing multiple armed organizations, from Iran-backed militias attacking U.S. interests to Kurdish-Iranian opposition groups, whose activities deepen divisions that could trigger civil unrest.
Even with some oil exported through the pipeline, officials have warned there is no guarantee the infrastructure will remain safe from militia attacks.
Iraq has succeeded against expectations in largely avoiding regional turmoil from the Gaza war that started in 2023. Political and religious leaders have maintained commitment to keeping the country out of broader conflict and preserving stability.
“Iraq faces pressure to maintain neutrality while different political groups inside the country have opposing positions regarding the conflict,” Soleimanpour said. “Some factions support closer relations with Iran, while others prefer stronger cooperation with the United States and Western countries. This internal division increases political tension.”
Organizers of a prominent cryptocurrency conference set to take place in Dubai have announced they are delaying the event until 2027 due to mounting security concerns in the Middle East.
The TOKEN2049 conference, originally planned for late April, will now be rescheduled to April 2027, according to a Friday announcement posted on the event’s official website. Attendees who already purchased tickets will have them transferred to the rescheduled date.
While the organizers did not directly reference the ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran, they explained their decision stemmed from “ongoing uncertainty in the region and its impact on safety, international travel, and logistics.”
The regional instability has disrupted Dubai’s reputation as a secure destination for business and tourism. This week, two unmanned aircraft crashed near Dubai’s primary airport, and falling debris from a defensive intercept caused slight damage to a building facade in downtown Dubai, according to the emirate’s media office.
TOKEN2049 typically draws approximately 15,000 participants and has featured high-profile speakers in previous years, including Eric Trump and former Binance CEO Changpeng Zhao. This year’s lineup was expected to include executives from major cryptocurrency firms Binance, Tether, and Telegram.
Despite the postponement, organizers expressed continued faith in Dubai’s role in the digital currency sector. “Dubai remains one of the most important hubs for the digital asset ecosystem. We remain confident in the city and its continued leadership as a global center for innovation and digital assets,” the statement read.
The United Arab Emirates has established itself as a significant player in the cryptocurrency industry, with major exchanges like Binance expanding their operations in the country over the past year.
The conference cancellation adds to a growing list of sporting and business events across the region that have been impacted by the current security situation.
Federal economic data released Friday showed consumer price increases matching analyst forecasts for January, providing another indication that inflation pressures remained relatively controlled before recent geopolitical tensions escalated.
The Commerce Department’s Personal Consumption Expenditures Price Index climbed 0.3% compared to December, matching economist predictions and down from the previous month’s 0.4% increase. When excluding volatile food and energy costs, the core measure advanced 0.4% monthly, also meeting expectations.
Over the full 12-month period ending in January, consumer price inflation reached 2.8%, slightly below the anticipated 2.9% increase. The core inflation measure hit 3.1% annually, matching forecasts and up from December’s revised 3% rate. Federal Reserve officials use these price indicators to guide policy toward their 2% inflation goal.
Separately, the Commerce Department’s updated estimate revealed gross domestic product expanded just 0.7% during the fourth quarter, falling well short of the 1.4% growth economists had projected.
MARKET RESPONSE:
Wall Street stocks climbed following the data release, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average gaining 0.6%, the S&P 500 advancing 0.8%, and the Nasdaq Composite rising 0.9%.
Government bond yields declined, with the benchmark 10-year Treasury note dropping 3 basis points to 4.24%. The two-year yield, closely tied to Federal Reserve policy expectations, fell 6 basis points to 3.70%.
The dollar index strengthened 0.2% to reach 99.95.
EXPERT ANALYSIS:
Gary Schlossberg, global strategist at Wells Fargo Investment Institute in San Francisco, noted: “The January report on personal income, spending and inflation showed inflation-adjusted consumer spending barely keeping pace with the rise in prices, partly due to harsh winter weather, despite solid growth in after-tax incomes.”
He continued: “The sluggish January pace of inflation-adjusted spending, slippage in the report’s headline inflation measure and news that the first-quarter GDP growth estimate was cut in half (to 0.7%) initially sent stock and bond prices higher on increased hopes for an early rate cut by the Federal Reserve.”
Schlossberg added: “Inflation as measured by the PCE deflator, the report’s price gauge favored by the Federal Reserve, slowed a notch, to 2.8%, but maintained its distance above more benign CPI inflation. Moreover, core inflation climbed to a March 2024 high in accelerating a second straight month, to 3.1%. Unexpectedly strong income growth, supported by cost-of-living adjustments at the start of the year, kept pace with a solid gain in consumer spending not adjusted for inflation in lifting the personal saving rate to a six-month high of 4.5%.”
James St. Aubin, chief investment officer at Ocean Park Asset Management in Santa Monica, California, observed: “The Fed’s preferred inflation measure is still running hot thanks to services. It certainly doesn’t help the dovish case, but the reality is it’s old news. The effects of skyrocketing energy prices are just starting. If you’re looking for a silver lining it’s that goods prices remain somewhat contained.”
Matt Bush, U.S. economist at Guggenheim Investments in New York, commented: “The big news is the core PCE inflation number coming in not quite as bad as feared. We’ve had relatively good news on the CPI inflation front in recent months, but core PCE inflation has been quite a bit hotter than the CPI data. And while that was still true with January’s numbers, the January core PCE wasn’t quite as bad as feared. And so I think that’s causing some reaction in rates markets and pricing for the path of Fed policy.”
Peter Cardillo, chief market economist at Spartan Capital Securities in New York, stated: “We have a mixed bag of macro news here. Of course, the downward revision of GDP was much more than expected and that’s not good news, along with the fact that consumer spending was revised downward. The good news is that the inflation data measured by the PCE basically in line with expectations. … Inflation remains elevated, sticky and with the possibility of energy prices eventually moving into the pipeline, the Fed is likely to stay on hold for a longer period of time.”
Tim Ghriskey, senior portfolio strategist at Ingalls & Snyder in New York, noted: “Most of today’s economic numbers were generally in line with expectations with the exception of durable goods orders, which was weak and the GDP estimate which was also weak. There’s some concern about the economy from these numbers. These are numbers worth looking at and they question the strength of the U.S. economy. War issues in the Middle East are the most important determinant of financial markets at the moment.”
A high-ranking diplomat from the United Arab Emirates stated Friday that Iran must stop launching attacks against regional neighbors before any meaningful peace negotiations can take place.
Lana Nusseibeh, who previously served as the UAE’s ambassador to the United Nations and currently holds a minister of state position in the country’s foreign ministry, believes the ongoing conflict will eventually reach a diplomatic resolution through President Trump’s leadership.
“Ultimately, it will be a diplomatic solution, but there needs to be that tipping point moment, and I think that president Trump will lead us all to that moment in his time,” Nusseibeh stated during the interview.
When questioned about potential mediation efforts, she emphasized that Iranian aggression must cease first. “It is difficult to talk about mediation when under attack… Mediation can only happen when the guns go silent,” she explained.
Nusseibeh revealed that during diplomatic talks in Tehran just two weeks before hostilities began, Iranian officials provided no warning that the UAE would become a target. This lack of advance notice made Iran’s subsequent attacks “so shocking and so egregious,” according to the diplomat.
Iranian leadership has justified their strikes as targeting American military presence throughout the region. The UAE joins several other nations including Gulf states, Iraq, Jordan and Turkey in hosting U.S. military installations.
The conflict has seen drone and missile strikes against UAE civilian targets, including Dubai’s airport, prominent hotels, and the nation’s financial center.
REBUILDING TRUST WILL PROVE CHALLENGING
The UAE diplomat indicated her country maintains regular communication with the Trump administration, describing the relationship as a robust strategic partnership.
Nusseibeh refrained from criticizing American or Israeli military actions against Iran, suggesting these operations should be considered separately from what she termed Iran’s “egregious illegal and unlawful attacks on the Gulf countries and Jordan.”
She warned that returning to pre-conflict diplomatic relations with Iran would prove difficult “as you look around at the destruction and the chaos that Iran has caused in the region.”
According to Nusseibeh, Iran appears to be targeting the UAE’s economic foundation, which has attracted approximately 700,000 Iranian residents. However, she argued that the Iranian strikes have demonstrated “our economy is strong and robust and resilient.”
“People are back at work, our airports are open, flights are taking off. It’s the Iranian economy that was already strangled by sanctions and economic pressure that is going into freefall. It’s their currency that’s going into freefall,” she concluded.
Ulta Beauty shares tumbled as much as 9.6% during Friday morning trading after escalating operational expenses dampened the impact of robust consumer demand, though Wall Street analysts remain hopeful about the company’s digital strategy targeting younger customers through TikTok under new leadership.
The cosmetics retailer delivered impressive holiday quarter sales figures and projected positive annual revenue growth, buoyed by strong consumer interest in popular product lines including celebrity-backed brands like Rihanna’s Fenty Beauty collection. However, mounting operational expenses created concerns for investors.
New Chief Executive Kecia Steelman, who assumed leadership in January 2025, also warned about potential effects from “global conflicts” on business operations.
J.P. Morgan analysts noted that despite the quarter demonstrating a “lack of flow-through” from robust sales to actual earnings, Ulta is adopting a measured approach to future projections – a view shared by multiple other investment firms.
The company’s selling, general and administrative expenses jumped 23% to reach $1 billion during the December quarter, primarily due to increased incentive compensation payments and ongoing investments in marketing efforts and Space NK, the British retail chain acquired in the previous year.
In efforts to appeal to younger and more affluent customers, the retailer has emphasized celebrity-owned and luxury brands such as Beyonce’s Cecred hair care products. The company also executed holiday marketing campaigns featuring Khloe Kardashian and Paris Hilton.
Oppenheimer Research analysts observed that Ulta traditionally provides cautious guidance and the stock had been “priced close to perfection,” making the investor retreat predictable.
The beauty retailer plans to introduce an exclusive product collection on TikTok Shop, aiming to capture Gen Z and Gen Alpha consumers while capitalizing on digital beauty sales as traditional retail competition from Target and Walmart intensifies.
“To Ulta’s credit, it is capturing share in what we believe is a larger beauty category migration online,” William Blair analysts stated, showing confidence about potential upside to annual sales projections.
Ulta anticipates double-digit growth in selling, general and administrative costs during the first half of fiscal 2026 as Space NK-related expenses and investments persist, before moderating in the latter half as integration costs become annualized.
Following these results, at least seven investment firms reduced their price targets for the stock.
The company’s forward price-to-earnings ratio currently stands at 21.62, compared to Estee Lauder’s 29.53 and Elf Beauty’s 19.84.
WASHINGTON, March 13 – Former President Donald Trump indicated during a Friday Fox News Radio appearance that America stands ready to provide naval protection for ships traveling through the strategically important Strait of Hormuz if circumstances demand such action.
During his conversation on “The Brian Kilmeade Show,” Trump addressed questions about potential assistance for oil tankers navigating the critical waterway. “We would do it if we needed to. But, you know, hopefully things are going to go very well. We’re going to see what happens,” Trump stated, though he provided no additional specifics about such operations.
The former president also made pointed remarks about Iran, declaring: “We’re going to be hitting them very hard over the next week.”
Trump’s statements emerge during a period of escalating energy costs, with crude oil trading near $100 per barrel on Friday. The price surge coincides with the ongoing U.S.-Israel conflict now in its second week, creating additional pressure on global oil and gas markets.
PORTLAND, Ore. — Federal agents in Portland will face new restrictions on their use of chemical weapons during protests outside the Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility, following a court ruling issued Monday by U.S. District Judge Michael Simon.
The decision comes as a result of legal action brought by the ACLU of Oregon representing demonstrators and freelance journalists who claim they were targeted with excessive force by federal officers.
During a three-day court proceeding, several plaintiffs took the stand to describe their experiences with chemical and projectile weapons deployed by federal agents. Among those testifying were a protester known for donning a chicken outfit, an elderly married couple in their eighties, and two freelance journalists.
The legal challenge names the Department of Homeland Security among its defendants and contends that federal officers’ deployment of such weapons constitutes retaliation that violates protesters’ constitutional free speech rights.
In his written decision, Judge Simon noted the extensive video evidence presented in court. “Plaintiffs provided numerous videos, which were received in evidence and unambiguously show DHS officers spraying OC Spray directly into the faces of peaceful and nonviolent protesters engaged in, at most, passive resistance and discharging tear gas and firing pepper-ball munitions into crowds of peaceful and nonviolent protestors,” Simon wrote, using the term OC Spray to refer to pepper spray.
The judge further criticized federal agents’ actions, stating: “Defendants’ conduct — physically harming protestors and journalists without prior dispersal warnings — is objectively chilling.”
The Department of Homeland Security has not yet responded to requests for comment regarding the ruling. In earlier statements, the agency maintained that federal officers operated within their training protocols and applied only the minimum force required.
This marks the second recent court order restricting federal agents’ use of chemical weapons at the ICE facility. Judge Simon had previously imposed a temporary restraining order with similar limitations, and another federal judge overseeing a separate case filed by residents of nearby affordable housing also issued restrictions.
The aggressive crowd control methods employed by federal officers have drawn scrutiny as demonstrations continue across the nation in response to the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement initiatives.
Under Monday’s court order, federal agents are prohibited from deploying chemical or projectile weapons like pepper balls and tear gas unless an individual presents an immediate threat of physical violence. The ruling also bars officers from aiming such weapons at a person’s head, neck, or torso “unless the officer is legally justified in using deadly force against that person.”
The order further prohibits the indiscriminate use of pepper spray that could impact bystanders, limiting its use to situations involving violent illegal behavior, active resistance to arrest, or “as reasonably necessary in a defensive capacity.” Judge Simon clarified that actions such as trespassing, refusing to relocate, or ignoring dispersal orders constitute passive rather than active resistance.
The judge also approved provisional class certification, expanding the order’s protection to include all individuals who have peacefully demonstrated or covered protests at the ICE building in recent months.
The preliminary injunction will stay in place as the legal case moves forward.
March 9 – Leaders at artificial intelligence company Anthropic warn that potential Pentagon blacklisting could slash the firm’s revenue by billions of dollars in 2026 while inflicting lasting damage to its business reputation.
The AI company initiated legal action Monday seeking to prevent the Department of Defense from adding it to a national security exclusion list, intensifying a major dispute with military officials over technology use limitations.
In federal court documents, company executives detailed the financial impact they expect from the government’s actions.
Chief Financial Officer Krishna Rao stated that “Across Anthropic’s entire business, and adjusting for how likely any given customer is to take a maximal reading, the government’s actions could reduce Anthropic’s 2026 revenue by multiple billions of dollars.”
Rao warned that if federal officials proceed with their plans, the damage to Anthropic would be “almost impossible to reverse.” The company estimates that hundreds of millions in 2026 earnings tied specifically to Defense Department work face elimination.
The CFO also noted that the situation threatens investor confidence and will drive up costs for securing necessary operating capital. Defense contractors and related entities could reduce their business with Anthropic by 50% to 100%.
Public Sector Division Head Thiyagu Ramasamy emphasized the immediate consequences, explaining that “The government’s actions immediately and irreparably harm Anthropic. The designation also impugns Anthropic’s integrity and reputation as a trusted partner, having a real but incalculable effect on sales to non-governmental customers.”
Ramasamy projects an instant loss exceeding $150 million in yearly recurring income from current and anticipated Pentagon agreements. Between December 2025 and January 2026, the company experienced a four-fold jump in annual recurring revenue from government clients, with five-year projections reaching multiple billions.
Should defense industry partners sever relationships, Anthropic’s anticipated government sector annual recurring revenue of over half a billion dollars in 2026 could “shrink substantially or disappear altogether,” according to Ramasamy.
Chief Commercial Officer Paul Smith documented specific business losses already occurring. One partner holding a multi-million-dollar yearly agreement abandoned Claude AI software in favor of a competing system for Food and Drug Administration applications, eliminating an expected revenue stream worth more than $100 million.
Smith reported that discussions with financial institutions valued at approximately $180 million combined have been disrupted. A $15 million agreement was suspended, and one financial technology client reduced their contract from $10 million to $5 million, citing the Pentagon “situation” as reason for limiting Claude spending.
More than 100 corporate customers have contacted Anthropic expressing “deep fear, confusion and doubt” regarding potential consequences of maintaining business relationships with the company, Smith revealed.
Taiwan’s Defense Minister Wellington Koo announced Tuesday that American officials have not contacted his government regarding potential weapons transfers to support Middle East operations, even as similar conversations are reportedly underway with South Korea.
Last Friday, South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun revealed that American and South Korean military officials are discussing the potential relocation of US Patriot missile defense systems currently stationed in South Korea for use in the conflict with Iran.
During a press briefing at Taiwan’s parliament, Koo explained that any redeployment of American-manufactured weapons from Taiwan would only occur following a formal US request. He noted that if such a request were made, the United States would handle all transportation logistics.
“But so far, because of the U.S.–Iran war, they have not approached us about making use of any of our related equipment,” Koo stated.
Taiwan maintains Patriot missiles as part of its defense arsenal, with the United States serving as the island’s primary weapons supplier. The democratically-run nation continues to face mounting military threats from China, which considers Taiwan part of its territory. Taiwan’s leadership firmly disputes Beijing’s territorial claims.
According to South Korean media reports citing government sources, Patriot systems are being prepared for Middle East deployment, with large American military cargo aircraft arriving at Osan Air Base to facilitate the transfer.
Drivers across the Delmarva Peninsula should prepare for treacherous morning commute conditions Tuesday as the National Weather Service has issued a Dense Fog Advisory affecting much of our viewing area.
The advisory goes into effect at 2 AM Tuesday and remains in place until 10 AM, covering New Castle and Kent counties in Delaware, along with Queen Anne’s and Caroline counties on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. Visibility could drop to just one-quarter to one-half mile in the thickest fog.
“Low visibility could make driving conditions hazardous,” warns the National Weather Service Mount Holly office, which issued the advisory Monday evening.
Motorists planning to travel during the early morning hours should take extra precautions. Weather officials strongly recommend slowing down, using headlights, and maintaining a safe following distance. Even familiar routes can become dangerous when visibility is severely reduced.
The fog is expected to gradually lift as temperatures warm throughout the morning, with conditions improving by mid-morning. However, drivers should remain cautious even after the advisory expires, as patchy fog may linger in some low-lying areas.
Stay with TV Delmarva for continued weather updates as conditions develop overnight.
A Dense Fog Advisory remains in effect for Delaware’s beaches and much of the New Jersey coast until 10 AM Tuesday morning, creating potentially dangerous travel conditions across the region.
The National Weather Service reports visibility has dropped to just one-quarter to one-half mile in dense fog affecting Delaware Beaches, along with Eastern Monmouth, Cape May, Atlantic Coastal Cape May, Coastal Atlantic, and Coastal Ocean counties in New Jersey.
Motorists are urged to exercise extreme caution during their Tuesday morning commute, as the thick fog could make driving treacherous along coastal highways and local roads. Weather officials stress that drivers should slow down significantly, use their headlights even during daylight hours, and maintain extra distance between vehicles.
The fog advisory, issued Monday evening at 7:33 PM, is expected to lift by mid-morning Tuesday as temperatures warm and atmospheric conditions improve.
Residents planning early morning travel should allow extra time for their commute and consider delaying non-essential trips until visibility improves. Local emergency officials remind drivers that if visibility becomes extremely limited, the safest option is to pull over at a safe location and wait for conditions to clear.
Stay with TV Delmarva for continued weather updates throughout your Tuesday morning.
Travelers can expect to pay more for flights as airlines worldwide respond to skyrocketing fuel costs triggered by the ongoing Middle East conflict.
Air New Zealand announced Tuesday that it has increased ticket prices and warned of potential additional fare hikes as jet fuel expenses have surged dramatically. The airline reported that fuel costs, previously ranging from $85 to $90 per barrel before the conflict began, have now climbed to between $150 and $200 per barrel in recent days.
The carrier has implemented fare increases of NZ$10 ($5.92) for domestic one-way economy tickets, NZ$20 for short-distance international flights, and NZ$90 for long-distance routes. Due to ongoing uncertainty surrounding the conflict, the airline has also suspended its 2026 financial projections.
“If the conflict leads to continued elevated jet fuel costs, we may need to take further pricing action and adjust our network and schedule as required,” Air New Zealand stated.
The U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran has caused oil prices to spike dramatically, creating widespread disruption in global travel markets and raising concerns about potential flight cancellations and reduced service.
Other airlines are also feeling the pressure. Vietnam Airlines has petitioned local officials to eliminate environmental taxes on jet fuel to help maintain operations. The Vietnamese government reported that domestic carriers are facing operating cost increases of 60% to 70% due to rising fuel prices, with suppliers struggling to meet airline demand.
Air New Zealand indicated that while New Zealand currently has adequate jet fuel supplies, the company is maintaining close communication with suppliers and government officials to track global developments.
Following Monday’s market turbulence, airline stocks began showing signs of recovery after President Donald Trump suggested the conflict might end soon. This announcement helped oil prices retreat to approximately $90 per barrel on Tuesday from Monday’s peak of $119.
Asian airline stocks demonstrated stabilization, with Air New Zealand climbing 2% after Monday’s nearly 8% decline. Korean Air Lines increased 6% following the previous day’s 8.6% drop, while Qantas Airways gained over 1% after falling 4.5% on Monday. Japan Airlines also rose more than 2%.
Fuel represents airlines’ second-largest operational expense after labor costs, typically comprising 20% to 25% of total operating expenses. While some major Asian and European carriers have oil price hedging strategies in place, most U.S. airlines discontinued this practice over the past twenty years.
Elevated oil prices and airspace restrictions due to the conflict are limiting airline capacity, driving ticket prices significantly higher on certain routes and causing travelers to reconsider their plans as the busy summer travel season approaches.
The conflict is having broader impacts on the travel industry. Major Middle Eastern carriers Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Etihad typically transport about one-third of passengers traveling from Europe to Asia and more than half of all travelers from Europe to Australia, New Zealand, and surrounding Pacific Islands, according to aviation data firm Cirium.
South Korean travel company HanaTour Service has begun canceling group tours involving Middle East destinations, including Dubai trips and European itineraries with Dubai connections. The company is waiving cancellation fees for affected customers and has suspended all Middle East-related tours for March.
Thailand’s Ministry of Tourism projects that if the conflict continues beyond eight weeks, the country will lose nearly 596,000 tourists and approximately 40.9 billion baht ($1.29 billion) in tourism revenue.
Five members of Iran’s women’s national soccer team have received asylum protection in Australia after authorities helped them escape from their hotel where Iranian government officials were monitoring their activities.
Australian Interior Minister Tony Burke announced Tuesday that federal police successfully removed the players from their accommodation on Monday evening, relocating them to a secure facility under law enforcement protection.
The group includes team captain Zahra Ghanbari along with Zahra Sarbali Alishah, Mona Hamoudi, Atefeh Ramezanizadeh, and Fatemeh Pasandideh. The Iranian government had labeled these athletes as “wartime traitors” following their refusal to perform their country’s national anthem prior to an Asian Cup competition.
According to Burke, discussions regarding asylum requests had been taking place over multiple days before the Monday night operation. Immigration authorities finalized the women’s humanitarian visa paperwork around 1:30 a.m. Tuesday morning.
“Once everything had been signed off last night, there were lots of photos, lots of celebrating, and then a spontaneous outcry of ‘Aussie, Aussie, Aussie, oi, oi, oi’,” Burke reported during his press briefing.
“These women are great athletes, great people, and they’re going to feel very much at home in Australia,” the minister added.
The team’s tournament participation occurred amid military strikes by the United States and Israel against Iran. Australian media had documented that Iranian government representatives were accompanying the soccer squad and restricting their freedom of movement.
Burke revealed that Australian security personnel had been safeguarding the women even before their asylum request. “There’s been a good police presence at different points and we just made sure that opportunity was there,” he explained.
Four of the asylum recipients play for Bam Khatoon, a dominant club that has captured Iran’s women’s soccer championship eleven times. Captain Ghanbari previously competed for this team before transferring to Persepolis this season.
The 33-year-old striker, who holds Iran’s women’s international scoring record, faced suspension in 2024 when her mandatory hijab fell off during a goal celebration in Asian Champions League play. She was permitted to return only after both she and her club issued public apologies.
During Iran’s tournament-ending loss to the Philippines on Sunday, Ghanbari’s head covering again slipped off multiple times throughout the match.
Burke indicated that Australia’s asylum offer extends to the remaining 21 squad members still staying at their Gold Coast hotel, though he expects some will choose to return to Iran.
“These women have been weighing up an incredibly difficult decision,” the minister acknowledged.
