ASBURY PARK, N.J. — Despite cold temperatures and snow blanketing the Jersey Shore, farmers throughout New Jersey gathered at the Berkeley Oceanfront hotel on Saturday, January 31st for the Northeast Organic Farming Association – New Jersey’s annual winter conference.
The keynote presentation featured Anna Roberts, a representative from The Moth storytelling organization, who may have appeared to be an unconventional choice for an agricultural audience. However, conference organizers recognized that farming professionals possess compelling narratives worth sharing, particularly newer farmers who may lack outlets for their experiences.
Roberts provided background information about The Moth, an organization that brings individuals to stages worldwide to share personal narratives. The group also produces an NPR radio program and podcast featuring these stories.
Speakers at Moth events tell their stories without written materials, focusing on life-changing moments and transformative experiences.
Roberts first encountered The Moth concept during her graduate studies when her journalism class visited a Union Square café for five-minute storytelling sessions.
“It dawned on me why we were doing it,” Roberts explained, “journalism school is so competitive.” The exercise helped students open up about themselves, and Roberts believes agricultural professionals can experience similar benefits.
“Stories can show how we can make meaning of what we want to say,” she noted. “Our brains are wired for storytelling and they sync up when people are listening.” Roberts emphasized that information wrapped in narrative form becomes more memorable.
Following a demonstration using an actual Moth story, Roberts invited conference attendees to share their own experiences. She outlined storytelling fundamentals, focusing on technique and creating emotional connections with listeners. “Each story has an arc,” Roberts said, explaining that compelling narratives involve genuine transformation and shifts in how storytellers relate to institutions or the world around them. She encouraged participants to consider prompts like “I used to…” or “now I…”
Roberts walked the audience through examples showing that while story stakes can vary dramatically, all effective narratives contain conflict and tension. She advised speakers to observe their audience and adapt accordingly.
“There is no best way to share,” she concluded. “So share as yourself.”
Multiple attendees volunteered to share farming-related anecdotes, with several participants noting that the storytelling exercise helped them feel more connected to fellow farmers in attendance.
ATLANTIC CITY — Renowned autism advocate and livestock expert Dr. Temple Grandin traveled from Colorado to address agricultural professionals during a midday presentation at the Northeast Ag Expo in Atlantic City late last month.
The 78-year-old Colorado State University professor, who holds a doctorate in animal science, shared her personal journey and professional insights with attendees. Following her presentation, Grandin signed copies of her latest publication “Thinking In Pictures” along with her other written works.
Drawing from her experience growing up with undiagnosed autism in the 1950s, Grandin spoke candidly about facing bullying throughout her educational years. Born into an affluent Boston family, she didn’t receive an autism diagnosis until her early twenties while attending college.
Beyond her numerous publications and biographical films, Grandin has revolutionized livestock handling through innovative facility designs that minimize animal stress. Her work has transformed slaughterhouse operations across the nation to create more humane conditions.
Reflecting on her childhood, Grandin explained how she was initially labeled as having “brain damage” during an era when autism was poorly understood. She described her learning challenges with abstract concepts, noting her preference for visual and concrete thinking.
“I never got a chance to try geometry because I failed miserably in Algebra,” she explained. “But I could always do real world, applied practical math. The problem with algebra is it’s too abstract for me to remember.”
The speaker strongly advocated for music and arts education for children on the autism spectrum, emphasizing the developmental benefits these programs provide.
Grandin stressed the critical importance of early employment opportunities for young people, particularly those working outside their family circle to build essential life competencies.
“We need paper route substitutes nowadays, like walking the neighbors’ dogs, where you are doing something for somebody outside the immediate family, even church or synagogue volunteer jobs, these kids need real jobs,” she stated, highlighting the necessity of developing practical skills.
“I advocate now for getting work skills early on,” she continued. “Let’s say a guy is going into college now with no work skills. Let him slow down, five years [instead of four,] and he’ll gain some work and life skills while he’s there. These are the things I see as I travel around.”
During her youth, Grandin found refuge from bullying by working at a local horse facility, which became a safe haven for her development.
“At 13, my mother got me a job with a lady who works out of her home altering dresses. When I was in college I did internships in research labs and also as an aide for children with autism. How did I get the research job? One of my professors in college had a friend with a research lab. That’s how you get into these places, take these jobs through the back doors. Your 18-year-old needs to get a job,” she shared.
The expert emphasized that developing life skills during elementary school years through part-time employment opportunities is crucial for all children.
“Get your 8-and-9-year-old child out there selling stuff so they learn how to talk to people. This is important!” she urged.
Grandin recommended that younger children with autism can gain valuable experience working with smaller farm animals including goats, sheep, chickens, and rabbits. She expressed frustration with educators struggling to help students who cannot master abstract mathematical concepts like algebra and trigonometry.
“There are some very good programs in low income areas where kids are working with turkeys and raising chickens, so this is something where you can raise an animal and learn from it, and you can always take them to places where you couldn’t keep a lamb,” she noted.
“And I want to commend the 4-H leaders that are in here today because these are really great programs that get young people involved and interested. With construction companies, the big question is how do we get them interested? We can’t take little kids onto construction sites but getting them into a building with a window next to a big construction site is one way to get them interested. I’m a big believer that you have to show [autistic] kids interesting things to get them interested in interesting things. My interest in cows started in high school,” she recalled.
Grandin concluded by emphasizing that overcoming fears and anxieties requires exposure to new experiences and challenges.
“Get the kids out and get them doing a lot more real things in real time,” she advised.
CHESTER TOWNSHIP, NJ — When labor shortages threatened to ruin the harvest at Riamede Farm back in 1974, the owners placed a newspaper advertisement asking community members to come pick their own vegetables. That creative solution not only saved the crop but launched what would become a beloved u-pick destination in Western Morris County.
Today, Ashley Adsell runs the historic 60-acre operation alongside farm manager Jamie Bourgeois. The former Naval officer had no agricultural background when a previous owner recruited her help, but her military experience provided valuable leadership and risk assessment skills that translated well to farming.
After 11 years in the Navy, Adsell saw an opportunity to purchase the property, settle outstanding debts, and begin a new chapter. Bourgeois, who hails from a South Jersey farming family, has worked at Riamede for 17 years and brings the technical expertise that complements Adsell’s management abilities.
The farm’s name comes from an early farmer named Mead and his wife Mariah. Located on sloping terrain north of Chester Borough’s shopping area, near the popular Bernie’s bar, Riamede sits in a stone farmhouse originally constructed in 1742. Interestingly, Adsell grew up just miles away in another stone house built around the same time by a brother of Riamede’s original builder, both members of the historically significant Swayze family.
The original two-room structure (one upstairs, one down) received a major expansion in 1790 that more than doubled its size. Additional renovations over the years created the current home where Adsell lives with her 4-year-old son Oliver, while also housing the farm office and seasonal workers.
Apple production has anchored the farm since the 1930s, with some original trees still bearing fruit. The orchard spans 30 acres and showcases 54 different varieties, including Rome, Winesap, Red and Gold Delicious, Cortlands, Paragons, Northern Spy, and Macintosh. Adsell has observed how flavors have evolved between older and newer plantings of traditional varieties.
“Taste is powerful,” Adsell explained. “It connects us to history.”
The apple trees range from historic specimens to recent additions from Rutgers University’s experimental program. When Adsell took over, she noticed limited recent plantings and has since added approximately 500 new trees using tighter spacing methods. However, many mature trees remain both for their fruit production and the character they bring to the landscape.
Adsell has incorporated modern technology including a weather station and is exploring remote soil monitoring systems. While she embraces these innovations, her primary goals focus on water conservation and minimizing chemical applications. She’s also diversifying the orchard with Asian pears and peach trees.
Recognizing that apples may not hold the same appeal for all consumers, Adsell has expanded the agritourism aspects of the operation. The farm offers hayrides to the orchard and various entertainment options to draw visitors.
The 10-acre vegetable section continues the u-pick tradition that saved the farm decades ago. Adsell finds it remarkable how enthusiastic people become about harvesting their own produce, noting with amusement: “Who’d think people would get excited about pick-your-own-eggplant?”
Bourgeois plants numerous vegetable varieties reflecting Morris County’s ethnic diversity, acknowledging that different eggplant types serve as staples across many global cuisines. What surprises Adsell most is how disconnected many visitors are from agricultural processes. People express amazement at seeing how broccoli and Brussels sprouts develop, and even at the appearance of tomato plants.
This disconnect motivates her educational efforts, particularly welcoming children to the farm. The fall festival features a child-sized corn maze and apple slingshot (a corn cannon would be inappropriate given the nearby residential area). While Riamede doesn’t produce its own cider, Adsell purchases it from Melicks and combines it with soft-serve ice cream to create apple-cider slushies.
“Every new crop is a new business,” she observed about the challenges of diversification.
The agritourism expansion includes monthly line dancing in one of the property’s barns, plus music events on alternate weekends. Adsell organizes two annual craft and vendor fairs: one in early May and another on Veterans Day weekend with a “Christmas at the farm” theme.
Her commitment to agricultural education extends to hosting school field trips, allowing children to experience both the educational and entertainment aspects of farm life. Through u-pick operations, hayrides, and various events, Adsell has successfully created a genuine community gathering place in her corner of Chester Township.
The ATX Open will crown an American champion for the second year running after Peyton Stearns and Taylor Townsend both claimed semifinal victories Saturday in Austin, Texas, setting up Sunday’s championship showdown between the two Americans.
Stearns, seeded fourth in the tournament and a former University of Texas standout who captured All-American honors, a national singles title, and helped deliver two NCAA team championships during her college career in Austin, battled through a three-set thriller against Australia’s Kimberly Birrell, winning 6-3, 3-6, 6-2. The victory sends Stearns to her first singles championship match since capturing her only career title in Morocco in 2024.
Townsend earned her spot in the final by defeating American compatriot Ashlyn Krueger in straight sets, 7-6 (5), 6-3, marking her debut appearance in a WTA singles final. The 2023 tournament also featured an all-American championship match when Jessica Pegula defeated McCartney Kessler 7-5, 6-2.
Stearns needed slightly more than two hours to close out Birrell, claiming the final five games of the match to seal her advancement to her third career championship match. She successfully defended five of ten break point opportunities while capitalizing on seven of her ten chances, including converting two of the match’s final three break points.
Townsend faced early adversity against Krueger, dropping 12 of the opening 15 points and falling behind 0-4 in the first set before mounting her comeback. She responded by capturing six of the following seven games, breaking Krueger’s serve when her opponent was attempting to close out the set. Despite allowing a 5-1 tiebreak advantage to slip away, Townsend saved set point and eventually prevailed in the tiebreaker.
At the Merida Open Akron tournament in Mexico, Spain’s Cristina Bucsa pulled off a major upset by defeating top-seeded Jasmine Piolini of Italy, earning a championship match against Poland’s Magdalena Frech, who eliminated China’s Zhang Shuai in the other semifinal.
Bucsa recorded her first career victory over a Top 10 opponent, sweeping Piolini 7-5, 6-4 to reach her inaugural WTA 500 final. The Spanish player had previously lost all 10 encounters against Top 10 competitors before defeating the world’s seventh-ranked player in one hour and 33 minutes. Bucsa maintained her perfect set record for the week, building leads of 5-2 in the opening set and 4-0 in the second set during her upset victory.
Frech advanced by outlasting Zhang in a marathon 6-2, 6-7 (6), 6-3 battle lasting two hours and 35 minutes, securing her third WTA singles final appearance and second at the WTA 500 level in Mexico. The Polish player held four match points during the second set, but Zhang forced a deciding third set with her tiebreak victory.
Though Zhang accumulated nearly twice as many winners as Frech, the Polish competitor persevered for the victory. Following an exchange of breaks to start the final set, Frech captured the match’s last four games to complete her hard-earned triumph.
Luka Doncic marked his 27th birthday in style, putting up 26 points along with eight assists and six rebounds as the Los Angeles Lakers dominated the Golden State Warriors 129-101 on Saturday night in San Francisco.
The Lakers entered the Bay Area having dropped three consecutive games but bounced back in emphatic fashion. After falling behind by two points early, Los Angeles responded with 10 straight points to take control and never looked back.
LeBron James contributed 22 points while connecting on 4 of 6 attempts from beyond the arc and shooting 7 of 13 overall from the field. James nearly recorded a triple-double, distributing a team-high nine assists while pulling down seven rebounds.
The Warriors struggled offensively, with only one player reaching double figures beyond 12 points. Gui Santos topped Golden State’s scoring with 14 points. Moses Moody contributed 12 points entirely from three-point range, making 4 of 10 attempts from deep. De’Anthony Melton chipped in 10 points while Al Horford provided eight points coming off the bench.
Hornets 109, Trail Blazers 93
Brandon Miller drained six three-pointers on his way to a team-leading 26 points as Charlotte defeated Portland at home.
Coby White made his long-awaited Hornets home debut after arriving via trade from Chicago and recovering from injury, contributing 20 points off the bench with 10 in each half to help Charlotte extend its winning streak to four games. The Hornets put the game away with a 10-0 scoring run that created a 17-point advantage in the final quarter.
Portland was paced by Jrue Holiday’s 25 points, while Jerami Grant added 21 points, marking his fourth consecutive contest with at least 20 points for the first time this season.
Heat 115, Rockets 105
Bam Adebayo recorded a double-double and Andrew Wiggins sparked a fourth-quarter comeback after returning from an in-game injury to power Miami past Houston at home.
Adebayo delivered 24 points and 11 rebounds to help the Heat end a two-game slide. Pelle Larsson contributed 20 points and Tyler Herro added 18 in a well-distributed offensive effort. However, it was Wiggins who provided the crucial fourth-quarter spark after taking an elbow to the jaw from Rockets center Alperen Sengun, requiring stitches to close a facial cut. Wiggins recorded 12 points, six rebounds, four assists and three blocks.
Kevin Durant paced Houston with a game-high 32 points and eight assists. Amen Thompson recorded 20 points and 11 rebounds for a double-double, while Tari Eason added 10 points and 11 boards. Reed Sheppard provided 14 points and five assists for the Rockets.
Raptors 134, Wizards 125
Immanuel Quickley recorded 27 points and 11 assists to guide Toronto to a road victory over Washington.
Brandon Ingram contributed 24 points and RJ Barrett added 21 for Toronto, which ended a two-game losing streak. Jakob Poeltl posted 18 points and 10 rebounds while Scottie Barnes scored 18 for the Raptors, who shot an outstanding 71.4% in the second half while putting up 73 points. Toronto finished the game shooting 60% from the field.
Will Riley led Washington with 19 points, followed by Bilal Coulibaly and Kyshawn George with 14 points each. Tristan Vukcevic added 13 points, while Bub Carrington and Justin Champagnie each finished with 12. The Wizards connected on 16 of 34 three-point attempts and shot 53.4% overall but suffered their fourth straight defeat.
Pelicans 115, Jazz 105
Saddiq Bey led New Orleans with 24 points as the Pelicans defeated Utah at home for the second time in three days.
Bey, who posted a season-high 42 points in Thursday night’s 129-118 victory, received double-figure support from rookie Jeremiah Fears with 18 points and a season-high 11 rebounds, Bryce McGowens with 18 points, Herb Jones with 17 and Jordan Poole with 11 as New Orleans extended its winning streak to four games. Top scorer Trey Murphy III missed his fifth straight game due to a right shoulder contusion, and second-leading scorer Zion Williamson managed just four points in 11 minutes before exiting with a right ankle injury.
Isaiah Collier scored 21 points to pace Utah, while Keyonte George returned from a six-game absence due to an ankle injury to contribute 17 points. Elijah Harkless added 14, Ace Bailey had 13, Kyle Filipowski scored 12 and Brice Sensabaugh contributed 10 for the Jazz, who dropped their fifth consecutive game.
NAIROBI – Six individuals perished in a helicopter accident that occurred Saturday in Kenya’s western region, with a sitting member of parliament among the victims, according to police and government sources.
The aircraft went down in Nandi County, located in the North Rift area of the country. Authorities have not yet determined what caused the fatal crash. Samuel Mukusi, the county’s police commander, confirmed to Citizen TV that the casualties included the parliamentarian, the aircraft’s pilot, and four additional passengers.
In a social media statement, President William Ruto named the deceased lawmaker as Johana Ng’eno, who represented the Emurua Dikirr constituency.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, his friends, the people of Emurua Dikirr, and all the victims and families affected by the helicopter crash in Mosop, Nandi County,” Ruto wrote.
Authorities have not released the identities of the remaining passengers who died in the crash.
Belgian military forces have intercepted and taken control of an oil tanker suspected of operating as part of Russia’s covert shipping network, according to an announcement from Belgian Defense Minister Theo Francken on Sunday.
The operation involved Belgian armed forces working in coordination with French defense personnel to board the vessel at sea, Francken revealed in a social media statement posted early Sunday morning.
“Over the past few hours, our armed forces, with the support of the French Defence, have boarded an oil tanker belonging to the Russian shadow fleet,” Francken wrote on X.
The intercepted tanker is now under military escort heading toward Zeebrugge port, where Belgian authorities plan to formally confiscate the vessel, the defense minister confirmed.
“The vessel is currently being escorted to the port of Zeebrugge, where it will be seized,” Francken stated in his announcement.
ATLANTIC CITY — A Burlington County farmer has distilled her family business strategy into a single, powerful concept.
Rose Robson, who operates the fourth-generation Robson Family Farm in Wrightstown, told attendees at the Northeast Agriculture Conference in late January that choosing one defining word transformed her approach to business. Speaking at Harrah’s Resort Atlantic City, she explained her philosophy.
“I think having a word is probably the most important thing you could do for your business. A word is basically the shortest form of a mission statement. Our word at Robson’s Farm is ‘cute,’” Robson said. “If it isn’t cute, we’re not saying it, we’re not posting it, we’re not stocking it at our farm stand, we’re not making it into merchandise.”
The farm, located next to the Joint MDL Base (previously McGuire Air Force Base), now focuses primarily on fruit orchards. Robson returned to agriculture after working in medical sales, a field she found profitable but personally unsatisfying. This marks her 13th year managing the family operation.
According to Robson, the business operates two main divisions: floral and produce. Customers receive 32-ounce containers and can harvest their own flowers. While she previously handled wedding arrangements, she discontinued that service due to excessive stress despite good profits.
The farm’s offerings include apples, peaches, paw-paws, donut peaches, cut flowers, and sunflowers. Robson applies her single-word branding strategy to analyze nearby competitors as well.
“The closest businesses to me that do something similar to me would be Strawberry Hill Farm, which does peaches and apples, and Johnson’s Locust Hall Farm, which does a lot of stuff, almost everything,” she explained.
“Johnson’s Farm is the other direction from us and they offer everything, weddings, hayrides, all kinds of baked goods and they offer premium products. The word I use for their farm is ‘luxury,’ and I would put Strawberry Hill as ‘classic,’ and we at Robson’s Farm directly in the middle, are ‘cute,’” she continued.
Robson detailed how she leverages digital platforms including the farm’s website, Facebook, and Instagram to gather customer feedback continuously. Weekly email newsletters help strengthen relationships with existing customers while attracting new ones, boosting revenue in the process.
“The only bad review we had online was someone who simply said ‘Bad.’ And it was in February and I’m pretty sure it was a disgruntled neighbor — 99% sure I know who it is, so we don’t even count that one,” she noted.
The farmer described her evolution in finding the right business model. Initially, they delivered vegetable packages to homes, which succeeded but required too much driving. Farmers’ markets followed but proved time-intensive with minimal returns.
“It was a nightmare, for me at least, so in 2019 we started saying ‘vegetable free in three,’ meaning in three years, we’re going to really commit to doing just orchard fruits and stop doing all the vegetable stuff. It just was not working.”
“Ultimately, I want to be in my own happy place and now I’m there, we also want to be the cutest and that is really important to me, so the scope of what we do is apples, peaches, paw-paws, you-cut flowers, and we have room to grow other unique crops, these items need to be unique hard-to-find and of high quality fit into what we are already doing. I’m putting in two new products this spring and it’s a lot of fun,” Robson revealed, though she kept the new offerings secret.
For flower picking, Robson charges $12, with the standard 32-ounce containers typically accommodating around 60 stems.
“Pay only for what you pick is what separates us from other farm businesses in our area, others charge an entry fee, so I’m constantly thinking about how we can add value without spending a ton of money,” she said.
Customer perspective drives all marketing decisions, according to Robson. She developed wallet-sized cards for fruit picking customers as an example of this approach.
“You have to come at it from a customer-focused perspective, what’s in it for the customer,” she emphasized, describing her Peach Pass program where customers provide email addresses in exchange for cards offering 10% discounts on picked fruit. During harvest season from July through October, she distributes peach and apple scented scratch-and-sniff stickers.
The farm’s popular paw-paw walks originated from an unexpected source. Several years ago, a National Geographic reporter inquired about special paw-paw events at the farm. Since none existed, Robson and her team created guided walks where visitors could pick from limited paw-paw trees. These September events continue today during what she calls “paw-paw insanity month.”
Robson stressed the importance of training staff to handle common customer questions effectively.
“Because nothing is worse than asking an employee a question and having him or her stumbling and stuttering and not sure who to ask. It doesn’t inspire much confidence in what’s going on at the farm,” she concluded.
CHESTER TOWNSHIP, N.J. — When a labor crisis struck in 1974, farm operators at Riamede Farm found an unexpected solution by placing a newspaper advertisement asking community members to harvest vegetables themselves or lend a hand during picking season.
The response was overwhelming. People flocked to help save the harvest and discovered they loved the hands-on farming experience.
That emergency measure transformed Riamede into one of Western Morris County’s premier pick-your-own destinations.
Today, Ashley Adsell runs the operation alongside farm manager Jamie Bourgeois. The former Naval officer was inexperienced in agriculture when a previous owner recruited her assistance. Bourgeois brings 17 years of experience at Riamede and comes from a South Jersey farming background. He lives on the property with his wife and daughters.
“I credit him with the farming innovations and expertise,” Adsell explained. However, her military background provided valuable leadership abilities, risk assessment skills, and decision-making experience that proved essential for agricultural management.
After 11 years in the Navy, Adsell was considering a career change when the farming opportunity presented itself. She purchased the land, cleared existing debts, and began her agricultural journey.
The sloping 60-acre property sits north of Chester Borough’s shopping area, near the well-known Bernie’s dive bar. The farm’s name combines “Mead” with his wife “Mariah” from an early farming family.
Riamede’s story mirrors Chester’s agricultural heritage. The original farmhouse dates to 1742, with Adsell’s childhood home just miles away on Route 124 built around the same period by a relative of Riamede’s builder. Both belonged to the Swayze family, prominent in Morris and Warren county history.
The initial structure contained just two rooms — one upstairs, one down. A “newer” section added in 1790 more than doubled the space. Subsequent expansions created the current home where Adsell lives with her 4-year-old son Oliver, along with farm offices and seasonal workers’ quarters.
Apple cultivation has dominated the farm since the 1930s, with some original trees still bearing fruit. The orchard showcases 54 varieties including Rome, Winesap, Red and Gold Delicious, Cortlands, Paragons, Northern Spy, and Macintosh. Adsell notes how flavors have evolved between older and newer plantings of the same varieties.
“Taste is powerful,” Adsell said, “it connects us to history.”
The 30-acre orchard contains everything from heritage specimens to recent varieties from Rutgers’ experimental program.
Upon assuming ownership, Adsell observed minimal recent plantings had occurred. She’s added approximately 500 new trees using tighter spacing while preserving older specimens for both their produce and the atmosphere they create.
Beyond expanding the orchard with climate-resilient varieties, Adsell has installed weather monitoring equipment and is exploring remote soil sensors. While embracing technology, she prioritizes water conservation and minimal chemical applications.
Asian pears and peach trees are joining the apple collection.
Although apples may not be everyone’s preferred fruit anymore, Adsell recognizes that pick-your-own operations and agricultural tourism create strong appeal. She offers orchard hayrides and various activities.
The property includes 10 acres dedicated to pick-your-own vegetables.
Adsell remains fascinated by visitors’ enthusiasm for specific crops. “Who’d think people would get excited about pick-your-own-eggplant?” Bourgeois cultivates numerous varieties reflecting Morris County’s ethnic diversity and eggplant’s global culinary importance.
She’s equally surprised by many people’s disconnection from agricultural processes.
Visitors express amazement at how broccoli and Brussels sprouts develop, even at tomato plant appearance. This motivates her to welcome children whenever possible. Her autumn celebration includes a child-sized corn maze and apple slingshot — residential proximity prevents using a corn cannon.
Rather than producing cider on-site, she purchases from Melicks and combines it with soft-serve for apple-cider slushies.
“Every new crop is a new business,” she observed.
Expanding into agritourism, Adsell hosts monthly line dancing in one barn and weekend music events. She organizes two annual craft and vendor markets — one in early May and another on Veterans Day weekend with a “Christmas at the farm” theme.
Her commitment to agricultural education includes school visits, with children enjoying both educational and entertainment offerings.
Through pick-your-own activities, hayrides, and special events, Adsell has fostered a genuine community within her Chester Township corner.
CRANBURY, N.J. — Freezing temperatures and bone-chilling winds couldn’t keep determined farmers and antique hunters away from a major equipment sale at the historic Walker Gordon Farms site this past January.
Nearly 200 bidders endured the harsh conditions on January 24th to participate in the extensive auction featuring dairy equipment, vintage furniture, and collectible items from the legendary Walker Gordon Dairy operation.
As one landscaper from Monmouth County put it: “We’re all just a little bit crazy.”
The crowd stayed warm thanks to burning wood barrels scattered around the property and heated indoor areas set up in various barns, according to auctioneer Alfred Finocchiaro from Alfred’s Auctions in Monroe Township.
Finocchiaro, who grew up working on family farms near Swedesboro in Gloucester County, has built strong relationships with area farmers over his years in the business and earned a solid reputation for conducting fair sales.
The veteran auctioneer noted that attendance could have been even larger, but a major snowstorm was forecast to hit the Mid-Atlantic region the following day, keeping some potential bidders at home.
Walker Gordon Dairy gained widespread recognition through its “Elsie the Cow” marketing efforts before ceasing dairy operations in the early 1970s. While portions of the original property along Route 1 were developed into residential communities, the auction site remained closer to Route 130 near South Brunswick township.
“We offered both vintage farm equipment and Walker Gordon memorabilia, which created an interesting mix of working farmers and antique enthusiasts,” Finocchiaro explained in a follow-up phone interview. “Some of the machinery went back more than a century, and the old Hickory furniture pieces were particularly popular with bidders.”
Despite the brutal weather conditions, Finocchiaro expressed satisfaction with both the turnout and the auction’s efficiency, which wrapped up in just over six hours. He praised his team, including his wife and assistants, along with the cooperative spirit of all attendees.
The sale’s major attractions included five operational John Deere tractors, with any mechanical issues like oil leaks clearly disclosed to potential buyers beforehand.
“Bidders came from Ohio, New York, Pennsylvania, and Delaware, and we definitely would have seen more out-of-state participation without that storm approaching,” he noted.
According to Finocchiaro, the auction’s success stemmed partly from Walker Gordon Dairy’s enduring reputation and the skilled maintenance performed by the farm’s mechanics and technicians who worked there through the 1970s and 1990s.
“My approach is complete honesty about every item,” Finocchiaro emphasized. “When equipment has problems like oil leaks, I make sure everyone knows upfront. Farmers understand machinery and do their own repairs, so they appreciate transparency. Even in those record-breaking cold temperatures, we started up all the old tractors so buyers could see exactly what they were getting. That level of openness made the whole event successful.”
ASBURY PARK, N.J. — Despite cold temperatures and snowy conditions along the Jersey Shore, agricultural professionals from across New Jersey gathered on Saturday, January 31st at the Berkeley Oceanfront hotel for the Northeast Organic Farming Association – New Jersey’s annual winter conference.
The event featured an unexpected but compelling keynote speaker: Anna Roberts from The Moth, a renowned storytelling organization. While her background might initially appear unrelated to agriculture, Roberts argued that farmers possess compelling narratives that deserve to be heard, particularly newer farmers who may lack outlets for sharing their experiences.
Roberts provided attendees with background information about The Moth, an organization that brings individuals to stages worldwide to share personal narratives. The group also produces an NPR radio program and podcast featuring these stories.
The organization’s speakers deliver their tales without written materials, focusing on pivotal life moments that created transformation, Roberts explained. Her own introduction to The Moth concept occurred during graduate studies when her class visited a Union Square café for five-minute storytelling sessions.
“It dawned on me why we were doing it,” Roberts explained. “Journalism school is so competitive.” The exercise helped students connect by revealing personal aspects of themselves, a benefit she believes farmers could also experience.
“Stories can show how we can make meaning of what we want to say,” she told the audience. “Our brains are wired for storytelling and they sync up when people are listening.” Roberts emphasized that information becomes more memorable when presented through narrative structure.
Following a demonstration using an actual Moth story, Roberts invited conference participants to share their own experiences. She outlined storytelling fundamentals, focusing on technique and creating emotional connections with listeners.
“Each story has an arc,” Roberts noted, explaining that effective narratives involve genuine transformation and shifts in how storytellers relate to organizations or the broader world. She encouraged participants to structure their thoughts around “I used to…” or “now I…” frameworks.
Through brief video examples, Roberts demonstrated that while story stakes can vary dramatically in importance, all effective narratives contain conflict and tension. She advised speakers to observe their audience and adapt their delivery accordingly.
“There is no best way to share,” she concluded. “So share as yourself.”
Multiple conference attendees took the opportunity to share farming-related stories, with several participants noting that the exercise helped them feel more connected to fellow farmers in attendance.
ATLANTIC CITY — Dr. Temple Grandin, a renowned author, inventor, and advocate for individuals with autism, traveled from Colorado to address attendees at the Northeast Ag Expo’s lunchtime session in Atlantic City during late January. The Colorado State University professor, who holds a doctorate in animal science, conducted a book signing following her presentation, featuring her latest work “Thinking In Pictures” along with her other publications.
The accomplished speaker, known for incorporating humor into her presentations, shared personal experiences of growing up with autism during the 1950s and facing harassment throughout her educational journey for being different. Her autism diagnosis didn’t come until her early twenties while she was attending college.
At 78 years old, Grandin was raised in an affluent Boston family. Beyond her extensive writing and the multiple films documenting her life story, she has gained recognition for creating groundbreaking designs that minimize cattle stress at processing plants. Her work has transformed slaughterhouses across America to operate more humanely.
During her youth in the 1950s, Grandin received a “brain damage” diagnosis, but her learning difficulties stemmed from challenges with abstract thinking. She explained that her thought processes were picture-based and heavily visual in nature.
“I never got a chance to try geometry because I failed miserably in Algebra,” she explained. “But I could always do real world, applied practical math. The problem with algebra is it’s too abstract for me to remember.”
According to Grandin, music and arts education provides tremendous benefits for children on the autism spectrum.
She also advocates for allowing teenagers and preteens to begin employment with individuals outside their immediate family circle to build essential life skills.
“We need paper route substitutes nowadays, like walking the neighbors’ dogs, where you are doing something for somebody outside the immediate family, even church or synagogue volunteer jobs, these kids need real jobs,” she emphasized, highlighting the importance of developing life skills.
“I advocate now for getting work skills early on,” she continued. “Let’s say a guy is going into college now with no work skills. Let him slow down, five years [instead of four,] and he’ll gain some work and life skills while he’s there. These are the things I see as I travel around.”
In her younger years, Grandin found employment at a local horse farm, which became her refuge from bullying.
“At 13, my mother got me a job with a lady who works out of her home altering dresses. When I was in college I did internships in research labs and also as an aide for children with autism. How did I get the research job? One of my professors in college had a friend with a research lab. That’s how you get into these places, take these jobs through the back doors. Your 18-year-old needs to get a job,” she shared.
She stressed the importance of teaching all children life skills during elementary school through some form of part-time employment.
“Get your 8-and-9-year-old child out there selling stuff so they learn how to talk to people. This is important!”
Grandin noted that younger children with autism can gain valuable experience and life skills by working with smaller farm animals including goats, sheep, chickens, and rabbits. She expressed frustration with encountering discouraged educators in both public and private schools whose students struggle because they cannot master algebra, trigonometry, or pre-calculus.
“There are some very good programs in low income areas where kids are working with turkeys and raising chickens, so this is something where you can raise an animal and learn from it, and you can always take them to places where you couldn’t keep a lamb,” she noted.
“And I want to commend the 4-H leaders that are in here today because these are really great programs that get young people involved and interested. With construction companies, the big question is how do we get them interested? We can’t take little kids onto construction sites but getting them into a building with a window next to a big construction site is one way to get them interested. I’m a big believer that you have to show [autistic] kids interesting things to get them interested in interesting things. My interest in cows started in high school,” she recalled.
However, the crucial element, she emphasized, involves providing opportunities to face and overcome anxieties and fears.
“Get the kids out and get them doing a lot more real things in real time.”
ASBURY PARK, N.J. — Agricultural producers gathered at the Berkeley Oceanfront Hotel on January 31st for the annual winter gathering of the Northeast Organic Farming Association of New Jersey, where they were introduced to the organization’s newly appointed board president.
Melanie Ganzman, who has served as a board member for several years, stepped into the leadership role and addressed attendees before the main presentation. Speaking candidly about her background, Ganzman acknowledged that she entered agriculture without inherited farming traditions.
“I come to farming with no legacy,” she told the audience during her introductory remarks.
Her agricultural education included connecting with grain producers and visiting milling operations to understand the technical support requirements of the industry. When seeking guidance on policy matters, she consulted with Cali Alexander, a veteran and engaged board member.
“I went to Cali about policy,” Ganzman explained, “to get a sense of where I stand.”
Drawing parallels between her new responsibilities and agricultural work, she noted that “leadership is a lot like farming, it’s about stewardship.”
Ganzman concluded her address by outlining her guiding principles with the phrase “soil-labor-policy-trust.”
The conference also featured remarks from Assemblywoman Luanne M. Peterpaul (D-11), who addressed the farming community prior to the keynote presentation. A Newark native who has made Long Branch her long-term home, Peterpaul previously served as a municipal judge and currently operates as managing partner of Peterpaul Law in Asbury Park, where she focuses on employment law, general litigation, and educational training. Her background also includes work as an assistant county prosecutor, with educational credentials from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh and Seton Hall University Law School.
Currently serving as vice chair of the judiciary committee while also participating in financial institutions and insurance and aging and human services committees, Peterpaul expressed her desire to rejoin the agriculture committee where she previously served.
“Being on the ag committee opened my eyes to what our state is so much about: farmers, food, caring about people,” she stated, adding “I love so many women are involved in farming. They have a different sense of compassion and of gathering. It’s important for the legislature to know what you do.”
Concluding her remarks, Peterpaul assured the agricultural community: “You have a friend in the Assembly.”
ATLANTIC CITY — Agricultural spray drones hold tremendous promise for farmers, but federal agencies haven’t kept pace with the rapidly evolving technology, according to Adam Kyle from Warren County Rutgers Cooperative Extension.
Speaking at the Northeast Ag Expo in late January, Kyle discussed both the benefits and challenges surrounding spray drones that could help farmers save both time and money.
Farmer interest in spray drone technology has grown significantly in recent years, Kyle noted. The equipment proves especially valuable during wet conditions when traditional machinery cannot access fields.
“A lot of the companies that sell you drones offer you a waiver package which is typically a good thing,” Kyle explained. “The issue is I see a lot of farmers and companies that buy spray drones don’t usually read those exemptions exactly to a tee, so they’re good to fly them but they don’t understand everything they’re legally required to do.”
Kyle warned that misunderstanding these regulatory exemptions can lead to serious problems. While the Federal Aviation Administration has loose guidelines, no comprehensive regulations specifically govern spray drone operations.
“They have sets of regulations for smaller drones, but for the spray drone they have no formal sets of regulations yet, this is why it’s so complicated,” he said.
Despite the regulatory uncertainty, the market continues to grow rapidly. However, most drone companies lack sufficient personnel to serve all the farms requesting their services, particularly in northwestern New Jersey where Kyle works.
Many farmers have asked Kyle whether they should purchase their own spray drones, a question he finds difficult to answer given current circumstances. Meanwhile, companies offering drone services continue expanding at a rapid pace.
Kyle recommends farmers view spray drone technology as an additional resource rather than a replacement for existing equipment. The drones excel in situations where fields are too wet for conventional machinery or when terrain makes access difficult.
For now, hiring professional drone crews may be the safest approach, Kyle suggested.
“The drone doesn’t really care about terrain or road access,” he said.
Purchasing spray drone equipment requires substantial investment, with American-manufactured models typically costing more than Chinese-built alternatives.
Kyle has heard speculation about forthcoming FAA regulations for spray drones, but nothing concrete has emerged. He knows the agency is developing formal certification programs similar to existing Part 107 regulations, which would allow pilots to complete training at community colleges and obtain certification through testing.
“I know the FAA is working to create a formal set of regulations just like part 107 where you could just go and take a class at a community college and be able to take it online and then go take a test and be a certified drone pilot, but right now that’s not where it is and that’s why it’s so complicated with spray drones.”
Safety concerns include potential entanglement with power lines and drones straying into traffic areas. Kyle emphasized the serious risks involved when large spraying drones malfunction.
“If you have 100 liters of [potential] poison flying in the air, imagine if that goes out into the road or someone crashes into that. If you look online you can see that happening, you see them getting tangled in power lines all the time, people think of drones traditionally as a toy.”
As Kyle has learned more about spray drone safety requirements, he better understands the FAA’s cautious approach, particularly given the autonomous capabilities of modern spraying equipment.
Current drone models include video and audio safety systems designed to prevent collisions, Kyle noted. However, operators sometimes disable these features out of frustration or adjust sensitivity settings that may cause the system to miss thin branches or wires.
“It might see it sometimes but it also might not see it and it’ll fly right into that wire and now you have a $60,000 spray gun entangled in power lines,” he warned.
ASBURY PARK, N.J. — Three distinct Community Supported Agriculture operations shared their unique approaches during a panel discussion at the NOFA-NJ Winter Conference held at the Berkeley Oceanfront Hotel.
The panel showcased how CSA programs have developed differently to serve their communities. Dean and Emily Buttacavoli operate Cabbage Throw Farm in Hunterdon County on the Asbury side, while John Crooke manages Tinicum CSA across the Pennsylvania border near the Frenchtown Bridge. Jeff Tober oversees Rancocus Creek Farm, which operates under the Pinelands Alliance.
These Community Supported Agriculture programs have each found their own specialized approach over time. The CSA model provides farmers with guaranteed income upfront, as members purchase their seasonal produce before crops are even planted.
Crooke’s operation spans just over four acres within a 20-acre property. He manages eight acres total while his landlord runs a roadside nursery and farm stand on the same land. The two operations share equipment and facilities without interfering with each other, according to Crooke.
His operation supports nine employees, including several full-time workers, and serves 365 households who must collect their shares directly from the farm. Now in his 14th year, Crooke follows organic farming methods he’s developed through experience.
“There’s not so much motivation to apply for organic certification,” Crooke explained. “With a CSA, you build trust.” He emphasized that his customers have confidence in his practices without needing official certification.
Over the years, Crooke has adapted his approach. He switched from offering one large share to providing smaller options and implemented a sliding payment scale. Extending the pickup timeframe has also proven beneficial, he noted.
His marketing strategy includes direct-mail materials featuring numerous photographs, and Tinicum offers members choices by listing available items on a chalkboard.
The Buttacavolis depend entirely on their farm income, making their CSA’s success crucial since starting their operation in 2018. They lease land on both sides of the Musconetcong River, cultivating seven acres of vegetables on property that came with existing organic certification.
Their program offers three different share sizes throughout a 32-week growing period from May through December. The couple also operates at three farmers markets, allowing CSA members to pick up shares at any of these locations.
“We have a core group of customers,” Dean Buttacavoli said, noting that their 125 member families “have our back.” The couple felt significant pressure to launch their CSA during 2020 and made the transition the following year.
Emily Buttacavoli mentioned they process payments through Square, which streamlines her administrative duties.
Tober’s situation differs significantly from the others. He explained that the Pinelands Alliance acquired more than 72 acres that had been used for conventional soybean production for decades.
The alliance preserved the property and established its headquarters there, where Tober’s wife is employed. The land had experienced significant erosion and required extensive stormwater management improvements. Tober addressed the erosion issues, began carbon sequestration efforts, and enhanced soil quality.
His restoration work included planting over 1,200 trees and implementing former Agriculture Secretary Phil Alampi’s beneficial insect program. The farm now operates sustainably and hosts apprentices through the Collaborative Regional Alliance for Farm Training.
Tober launched a small CSA in his second year and expects to serve 425 members in the 2026 season. He created a flexible 21-week share program that offers only full shares but encourages families to split them. The program includes pick-your-own opportunities.
His revenue breakdown shows 55 percent from CSA sales, 9 percent wholesale, 9 percent farm store sales, 5 percent deliveries, 5 percent farmers markets, and 4 percent from farm-to-table fundraising events, with grants covering the remaining 7 percent due to the alliance’s nonprofit status.
The operation also generates income from value-added products, Tober noted. He highlighted the strong relationships with members, mentioning how staff received baked goods and hot breakfast sandwiches from members in 2015.
Following their presentations, the farmers answered audience questions moderated by NOFA’s Lana Mustafa. When asked about improving the CSA model, Crooke said he constantly observes other operations to identify better practices. Tober mentioned there’s a “level of CSA guilt” that can be applied to neighbors.
“It’s easier to sell a member on something new,” Dean Buttacavoli observed, suggesting the introduction of new vegetables, including ethnic varieties.
Traditional methods also maintain appeal. “It’s like vinyl records,” Crooke said, referring to his use of chalkboards. “It’s a human-oriented enterprise,” Tober added, noting that success ultimately depends on attention to detail, tracking customer preferences, and innovating when possible.
Dean Buttacavoli previously farmed in Camden for three years. “There is a benefit to growing in an urban setting,” he said, explaining that it creates demand while providing opportunities to educate consumers.
All three operations prioritize donating surplus produce, offering pick-your-own options, and composting as much as possible. The farmers remained available for individual discussions after the session concluded.
ATLANTIC CITY — The New Jersey Farm Bureau Women’s Committee brought together approximately 400 farmers and agricultural professionals for their annual Women in Agriculture luncheon during this year’s Northeast Ag Expo, timing the event to coincide with the United Nations’ designation of 2026 as the International Year of the Woman Farmer.
Darcy Perehinys, who helped organize the gathering, explained the unique challenges facing agricultural leaders today. “Leadership in agriculture doesn’t look like a corner office, it looks like boots by the door and a to-do list that never ends,” Perehinys said. “And sometimes plans completely fall apart before they’ve even been put into action. Let’s be honest, agriculture is hard. Some days it’s amazing and some days you question every decision that you ever made.”
According to Perehinys, the luncheon was designed as an opportunity for agricultural professionals to connect over a meal and share insights about their farming operations.
Dakota Meys, who serves as New Jersey Dairy Princess and is Perehinys’ daughter, addressed the crowd about the importance of guiding newcomers into agricultural careers.
“From dairy farms to produce fields, from equine operations to specialty crops, agriculture has shaped our state for generations now, and as we look to the future one thing is clear: the success of New Jersey agriculture depends on mentorship, generational learning and a willingness to open our hearts and our farms,” she said.
Meys emphasized that guidance in farming extends beyond technical skills. “Mentorship is one of the most powerful tools we have in agriculture, the lessons passed down from generation to generation go far beyond how to plant a crop or how to care for livestock, it teaches responsibility, perseverance and respect for the land.”
She added that honoring past agricultural practices while embracing innovation remains crucial. “Learning from the generations before us allows us to honor the sacrifices they made to keep agriculture alive in a small-but-mighty agricultural state like New Jersey. While technology continues to evolve, the values that define agriculture remain the same, by combining traditional knowledge with new ideas and innovation, we can continue our agricultural heritage while building a stronger future.”
The featured speaker, Dr. Carrie Edsall, teaches animal science at State University of New York, Cobleskill, and operates Black Willow Pond Farm near the campus where she raises chickens, pigs and sheep.
Edsall focused her presentation on straightforward approaches to farm marketing and sales, emphasizing the importance of establishing clear financial objectives.
She challenged attendees to consider their marketing strategies, asking, “we all know we can grow great things, but what happens if you can’t market them?” Edsall described her own efforts to secure farmers’ market spots and build relationships with restaurants, particularly targeting New York City’s market of 8 million consumers.
The professor shared how she incorporated her young sons into evening business meetings and prioritized building relationships with neighboring farmers and potential customers. Her farm hosts annual community events like hog roasts as part of her community outreach strategy.
“Technology and resources are out there and I urge you to grab them where you can, and when and where you can,” she said, noting her decision to invest time in networking with local businesses and farmers, including joining the New York State Certified Organic Association.
Throughout her presentation, Edsall returned to her central message about maintaining straightforward business goals. She acknowledged the demanding nature of farming, particularly dairy and livestock operations that require constant attention to animals.
“Keep your farm goals simple. What are your [monetary] targets for each new thing you’re introducing? When I started, it was, ‘I want to make $10,000 from those broiler chickens’ or ‘Can I make $10,000 off of these rabbits?’ It was simple and for some reason $10,000 was what I wanted each entity to be able to raise so that I would gross $50,000 and that number was a salary to me. I just set simple targets for that.”
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah — New Orleans Pelicans star Zion Williamson faces yet another injury concern after departing Saturday night’s matchup against the Utah Jazz during the second quarter with a right ankle problem.
Team officials confirmed that Williamson would sit out the remainder of the contest due to the ankle issue, though the Pelicans managed to secure a 115-105 victory without their star player.
Acting head coach James Borrego described the situation as Williamson having “tweaked the ankle,” though he couldn’t immediately assess how serious the injury might be. “Hopefully, it’s nothing serious, and we’ll have him back out there very soon,” Borrego stated.
This marks another health concern for the frequently sidelined forward, who had already been absent for 16 contests this season due to different physical issues. Saturday’s game represented Williamson’s 35th consecutive appearance — a personal NBA record — stretching back to December 11, following a five-game absence caused by a right hip adductor strain.
During his limited time on the court against Utah, Williamson recorded four points, two assists, and one rebound across 11 minutes of action.
The former Duke standout, chosen first overall by New Orleans in the 2019 NBA Draft, has managed to participate in only 258 out of a possible 543 regular-season contests throughout his professional career. Prior to his current streak, he had never played more than 25 straight games, and he missed the complete 2021-22 campaign due to a fractured right foot.
New Orleans was already dealing with a shortened roster, playing without small forward Trey Murphy (right shoulder), center Yves Missi (left calf), and guard Dejounte Murray (reconditioning).
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Iranian forces launched missile attacks targeting Israel and several Gulf nations on Sunday, responding to the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in a coordinated American-Israeli military operation. President Donald Trump has warned Tehran against additional escalation following the strikes.
Tehran confirmed Khamenei’s death occurred during the combined US-Israeli air assault on Saturday at his office complex in the Iranian capital, creating uncertainty about the Islamic Republic’s future and heightening concerns over regional stability.
Iranian state television reported that the 86-year-old leader died at his workplace, stating this “demonstrated his unwavering commitment to remain with his people and fulfill his duties while facing what authorities describe as global tyranny.”
Trump declared that eliminating Khamenei provided Iranians with their “best opportunity” to “reclaim” their nation.
“Khamenei, among history’s most wicked individuals, is deceased,” Trump posted on social media.
Iran’s government pledged this “heinous act will face consequences,” while the paramilitary Revolutionary Guard promised to execute their “most aggressive military campaign” in history, focusing on Israeli and American installations.
“You have violated our boundaries and must face retribution,” declared Iran’s parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf during a televised speech Sunday. “We will inflict such crushing defeats that you will find yourselves pleading for mercy.”
“Iran has announced they plan to strike with unprecedented force today,” Trump responded via social media. “THEY HAD BETTER RECONSIDER, BECAUSE IF THEY PROCEED, WE WILL RESPOND WITH POWER NEVER BEFORE WITNESSED!”
Following the initial attacks, Iranian forces immediately deployed missiles and drones against Israeli territory and American military facilities in Bahrain, Kuwait and Qatar. Israeli defense officials reported Iran launched numerous missiles toward Israel, with many successfully intercepted. The Magen David Adom emergency service confirmed Saturday evening that a woman in the Tel Aviv vicinity died from injuries sustained during an Iranian missile strike.
Aviation across the Middle East faced disruptions, while air defense systems activated over Dubai, the UAE’s business hub, with explosions persisting through Sunday morning. Iranian missile fragments striking the UAE capital resulted in one fatality according to state media, while debris from aerial intercepts sparked fires at the city’s primary port and damaged the famous Burj Al Arab hotel’s exterior.
The Iranian operation marks a dramatic escalation in US military involvement, carrying potential for retaliatory attacks and broader warfare, representing a bold display of force from an American president who campaigned on “America First” principles and promised to avoid prolonged conflicts.
Eliminating Khamenei during Trump’s second administration, marking the second Iranian assault in eight months, will likely generate a leadership crisis given no clear successor exists and the supreme leader maintained ultimate authority over major decisions throughout his decades-long rule. He controlled Iran’s religious establishment and Revolutionary Guard, the governing theocracy’s primary power centers.
“This represents the greatest opportunity for Iranian citizens to reclaim their nation,” Trump stated.
Iran rapidly established a governing council to oversee the country while selecting a new supreme leader.
State media additionally reported deaths of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard commander and a senior security advisor to Khamenei in the airstrikes. Major General Mohammad Pakpour assumed leadership of the Guard following Israel’s elimination of the previous commander during last June’s 12-day conflict. The advisor, Ali Shamkhani, had served as a prominent figure within Iran’s security apparatus, IRNA reported.
As news emerged regarding Khamenei’s death, witnesses in Tehran informed The Associated Press that some citizens celebrated, shouting from rooftops, sounding whistles and making celebratory calls.
Mourners displayed a black funeral flag above the Imam Reza shrine in Mashhad, Iran’s second-largest city and significant Shiite Muslim pilgrimage destination. Iranian officials announced 40 days of public mourning and a week-long national holiday honoring Khamenei’s death.
The semi-official Fars news agency, considered aligned with the Revolutionary Guard, cited unnamed sources reporting several Khamenei family members also perished, including a daughter, son-in-law, daughter-in-law and grandchild.
The collaborative US-Israel mission, which officials indicate required months of planning, occurred Saturday during Ramadan’s Muslim holy fasting period and Iran’s workweek beginning. It followed tense negotiations and Trump’s warnings, who previously celebrated his administration’s success in dismantling the country’s nuclear capabilities but characterized recent actions as necessary to prevent their restoration.
Approximately 12 hours after attacks commenced, US military officials reported no American casualties and minimal base damage despite “hundreds of Iranian missile and drone assaults.” They stated Iranian targets included Revolutionary Guard command centers, air defense installations, missile and drone launching sites, and military airfields.
Israeli forces reported eliminating the Revolutionary Guard Corps commander and Iran’s defense minister, plus the Iranian Security Council secretary, a close Khamenei advisor.
An Iranian diplomat informed the United Nations Security Council that hundreds of civilians suffered casualties in the strikes. Iran responded by launching missiles and drones toward Israel and US regional military bases, with fighting continuing overnight.
Initial Iranian strikes appeared to impact areas near Khamenei’s offices, the Islamic Republic’s second leader who succeeded Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, who led the 1979 Islamic Revolution. Israeli officials confirmed the death, followed by Trump’s announcement.
Democrats criticized Trump for acting without congressional approval. White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt stated the administration briefed several Republican and Democratic congressional leaders beforehand.
Tensions escalated recently as the Trump administration assembled the largest American naval and air presence in the Middle East in decades. The president emphasized wanting an agreement limiting Iran’s nuclear program while the country faced growing internal dissent following nationwide demonstrations.
Despite Trump declaring Iran’s nuclear program destroyed in previous strikes, the country was rebuilding lost infrastructure, according to a senior US official speaking anonymously about Trump’s decision-making. Intelligence indicated Iran developed capabilities for producing high-quality centrifuges, crucial for creating highly enriched uranium required for weapons.
Iran expressed hopes to prevent war while maintaining uranium enrichment rights.
Iran claimed no enrichment since June but blocked international inspectors from visiting bombed sites. Associated Press satellite imagery analysis revealed new activity at two locations, suggesting Iran attempts to assess and potentially recover materials.
Israel stated the operation involved months of US coordination. Air Force pilots struck “hundreds of Iranian targets,” Israeli military chief Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir announced.
Israeli campaign targets included Iran’s military, government symbols and intelligence sites, according to an operation-briefed official speaking anonymously about classified attack details.
Trump acknowledged Saturday that American casualties remained possible, stating “that frequently occurs during warfare.” He aimed to “eliminate” Iran’s navy and destroy Tehran-supported regional proxies. He urged Iranian Revolutionary Guard members to surrender, offering immunity or warning of “inevitable death” for resistance.
In southern Iran, at least 115 people reportedly died when a girls’ school was hit, with dozens more injured, the local governor told Iranian state television. US Central Command spokesperson Captain Tim Hawkins said he was “aware of reports” about the school strike and officials were investigating.
Iran’s IRNA news agency reported at least 15 deaths in the southwest, quoting Lamerd region governor Ali Alizadeh stating a sports facility, two residential areas and a school-adjacent hall were struck.
The strikes could disrupt global markets, particularly if Iran threatens Strait of Hormuz commercial shipping. One-third of worldwide seaborne oil exports passed through the strait in 2025.
Saudi Arabia reported repelling Iranian attacks on its capital and eastern regions. Bahrain said missile attacks targeted the US Navy’s 5th Fleet headquarters on the island nation, with three buildings damaged in Manama and Muharraq city by drone strikes and intercepted missile debris.
Kuwait’s aviation authority reported a drone targeting the main international airport, injuring several workers. Kuwait’s state news agency said three soldiers suffered shrapnel injuries from strikes hitting Ali Al-Salem air base. Explosions were also audible in Qatar. Jordan reported “handling” 49 drones and ballistic missiles.
ALLAMUCHY, N.J. — What began as a floor-sweeping job for a 12-year-old has blossomed into a thriving greenhouse empire spanning nearly 100 acres.
Abe Willekes started his career doing basic cleaning tasks at a greenhouse facility. Over time, he took on maintenance duties, flower deliveries, and climbed the ranks at Plainview Growers in Pompton Plains, Morris County.
“In 1998, Plainview Growers expanded into Allamuchy, and I became manager of the operations,” said Abe. “Six years later, my wife, Beverly, and I bought 35 acres of land from a local dairy farmer.”
“We established Riverside Greenhouses in 2004, and started selling flowers during the following year,” he continued. “We began with about 16,000 square feet of greenhouse space.”
The business has experienced remarkable growth since its humble beginnings. Today’s operation spans 92 total acres with approximately 76,000 square feet under glass, Abe reports. Ten acres serve as outdoor growing areas, and during busy periods, the company employs around 20 workers.
The Willekes’ five sons, ranging from 6 to 17 years old, also pitch in around the facility.
“It’s beautiful here,” said Abe. “There is a lot of preserved farmland in the area. That means you’re able to get more land for less cost as compared to other areas.”
Riverside Greenhouses maintains year-round production schedules. Spring varieties include begonias, dahlias and geraniums, followed by summer bloomers like zinnias, cannas, and petunias. Autumn brings mums, ornamental cabbage, and ornamental kale, while winter focuses on various poinsettia cultivars.
The operation also produces foliage plants and houseplants beyond flowering varieties.
Production methods vary depending on the crop. Some plants begin as plugs, others as liners, then transfer from 102-cell liner trays or 288-plug trays into individual containers. Direct seeding handles vegetables like cucumbers, melons, and beans.
“We sell on a wholesale basis,” Abe said. “Most of our customers are within about two hours of our location. We sell to independent garden centers, landscapers, and florists in New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania. Landscapers use our flowers to enhance properties, including country clubs and golf courses, throughout the area.”
“We email and fax almost 500 customers weekly,” he continued. “We let them know what we have available every week. Sometimes, we email and fax them twice a week.”
Perhaps the most surprising product line involves citrus trees — an unusual sight in Warren County, New Jersey.
“We bring two tractor-trailer loads of citrus trees up from Florida each year,” said Abe. “We re-wholesale the forty pallets of trees to our customers.”
“Lemon trees are the most popular type of citrus trees we sell,” he continued. “We also sell lime, orange, and tangerine trees. The trees are in one-gallon, three-gallon, five-gallon, and ten-gallon containers. We even have 30-gallon containers. Some of our garden center customers use these larger trees as showpieces.”
Recent expansion efforts have diversified the business further.
“We’ve added a product line of shrubs,” Abe said. “This includes roses and hydrangeas. We see great potential in the future.”
ATLANTIC CITY — The New Jersey Farm Bureau Women’s Committee brought together approximately 400 regional farmers and agricultural professionals for a special luncheon honoring women in farming at this year’s Northeast Ag Expo. The timing was particularly meaningful, as the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization has designated 2026 as the International Year of the Woman Farmer.
Event organizer Darcy Perehinys explained the motivation behind the gathering, emphasizing the unique challenges facing agricultural leaders today.
“Leadership in agriculture doesn’t look like a corner office, it looks like boots by the door and a to-do list that never ends,” Perehinys said. “And sometimes plans completely fall apart before they’ve even been put into action. Let’s be honest, agriculture is hard. Some days it’s amazing and some days you question every decision that you ever made.”
“This event was created so we could all just eat lunch together, talk with each other and learn about each other’s operations,” she said.
The program featured remarks from New Jersey Dairy Princess Dakota Meys, who is also Perehinys’ daughter. Meys highlighted the critical role of mentorship in attracting the next generation to farming.
“From dairy farms to produce fields, from equine operations to specialty crops, agriculture has shaped our state for generations now, and as we look to the future one thing is clear: the success of New Jersey agriculture depends on mentorship, generational learning and a willingness to open our hearts and our farms,” she said.
“Mentorship is one of the most powerful tools we have in agriculture, the lessons passed down from generation to generation go far beyond how to plant a crop or how to care for livestock, it teaches responsibility, perseverance and respect for the land.”
“Learning from the generations before us allows us to honor the sacrifices they made to keep agriculture alive in a small-but-mighty agricultural state like New Jersey. While technology continues to evolve, the values that define agriculture remain the same, by combining traditional knowledge with new ideas and innovation, we can continue our agricultural heritage while building a stronger future.”
The featured speaker was Dr. Carrie Edsall, an animal science professor at State University of New York, Cobleskill, who operates Black Willow Pond Farm where she raises chickens, pigs and sheep near the college campus.
Edsall focused her presentation on the importance of straightforward marketing approaches for farm operations.
“We all know we can grow great things, but what happens if you can’t market them?” She asked. “That’s where I really stepped up trying to find farmers’ markets, trying to make connections with restaurants and get stuff to New York City. After all there’s 8 million people just south of us. I made all those connections and I was doing a lot of that.”
The professor shared how she balanced family life with business networking, often bringing her young sons to evening meetings while building relationships with neighbors and potential customers. She cited her farm’s annual hog roast and pig roast as examples of strengthening community ties.
“Technology and resources are out there and I urge you to grab them where you can, and when and where you can,” she said, explaining her decision to prioritize networking with local businesses, fellow farmers and neighbors, including joining the New York State Certified Organic Association.
Throughout her talk, Edsall repeatedly stressed the value of uncomplicated goal-setting, particularly given the demanding nature of livestock and dairy operations that require constant attention.
“Keep your farm goals simple. What are your [monetary] targets for each new thing you’re introducing? When I started, it was, ‘I want to make $10,000 from those broiler chickens’ or ‘Can I make $10,000 off of these rabbits?’ It was simple and for some reason $10,000 was what I wanted each entity to be able to raise so that I would gross $50,000 and that number was a salary to me. I just set simple targets for that.”
Schools across the region are discovering that improving milk consumption isn’t about better advertising—it’s about smarter distribution methods.
The growing trend of installing bulk milk dispensers in cafeterias—sleek, self-serve units that replace individual cartons—is earning recognition as a win-win solution. These systems deliver multiple advantages: reduced waste, increased student consumption, cost savings for districts, and much-needed support for dairy producers during tough economic times.
Anyone familiar with school lunch programs has witnessed the common sight of barely touched milk containers heading straight to the trash. Studies conducted by organizations like the World Wildlife Fund demonstrate that bulk dispenser systems can slash milk waste by more than 50 percent. Students consistently report that dispensed milk tastes fresher and colder, and when children can control their portion sizes, consumption increases while waste decreases—a combination of smart nutrition policy and practical thinking.
Virginia’s implementation provides compelling evidence of these benefits. According to the Virginia State Dairymen’s Association, schools that received donated bulk dispensers experienced approximately 15 percent higher milk consumption—a significant boost for a product already mandated in school meal programs. One Virginia elementary school reported consumption increases exceeding 50 percent following the equipment installation, while simultaneously achieving substantial reductions in packaging waste. These results demonstrate that delivery method significantly impacts student acceptance.
The initiative is supported by substantial financial backing. The Virginia State Dairymen’s Association recently obtained funding from the Van der Lely Foundation to expand bulk dispenser installations beginning in 2026, building upon initial program achievements.
Additional support from organizations including The Dairy Alliance and Farm Credit of the Virginias helps schools manage equipment costs and facilitate the transition. This comprehensive support approach is crucial—while launching pilot programs is straightforward, successfully expanding effective solutions requires sustained commitment, which Virginia is demonstrating at an ideal time. President Trump’s recent approval of the bipartisan Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act eliminates Obama-era limitations on whole and 2 percent milk availability in schools, some of which are already providing students enhanced milk access through dispensers.
For dairy industry stakeholders, this represents the type of positive advancement that merits widespread adoption and promotion. Bulk dispensers strengthen student connections with genuine milk products, address both perceived and actual waste concerns, and maintain dairy relevance in educational environments increasingly filled with alternative beverages. The approach also creates rare harmony between environmental objectives and agricultural interests, proving that sustainability and farm profitability can coexist.
While this solution may not be revolutionary and doesn’t address every dairy industry challenge, it demonstrates effectiveness, practicality, and immediate benefits for schools, families, and farmers. Other states should examine these results closely. When straightforward modifications lead to increased milk consumption and decreased waste, the outcome benefits everyone—particularly the dairy community nationwide.
Former President Donald Trump delivered a stern warning to Iran on Sunday, threatening military action of unprecedented scale if the Middle Eastern nation follows through on threats to retaliate against recent American strikes.
Taking to his Truth Social platform, Trump referenced Iranian statements about planned retaliation, writing that “Iran just stated that they are going to hit very hard today, harder than they have ever been hit before.”
The former president then escalated his rhetoric, declaring in all capital letters: “THEY BETTER NOT DO THAT, HOWEVER, BECAUSE IF THEY DO, WE WILL HIT THEM WITH A FORCE THAT HAS NEVER BEEN SEEN BEFORE!”
Trump’s social media post on March 1st suggested the U.S. would respond to any Iranian retaliation “with a force that has never been seen before,” marking another instance of heightened tensions between the two nations.
VATICAN CITY – A stunning security violation disrupted the highly secretive papal election that chose Pope Leo as the Catholic Church’s leader last May, according to a new book published this Sunday.
During the closed-door proceedings involving 133 cardinals, Vatican security systems detected an active mobile phone signal inside the Sistine Chapel, despite sophisticated jamming technology designed to block all outside communications.
The discovery occurred just as the religious leaders were about to cast their initial ballots. After security officials identified the breach, the cardinals looked around in disbelief until an elderly cleric realized he still had his device and surrendered it to authorities.
Authors Gerard O’Connell and Elisabetta Pique detail the incident in their new publication “The Election of Pope Leo XIV,” describing the unnamed cardinal as appearing “disoriented and distressed” by the discovery. The writers suggest no intentional wrongdoing occurred.
“The scene was unimaginable even for a film and never before seen in the history of modern conclaves,” the Vatican correspondents wrote in their account.
O’Connell told reporters that the real-life drama exceeded even Hollywood’s imagination, noting that “Reality (was) better than fiction” compared to the 2024 movie “Conclave” which depicted fictional papal election intrigue.
Vatican protocol requires all participating cardinals to pledge complete isolation from external contact and surrender all communication equipment before entering the conclave, which can extend for multiple days.
Vatican officials declined to comment on the book’s revelations about one of the world’s most closely guarded electoral processes.
The two-day selection process unfolded May 7-8 following Pope Francis’s death in April after leading the 1.4 billion-member church for twelve years. Global attention focused on whether cardinals might choose the first pope from Asia or Africa, given the conclave’s unprecedented geographic diversity with representatives from 70 nations.
However, the book reveals that candidates from those continents gained little traction during the actual voting, based on interviews with participating cardinals conducted afterward.
While cardinals are strictly prohibited from discussing conclave details without papal permission, journalists typically gather information through gradual interviews in subsequent years.
Two contenders quickly dominated the competition, according to the authors’ account. Italian Cardinal Pietro Parolin, widely considered a leading prospect by media outlets, faced off against U.S. Cardinal Robert Prevost, a relatively unknown figure outside church leadership who would become America’s first pope.
During the evening vote on May 7, Prevost surprisingly secured between 20-30 ballots, an exceptionally strong initial showing. Philippine Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, another pre-election favorite, never exceeded single-digit support throughout the process.
Prevost clinched victory on the fourth ballot May 8 afternoon with 108 votes. The book notes that Tagle, seated beside the future pontiff during final vote counting, offered Prevost a cough drop to ease his throat.
TUCSON, Ariz. — With an oxygen tank strapped to her back due to COPD, Marcia OBara guides a group of bird enthusiasts along flat pathways, each person moving at their own comfortable speed. The atmosphere is relaxed and supportive, free from the competitive spirit often found in traditional birding groups.
OBara leads “Birding for Every BODY,” one of several monthly excursions organized by the Tucson Bird Alliance in partnership with Pima County, Arizona. The program represents a nationwide effort to make bird watching and nature experiences available to individuals with physical and other challenges.
“It’s an opportunity for people to get out and see birds without pressure, no matter how long it takes or how many birds we see,” explained OBara, a former nurse who has coordinated these inclusive outings for three years. She noted that people with disabilities frequently struggle to participate in conventional birding trips, particularly when competitive enthusiasts focus on spotting as many species as possible.
OBara carefully plans each accessible expedition, confirming that pathways are easy to navigate and restroom facilities can accommodate wheelchairs and mobility scooters. She verifies the availability of water fountains, shaded areas, and seating options. During walks, OBara monitors the group’s progress and adjusts the tempo accordingly.
“I used to work in rehab, so I usually know what people need,” OBara said.
Although the excursions welcome participants using wheelchairs and scooters, individuals with such equipment seldom join the walks, possibly due to concerns about keeping pace, OBara observed.
“But we’d encourage them to come,” OBara said.
During one February outing at a Tucson-area park, OBara highlighted a phainopepla, a slim bird with a distinctive crest resting on a mesquite branch, feeding on the bright red mistletoe berries. Nearby, mallards and other waterfowl splashed in ponds and foraged on the ground.
“It’s nice to just be outside and not think of anything else,” commented Rhea Guertin, a retired visitor from Rhode Island who winters in Tucson for four months annually. She relied on a walking stick for balance.
“I’m just slow,” she explained.
Evelyn Spitzer, a former teacher from the Tucson area, also used a walking aid due to a heart condition and recent surgical recovery.
The organized movement to include people with disabilities in birding dates back to at least 2018, when former Texas educator Virginia Rose established the nonprofit organization Birdability. Rose has been wheelchair-bound since sustaining a spinal injury at 14 years old.
“Our vision is that birding be truly for everybody and every BODY, regardless of disability,” stated Cat Fribley, Birdability’s executive director. She explained that participants face various challenges including mobility restrictions, vision impairment, chronic conditions, intellectual or developmental differences, mental health issues, neurodivergence, hearing loss, and other medical concerns.
Fribley, who uses a mobility scooter due to multiple disabilities, can travel five to six miles on accessible trails in her Iowa City, Iowa neighborhood while bird watching.
“In the winter, I bird on my back deck with my coffee,” she said.
Accessible birding takes many forms, including observation from vehicles, canoes on waterways, or simply through home windows, according to advocates.
Birdability has collaborated with the National Audubon Society to create a crowd-sourced database of accessible birding sites across the country and provides guidance to able-bodied birders on creating more welcoming environments.
The organization’s website features numerous resources and adaptive equipment, including camera mounts for car windows and applications that help blind individuals identify and record bird songs.
Occupational therapist Freya McGregor suggests binocular harnesses that distribute weight across the back and chest, reducing strain on shoulders and neck compared to traditional neck straps.
McGregor, who lives with a permanent knee injury, operates Access Birding, which educates nature organizations like state parks and local Audubon groups about trail accessibility.
Birding “really brings you joy,” said Jerry Berrier, a 73-year-old Massachusetts bird enthusiast who has been blind since birth. “There is happiness from being out in nature.”
Berrier discovered his passion as a college student when he learned to recognize numerous bird vocalizations to fulfill a biology course requirement. He later instructed blind and deaf-blind individuals on using computers and mobile devices at the Perkins School for the Blind in Watertown, Massachusetts.
He records bird sounds for his website, www.birdblind.org, helping blind bird lovers document and share their experiences. Last year, he started the “Any Bird, Any Body” podcast with friend Gary Haritz.
Berrier also helped coordinate the first national bird-counting event for blind participants in the United States. The event attracted several hundred people last year, who documented bird calls they heard during a 24-hour period. This year’s event expands internationally on May 3-4.
“We encourage people to reach out to local organizations to help blind people with the bird-a-thon, he said. “A disability can be very isolating.”
Delaware Department of Transportation officials report that a vehicle accident has resulted in the closure of three right lanes on southbound Interstate 95 near the Churchmans Road interchange.
The crash has blocked the rightmost lanes of traffic, creating a bottleneck for commuters traveling through New Castle County. Only the left lane remains open to southbound traffic at this location.
DelDOT has not yet provided information about the severity of the collision or an estimated timeline for reopening the affected lanes. Drivers are advised to use caution when approaching the area and to allow extra travel time.
This is a developing story and updates will be provided as more information becomes available from transportation officials.
(Editor’s note: Ed Wengryn serves as New Jersey’s Secretary of Agriculture.)
This month, I’m advancing our ongoing series examining the various divisions within the New Jersey Department of Agriculture.
For those fascinated by science or curious about New Jersey’s diverse animal population and the efforts required to maintain their wellbeing, the Division of Animal Health (DAH) offers compelling work.
DAH ranks as one of our most scientifically-focused divisions, alongside the Division of Plant Industry. Similar to how its plant-focused counterpart protects vegetation, DAH focuses on stopping diseases that could establish themselves among New Jersey’s animals and cause widespread damage to livestock operations.
The division prioritizes preventing invasive species and diseases from taking hold, since these threats lacking natural predators or defenses in New Jersey can rapidly dominate entire ecosystems.
DAH employs some of the state’s leading veterinarians, led by New Jersey State Veterinarian Dr. Amar Patil, who serves as the division’s director.
The division also operates a nationally recognized laboratory that performs various livestock health screenings for animals entering New Jersey, conducts testing to prevent poultry diseases from infiltrating the state’s approximately 40 live bird markets, and carries out necropsies on request for animals ranging from chickens to a zoo giraffe and dolphins that appeared on Jersey Shore beaches several years ago.
Another segment of this division handles animal cruelty complaints.
This work primarily involves our humane-law chief and a team of Certified Livestock Inspectors (CLIs). This aspect often proves most challenging for the public to comprehend.
Within our state, only approximately 1.5 percent of residents participate in farming. Among that small group, even fewer operate farms involving animals.
Consequently, people driving past livestock farms typically lack specific knowledge about whether an animal they observe is experiencing abuse, neglect, illness while receiving veterinary care, or has no health issues whatsoever – knowledge that varies by species and season.
This situation results in individuals without livestock expertise filing humane-law complaints against animal owners.
When law enforcement responds, similar unfamiliarity with livestock diseases can lead to sick animals being removed from properties, creating potential for those animals to transmit contagious diseases to other animals.
In cases involving “zoonotic” diseases (which can cross species), this could even result in disease transmission to humans.
This concern explains why the division collaborates through the Animal Emergency Working Group at its annual training symposium to enhance Humane Law Enforcement Officers’ understanding of proper biosecurity protocols when responding to farms or other livestock properties.
The most important precaution involves always contacting DAH when complaints involve livestock, ensuring a CLI expert can visit the location and provide context regarding any animals’ “condition.”
New Jersey has long worked to ensure that misunderstandings about animal husbandry don’t unfairly affect farmers operating within animal-cruelty laws.
In 2009, the Department, guided by DAH and assisted by veterinary and livestock experts, established The Humane Standards for the Care and Keeping of Livestock.
This comprehensive regulation, the nation’s first of its kind, establishes minimum standards farmers must meet to remain in a “safe harbor” from animal-cruelty complaints stemming from livestock health misunderstandings.
Ultimately, the division’s primary mission involves protecting the state’s agriculture industry from economically devastating diseases.
Over the past five years, the main disease requiring DAH attention has been Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI, or “bird flu”).
The current “HPAI outbreak” across the United States started in early 2022.
It has primarily affected very large poultry operations in the Midwest, West, and South, including cases where the disease jumped (zoonotic) from poultry to animals like dairy cows (impacting the milk industry) and even farm cats (which consumed raw milk from infected cows before farmers knew about the infection).
A significant component of New Jersey’s surveillance involves continuous monitoring of approximately 40 “live bird markets.”
These markets, typically located in urban areas, import live birds from producers in states like Pennsylvania and Midwest and southern states, allowing customers to select live birds from current inventory.
Market staff then process and prepare the birds for customers to take home.
New Jersey lacks many commercial-level chicken-raising facilities, so most birds entering live bird markets come from other states, some of which have experienced far more birds requiring depopulation due to HPAI infection on their originating farms.
New Jersey has experienced several thousand birds needing depopulation for HPAI during this outbreak, while other states have seen millions of birds destroyed to stop HPAI spread.
New Jersey, through DAH, has also conducted milk testing from dairy cows to ensure HPAI doesn’t infiltrate their milk as occurred in several other states.
To date, no evidence of the disease entering New Jersey dairy products has been documented.
However, HPAI isn’t the only livestock disease DAH monitors.
The division was activated when Mad Cow Disease spread through European herds in the early 2000s, remains constantly aware of potential Foot and Mouth Disease in livestock possibly reaching our shores, must stay vigilant against horse diseases like Equine Herpes entering the state from horses arriving for various horse racing and show events held here, and in the latest development, tracks how far north into Mexico the New World Screwworm is progressing, as this parasitic fly disease that deposits eggs in livestock tissue can devastate the livestock industry.
Since much of DAH’s work involves natural phenomena that can create severe emergencies, it’s logical that they’re among the NJDA divisions most deeply involved in preparing for and planning responses to other disaster types.
DAH staff coordinate the County Animal Response Teams (CARTs) that many counties maintain to prepare volunteers for staffing animal shelters located near human evacuation shelters during events like hurricanes.
This “co-located” evacuation shelter approach developed following Hurricane Katrina in Louisiana and other Gulf states in 2005.
Many residents refused to evacuate their homes and escape danger because they were told they couldn’t bring their pets.
Some died after refusing to leave their homes. This recognition that “pets ARE family members” created the CART system in New Jersey, with the state and counties now planning for those co-located pet shelters.
Additionally, DAH collaborates with volunteers and agricultural groups to ensure livestock also remain safe when severe weather strikes the state.
Some counties make their fairgrounds or other properties available where stalls and other animal accommodations already exist.
While large numbers of large livestock are difficult to relocate during storms, sometimes “sheltering in place” in barns isn’t feasibly safe.
State facilities like the Horse Park of New Jersey can also serve as temporary livestock shelters.
One of DAH’s newest responsibilities involves how the division and its laboratories will support the brand-new veterinary school at Rowan University.
Until now, New Jersey’s lack of a veterinary school has meant students leaving the state for education and typically remaining in those areas to practice rather than returning to New Jersey.
DAH is collaborating with that school’s leadership to design a “practicum” using the division’s facilities at the Public Health, Environmental, and Agriculture Laboratories headquarters located on the State Police compound in West Trenton, providing hands-on experience for those veterinary students.
Certainly, volumes could be written about the extensive programs and animal disease-prevention efforts of the Division of Animal Health, but I hope this column has provided at least a foundation for understanding what this part of the NJDA accomplishes.
SALISBURY, Md. – Salisbury University’s softball team experienced both triumph and defeat during their 2026 season opener on Saturday at Margie Knight Sea Gull Softball Stadium.
The 18th-ranked Sea Gulls kicked off their campaign with a commanding 13-5 victory over 25th-ranked Swarthmore College in a game that concluded after six innings. However, their momentum was halted in the second contest of the doubleheader when The College of New Jersey shut them out 3-0.
The split decision marked the beginning of what promises to be another competitive season for the Sea Gulls program as they welcomed fans back to their home stadium for the opening day festivities.
ALGIERS, Algeria (AP) — During the sacred month of Ramadan, Algerian families face a challenging reality: the traditional evening meals that break the daily fast are becoming too expensive for many to afford.
While Ramadan holds deep spiritual meaning for Muslims worldwide, it also traditionally brings families together around tables filled with abundant, diverse foods after the evening call to prayer signals the end of each day’s fast.
However, these ceremonial meals now carry price tags that many Algerians cannot manage, as their buying power has weakened over recent years. This economic decline has occurred despite the country’s substantial oil and natural gas resources, forcing increasing numbers of citizens into poverty.
Grocery costs have skyrocketed, and marketplace disputes sometimes turn violent.
Following massive nationwide demonstrations in 2019 that shook Algeria, government officials grew worried about potential social upheaval and made commitments to provide economic assistance.
“Back in the 1970s, our wages weren’t high, but we could prepare for Ramadan and buy fresh meat, fruit, and vegetables,” Ahmed Messai, a former railroad employee, shared with The Associated Press while shopping at the Clauzel market in downtown Algiers.
The market’s main level serves as the pulse of business activity in Algeria’s capital city, where vendor booths overflow with attractively arranged fruits and vegetables.
However, as Ramadan drew near, costs increased sharply.
One elderly woman, wrapped in her customary white haik robe, complained about onion prices jumping from 45 dinars per kilogram to 100 dinars (35 cents to 77 cents) within just two days. She angrily confronted a stoic merchant who explained his profit requirements to her. Carrots now cost 150 dinars per kilogram, bell peppers 200 dinars, and green beans 550 dinars.
The woman left with an empty shopping basket.
Algeria’s leadership has attempted to prosecute Ramadan price manipulators, with minimal success. During a recent special cabinet meeting focused on Ramadan food availability, President Abdelmadjid Tebboune declared, “all conditions must be guaranteed to allow citizens to spend the holy month in perfect peace and without worry.”
His commitments included government purchases of 144,000 sheep and 46,000 cattle to increase meat availability for Ramadan dining. Premium local lamb from Algeria’s High Plateaus, prized for its taste and fragrance, along with young beef from the Kabyle mountains, have become unaffordable even for middle-class workers.
Community organizations provide crucial support for financially strained families during Ramadan. Restaurant proprietors convert their businesses into charitable dining halls or “mercy restaurants” offering complimentary meals.
“It’s a good mechanism for solidarity and civic awareness,” explained academic Hocine Zairar, “but the proliferation of this type of restaurant says something serious about our society: how poverty is gaining ground in our country.”
The Algerian Red Crescent operates one of Algiers’ most extensive mercy restaurant programs across multiple neighborhoods. Diners occupy long table rows inside a massive tent erected in a downtown plaza to end their daily fast. “The atmosphere is family-friendly and we serve up to 800 meals a day,” explained Nour el-Houda Remdani, an event coordinator, while moving among the rows of people receiving the free food.
These charitable restaurants previously served mainly single individuals, homeless people, or travelers. However, in recent years, complete families now depend on these temporary dining facilities.
The president has acknowledged significant economic changes in recent years.
“The middle class, once the pride of Algeria, is now being decimated by the crisis,” Tebboune stated during a television interview on Algerian media earlier this month.
Tebboune has also committed to raising the minimum wage from 20,000 to 24,000 dinars, boosting retirement payments by 5 to 10 percent, and increasing jobless benefits for college graduates from 15,000 to 18,000 dinars.
Algeria’s typical income equals 42,800 dinars, roughly $330 using official currency rates, and under $235 on unofficial markets.
Professor Redouane Boudjema from Algiers’ Institute of Journalism described the government’s Ramadan assistance programs as attempts to maintain “social peace” and “absorb political anger stemming from restrictions on civil and trade union freedoms.”
The death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a coordinated U.S.-Israeli military operation has plunged the Islamic Republic into uncertainty and heightened fears of widespread regional conflict.
Iranian state television and the official IRNA news agency confirmed the 86-year-old leader’s death on Sunday morning. Hours before the Iranian announcement, President Donald Trump had already revealed Khamenei’s death, stating it provided Iranians with their “greatest chance” to “take back” their nation.
The confirmation followed a combined American-Israeli air campaign that struck Iranian military installations and government facilities. Trump described the “heavy and pinpoint bombing” as an operation that would persist throughout the week or for as long as required.
This military action represents a dramatic escalation in U.S. involvement in Iran, becoming the second American attack on the country within eight months during ongoing nuclear program negotiations. Khamenei’s elimination after holding power for decades is expected to trigger a substantial leadership crisis, as no clear successor has been identified and the supreme leader controlled all major policy decisions.
Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard responded on Sunday with warnings of launching their “most-intense offensive operation” ever against Israeli and American military installations.
Argentine President Javier Milei commended the joint American-Israeli mission that led to Khamenei’s death, calling him “one of the most evil, violent, and cruel individuals in modern history.”
Milei referenced the 1994 bombing of the AMIA Jewish community center in Buenos Aires, which claimed 85 lives and wounded hundreds in one of Argentina’s deadliest terrorist incidents.
The Argentine leader emphasized that seeking justice for AMIA victims remains a national priority. “We will continue until the last person responsible pays with his freedom or his life for this horrific crime,” Milei declared.
Chinese authorities are organizing evacuations for their nationals in Iran, according to media reports.
Over 200 Chinese citizens are currently dispersed throughout Iran, Iran Federation of Chinese Organizations president Tan Kai informed the Global Times. The organization is preparing evacuation procedures under Chinese Embassy guidance, Tan explained.
Embassy officials confirmed that land crossings with Azerbaijan, Armenia and Turkey remain accessible for those choosing to leave independently.
The Chinese embassy in Israel has instructed citizens to relocate to secure areas away from Tel Aviv, Haifa and Jerusalem city centers, as well as airports, power facilities and similar infrastructure. Officials announced they would begin registering citizens on Sunday who require evacuation assistance to Egypt.
Two senior Iranian officials died in the American-Israeli airstrikes, state media confirmed Sunday.
IRNA reported the death of Major General Mohammad Pakpour, who had assumed leadership of the Revolutionary Guard after Israel eliminated his predecessor during the 12-day June conflict.
Ali Shamkhani, a longtime prominent figure in Iran’s security apparatus, also perished in the strikes, according to IRNA. Shamkhani had sustained injuries during the June war.
A governing council has been established to lead Iran following Khamenei’s death.
This council operates under Islamic Republic law and includes Iran’s current president, the judiciary head, and a Guardian Council member selected by Iran’s Expediency Council, which provides guidance to the supreme leader and resolves parliamentary disputes.
The council comprises reformist President Masoud Pezeshkian and hardline judiciary chief Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei.
Iranian law mandates that the Assembly of Experts “must, as soon as possible,” select a new supreme leader.
Questions about duration, escalation, and global implications are reverberating worldwide as international leaders respond with careful concern to military strikes by the United States and Israel against Iran, amid reports of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s death.
President Donald Trump announced on social media that Khamenei had died, describing it as “the single greatest chance for the Iranian people to take back their Country.” Iranian state television confirmed early Sunday that the 86-year-old leader had passed away, though no cause of death was provided.
Anonymous Israeli officials had previously confirmed to The Associated Press that Khamenei was dead. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated during a televised announcement that there were “growing signs” indicating Khamenei was killed during Israel’s Saturday morning strike on his compound.
The potential death of Iran’s second supreme leader since the Islamic Republic’s founding, who had not named a successor, could plunge the nation’s future into chaos and heighten existing fears of wider regional warfare. An emergency UN Security Council session has been scheduled.
Many nations appeared hesitant to directly address or criticize the joint military operations, possibly to avoid further straining relationships with Trump, instead focusing their condemnation on Tehran’s retaliatory response. Middle Eastern governments followed a similar pattern to European nations, denouncing Iran’s attacks on Arab countries while remaining quiet about American and Israeli military actions.
Some nations took clearer positions: Australia and Canada publicly backed the U.S. strikes, while Russia and China issued sharp criticisms.
Saturday’s major assault by the U.S. and Israel prompted Trump to urge Iranian citizens to “seize control of your destiny” by overthrowing the Islamic government that has controlled Iran since 1979. Iran responded by launching missiles and drones at Israeli targets and American military installations throughout the Middle East.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz issued a joint statement urging both the U.S. and Iran to restart diplomatic discussions and expressed preference for a peaceful resolution. They clarified that their nations did not participate in the Iranian strikes but maintain ongoing communication with the U.S., Israel, and regional allies.
These three European powers have spearheaded diplomatic efforts to negotiate a solution regarding Iran’s nuclear capabilities.
“We condemn Iranian attacks on countries in the region in the strongest terms. Iran must refrain from indiscriminate military strikes,” they stated. “Ultimately, the Iranian people must be allowed to determine their future.”
During a subsequent emergency security session, Macron emphasized that France was “neither warned nor involved” in the military action. He advocated for increased diplomatic efforts, stating “no one can think that the questions of Iran’s nuclear program, ballistic activity, regional destabilization will be settled by strikes alone.”
The Arab League, comprising 22 member nations, characterized the Iranian attacks as “a blatant violation of the sovereignty of countries that advocate for peace and strive for stability.” This alliance has traditionally criticized both Israeli and Iranian actions it considers destabilizing to regional peace.
Morocco, Jordan, Syria, and the United Arab Emirates all condemned Iranian missile strikes against U.S. military facilities across the region, including installations in Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, and the Emirates.
Syria’s response was particularly notable, as the country under former President Bashar Assad had been among Iran’s strongest regional partners and fierce Israeli critics. However, its foreign ministry statement focused solely on condemning Iran, demonstrating the new government’s efforts to repair relationships with regional economic powers and the United States.
Saudi Arabia declared it “condemns and denounces in the strongest terms the treacherous Iranian aggression and the blatant violation of sovereignty.” Oman, which has served as a mediator in U.S.-Iran negotiations, criticized the American action as constituting “a violation of the rules of international law and the principle of settling disputes through peaceful means, rather than through hostility and the shedding of blood.”
New Zealand offered qualified acknowledgment rather than full endorsement, recognizing Saturday’s U.S. and Israeli attacks as preventing the Iranian government from continuing as an active threat. “The legitimacy of a government rests on the support of its people,” stated New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Foreign Minister Winston Peters jointly. “The Iranian regime has long since lost that support.”
European and Middle Eastern nations employed diplomatic language, seeking to avoid appearing either supportive of unilateral American military action or directly critical of the United States.
Other countries spoke more directly. Russia’s Foreign Ministry labeled the strikes “a pre-planned and unprovoked act of armed aggression against a sovereign and independent U.N. member state.” The ministry accused Washington and Tel Aviv of using concerns about Iran’s nuclear program as cover while actually seeking regime change.
China’s government expressed being “highly concerned” about the American and Israeli attacks on Iran and demanded immediate cessation of military operations and return to diplomatic talks. “Iran’s sovereignty, security and territorial integrity should be respected,” according to a Chinese Foreign Ministry statement.
Canada, despite recent diplomatic tensions with the U.S., also voiced support for the military intervention. “The Islamic Republic of Iran is the principal source of instability and terror throughout the Middle East,” stated Prime Minister Mark Carney.
The UN Security Council arranged an emergency session to address the U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran, following requests from Bahrain and France.
Palestinians in the occupied West Bank appeared largely unaffected as warfare erupted Saturday, continuing their activities despite the sounds of Israel’s Iron Dome system intercepting overhead missiles.
Palestinian cities lack the warning systems or protective shelters available in Israel, despite facing risks from falling debris or misdirected projectiles. While residents took cover less than 10 miles away in Jerusalem, Ramallah’s streets remained busy with shoppers at meat counters, produce stands, and Ramadan sweet shops, with some pausing to record distant sirens and missile interceptions.
However, Israel’s closure of checkpoints restricting movement of people and goods on Saturday led to unusually long lines at gas stations as residents filled extra containers anticipating potential supply interruptions.
The Palestinian Authority issued a statement condemning Iranian attacks on Arab nations, many of which have historically provided financial support. The statement made no reference to Israeli or American strikes.
Anxiety is evident across multiple countries. Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide expressed to Norwegian broadcaster NRK his concern that failed U.S.-Iran negotiations could lead to “a new, extensive war in the Middle East.”
The Nobel Peace Prize-winning International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons issued stronger criticism of the U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran. “These attacks are totally irresponsible and risk provoking further escalation as well as increasing the danger of nuclear proliferation and the use of nuclear weapons,” declared executive director Melissa Parke.
European Union leaders released a joint Saturday statement calling for restraint and regional diplomatic engagement aimed at “ensuring nuclear safety.” The Arab League similarly appealed to all international parties “to work towards de-escalation as soon as possible, to spare the region the scourge of instability and violence, and to return to dialogue.”
Starting January 1st, millions of Americans receiving Medicaid benefits will need to prove they’re employed, volunteering, or attending school to maintain their healthcare coverage. However, states nationwide are discovering they must invest massive amounts upfront to modernize their technology systems before these new federal requirements can take effect.
An Associated Press review of budget estimates from over 25 states reveals the total cost for necessary technology upgrades and additional personnel will likely surpass $1 billion. This expense comes even as the federal government has allocated $200 million to help states transition to the new system, with the first half of that funding already distributed.
Missouri’s Department of Social Services Chief Information Officer Toi Wilde explained the challenge states face: “Our current eligibility systems are pretty old, and the ability to change them is very, very difficult.”
The new mandates stem from tax legislation signed by former President Trump, designed to reduce government spending through significant Medicaid reforms. The changes will impact four-fifths of all states and affect Medicaid beneficiaries between ages 19 and 64 who don’t have young children and whose earnings exceed standard eligibility thresholds.
Under the updated rules, these Medicaid recipients must complete at least 80 hours monthly of work or community service, or maintain at least half-time student enrollment. Additionally, eligibility assessments will occur every six months rather than annually, potentially causing people to lose coverage more rapidly when their situations change.
Federal projections estimate these two changes combined will reduce government spending by $388 billion over ten years, while resulting in 6 million fewer Americans having health insurance coverage, according to Congressional Budget Office analysis.
Before implementation, states must modernize their online platforms used by Medicaid participants, upgrade outdated computer infrastructure used by government employees, and establish new methods for confirming information across multiple databases.
Given tight deadlines, most states will need to contract with private companies for assistance. At least ten firms have committed to providing reduced-rate services, according to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
Jason Reilly, a partner at consulting firm Guidehouse which is helping multiple states prepare, described the technological improvements: “Making those technology upgrades is going to be a lift. It’s not something straightforward. It’s not easy.”
Currently, most states don’t gather employment or educational data from Medicaid participants. States are exploring connections to external databases for verifying job and academic information, though no comprehensive volunteer database exists.
States are also awaiting federal guidelines, expected in June, that will clarify exemptions to work requirements, including criteria for determining who qualifies as “medically frail.”
Additional pressure comes from federal penalties that will begin in October 2029 for states with excessive Medicaid payment errors.
While Congress guaranteed every state a portion of the $200 million Medicaid allocation, states must separately request additional federal assistance. The federal government covers up to 90% of system development costs, 75% of system maintenance expenses, and half of most other administrative costs.
Missouri received early approval for the 90% federal funding rate. State legislators are now expediting a $32 million budget allocation to solicit contractor bids for technology platform upgrades and chatbot improvements for Medicaid users. The state’s social services department anticipates needing approximately 120 additional employees over the coming year, costing $12.5 million.
Similar substantial expenses are projected elsewhere. Maryland anticipates spending over $32 million in combined federal and state funds for Medicaid implementation, Kentucky expects costs exceeding $46 million, and Colorado projects over $51 million. Arizona estimates implementation could cost $65 million and require 150 additional staff members.
Some states reported even higher anticipated costs to the AP, though they didn’t always separate expenses for Medicaid changes from related Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program modifications also included in the legislation.
Multiple states, including Arkansas, are still calculating cost estimates for the Medicaid changes. Arkansas previously implemented Medicaid work requirements from 2018-2019, during which thousands lost coverage before federal courts halted the program. The Arkansas Department of Human Services indicated many required technology changes might fall under existing vendor agreements and have “a minimal financial impact on our Medicaid budget.”
Nebraska plans to launch Medicaid work requirements in May, seven months before the federal deadline, but hasn’t released cost details and didn’t respond to AP inquiries.
Georgia currently stands as the only state requiring certain Medicaid recipients to work, having received special federal permission years ago to expand coverage to some previously ineligible adults.
Georgia’s Pathways to Coverage program accumulated over $54 million in administrative expenses from 2021 through early 2025 — double the medical assistance payments distributed during the same timeframe, according to the U.S. Government Accountability Office. Nearly all expenses resulted from technology modifications to eligibility and enrollment systems.
Some Medicaid experts cite Georgia’s costs and Arkansas’ enrollment reductions as warning signs for other states implementing work requirements.
Joan Alker, executive director of Georgetown University’s Center for Children and Families, expressed concern: “A huge amount of funding is going to go to vendors to construct these complicated red-tape systems that prevent people who need it from getting health care. In my view, that is a big, big risk.”
AUSTIN, Texas — The battle for Texas’s U.S. Senate seat reached fever pitch this weekend as candidates from both parties delivered closing arguments to voters before Tuesday’s primary election, marking the opening contest of the 2026 midterm election season.
Republican Senator John Cornyn, who has represented Texas since winning his first election in 2002, faces the most challenging campaign of his political career. His primary opponents include Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and Representative Wesley Hunt, both seeking to unseat the longtime incumbent.
Speaking to supporters at a Houston-area seafood establishment in The Woodlands on Saturday, Cornyn warned against taking anything for granted. “Complacency is a killer,” he told the crowd. “It kills relationships. It kills careers.”
The Democratic Party hasn’t secured a Texas Senate victory since 1988, but party leaders believe this cycle presents a unique opportunity to advance their ambitious goal of regaining Senate control. Their optimism grows particularly strong if Republicans select Paxton, whose appeal among Trump’s base contrasts sharply with his ongoing legal challenges.
Democratic contenders include state Representative James Talarico, who describes himself as a policy expert with bipartisan appeal, and Representative Jasmine Crockett, known for her combative style in Congress. Crockett received a significant boost Friday when former Vice President Kamala Harris announced her endorsement.
Campaign spending has reached unprecedented levels, driven largely by Talarico’s fundraising success and efforts by Cornyn supporters to preserve his lengthy tenure. According to AdImpact, a firm that monitors political advertising, total spending on ads and reserved airtime has surpassed $110 million, setting a new record for Senate primary campaigns.
President Donald Trump’s Friday appearance at the Port of Corpus Christi, where he delivered remarks on energy policy, attracted all leading Republican Senate hopefuls. While Trump indicated he has “pretty much” made his endorsement decision, he stopped short of revealing his choice publicly.
“We have a great attorney general, Ken Paxton. Where’s Ken? Hi, Ken,” Trump remarked during his speech. He continued, “And we have a great senator, John Cornyn. Hi, John.”
Acknowledging the competitive nature of their contest, Trump observed: “Noting that they’re in a ‘little bit of a race,’ it’s going to be an interesting one, right? They’re both great people.”
Paxton, despite his extensive experience in Texas government, has positioned himself as an outsider ready to challenge Washington’s established order while emphasizing his loyalty to Trump.
“I’m not going up to Washington, D.C., to join the swamp club,” Paxton declared at a Fort Worth campaign stop. “I will go up there and fight for you.”
(Editor’s note: Taylor Ross serves as a Teaching Instructor and Undergraduate Advisor in the Department of Animal Sciences at Rutgers University-New Brunswick.)
The topic of animal well-being has gained significant attention among both farmers and the general public in recent times. In the past, our focus was primarily on identifying negative conditions through indicators like disease, wounds, stress, and decreased productivity.
While these negative signs are clearly undesirable and relatively straightforward to observe and track, this raises important questions: Does the absence of suffering automatically mean an animal enjoys positive well-being and a good quality of life? How can we evaluate animal welfare in a more comprehensive way that captures the positive aspects? And what happens when an animal displays mixed welfare signals, appearing content while experiencing health problems?
These positive indicators prove more challenging to recognize and measure. Examining multiple factors simultaneously is crucial for this very reason. Understanding the complete picture when evaluating welfare is essential, since the various elements that influence welfare are interconnected and cannot be completely isolated from one another.
Researchers have developed numerous frameworks over the years to tackle these challenges, continuously creating new approaches and improving existing methods as additional research emerges.
Currently, the most comprehensive and effective approach is the Five Domains Model, which Mellor and colleagues published in 2020.
In this model, Mellor and his research team demonstrate how four functional areas, where humans have considerable influence, ultimately combine to shape an animal’s mental state. The framework shows how different aspects of an animal’s life overlap and interact, ultimately influencing how they view their existence and handle various stressors, whether real or perceived.
Animal owners typically research and understand the nutrition area quite well. This category encompasses providing both water and food, with particular emphasis on species-appropriate nutrition. When problems arise, they often stem from insufficient micronutrients or suboptimal feeding schedules and methods.
Feeding practices that mirror what wild ancestors consumed typically work best, such as providing pasture access for most livestock and horses. However, effective strategies exist to balance the constraints of captivity with proper nutrition for all species. Some approaches will intersect with other areas, including behavioral interactions and health considerations.
The environmental category concentrates on the animal’s living conditions, whether that involves a large pasture, medium-sized barn, or small stall. This also encompasses the conditions and elements present within that space: temperature levels, humidity, air quality, structures or furnishings, and other animals.
Health represents another area that owners have consistently prioritized, particularly with veterinary guidance and disease prevention strategies.
Maintaining animals free from disease and injury, or at least minimizing these issues, while ensuring they produce their intended output (meat, milk, offspring, athletic performance, etc.) defines this category. This area also clearly demonstrates how the different domains interconnect. Nutritional deficiencies quickly lead to health deterioration. Extended exposure to extreme temperatures results in weight loss and reduced productivity. Repetitive behaviors or stereotypies can cause physical harm to animals. Historically, this has been the primary domain used to identify welfare concerns.
These initial three categories address internal imbalances and have benefited from solid research foundations for many years, representing some of the first considerations producers address for their animals. The behavioral category has experienced the most significant changes and improvements recently.
This area examines external interactions and behaviors in animals, which can be divided into three main types of interactions: with the environment, other animals, and humans. Observing how animals choose to engage or avoid these three areas, and the manner of their interactions, can strongly indicate positive or negative welfare outcomes. Do they approach or retreat from humans entering their space? Do they engage with enrichment materials provided? Do they groom their herd companions?
These four functional categories collectively influence the mental domain, which ultimately determines what the animal is “experiencing.” This domain essentially represents the positive or negative effects of the elements controlled in the other four areas.
For instance, consuming a well-balanced diet in appropriate amounts produces signs of satisfaction and comfort. Failing to provide adequate mental stimulation leads to boredom-related behaviors. Implementing gentle handling techniques results in fewer stress indicators and increased tolerance of humans, potentially even leading to animals seeking human contact.
This domain is the most individual-specific since it reveals how each animal perceives their experience. Even when providing identical “correct conditions” for cattle, different herds may show varying levels of contentment, with even greater differences among individual animals within the same herd.
One farmer might need to provide additional enrichment, modify their handling techniques, or adjust nutrition more than another to achieve similar results. This is why welfare assessment always considers the complete context and examines the entire herd when individual customization isn’t practical. This approach can also guide culling decisions to relocate animals that don’t adapt as well to different environments.
Evaluating welfare presents challenges because every aspect of an animal’s life influences it. Using a systematic framework to methodically examine each element helps identify improvement opportunities and establishes a foundation for moving toward assessing positive welfare indicators rather than simply noting the absence of suffering.
Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid will be forced to sit out a minimum of three games following Saturday’s MRI results that showed a strained right oblique muscle, according to team officials.
The 31-year-old All-Star sustained the injury during Thursday night’s 124-117 victory over Miami at home, though he managed to complete 31 minutes of action and contributed 26 points along with 11 rebounds despite the discomfort.
The veteran big man, who has been selected to seven All-Star games but has battled various injuries throughout his career, will be absent for Sunday’s matchup at Boston, followed by consecutive home contests against San Antonio on Tuesday and Utah on Wednesday.
Currently sitting at 33-26 for the season, Philadelphia has relied heavily on Embiid’s presence, posting a 21-12 record when he plays compared to 12-14 in his absence. This campaign, he has appeared in 33 contests as a starter, putting up 26.6 points per game while grabbing 7.5 rebounds and dishing out 3.9 assists in 31.2 minutes nightly.
Last season proved particularly challenging for the big man, as knee problems limited him to just 19 appearances and required surgical intervention in April. He started this year under a minutes restriction due to the knee concerns and missed five February games because of knee and shin complications.
Throughout his professional career, Embiid has maintained impressive averages of 27.6 points, 10.8 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 1.6 blocks across 485 regular season starts, spanning 31.8 minutes per contest.
His postseason numbers reflect similar production, with 24.9 points, 10.9 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 1.7 blocks over 59 playoff starts while averaging 35.3 minutes.
The Kansas product, selected third overall by Philadelphia in the 2014 NBA Draft, earned league MVP honors during the 2022-23 campaign. His accolades include first-team All-NBA recognition in 2022-23, four additional second-team selections, and three All-Defensive second-team honors.
SALISBURY, Md. – Salisbury University’s women’s basketball team saw their championship hopes dashed Saturday evening as they dropped a 73-57 decision to Christopher Newport University in the Coast-to-Coast Conference Tournament final.
The Sea Gulls hosted the title game at Maggs Gymnasium but were unable to capitalize on their home court advantage against the Captains. The 16-point margin marked the end of Salisbury’s tournament run and their bid for an automatic berth into the NCAA Division III postseason.
Christopher Newport claimed the Coast-to-Coast Conference crown with the victory, earning the league’s automatic qualification for March Madness. The championship game concluded the conference tournament that determines the league’s representative in the national tournament.
Kansas City put on an offensive clinic in Scottsdale, Arizona, demolishing Colorado 16-3 behind a stellar performance from Lane Thomas, who collected two hits including a triple while driving in five runs.
The Royals’ batting attack proved unstoppable, amassing 13 hits and drawing 15 walks, with 11 different players recording at least one hit in the lopsided victory.
Colorado’s starting pitcher Michael Lorenzen struggled through two innings, surrendering five runs on four hits while walking four batters. Kansas City starter Seth Lugo performed much better, allowing two runs and six hits without issuing a walk over three innings of work.
The Rockies managed some bright spots as Jordan Beck and Charlie Condon each connected for home runs, with Condon’s blast marking his third spring training homer.
In other spring training action across Arizona and Florida:
Rangers 7, Dodgers 6
Sam Haggerty’s home run helped Texas edge Los Angeles in Surprise. The Dodgers, playing with a split squad, saw four different players – Dalton Rushing, Nick Senzel, Mike Sirota, and Jake Gelof – hit home runs. Andrew Velazquez and Nick Pratto each doubled for Texas, while Luis Curvelo earned the victory with a scoreless inning featuring three strikeouts.
Reds 9, Brewers 7
Dane Myers led Cincinnati’s victory over Milwaukee in Phoenix with two hits and three RBIs. The offseason acquisition from Miami has raised his spring average to .375. Matt McLain contributed two hits, including a home run and an RBI. Milwaukee jumped ahead early with four first-inning runs against Hunter Greene, with Andrew Vaughn driving in a run as part of his three-hit day. Andrew Fischer provided the Brewers’ only homer in the eighth inning.
Diamondbacks 8, Angels 5
Yassel Soler’s three-run homer powered Arizona past Los Angeles in Tempe. Luken Baker added a two-run blast and Jorge Barrosa contributed an RBI triple for the Diamondbacks. Angels pitcher Alek Manoah threw three shutout innings, allowing four hits and one walk, while Zach Neto hit a solo home run.
Cubs 6, Dodgers 2
Chicago’s pitching trio of Colin Rea, Ben Brown, and Javier Assad dominated in Glendale, combining for eight scoreless innings. The three hurlers struck out nine while allowing just three hits and no walks. Second-round draft pick Kane Kepley recorded two hits including an RBI triple. Los Angeles struggled in their second split-squad game, not scoring until the ninth inning on an Elijah Hainline walk.
White Sox 7, Guardians 5
Sam Antonacci launched his second spring training home run to help Chicago defeat Cleveland in Goodyear. Lamonte Wade Jr. doubled and drove in two runs, while starter Shane Smith earned the win with three innings of one-run ball. Cleveland’s 2023 first-round pick Ralphy Velazquez went 2-for-2, and Alex Mooney contributed a two-RBI single.
Giants 8, Athletics 2
Eric Haase’s grand slam capped a six-run second inning as San Francisco defeated Oakland in Mesa. Jean Carlos Sio homered in the eighth, and Trevor McDonald pitched two perfect innings with three strikeouts. Michael Stefanic recorded Oakland’s only RBI, with their second run scoring on a ninth-inning error.
Padres 7, Mariners 1
San Diego’s bullpen dominated with six scoreless innings in Peoria. Six different relievers – Jeremiah Estrada, Mason Miller, Alek Jacob, Bradgley Rodriguez, Ty Adcock, and Kyle Hart – each threw a shutout frame, combining for six strikeouts and just one hit. Luke Raley homered 439 feet for Seattle’s only run, while Jackson Merrill hit a two-run blast for the Padres.
Red Sox 13, Twins 8
Max Ferguson’s seventh-inning grand slam sealed Boston’s victory over Minnesota in Fort Myers. Jarren Duran homered twice and drove in four runs, while Trevor Story tripled. Minnesota’s James Outman hit their lone home run, though the team collected 13 hits from 10 different players.
Cardinals 10, Marlins 2
First-round pick JJ Wetherholt continued his impressive spring, going 2-for-2 with three RBIs, one run, and a walk in St. Louis’ win in Jupiter. Cesar Prieto homered and doubled, while starter Michael McGreevy allowed one run and three hits over 2 1/3 innings. Miami’s Andrew Pintar went 2-for-3 with a homer and RBI double.
Blue Jays 7, Phillies 5
Josh Rivera’s home run highlighted a four-run sixth inning that carried Toronto past Philadelphia in Dunedin. The Phillies got homers from Bryan De La Cruz and Bryce Harper, while prospect Justin Crawford went 2-for-3 in the leadoff spot with a double, walk, and stolen base. Dylan Cease started for Toronto’s split squad, allowing one run and one hit in 1 2/3 innings.
Tigers 12, Rays 3
Corey Julks’ grand slam sparked a seven-run sixth inning as Detroit routed Tampa Bay in Lakeland. Julks finished 2-for-3 with a walk, while Josh Peck also homered. Starter Drew Anderson threw three scoreless innings with three strikeouts. Taylor Walls finally got Tampa Bay on the board with a fourth-inning solo shot.
Nationals 3, Mets 2
Jake Irvin pitched three scoreless innings with four strikeouts to lead Washington over New York in Port St. Lucie. James Wood drove in the first run on a groundout scoring Seaver King, and Warming Bernabel added an RBI single in the sixth. Mark Vientos and Nick Morabito each hit RBI doubles in the seventh and eighth innings respectively for the Mets, but it wasn’t enough.
Braves 7, Orioles 5
Chadwick Tromp drove in three runs to power Atlanta past Baltimore in Sarasota. Tromp started the scoring with a second-inning RBI single, added another run on a sixth-inning groundout, then capped his day with an eighth-inning solo homer. Baltimore’s Adley Rutschman went 2-for-2 with a home run and double.
Yankees 5, Blue Jays 1
Paul Blackburn dominated for New York in Tampa, throwing four shutout innings while allowing four hits and no walks. Toronto’s Jose Berrios matched him with four scoreless innings, allowing no hits and two walks. After Berrios departed, the Yankees scored twice in the fifth on a Jose Caballero double, then added home runs from Austin Wells and Kenedy Corona.
Pirates 5, Astros 2
O’Neil Cruz launched a three-run homer as Pittsburgh defeated Houston in West Palm Beach. Cruz has been red-hot this spring, batting an impressive .538. Marcell Ozuna contributed two hits for the Pirates. Isaac Paredes hit a solo home run for Houston before weather conditions ended the game after six innings.
Iranian citizens are grappling with uncertainty following the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in coordinated American and Israeli military operations, as Israel announced it conducted additional airstrikes against Iranian targets on Sunday.
Iranian state television confirmed the 86-year-old leader’s death on Saturday, occurring hours after Washington and Tel Aviv announced their joint assault represented the most extensive military action against Iran in recent decades.
President Donald Trump defended the Iranian operations as necessary to eliminate a long-standing regional threat and prevent Tehran from acquiring nuclear capabilities, despite the action appearing to contradict his previous statements opposing American engagement in complicated international conflicts.
Sunday morning’s Israeli military operations focused on Iran’s missile defense networks and ballistic weapon facilities, according to the Israeli Defense Forces. Tehran residents reported hearing explosions throughout the capital city on Sunday.
Iran responded to Saturday’s initial assault by firing hundreds of rockets and unmanned aircraft at American military installations across the region and cities in Israel and Washington-aligned Arab nations, causing widespread airline disruptions throughout the area.
Pentagon officials reported no American casualties from the Iranian counterattack, though defense analysts warned of increased risks to U.S. personnel. A senior intelligence source informed Reuters that while military bases faced the greatest immediate danger, Iranian cyber warfare units could potentially target American infrastructure systems.
The Iranian missile barrage damaged Dubai’s main airport and the famous Burj Al Arab hotel, injuring four people. Abu Dhabi’s airport authority initially reported one death of an Asian citizen and seven injuries at Zayed International Airport before removing the social media announcement.
Tehran announced Saturday that it had blocked the Strait of Hormuz, the vital waterway carrying approximately 20 percent of global petroleum shipments, sparking predictions of significant oil price increases.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps issued a Sunday statement promising their largest-ever retaliatory operation against American bases and Israeli territory.
At an emergency United Nations Security Council session Saturday, Iranian UN representative Amir Saeid Iravani stated that hundreds of civilians died and sustained injuries in the American-Israeli bombardment. Iravani characterized Iran’s military response as justified self-defense, declaring that hostile forces’ installations constitute valid military objectives.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged immediate hostility cessation and expressed regret that diplomatic opportunities had been “squandered.”
Social media footage showed Iranian citizens celebrating in Tehran, nearby Karaj, and central Isfahan following news of Khamenei’s death, though Reuters could not independently confirm the video authenticity.
Two American sources and one official revealed that Israel and the U.S. coordinated their attack timing with a high-level meeting between Khamenei and his senior advisors.
Iranian media reported that Khamenei was conducting business in his office when Saturday morning’s strike occurred. The attack also killed his daughter, grandchild, daughter-in-law, and son-in-law, according to state broadcasters.
The Revolutionary Guards released a statement mourning “a great leader,” while Trump posted on social media calling him “one of the most evil people in History.”
Both Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu urged Iranian citizens to revolt against their government following the attacks, which eliminated at least seven top military commanders according to Israeli military reports.
Regional analysts suggested that while Khamenei’s death and other leadership losses would significantly damage Iran, it might not end the established religious government or diminish Revolutionary Guard influence over the population.
Israeli military campaigns over the previous two years had already eliminated several Iranian senior officers and substantially weakened Tehran’s regional proxy organizations across the Middle East.
Following Israel’s 12-day aerial campaign against Iran in June, supported by American forces, both nations had warned of additional strikes if Iran continued its nuclear and missile development programs.
During Saturday’s Security Council meeting, Russian and Chinese diplomats condemned American and Israeli actions for attacking while Tehran engaged in negotiations with Washington. Russian UN envoy Vasily Nebenzya accused the U.S. of stabbing Iran “in the back” and challenged American justifications for preventing Iranian nuclear weapons acquisition.
Senior American officials said Saturday that recent diplomatic discussions revealed Iran’s unwillingness to abandon uranium enrichment capabilities, which Iranians claimed supported nuclear energy but U.S. officials argued would enable weapons development.
DUBAI – Explosive blasts and massive fireballs from Iranian rockets flying over Gulf nations have confirmed what regional leaders have long worried about: Tehran’s ability to bring armed conflict directly to their territories, potentially strengthening Arab support for coordinated U.S.-Israeli military operations.
In Dubai’s most exclusive resort area, The Palm, explosions shook buildings and struck an upscale hotel, forcing frightened residents to seek shelter as rockets and defense systems streaked overhead. The incident served as clear evidence that the fighting had extended past Iran’s boundaries, exactly as Tehran had previously threatened.
“What has now been proven is that we – not the United States – are in the line of fire,” said Dr Ebtesam Al-Ketbi, President of the Emirates Policy Center. “When Iran struck, it struck the Gulf first under the pretext of targeting U.S. bases.”
Regional experts believe Iran’s attacks on Gulf territories are designed to show that no American partner in the area is safe from retaliation, while increasing the price of supporting Washington’s military efforts.
“The danger is that any miscalculation could push the region from an exchange of signals into an open war,” added al Ketbi.
EXISTENTIAL CONFLICT
Sources throughout the Gulf region indicate that by striking oil-wealthy Gulf nations, Tehran is expanding the conflict zone internationally and endangering worldwide petroleum supplies, not merely regional stability.
For rapidly developing economies like Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates – which rely on unrestricted airspace, safe maritime routes and international commerce – a wider war would cause severe economic disruption.
By presenting the conflict as an effort to overthrow Iran’s government, Trump has made it a fight for survival, increasing the likelihood that Tehran will strike back aggressively, according to Mohammed Baharoon, director-general of the Dubai Public Policy Research Center (B’huth).
“If Iran miscalculates and carries out an act of war against Gulf Cooperation Council countries, the conflict will change fundamentally. People can’t stand by while lives are being lost and assets destroyed and do nothing.”
Regional analyst Abdelkhaleq Abdulla believes Iran is making a serious error by attacking its neighboring countries.
“It is foolish of Iran to alienate the people nearest to it,” Abdulla said. “Tehran may believe it is targeting U.S. military bases, but Gulf states see this as a blatant act of aggression– a violation of their sovereignty and an attack on their land.”
During recent behind-the-scenes negotiations between the U.S. and Iran designed to prevent all-out war, Tehran agreed to negotiate regarding its nuclear activities but maintained that its missile program and support for regional armed groups were non-negotiable topics, according to sources familiar with the discussions.
Iran has signaled that any conversations about its rocket capabilities and allied militias should occur only within a regional setting, excluding Washington from participation, the sources revealed.
However, Gulf Arab nations – long-standing American allies who have previously been targeted by Iran and its proxy forces – contend that excluding Washington would undermine rather than strengthen the region’s security framework.
From the Gulf nations’ viewpoint, Iran’s missile stockpile and proxy forces represent immediate dangers. Tehran proposed a regional security arrangement without American involvement, but Gulf states found little merit in such a plan without external security backing.
“The implications are huge for Saudi Arabia and the Gulf,” said one source close to government circles. “All U.S. allies in the region are now united against Iran.”
TRUMP ESCALATES STAKES
Paul Salem of the Middle East Institute observed that Trump’s messaging has changed dramatically. While recently he portrayed potential American attacks as pressure to force Iran into nuclear negotiations, his announcement speech explicitly demanded government change.
Unlike the massive 2003 American ground invasion of Iraq, Trump seems to be wagering on a brief, decisive operation that produces clear outcomes within days or weeks, minimizes American casualties and reduces domestic political consequences.
The strategy assumes that rapid success would benefit him politically, while extended fighting – particularly if it affects oil prices or broader economic conditions – could prove damaging.
While the Bush administration invested months developing legal and political justification and deployed approximately 300,000 soldiers in a ground invasion leading to years of military occupation, Trump has chosen a restricted aerial bombardment campaign.
But if hostilities expand – involving American military installations, diplomatic facilities, energy infrastructure or the world’s most critical oil transport channel through the Strait of Hormuz – the economic and political dangers would increase dramatically for the United States, Gulf nations and international markets.
Texas Rangers third baseman Josh Jung faces a minimum 10-day absence after medical imaging revealed an adductor strain injury.
The muscle injury was identified through MRI testing after Jung was removed from Thursday’s game lineup before the contest began.
Manager Skip Schumaker expressed optimism that Jung’s dedication to training could lead to a faster recovery than the typical timeframe.
“The thing about Josh is that he’s such a hard worker,” Schumaker told reporters on Saturday. “I think he’s going to get back quicker than that 14-day mark. His process has been so good. I felt like his work in the cages, in the backfield and the lives were about to translate on the field.”
“In the first couple games, he hit the ball as hard as anybody. I thought he was just trending in the right direction. Honestly, if there’s stuff happening, I’d rather it happen now.”
The 28-year-old Jung struggled through another difficult campaign in 2025, posting a .251 batting average alongside 14 home runs and 61 RBIs across 131 games, marking his second consecutive subpar season.
Jung’s career peaked during his rookie year in 2023 when he earned All-Star recognition and helped the Rangers capture their first World Series championship. That season, he delivered 23 home runs and 70 RBIs with a .266 batting average in 122 regular-season contests, earning fourth place in American League Rookie of the Year voting.
During the Rangers’ championship run, Jung excelled in postseason play, hitting .308 with three homers and eight RBIs over 17 games. His World Series performance was particularly impressive, as he batted .350 across five games.
The Rangers also face another injury concern with infielder Justin Foscue, who will miss at least 10 days with a strained right hamstring. However, Schumaker indicated this setback won’t impact Foscue’s roster chances. The 2020 first-round draft selection has struggled at the major league level, managing just three hits in 51 at-bats (.059) over 19 games during the past two seasons.
“It doesn’t change anything as far as his chances,” Schumaker said regarding Foscue, who celebrates his 27th birthday on Monday. “He’s just gonna lose at-bats, which sucks for him. But I think as far as him breaking camp or anything, there’s still four weeks left. He’ll still have two weeks left of camp, really, to try to build up. He should get more at-bats.”
Chinese technology company Xiaomi reported a notable decrease in electric vehicle sales for February, announcing deliveries exceeded 20,000 units compared to more than 39,000 vehicles sold the previous month.
The company shared the delivery figures through a statement posted on its official Weibo social media platform on Sunday. Xiaomi, widely recognized for manufacturing smartphones and consumer electronics, entered the electric vehicle market in 2024 with the debut of its Speed Ultra 7 sedan, commonly known as the SU7.
Despite the monthly decline in deliveries, the tech giant indicated it is currently working to ramp up large-scale manufacturing of an updated version of its SU7 electric sedan model.
Russian tennis star Daniil Medvedev claimed victory at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships on Saturday after his opponent, Netherlands player Tallon Griekspoor, was unable to compete in the final due to a hamstring injury sustained in the United Arab Emirates tournament.
Griekspoor had battled through the injury during Friday’s semifinal match against Russian player Andrey Rublev, whom he beat in consecutive sets. Following that victory, Griekspoor revealed he would have withdrawn from the match had he lost the second set.
The championship marks Medvedev’s 23rd professional title and his second Dubai victory, having previously won there in 2023. This achievement represents the first time the third-seeded player has captured the same tournament twice in his career.
During his path to the final, Medvedev overcame top-seeded Canadian Felix Auger-Aliassime in the semifinals without losing a single set throughout the entire tournament.
“Not how I want to win a final. Hoping the injury for (Griekspoor) is not too bad and wishing him a speedy recovery,” Medvedev posted on social media platform X.
At the BCI Seguros Chile Open in Santiago, German player Yannik Hanfmann pulled off a major upset by defeating tournament favorite Francisco Cerundolo 6-3, 6-4, earning his spot in his first ATP Tour championship match in six years.
The unseeded 34-year-old Hanfmann, whose previous final appearance came in September 2020, dominated with his serve, winning 79% of first-serve points while Cerundolo struggled with 27 unforced errors despite capturing the Buenos Aires championship just two weeks earlier.
Hanfmann’s final opponent will be Italy’s second-seeded Luciano Darderi, who defeated Argentina’s third-seeded Sebastian Baez 6-4, 6-3 in a match lasting one hour and 29 minutes. Darderi successfully defended four of six break point opportunities while Baez converted three of seven chances, despite the defending 2024 champion recording more winners and fewer errors overall.
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Following the passing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, critical questions emerge regarding the nation’s political direction. While religious authorities are responsible for selecting his successor, the transition process within Iran’s theocratic government structure presents numerous complexities.
Key details about the succession:
The responsibility for choosing Iran’s supreme leader falls to the Assembly of Experts, a body comprised of 88 members. This same group also holds the authority to dismiss a supreme leader, though such action has never been taken.
This assembly consists exclusively of Shiite religious scholars who win their positions through popular elections held every eight years. However, their candidacies must receive approval from the Guardian Council, Iran’s constitutional oversight body. This council has a history of rejecting candidates across various Iranian elections, including Assembly of Experts races. In March 2024, the Guardian Council blocked former Iranian President Hassan Rouhani, considered a moderate who helped negotiate the 2015 nuclear agreement with international powers, from running for the Assembly of Experts.
According to Iranian legal requirements, the Assembly of Experts “must, as soon as possible” select a new supreme leader. However, during the interim period, a leadership council may “temporarily assume all the duties of leadership.”
This temporary council would include Iran’s current president, the nation’s top judicial official, and a Guardian Council representative selected by Iran’s Expediency Council, which provides counsel to the supreme leader and resolves legislative conflicts. Under current circumstances, this leadership council would feature Iran’s reformist President Masoud Pezeshkian alongside hard-line judiciary chief Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei.
Religious discussions regarding succession and related political maneuvering occur behind closed doors, making it difficult to determine leading candidates.
Earlier speculation centered on Khamenei’s ally, hard-line President Ebrahim Raisi, as a possible successor. However, Raisi died in a helicopter accident in May 2024. This development has brought attention to Mojtaba, one of Khamenei’s sons and a 56-year-old Shiite cleric, as a possible contender, despite his lack of government experience. However, a father-to-son succession for the supreme leader position could generate significant backlash, not only from Iranians who oppose clerical governance, but also from system supporters. Many might view such a transition as contrary to Islamic principles and reminiscent of establishing another religious dynasty following the 1979 overthrow of U.S.-supported Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi’s regime.
Iran has experienced only one previous supreme leader transition since the position was established following the country’s 1979 Islamic Revolution.
Grand Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini passed away in 1989 at age 86, having served as the revolution’s symbolic leader and guiding Iran during its devastating eight-year conflict with Iraq. This current transition occurs following Israel’s 12-day military campaign against Iran in June 2025.
The supreme leader position represents the core of Iran’s intricate power-sharing Shiite theocratic system and maintains ultimate authority over all state decisions.
The role also includes serving as commander-in-chief of Iran’s armed forces and the influential Revolutionary Guard, a paramilitary organization that the United States classified as a terrorist group in 2019 and which gained significant power under Khamenei’s leadership. The Guard, which has spearheaded the self-proclaimed “Axis of Resistance” — a network of militant organizations and allies throughout the Middle East designed to oppose U.S. and Israeli influence — also controls substantial financial resources and assets within Iran.
PASADENA, Calif. — Academy Award-winning actress Viola Davis took center stage Saturday evening at the 57th NAACP Image Awards, accepting the organization’s Chairman’s Award while delivering an inspiring message about personal growth and unity.
During her acceptance speech at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium, Davis emphasized the importance of facing difficult truths on the path to progress. “There is no becoming without healing and without a radical acceptance of one’s truth,” Davis stated. “We either move forward together or not at all.”
The 60-year-old performer shared her remarkable transformation from growing up in poverty in Rhode Island to becoming one of entertainment’s most celebrated figures. “I just wanted to be somebody. I wanted success because I thought it was significance,” she reflected.
Davis has built an impressive career with memorable roles in “The Help,” “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom,” and “Doubt,” along with her starring role in the hit series “How to Get Away With Murder.” She joined the exclusive EGOT club after winning a Grammy for narrating the audiobook of her memoir “Finding Me,” complementing her two Tony Awards, Emmy, and Oscar for “Fences.”
“No one can describe the journey of going from the little chocolate girl searching for hope,” Davis shared, “to the girl living a transcendent life.”
Comedian Deon Cole opened the evening with a mix of political satire and cultural observations, including jokes about immigration enforcement and a reference to a recent disruption at the British Academy Film Awards. The February 21st incident involved an inappropriate outburst during a presentation by actors Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo.
Cole addressed the audience with humor regarding potential disruptions: “If there are any white men out here in the audience with Tourette’s, I advise you to tell them they can read the room tonight.”
The ceremony celebrated Black excellence across entertainment and literature, with Regina Hall among the evening’s presenters. Hall presented the first award to Miles Caton for outstanding breakthrough performance in “Sinners,” while also acknowledging Jordan and Lindo’s professionalism during the earlier incident.
“I’d like to just take a moment to the two kings who are in this audience and send you so much love for your class,” Hall remarked.
Ryan Coogler’s supernatural thriller “Sinners” dominated the film categories with 18 nominations throughout the night.
The program also featured special tributes, including the President’s Award presentation to Colman Domingo and a memorial honoring the late Rev. Jesse Jackson, who passed away February 17th at age 84.
Samuel L. Jackson presented the tribute to the civil rights icon, recognizing his decades of activism and political influence. The former protégé of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. became a national figure during the Civil Rights Movement and maintained his advocacy through the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition.
Jackson’s work spanned voting rights, education, and economic opportunities for Black Americans, with his famous phrase “I am somebody” inspiring generations to embrace their dignity and potential.
The tribute received enthusiastic applause, highlighting Jackson’s enduring influence on civil rights and social justice movements across multiple generations.
University of Michigan sophomore basketball player L.J. Cason has suffered a devastating knee injury that will end his season prematurely. The guard sustained a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee during Friday night’s game against Illinois.
Michigan officials confirmed the extent of Cason’s injury on Saturday. Throughout the season, the sophomore has been a valuable contributor coming off the bench, posting averages of 8.4 points and 2.4 assists per game while maintaining an impressive 50.3% shooting percentage across 28 contests for the Wolverines.
Despite the disappointing turn of events, Cason expressed his determination to overcome the setback. “This isn’t how I wanted my season to end, but I trust God’s plan, and I’ll attack rehab the same way I approach everything — with focus and determination,” Cason stated in an official announcement. “We’ve got many goals as a team, and I’ll be locked in supporting my brothers every step of the way.”
Head coach Dusty May expressed his disappointment about losing Cason with just two regular-season games left on the schedule. “First and foremost, our hearts hurt for L.J.,” May commented. “You never want to see a young man who has poured so much into this program have something like this happen. However, if there’s anyone equipped to handle this and the rehab process, it’s L.J. He’s resilient, he’s disciplined, and he has an incredible support system around him.”
The injury occurred during what had been a strong performance for Cason, who contributed nine points in just 13 minutes of play as Michigan dominated host Illinois 84-70. That triumph secured the Big Ten regular-season championship for the Wolverines.
The Florida native from Lakeland originally planned to attend Florida Atlantic University after high school. However, when May departed that program to take the helm at Michigan, Cason sought his release and chose to follow his coach to Ann Arbor.
Michigan enters the final stretch of regular-season play with an outstanding 27-2 overall record and 17-1 mark in Big Ten competition. The Wolverines will travel to face Iowa on Thursday before wrapping up the regular season at home against in-state rival Michigan State on Sunday.
The Michigan Wolverines delivered a commanding performance against Maryland, defeating the Terrapins 87-69 in Ann Arbor to wrap up their regular season on a high note.
Leading the charge for eighth-ranked Michigan was Olivia Olson, who dominated with 28 points and pulled down eight rebounds. Syla Swords contributed significantly with 17 points in the victory.
With the win, Michigan (24-5, 15-3 Big Ten) secured sole possession of second place in the Big Ten Conference standings, positioning themselves a half-game ahead of ninth-ranked Iowa. The Hawkeyes will complete their regular season Sunday when they face Wisconsin.
Mila Holloway provided additional offensive support for the Wolverines with 12 points while dishing out six assists. The victory marked Michigan’s second straight win following their loss to Iowa the previous Sunday. The Wolverines finished their regular season strong, going 3-1 in their final four contests, all against ranked opponents.
Maryland struggled to contain Michigan’s balanced attack, as the Wolverines managed to score at least 20 points in each quarter. The 14th-ranked Terrapins (23-7, 11-7) never recovered after falling behind 46-31 at halftime.
Oluchi Okananwa paced Maryland’s scoring effort with 19 points, while Yarden Garzon chipped in 14 points in the losing effort.
In other action, 25th-ranked Princeton overcame an early deficit to defeat Harvard 62-49 in Cambridge, Massachusetts, extending their winning streak to four games and capturing their sixth victory in seven contests.
Fadima Tall powered the Tigers with a game-high 18 points and nine rebounds. Princeton (23-3, 11-2 Ivy League) received additional scoring from Skye Belker with 13 points and Ashley Chea with 12 points, while Olivia Hutcherson contributed three blocked shots.
The Tigers shot efficiently at 47 percent from the field (24 of 51) and capitalized on Harvard’s mistakes, converting 15 turnovers into 18 points. Harvard, which held a brief 13-11 advantage after the first quarter, suffered just their second defeat in nine games. The Crimson struggled offensively, connecting on only 17 of 57 field goal attempts (29.8 percent), including 7 of 27 three-point attempts. Karlee White led Harvard with 10 points, while Olivia Jones grabbed nine rebounds.
The death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei at age 86 marks the end of a 36-year reign that transformed Iran into a formidable anti-American power while expanding its military reach throughout the Middle East, even as he brutally suppressed domestic opposition.
Iranian state media confirmed Khamenei died Saturday in combined airstrikes by Israel and the United States that destroyed his central Tehran headquarters, following the collapse of decades-long diplomatic attempts to resolve Iran’s nuclear program peacefully.
Initially viewed as weak and indecisive, Khamenei appeared an improbable successor to the charismatic Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, who established Iran’s Islamic Republic. However, Khamenei’s ascension to the nation’s highest position gave him complete control over Iranian politics.
Karim Sadjadpour from the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace described Khamenei to Reuters as “an accident of history” who transformed from “a weak president to an initially weak supreme leader to one of the five most powerful Iranians of the last 100 years.”
Throughout his leadership, the ayatollah maintained constant criticism of Washington, continuing his attacks even after Donald Trump began his second presidential term in 2025.
During recent protests sweeping Iran with chants like “Death to the dictator,” and as Trump threatened intervention, Khamenei declared in January that Iran would never “yield to the enemy.”
This statement exemplified the intensely anti-Western position Khamenei held since taking power in 1989.
By preserving Khomeini’s hardline approach, Khamenei consistently blocked the goals of various independently-minded elected presidents who pursued more moderate domestic and international policies.
Critics argue this approach guaranteed Iran’s international isolation.
ABSOLUTE AUTHORITY
For years, Khamenei rejected Western claims that Iran’s nuclear program aimed to create atomic weapons. In 2015, he reluctantly endorsed a nuclear agreement between global powers and pragmatic President Hassan Rouhani’s administration that limited Iran’s nuclear activities in exchange for sanctions relief. This hard-fought deal partially ended Iran’s economic and political isolation.
However, Khamenei’s anti-American sentiment remained unchanged, growing stronger in 2018 when Trump’s first presidency abandoned the nuclear agreement and restored sanctions that devastated Iran’s oil and shipping sectors.
After America’s withdrawal, Khamenei aligned with hardline supporters who attacked Rouhani’s conciliatory Western policies.
When Trump pressured Iran for a new nuclear agreement in 2025, Khamenei criticized “the rude and arrogant leaders of America.” “Who are you to decide whether Iran should have enrichment?” he demanded.
Khamenei regularly condemned “the Great Satan” in public addresses, satisfying hardliners who viewed anti-American hostility as central to the 1979 revolution that expelled Iran’s last shah.
Iran experienced significant student-led demonstrations in 1999 and 2002. However, Khamenei faced his greatest challenge in 2009, when disputed presidential election results he had endorsed sparked violent street protests, creating a legitimacy crisis that persisted until his death.
In 2022, Khamenei suppressed protesters outraged by the death of 22-year-old Iranian-Kurdish woman Mahsa Amini, who died while detained by morality police in September that year.
Confronting some of the most severe unrest since the revolution, Khamenei blamed Western adversaries before ordering protester executions and displaying their bodies hanging from cranes after months of demonstrations.
The Iranian people understood the message clearly.
As supreme leader, Khamenei wielded absolute power. He controlled massive authority, including military command and the right to select numerous senior officials, such as judicial heads, security agency leaders, and state media directors.
He placed allies in command of the elite Revolutionary Guards.
As Iran’s ultimate decision-maker in its complicated system combining clerical rule and restricted democracy, Khamenei worked to prevent any faction, including close supporters, from gaining sufficient power to oppose him and his anti-American position.
International scholars described him as a secretive ideologue afraid of betrayal — fears intensified by a 1981 assassination attempt that permanently damaged his right arm.
Global organizations and activists consistently condemned human rights violations in Iran. Tehran claimed it maintained the best human rights record in the Muslim world.
UNEXPECTED PATH TO POWER
Born in Mashhad, northeastern Iran, in April 1939, Ali Khamenei showed early religious dedication by becoming a cleric at age 11. He pursued studies in Iraq and Qom, Iran’s religious center.
His father, a religious scholar with ethnic Azeri background, was a traditional cleric who opposed combining religion and politics. Conversely, his son embraced the Islamist revolutionary movement.
“He (Khamenei’s father) came across as a modernist or progressive cleric,” explained Mahmoud Moradkhani, a nephew who opposes Khamenei’s leadership and lives in exile. Unlike his son, “he was not a part of the fundamentalists,” Moradkhani stated.
In 1963, at 24, Khamenei began his first of multiple imprisonments for political activities. Later that year, he spent 10 days in a Mashhad prison where he endured severe torture, according to his official biography.
Following the shah’s overthrow, Khamenei assumed various positions in the Islamic Republic. As deputy defense minister, he developed military connections and played a crucial role in the 1980-88 war with Iraq, which killed an estimated one million people total.
A gifted speaker, Khomeini appointed him as Friday prayer leader in Tehran.
Questions surrounded his rapid, unusual advancement. He secured the presidency with Khomeini’s backing — becoming the first cleric in that role — and was a surprising selection as Khomeini’s successor, lacking both Khomeini’s popular support and superior religious qualifications.
GROWING REGIONAL POWER
His Revolutionary Guards relationships proved valuable in 2009, when the force crushed protests following President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s re-election amid opposition claims of electoral fraud.
He also controlled a massive financial network through Setad, an organization Khomeini established but Khamenei greatly expanded, accumulating assets worth tens of billions of dollars.
Khamenei extended Iranian power regionally, strengthening Shiite militias in Iraq and Lebanon, and supporting then-President Bashar al-Assad by sending thousands of troops to Syria.
Over four decades, he invested billions in these partners — the “Axis of Resistance,” including Hamas, the Palestinian Islamist organization, and Yemen’s Houthis — to counter Israeli and American influence in the Middle East.
However, in 2024, Khamenei watched these partnerships collapse and Iran’s regional power diminish, with Assad’s removal and Israel’s successive victories against Hezbollah in Lebanon and Hamas in Gaza, including eliminating their leaders.
Under Khamenei’s leadership, Iran and Israel conducted a covert war for years, with Israel assassinating Tehran’s nuclear scientists and Revolutionary Guard commanders.
This conflict became public during Israel’s Gaza war against Hamas starting in 2023. In April 2024, Iran launched hundreds of missiles and drones at Israel after it attacked Tehran’s embassy compound in Damascus. Israel retaliated by striking Iranian territory.
This was merely preparation for June 2025, when Israel’s military deployed hundreds of fighter jets against Iranian nuclear and military facilities and senior personnel. The surprise assault triggered massive missile exchanges, escalating simmering tensions into full warfare. The United States joined the 12-day air campaign against Iran.
The United States and Israel had threatened additional strikes if Iran continued its nuclear and ballistic missile programs, and on Saturday, they executed the most extensive attack on Iranian targets in decades.
Discussions between American and Iranian representatives occurred as recently as Thursday, but senior U.S. officials reported Iran’s unwillingness to abandon uranium enrichment capabilities, which Iranians claimed supported nuclear energy but Americans said enabled nuclear weapon development.
Diplomatically, Khamenei rejected any normalization with the United States. He claimed Washington supported extremist groups like Islamic State to fuel regional sectarian conflict.
Like all Iranian officials, Khamenei denied nuclear weapon development intentions and issued an Islamic ruling, or fatwa, in the mid-1990s regarding “production and usage” of nuclear weapons, declaring: “It is against our Islamic thoughts.”
He also endorsed Khomeini’s 1989 fatwa calling on Muslims to kill Indian-born author Salman Rushdie following publication of his novel “The Satanic Verses.”
Khamenei’s official website confirmed the death order’s continued validity as recently as 2017. Five years later, Rushdie was stabbed during a New York public lecture. The author suffered serious injuries but survived. The attacker, sentenced to 25 years in prison in 2025 for attempted murder, remained silent during trial.
The deceased ayatollah leaves an Islamic Republic facing uncertainty amid attacks from Israel and the United States, plus increasing domestic dissent, particularly among younger generations.
“I just want to live a peaceful, normal life … Instead, they (the rulers) insist on a nuclear programme, supporting armed groups in the region, and maintaining hostility toward the United States,” Mina, 25, told Reuters by phone from Kuhdasht in western Lorestan province at the beginning of 2026.
“Those policies may have made sense in 1979, but not today,” the unemployed university graduate continued. “The world has changed.”
The United States and Israel carried out their largest military strike against Iran in decades on Saturday, an operation that resulted in the death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
The massive foreign policy decision represents President Donald Trump’s boldest international move during his presidency, coming despite his campaign promises as a “peace president” and previous statements favoring diplomatic solutions with Iran. Trump provided limited advance explanation to Americans before the operation, briefly addressing the situation during last Tuesday’s State of the Union address and then through a video statement released Saturday, where he outlined five primary goals:
STOPPING IRAN’S NUCLEAR WEAPONS DEVELOPMENT
Trump has consistently stated, including in Saturday’s video, that Iran must never possess nuclear weapons. He claimed to have “obliterated” Iran’s nuclear capabilities during strikes last June, but stated this week that Tehran had tried to restart the program. “Just imagine how emboldened this regime would be if they ever had and actually were armed with nuclear weapons as a means to deliver their message,” Trump stated Saturday.
Both the United States and Israel justified the June bombings by citing Iran’s dangerous proximity to nuclear weapon production capability.
The UN’s International Atomic Energy Agency and U.S. intelligence agencies have independently concluded that Iran ended a nuclear weapons development program in 2003. Tehran continues to deny pursuing nuclear weapons while asserting its right under the Non-Proliferation Treaty to enrich uranium for peaceful purposes.
Western nations argue there’s no legitimate civilian reason for Iran’s uranium enrichment to current levels, with the IAEA expressing serious concerns. Historically, no other nation has enriched uranium to these levels without eventually developing nuclear weapons.
STOPPING IRAN’S MISSILE DEVELOPMENT
During both his State of the Union address and Saturday’s statement, Trump highlighted Iran’s missile program progress as a growing danger to America. Saturday, he said Iran had tried “to continue developing long-range missiles that can now threaten our very good friends and allies in Europe, our troops stationed overseas, and could soon reach the American homeland.”
Trump offered no supporting evidence for these claims, though Iranian state media has reported Tehran’s development of missiles capable of reaching the United States.
ELIMINATING THREATS TO AMERICANS AND ALLIES FROM IRAN AND PROXIES
Trump stated Saturday’s attacks aimed “to defend the American people by eliminating imminent threats from the Iranian regime, a vicious group of very hard, terrible people.”
He described Iran’s “menacing activities directly endanger the United States, our troops, our bases overseas, and our allies throughout the world.”
Trump referenced multiple attacks including Iran’s violent seizure of the U.S. Embassy in Tehran starting in 1979, holding dozens of American hostages for 444 days; a “proxy” attack on a U.S. Marine barracks in Beirut in 1983 killing 241 American military personnel, and “countless” other actions against U.S. forces in the Middle East recently, plus attacks on international shipping.
He also highlighted Iran’s backing of Hamas, which conducted a deadly cross-border assault on Israel on October 7, 2023.
RESPONDING TO PROTESTER KILLINGS
In his State of the Union speech, Trump repeated allegations that Iran had killed at least 32,000 protesters in recent months, figures that remain unverified. Saturday, he referenced Iran killing “tens of thousands of its own citizens on the street as they protested.”
The U.S.-based monitoring group HRANA reported recording 7,007 confirmed deaths with 11,744 cases under investigation.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi stated Tehran had published a “comprehensive list” of all 3,117 killed during the unrest. An Iranian official told Reuters last month that authorities had confirmed at least 5,000 deaths, including approximately 500 security personnel.
REGIME CHANGE
Saturday, Trump appealed to “the great proud people of Iran” to overthrow their current leadership.
“I say tonight that the hour of your freedom is at hand,” he declared. “When we are finished, take over your government. It will be yours to take. This will be probably your only chance for generations.”
Trump, who monitored the operation from his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, announced Saturday afternoon that Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei had died in the strikes.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu previously confirmed Khamenei’s compound had been destroyed, and a senior Israeli official told Reuters his body had been recovered.
Iranian state media subsequently confirmed Khamenei’s death in the attack.
While urging Iranians to overthrow their government, Trump warned: “The heavy and pinpoint bombing … will continue, uninterrupted throughout the week or, as long as necessary to achieve our objective of PEACE THROUGHOUT THE MIDDLE EAST AND, INDEED, THE WORLD!”
SALISBURY, Md. – Salisbury University’s women’s tennis squad delivered a dominant performance Saturday, overwhelming the visiting Shenandoah University Hornets with a commanding 6-1 victory at the Sea Gulls’ home outdoor tennis facility.
The Sea Gulls demonstrated strong coordination across their entire roster during the afternoon match, with players performing consistently from the top positions through the bottom of their order. The comprehensive team effort allowed Salisbury to control the competition from start to finish against their opponents.
The decisive win showcases the depth and talent of the Salisbury women’s tennis program as they continue their season with strong momentum following this impressive home court performance.
After enduring nearly four weeks of weather-related delays that had players and coaches closely monitoring every forecast in the region, Goldey-Beacom College’s softball team finally got their 2026 season underway with a doubleheader at Millersville University.
The Lightning’s season opener had been pushed back repeatedly due to unfavorable weather conditions that plagued the Delaware Valley throughout late winter, leaving the team anxious to take the field and begin competitive play.
The extended wait is now over as Goldey-Beacom looks to make their mark in what promises to be an exciting season ahead, despite the delayed start that tested everyone’s patience.
WILMINGTON, Del. – The University of Delaware women’s tennis squad extended their winning streak to four matches after securing a 5-2 victory over Georgetown.
The Blue Hens, currently ranked No. 62 nationally, dominated the match to maintain their impressive run of form this season.
The victory marks another strong performance for the Delaware program as they continue building momentum through their competitive schedule.
New Castle County Police are actively searching for a 32-year-old Middletown resident who vanished from his home early Saturday morning.
Authorities have activated a Gold Alert for Alpha Sow, who disappeared from his residence on West Mastisse Drive in the 1600 block within the Bayberry community. Police report that Sow was last observed departing his home around 5:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 28, 2026.
The Gold Alert system is used by law enforcement to quickly disseminate information about missing persons who may be in danger or have special circumstances surrounding their disappearance.
Anyone with information regarding Alpha Sow’s whereabouts is urged to contact the New Castle County Division of Police immediately.
SAN FRANCISCO — Before taking on the Golden State Warriors Saturday evening, Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James shared a precious moment on the court with his youngest child, 11-year-old Zhuri James.
Following his pre-game warm-up routine at Chase Center, the NBA legend watched as his daughter practiced an unusual shooting technique — launching backward shots from the free-throw line. After multiple tries, Zhuri successfully banked one in.
When asked about her secret to making the challenging backward shot, Zhuri explained, “I don’t know, I tried to make sure I was in front of the basket.”
The father-daughter duo enjoyed their time together on the court, with Zhuri dribbling along the baseline while her dad practiced his own ball-handling skills. James noticed her efforts and flashed an encouraging smile before inviting her to join him for shots from various positions around the paint.
According to Zhuri, these court sessions are a rare treat during away games, though she occasionally gets similar opportunities at Lakers home contests — “sometimes but not a lot.”
The touching scene concluded with Zhuri tossing an alley-oop pass to her 41-year-old father, who finished with a thunderous dunk. The pair exchanged a special handshake before James told her “love you” and headed to the locker room to prepare for the matchup against Golden State, who were missing injured star Stephen Curry for the tenth consecutive game.
INDIANAPOLIS — Two former Notre Dame running backs brought back memories of their college days at this week’s NFL Scouting Combine when Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price decided to room together once again.
The arrangement mirrored their time as college teammates, but this time the dynamic duo that formed one of college football’s most explosive backfields are competing as individuals rather than partners. Both are focused on demonstrating their individual talents to boost their standing before April’s NFL Draft.
“I’m going to go out there and be myself, no matter where I go, no matter when my name’s called, I’ll be Jeremiah Love,” he said before Saturday’s workouts in Indianapolis.
“But it’s a great honor, seeing if people recognize me, and I plan to go out and prove myself right, prove everybody else right as well.”
The partnership between Love and Price produced remarkable results during their three seasons together, built on deep respect and admiration for each other’s contributions.
Love accumulated close to 3,000 rushing yards, placing him seventh on Notre Dame’s all-time rushing list despite starting just 29 games and carrying the ball only 71 times as a freshman. His 2025 campaign saw him establish a new program record with 21 total touchdowns, while becoming the first Irish player to record two touchdown runs of 90-plus yards. His outstanding performance earned him third place in last year’s Heisman Trophy voting.
Price proved to be far more than a complementary player, providing a powerful second option that kept opposing defenses from getting any relief when Love needed a breather.
Price accumulated nearly 1,700 rushing yards with 21 touchdowns and made history as the first Notre Dame player to record multiple kickoff returns of 100-plus yards.
Their combined success led to both earning All-American recognition last season, and draft analysts currently rate them as the top two running backs available in this year’s draft.
“Almost every coach and interview I had the past couple days,” Price said when asked how many teams have inquired about his play on special teams. “I told them all the same (thing), I love special teams and I attack it like I attack offense. I’m willing to do anything when it comes to special teams.”
Love and Price aren’t the only celebrated running back partnership reuniting in Indianapolis.
Penn State’s Kaytron Allen and Nick Singleton arrived on campus in 2022 with enormous expectations as one of the country’s most highly-touted freshman backfield combinations. Though they delivered individually, becoming only the second pair of Nittany Lions teammates alongside Franco Harris and Lydell Mitchell to surpass 2,000 career rushing yards, they fell short of the ultimate goals of capturing a national championship or Big Ten title.
Despite the tendency for running backs to slide down draft boards, Allen and Singleton maintain top-10 rankings in this year’s class. Strong pre-draft performances could potentially elevate them back into the top five positions they once held.
Former Penn State quarterback Drew Allar endorses both players as excellent value selections regardless of their draft position.
“I definitely think they’re the two most complete backs in the country,” Allar said, noting Allen finished his career as the school’s career leader in all-purpose yards while Singleton set the program’s career mark for total TDs. “I am excited for them and to see them compete and grow as we move forward in our journeys together. And whoever gets those two guys are going to get guys that are dedicated to the team, very hard workers, and obviously really talented football players.”
Each of the four running backs faces specific challenges in proving their NFL readiness.
Though Love impressed scouts with his signature hurdles and demonstrated improved pass-catching ability in 2025, he feels his blocking capabilities haven’t received proper recognition. Price and Allen must demonstrate they can handle increased workloads against the bigger, stronger defenders they’ll face in the NFL, while Singleton needs to prove his health after appearing at Friday’s media session with his broken right foot in a walking boot.
“Obviously, I’m upset that I’m not doing anything right now,” Singleton said. “At the same time, I’m still grateful to be out here.”
Singleton expects to remove his walking boot next week and intends to participate in pro day workouts to give scouts a direct look at his abilities.
For this weekend, however, the four running backs enjoyed a nostalgic reunion.
“The biggest thing that makes me feel comfortable is we were roommates during this process, and we were roommates at Notre Dame on the road,” Price said, referring to Love. “So it just feels like an away game for us.”
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — The man who controlled Iran’s theocratic government for more than 30 years has died following a joint military strike by Israel and the United States. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, 86, built Iran into a regional force while clashing with Western powers over nuclear weapons and brutally suppressing pro-democracy movements at home.
Iranian state television confirmed Khamenei’s death early Sunday morning, hours after President Donald Trump announced that the supreme leader had been eliminated in the coordinated attack.
Khamenei fundamentally transformed Iran’s Islamic Republic after assuming power following Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini’s death in 1989. While Khomeini was the passionate revolutionary who overthrew the shah and established clerical rule, Khamenei — a more reserved figure with lesser religious standing — was tasked with institutionalizing that revolutionary ideology.
His tenure ultimately lasted much longer than his predecessor’s. Khamenei significantly expanded the influence of Shiite clergy and transformed the paramilitary Revolutionary Guard into Iran’s most powerful institution. The Guard evolved into a massive military and economic force, controlling Iran’s missile program and maintaining influence across numerous business sectors.
However, mounting pressures became increasingly difficult to manage. Economic struggles and political oppression sparked larger and more frequent mass demonstrations. Outrage over Mahsa Amini’s 2022 death while in custody for improper hijab wearing triggered nationwide protests against social restrictions. By early January, hundreds of thousands demonstrated across Iran, with many shouting, “Death to Khamenei.”
Khamenei’s response was the most violent suppression in nearly five decades of clerical leadership, as security forces fired on protesters, resulting in thousands of deaths.
Meanwhile, the Middle East conflicts following Hamas’ October 7, 2023 assault on Israel began dismantling Khamenei’s regional “Axis of Resistance” network. For the first time in 2024, Israel and Iran launched direct attacks against each other. Israel struck Iran again in June 2025, with the U.S. joining efforts to target nuclear facilities and eliminate senior military commanders and nuclear experts. Iran responded by launching missiles and drones toward Israel.
Khamenei’s passing creates uncertainty about Iran’s political future.
The Assembly of Experts, an 88-member body of predominantly hardline clerics, will select Khamenei’s successor. However, no obvious replacement has been identified.
During February’s bombing campaign, President Trump urged Iranians to “take over your government. It will be yours to take. This will be probably your only chance for generations.” The country’s direction may largely depend on institutions like the Revolutionary Guard, which has consistently demonstrated readiness to use overwhelming force to maintain control despite growing dissatisfaction among Iran’s 90 million citizens.
“Culturally, the government is bankrupt,” said Mehdi Khalaji, an analyst at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, said in 2017. “The ideology of the Islamic Republic did not work at all.”
Saturday’s attack also claimed the lives of Khamenei’s daughter, son-in-law, grandchild, and daughter-in-law, according to the semi-official Fars news agency, citing unnamed sources.
Iran’s leadership has announced 40 days of public mourning and declared a week-long national holiday to honor Khamenei’s death.
Ali Khamenei was born into a religious household in Mashhad, a northeastern holy city that became a center of anti-shah activism during the resistance against Western-backed monarch Mohammad Reza Pahlavi.
Following the path of many Iranian leaders, he studied under Khomeini at Qom’s seminary south of Tehran during the early 1960s, before Khomeini’s exile to Iraq and France.
Khamenei participated in the anti-shah resistance, experiencing both imprisonment and periods in hiding. When Khomeini returned triumphantly to Iran in February 1979 and declared the Islamic Republic, Khamenei joined the secretive Revolutionary Council. He won election as Iran’s third president in 1981; that same year, a bombing by opposition forces left one of his hands paralyzed.
With his thick-rimmed glasses, Khamenei lacked Khomeini’s intense presence and revolutionary charisma. He also fell well below Khomeini’s religious scholarship, holding only the relatively modest rank of “hojatolislam” in Shiite clerical rankings.
Upon becoming supreme leader after Khomeini’s death, he was immediately elevated to grand ayatollah status at the hierarchy’s peak, though he faced years of skepticism regarding his qualifications.
Khamenei openly acknowledged these concerns with modesty. “I am an individual with many faults and shortcomings and truly a minor seminarian,” he said in his first speech in his new post.
Despite lacking charisma, Khamenei brought stability to Iran after the devastating 1980s conflict with Iraq and maintained power for over three decades — significantly longer than Khomeini.
Conservative supporters viewed him as second only to God in authority. Khamenei established an expanding network of Shiite clerics and government agencies with overlapping responsibilities, positioning himself as the final decision-maker. When Iran debated whether to maintain the Revolutionary Guard after the Iraq war, Khamenei preserved the force and enabled its powerful grip on Iran’s economy. He also employed appointed officials to weaken the civilian government chosen by voters.
During Khamenei’s leadership, Iran completely shifted from traditional warfare to proxy support, creating the “Axis of Resistance” to advance regional objectives. The Lebanese militant organization Hezbollah, formed with Iranian assistance in the 1980s, forced Israel’s withdrawal from southern Lebanon in 2000 and fought Israel to a standstill in the month-long 2006 conflict.
Through Hezbollah, Iran developed a strategy of allying with local militant groups to project influence — often through violence. Iran applied this approach when supporting Yemen’s Houthi rebels, who captured the capital Sanaa in 2014 and maintained control for over a decade in a stalemated conflict in the Arab world’s poorest country — despite facing a Saudi-led coalition and later U.S.-led airstrikes over Red Sea attacks.
Additionally, suspected Iranian-backed militants bombed a Jewish community center in Buenos Aires in 1994, killing 85 people. Iran was also allegedly connected to the 1996 Khobar Towers bombing in Saudi Arabia, which killed 19 U.S. military personnel. Iran denied involvement in both incidents.
Iran became a major beneficiary of the 2003 U.S.-led Iraq invasion, which replaced its primary regional enemy, Saddam Hussein, with a friendly Shiite-dominated government. Iranian-supported militias conducted a brutal insurgency against American forces and established themselves within Iraq’s political system.
Khamenei most effectively utilized the Guard’s overseas Quds Force after Sunni extremists from the Islamic State seized large portions of Iraq and Syria in 2014. Guard personnel advised Shiite militias, Iraq’s most effective fighters, and provided essential support to President Assad during Syria’s civil war.
This secured Assad’s position for a decade, until the turmoil following Hamas’ 2023 attack on Israel. Israel devastated Gaza and conducted airstrikes and ground operations that destroyed Hamas, which Iran had armed and funded for years. Israel is widely believed to have assassinated Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in a Tehran operation in 2024, further humiliating the Islamic Republic.
Hezbollah saw its members targeted by exploding communication devices and an Israeli campaign eliminated longtime leader Hassan Nasrallah. Then in December 2024, rebel forces overthrew Assad in a Syrian offensive, ending five decades of his family’s authoritarian rule.
The supreme leader maintained deep distrust of America, calling it the “Great Satan” even after President Barack Obama took office in 2009, offering dialogue and renewed relations.
He dismissed U.N. sanctions and advanced Iran’s nuclear program, which America and allies claimed concealed a secret weapons project until 2003. Khamenei issued a verbal fatwa, or religious decree, declaring nuclear weapons un-Islamic, but vowed Iran would never abandon what he termed its right to develop peaceful nuclear energy.
Under Iran’s 2015 nuclear agreement with world powers, Tehran agreed to dramatically reduce uranium stockpiles and enrichment in exchange for sanctions relief. However, just three years later, Trump in his first presidency unilaterally withdrew America from the deal, arguing it was insufficient.
Iran has since violated all nuclear deal restrictions and accumulated uranium enriched to near weapons-grade levels, now sufficient to pursue multiple nuclear weapons if desired. Diplomatic efforts to restore the agreement under President Joe Biden stalled.
In a March 2011 speech, Khamenei cited overthrown Libyan dictator Moammar Gadhafi, who had abandoned his nuclear program years earlier, as an example of why Iran’s nuclear program remained crucial amid Arab Spring upheavals in the Middle East.
“Just the way you give a lollipop to a child, Westerners gave ‘incentives’ to them and they gave up everything,” Khamenei said.
Khamenei’s first significant challenge emerged in 1997, when pro-reform politicians gained parliamentary control and cleric Mohammad Khatami won the presidency by a landslide, supported by young voters. The reformists demanded relaxation of strict revolutionary social rules and called for improved international relations, including with America.
Khamenei-supported hardliners moved to restrict the liberal movement, fearing it would eventually demand an end to clerical rule. Khamenei prevented parliament from relaxing media restrictions in an unusually direct intervention. Clerical institutions blocked other key liberal legislation and barred many reformist lawmakers from seeking reelection, ensuring hardliner control returned in 2004 elections.
This paved the way for hardline President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s 2005 election and his disputed 2009 reelection amid vote-rigging allegations. Mass protests erupted, creating the greatest threat to Iran’s clerical leadership in decades. The Revolutionary Guard, Basij militia, and police launched a crackdown killing dozens and arresting hundreds.
The unrest, and reports of protesters being tortured to death or sexually assaulted in prison, severely damaged Khamenei’s reputation.
As sanctions intensified, popular unrest increased. Economic protests occurred in 2017 and demonstrations escalated in 2019 over government gasoline price increases. The violent crackdown that followed killed over 300 people, according to activists.
While Khamenei struggled to maintain the Islamic Revolution’s ideological purity, Iran’s government largely failed to eliminate Western influence. Satellite dishes, theoretically banned, cover Tehran’s rooftops. Prohibited social media platforms are widely used, even by prominent politicians, despite being blocked.
Protests resumed in 2022 over Amini’s death, a young woman detained for improper hijab wearing according to authorities. More than 500 people died and tens of thousands were arrested when security forces again crushed the demonstrations.
In late December 2025, new economic protests erupted and grew into what appeared to be the largest protest movement ever. Hundreds of thousands nationwide took to the streets, openly demanding the Islamic Republic’s end. Some even chanted for the return of the shah’s son, living in exile since 1979. The crackdown’s brutality shocked Iranians.
With President Trump, Khamenei faced a more aggressive and unpredictable American campaign to halt Iran’s nuclear program. Trump unilaterally withdrew America from Iran’s nuclear deal with world powers in 2018, restoring sanctions.
The two sides nearly went to war after an American drone strike killed Revolutionary Guard General Qassem Soleimani in January 2020. At Soleimani’s massive funeral drawing millions to the streets, Khamenei wept over the coffin of the man he once called a “living martyr.” Two days later, the Guard mistakenly shot down a Ukrainian airliner departing Tehran, killing all 176 aboard.
Iran accelerated uranium enrichment back to 60% purity — a short technical step from weapons-grade 90% levels. Still, when Trump returned to the White House in January 2025, Khamenei resumed negotiations, highlighting the severe impact of sanctions. Iran’s struggling economy entered freefall, worsening domestic unrest.
However, an agreement remained out of reach. In June 2025, Israel and America bombed Iranian nuclear facilities, causing significant damage, though the program’s setback remained unclear.
During January’s nationwide protest crackdown, Trump renewed strike threats, demanding Iran make major negotiating concessions. Three rounds of indirect talks followed. Then came Saturday.
PASADENA, Calif. — Hollywood’s biggest names converged in California Saturday evening for the concluding ceremony of the NAACP Image Awards, with the film ‘Sinners’ topping the list of movie nominations.
The prestigious Image Awards recognize outstanding achievements across multiple entertainment and cultural categories, spanning cinema, television programming, musical performances, literary works, and additional artistic endeavors. Saturday’s ceremony marks the culmination of several award nights and represents one of Hollywood’s final major recognition events of the season, taking place as Black History Month draws to a close.
The event featured a curated collection of photographs showcasing the evening’s highlights and attendees.
SEOUL – During Sunday’s commemoration of the 107th March 1 Independence Movement Day, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung expressed his desire for North Korea to quickly return to diplomatic negotiations aimed at establishing a fresh chapter in relations between the two nations.
The South Korean leader emphasized his commitment to working toward restarting conversations with Pyongyang as part of broader efforts to achieve lasting peace across the Korean peninsula.
Lee’s remarks came as he addressed the nation during ceremonies honoring the historic independence movement that began on March 1, 1919.
WASHINGTON – American military forces launched strikes against Iranian targets Saturday using an unprecedented combination of advanced weaponry, including the first-ever combat deployment of inexpensive suicide drones based on Iranian technology.
U.S. Central Command shared images and details of the military operation, designated Operation Epic Fury, showcasing the deployment of Tomahawk cruise missiles, F-18 and F-35 fighter aircraft in the coordinated attack.
Military officials confirmed they utilized kamikaze-style drones that closely resemble the newly developed LUCAS (Low-Cost Unmanned Combat Attack System), produced by Spektreworks in Phoenix, Arizona. The defense contractor did not provide comment when contacted.
According to Pentagon officials, this marked the inaugural combat use of single-use attack drones designed to mirror Iran’s Shahed drone technology. These expendable drones are intentionally affordable and designed for mass production by multiple manufacturers, defense officials explained.
Each LUCAS drone carries a price tag of approximately $35,000. The growing importance of drone technology in modern warfare has been highlighted by Russia’s conflict in Ukraine, prompting the U.S. and allied nations to adopt an “affordable mass” approach – stockpiling large quantities of cost-effective weapons systems.
The military also deployed Tomahawk Land Attack Missiles, which are long-distance cruise missiles designed for deep-strike operations launched from naval vessels. These precision weapons can engage targets up to 1,000 miles away, even in heavily fortified airspace. Each Tomahawk measures 20 feet in length with an 8.5-foot wingspan and weighs roughly 3,330 pounds.
Raytheon, a division of RTX, manufactures these conventional (non-nuclear) Tomahawks for both land and sea-based launches. Pentagon procurement records indicate plans to purchase 57 of these missiles in 2026, with each unit costing an average of $1.3 million. Ongoing modernization efforts involve millions in upgrades, including enhanced guidance systems.
A recent Pentagon-Raytheon contract aims to boost Tomahawk production capacity to 1,000 missiles per year. These GPS-guided weapons have undergone extensive testing and operational use, including recent deployments by U.S. and British naval forces against Houthi positions in Yemen.
Central Command also released visual documentation of F/A-18 and F-35 fighter jets participating in the Iranian strikes. The F-35 represents fifth-generation stealth technology capable of avoiding radar detection while delivering precision munitions. These aircraft have been extensively deployed throughout Middle Eastern operations and are also utilized by Israeli forces.
The F-18, manufactured by Boeing, serves as a versatile multi-role platform capable of air-to-air combat and ground attack missions using various bombs and missiles. F-35s can deploy specialized missiles designed to target and eliminate radar installations, effectively blinding enemy defenses.
Iranian state media outlets reported Sunday that Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has died following strikes carried out by Israeli and American forces.
The death of Khamenei, who has served as Iran’s highest-ranking political and religious authority, represents a major shift in the regional power structure of the Middle East.
State-controlled media in Iran confirmed the Supreme Leader’s death on March 1st, attributing it to coordinated military action by Israel and the United States.
The University of Maryland Eastern Shore Hawks delivered a winning performance against South Carolina State during their annual Senior Day festivities, giving their graduating players a memorable send-off.
The victory served as a fitting tribute to the Hawks’ senior class, who played key roles in securing the win during their final regular season home game. The emotional atmosphere of Senior Day provided extra motivation for the team as they honored the contributions of their veteran players.
The win adds another positive result to the Hawks’ season record as they continue their campaign. Senior Day traditionally marks one of the most meaningful games of the year for college basketball programs, celebrating the dedication and achievements of players completing their careers.
For the Hawks’ senior players, the victory provided the perfect ending to their time playing at home, capping off their collegiate careers with a strong team performance in front of their home crowd.
The University of Maryland Eastern Shore women’s basketball team made Senior Night a memorable celebration as their veteran players delivered a commanding performance against South Carolina State.
The Hawks’ senior class put on a scoring clinic, combining to rack up 51 points in the victory that sent the home crowd into celebration mode. The experienced players stepped up when it mattered most, leading their team to a decisive win on a night dedicated to honoring their contributions to the program.
The emotional Senior Night ceremony recognized the departing players who have been instrumental in building the Hawks’ basketball program. Their final home game performance served as a fitting tribute to their years of dedication and hard work in a UMES uniform.
The victory against South Carolina State showcased the leadership and skill that these senior athletes have brought to the court throughout their collegiate careers, giving fans and teammates a performance to remember as the regular season winds down.
The Blue Hens men’s tennis team claimed a convincing 5-2 victory against Georgetown University this past Saturday in Newark, marking a successful Alumni Day celebration at the university.
The Delaware squad showcased strong performance on their home courts, outmatching the visiting Georgetown team in the majority of their contests during the weekend matchup.
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — President Donald Trump’s military strikes against Iran on Saturday marked a striking transformation in his willingness to take risks, showing how dramatically his approach shifted in just eight months regarding the use of American military force against Tehran’s religious leadership.
Traditional constraints were abandoned as Trump collaborated with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on a military strategy that targeted Iran’s top officials, including 86-year-old Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, whose elimination Trump proudly declared on social media following the launch of military operations.
This action represented a complete reversal from Trump’s position eight months earlier. During Israel’s 12-day conflict with Iran in June, he had agreed to Israel’s request to deploy B-2 bombers against three critical Iranian nuclear facilities — but firmly refused when Israeli officials proposed assassinating Khamenei.
Back in June, the president had issued barely concealed threats suggesting he could eliminate the supreme leader if he chose to. However, he ultimately turned down the Israeli assassination proposal due to fears it would create regional instability.
That careful approach disappeared on Saturday when Trump declared Khamenei’s death, while Israeli forces announced they had eliminated Iran’s defense minister and Revolutionary Guard commander. As of Saturday evening, Iran had not yet confirmed their Supreme Leader’s demise.
“Khamenei was unable to avoid our Intelligence and Highly Sophisticated Tracking Systems and, working closely with Israel, there was not a thing he, or the other leaders that have been killed along with him, could do,” Trump said. “This is the single greatest chance for the Iranian people to take back their Country.”
Trump had spent months attempting diplomatic engagement with Iran. Administration sources told reporters they had presented Iran with numerous pathways to maintain a peaceful nuclear program for civilian use, including an offer to provide nuclear fuel at no cost indefinitely.
However, these officials, speaking anonymously because they lacked authorization for public comment, indicated it became apparent that Iran sought enriched uranium for weapons development. One official characterized Iran’s response to their proposals as “games, tricks, stall tactics.”
The strike authorization came merely two days after Trump sent special representatives Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner for additional negotiations with Iranian leadership. Middle Eastern and European partners were pushing the U.S. administration to allow more time for diplomatic solutions as Trump showed increasing impatience.
“The consequences are likely to be as far-reaching as they are uncertain: Within the system that has held power for nearly five decades, between the government and a dissatisfied populace, and between Iran and its adversaries,” said Ali Vaez, Iran project director at the International Crisis Group. “And although the regime is weakened, a sense that this showdown is an all-or-nothing struggle for its very survival could lead it to respond with every tool still at its disposal.”
Saturday’s military action followed a pattern of increasingly aggressive moves against Iran that produced minimal retaliation, which appeared to influence Trump’s risk assessment, according to Aaron David Miller, who advised both Democratic and Republican administrations on Middle Eastern affairs for twenty years.
In 2018, Trump withdrew from the Iran nuclear agreement that Democratic President Barack Obama’s administration had negotiated. Two years later, Trump authorized a drone attack that killed senior Iranian General Qassem Soleimani.
The Soleimani assassination, targeting the leader of Iran’s elite Quds Force, represented perhaps the most aggressive U.S. military move in the Middle East since President George W. Bush initiated the 2003 Iraq War to remove Saddam Hussein.
Then in June, Trump authorized attacks on Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, which he declared had “obliterated” their program.
“He did all of these things without cost or consequence to him,” said Miller, currently a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. “He’s been risk-ready. That’s the nature of his personality.”
Trump administration representatives had openly demanded Tehran abandon its nuclear weapons and ballistic missile development while ceasing support for regional militant groups. However, administration sources said Tehran refused to address the missile and proxy issues.
Iran’s inflexibility, occurring while its economy suffered under decades of sanctions and its military remained weakened from last year’s conflict, surprised Trump.
Before Thursday’s negotiations concluded, indicators suggested Trump was moving toward military intervention.
During Tuesday’s State of the Union address, Trump asserted that Iran was developing ballistic missiles capable of reaching American territory — a rationale he repeated Saturday while announcing the bombardment had begun.
Iran has not confirmed it is developing or pursuing intercontinental ballistic missile capabilities. However, the U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency stated in an unclassified report last year that Iran could potentially develop a militarily effective intercontinental ballistic missile by 2035 “should Tehran decide to pursue the capability.”
Secretary of State Marco Rubio informed reporters Wednesday that Iran’s unwillingness to discuss its ballistic missile program created a “big problem.” Rubio avoided addressing the DIA assessment that Iran remained years away from developing missiles capable of reaching the United States.
Vice President JD Vance, a former Marine who served in Iraq and has questioned U.S. military interventions, told The Washington Post on Thursday that Trump had not yet decided on striking Iran. However, he provided reassurances that any military action would not involve the United States in an extended conflict.
“The idea that we’re going to be in a Middle Eastern war for years with no end in sight — there is no chance that will happen,” Vance said.
By Friday, Trump was expressing renewed frustration with Iran’s negotiating stance.
“I’m not happy with the fact that they’re not willing to give us what we have to have,” Trump said. “I’m not thrilled with that. We’ll see what happens.”
Congressional leadership received advance notice Saturday morning about the impending strikes. Trump observed the operation from his Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida, alongside his national security advisors.
Trump’s earlier successful military operation this year that captured Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro and transported him and his spouse to New York City for federal drug conspiracy charges may have encouraged the president, suggested Jonathan Schanzer, a former Treasury Department official now serving as executive director of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, a hawkish Washington research organization.
Trump had threatened military intervention last month but delayed action as Iran conducted a violent suppression of demonstrations. The protests initially focused on economic complaints but evolved into a nationwide anti-government movement challenging the religious leadership.
While human rights organizations reported thousands killed during Iran’s crackdown, Trump promised protesters assistance was coming, though it did not materialize immediately and the demonstrations eventually subsided.
Schanzer noted that Trump’s decision to postpone action last month provided his team additional time to position the substantial fleet of fighter aircraft and naval vessels now deployed in the region — similar to preparations made in the Caribbean before the Venezuela operation.
This military presence represented leverage Trump hoped would force Khamenei to surrender. However, the Supreme Leader refused to yield.
“The way this unfolded was inevitable, because there was no way that the Ayatollah was going to show flexibility,” Schanzer said.
According to Iranian state media reports on Sunday, several family members of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei have been killed in military strikes allegedly carried out by U.S. and Israeli forces.
The reported fatalities include Khamenei’s daughter, one grandchild, his daughter-in-law, and son-in-law, as announced by Iranian state media outlets on March 1st.
The reports originate from Dubai-based news sources and have not been independently verified by international media organizations.
South Korea has achieved its ninth consecutive month of export growth in February, with overseas shipments powered by robust semiconductor sales despite growing concerns about potential U.S. trade tariffs.
The Asian nation, which serves as an important indicator of worldwide commerce trends, saw its February exports climb 29.0% compared to the same period last year, reaching $67.45 billion according to official trade figures. This performance exceeded analysts’ expectations, who had predicted a more modest 24.0% increase in a Reuters survey.
Meanwhile, the country’s imports rose at a more measured pace of 7.5%, falling short of the 13.0% growth rate that economists had anticipated.
The trade ministry highlighted the exceptional performance of the technology sector in an official statement: “Semiconductor exports jumped 160.9% to again record their highest monthly performance ever and exceeded $20 billion in value for three consecutive months, driven by strong demand thanks to AI investment and a surge in memory prices.”
The continued export momentum demonstrates South Korea’s position as Asia’s fourth-largest economy and its role as a key player in global technology markets.
A coordinated military operation between American and Israeli forces resulted in the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei during a Saturday meeting with his top advisors, according to multiple U.S. intelligence sources.
The timing of the joint attack was deliberately planned to target Khamenei while he convened with senior officials, including former National Security Council secretary Ali Shamkhani and Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps commander Mohammad Pakpour, both of whom also perished in the strikes.
Iranian sources confirmed to Reuters that Khamenei had gathered with Shamkhani and Supreme National Security Council Secretary Ali Larijani at a protected facility just before the military operation commenced.
A high-ranking Israeli official confirmed that Khamenei’s remains have been recovered following the attack.
President Donald Trump announced the Iranian leader’s death through his Truth Social account, crediting intelligence operations for tracking his whereabouts.
“He was unable to avoid our Intelligence and Highly Sophisticated Tracking Systems and, working closely with Israel, there was not a thing he, or the other leaders that have been killed along with him, could do,” Trump stated.
The joint American-Israeli military campaign across Iranian territory has escalated Middle Eastern tensions to unprecedented levels, prompting Iran to launch counterattacks against Israeli targets and neighboring Gulf nations.
Intelligence sources, speaking anonymously, revealed that confirmation of Khamenei’s leadership meeting triggered the immediate launch of the combined air and naval assault.
A U.S. official explained that eliminating Khamenei first was crucial to prevent him from escaping and maintaining operational surprise during the mission.
Originally scheduled for Saturday evening in Tehran, Israeli intelligence discovered the meeting had been moved to Saturday morning, prompting commanders to accelerate their timeline, sources indicated.
While the exact meeting location remains undisclosed, Khamenei’s heavily fortified Tehran compound was among the first targets destroyed, with satellite images confirming the facility’s complete destruction.
The long-term consequences of Khamenei’s elimination remain uncertain, though CIA analysts previously assessed that hardline Revolutionary Guard leaders would likely assume power, according to sources with access to the intelligence briefings.
Two University of Delaware track and field athletes brought home podium finishes from the Conference USA Indoor Championships held in Lynchburg, Virginia this past weekend.
Olamide Ayeni, who competes in throwing events, and distance runner Marie-Theres Gruber both secured top-three placements as the Blue Hens track and field squad participated in the conference meet on February 27-28.
The strong performances by both Delaware athletes highlight the competitive level of the university’s track and field program in Conference USA competition.
KENNESAW, Ga. – The University of Delaware men’s basketball squad mounted a spirited late rally Saturday afternoon, but their efforts fell short as they dropped a 90-82 decision to Kennesaw State on the road.
The defeat leaves the Blue Hens with a 9-20 record for the season and a 5-13 mark in Conference USA competition. Meanwhile, Kennesaw State improved to 18-11 overall and 10-8 in league play with the victory.
Despite the final score indicating a close contest, Delaware’s comeback attempt came too late to overcome the deficit they faced against the Owls in Saturday’s matchup.
The Goldey-Beacom Lightning opened their three-game series against Millersville University on a winning note, defeating their opponents 6-4 in the first matchup.
The Lightning managed to secure the victory in what appears to be the start of an important series for the Delaware-based baseball program.
This opening game sets the stage for the remainder of the series as both teams look to gain momentum moving forward in their respective seasons.
Federal agriculture officials are projecting a substantial improvement in the nation’s farm trade balance over the next two fiscal years, with new data released Friday showing optimistic forecasts.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture now expects America’s agricultural trade deficit to drop significantly from $43.7 billion in the 2025 fiscal year down to $29 billion by fiscal year 2026. This represents a reduction of more than $14 billion in the trade gap.
The improved outlook is attributed to expectations of reduced agricultural imports coming into the United States during this period.
SALISBURY, Md. – A historic winning streak came to a dramatic end Saturday afternoon as Salisbury University’s men’s lacrosse program suffered a stunning setback on home ground.
The Sea Gulls, who entered the contest ranked second nationally, watched their incredible 45-game home winning streak evaporate in a 15-12 defeat to the University of Lynchburg Hornets, ranked tenth in the nation.
The loss marks the first time Salisbury has fallen at home since their streak began, representing a major milestone for the visiting Hornets who managed to overcome the ranking differential and hostile home environment to secure the upset victory.
Artificial intelligence company OpenAI disclosed on Saturday that its newly announced Pentagon partnership includes enhanced protective measures for military applications on classified government networks.
The announcement follows President Trump’s Friday directive ordering the government to cease collaboration with AI competitor Anthropic. The Pentagon subsequently declared it would designate the startup as a supply-chain threat, delivering a significant setback to the artificial intelligence company following disputes over technology safety protocols. Anthropic has indicated it will legally contest any risk classification.
Microsoft, Amazon, and SoftBank-backed OpenAI revealed its Pentagon arrangement late Friday, shortly after the Anthropic developments.
“We think our agreement has more guardrails than any previous agreement for classified AI deployments, including Anthropic’s,” OpenAI stated on Saturday.
The artificial intelligence company outlined that its contract with the Defense Department – which the Trump administration has rebranded as the Department of War – establishes three prohibited uses: OpenAI’s technology cannot support widespread domestic surveillance operations, control autonomous weapons systems, or handle critical automated decision-making processes.
“In our agreement, we protect our red lines through a more expansive, multi-layered approach. We retain full discretion over our safety stack, we deploy via cloud, cleared OpenAI personnel are in the loop, and we have strong contractual protections,” the company explained.
Over the past year, the Pentagon has established agreements valued at up to $200 million each with leading AI companies, including Anthropic, OpenAI and Google. Military officials aim to maintain maximum operational flexibility for defense purposes without being constrained by technology companies’ concerns about unreliable AI powering weapons systems.
OpenAI warned that any contract violations by the federal government could result in agreement termination, though the company added, “We don’t expect that to happen.”
The company also defended competitor Anthropic against the supply-chain risk designation, stating, “We have made our position on this clear to the government.”
NEWARK, Del. – The University of Delaware women’s basketball squad dropped a 67-53 decision to Middle Tennessee during Saturday’s contest at the Bob Carpenter Center. The defeat occurred on Senior Day, when the program celebrated four graduating players.
With the loss, the Fightin’ Blue Hens’ record moves to 12-16 overall and 6-11 in Conference USA play. Meanwhile, Middle Tennessee improved their standing to 15-13 overall with a 10-6 conference record.
The game marked an emotional day for Delaware as the team honored seniors Sarah Jenkins, Amiya Carroll, Jiya Perry, and Ella Wanzer before tipoff. Despite the special recognition ceremony, the Blue Hens were unable to secure a victory in front of their home crowd.
The 14-point margin of defeat represents another setback for Delaware’s women’s basketball program as they continue their Conference USA campaign. The Blue Raiders capitalized on the opportunity to strengthen their conference tournament positioning with the road victory in Newark.
University of Delaware softball player Sydney Shaffer etched her name in the record books during opening day action at the Blue Hen Invitational, launching her 30th career home run in a doubleheader that saw the Blue Hens go 1-1 against visiting teams.
Delaware defeated Le Moyne 9-3 before falling to Bryant 6-3 in an eight-inning contest during the tournament’s first day of competition.
Shaffer’s milestone blast places her among elite company in Blue Hens history, joining Anna Steinmetz (44 home runs) and Mariah Kondravy (34 home runs) as the only three players in the program’s history to reach the 30-homer plateau.
The historic achievement came as Delaware hosted multiple teams for their invitational tournament, showcasing the Blue Hens’ talent on their home field.
The University of Maryland Eastern Shore Hawks marked a milestone Friday as they took the field at their newly renovated Hawk Stadium for the first time this season, though the historic moment was dampened by a loss to the Manhattan Jaspers in their home opener.
The upgraded facility provided a fresh backdrop for Hawks baseball, but the team couldn’t capitalize on the excitement of playing in their improved home venue. Manhattan managed to spoil the stadium’s debut game with a victory over the Eastern Shore squad.
While the Hawks fell short in the team effort, individual performances provided bright spots for the home crowd. Gonzalez Perez stood out offensively, collecting three hits in four at-bats while driving in a team-leading three runs during the contest.
The renovated Hawk Stadium represents a significant investment in the university’s athletic facilities, giving the baseball program an enhanced home field advantage for future contests. Despite the opening loss, the Hawks will look to bounce back in upcoming games as they adjust to playing in their upgraded surroundings.
The team will continue their season with hopes that Perez’s strong offensive showing signals positive momentum ahead, even as they work to turn their early-season performance around at their newly improved home venue.
The Goldey-Beacom Lightning basketball team secured their position as second-place finishers in the Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference following an intense 106-101 overtime triumph against Bridgeport on Friday evening.
The Lightning weathered a dramatic back-and-forth contest at Wilmington’s Jones Center, ultimately prevailing in the extra period to lock up their conference standing. The high-scoring affair showcased both teams’ offensive capabilities in what proved to be a thrilling conclusion to the regular season.
With the victory, Goldey-Beacom solidifies their positioning heading into postseason play, having navigated through what can only be described as an emotional marathon against a determined Bridgeport squad.
WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump’s military strike against Iran has created a rift among his most loyal supporters, with several influential conservative figures expressing concern that the action could damage Republican prospects in this November’s midterm elections.
Leading conservative voices are questioning whether the Iran operation aligns with Trump’s 2024 campaign pledges to prioritize economic issues over military interventions abroad. Polling data indicates voters are growing more frustrated with the president’s economic performance.
Right-wing commentator Jack Posobiec referenced warnings from late conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who was killed in September, writing on social media platform X: “Charlie Kirk told us all that the younger generation of Americans are far more interested in domestic policy than pursuing international conflicts and we can’t forget that in a midterm year.”
Trump had gained significant support from younger male voters in 2024, though recent surveys suggest that backing is declining.
The Iran military action represents a significant political risk for Trump during an election year, potentially jeopardizing Republican efforts to maintain congressional control this fall.
Reagan Box, among a dozen GOP candidates vying to fill former Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene’s Georgia seat, expressed her opposition to the Iran strikes despite her Trump allegiance. Though she considers Iran’s government “heinous,” Box explained to Reuters: “every time we’ve tried to do a regime change, especially in the Middle East, we just destabilize it.”
Israeli officials reported that Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei was killed during the operation.
Greene, previously among Trump’s most devoted allies before breaking with him over his domestic policy focus, wrote on X: “War with Iran does not lower inflation and make cost of living affordable.”
Surveys consistently reveal that Americans’ primary worry remains rising living costs. However, Trump’s initial 13 months in office have been largely consumed by international affairs. GOP congressional leadership fears unhappy voters may retaliate at the ballot box in November.
The Hodgetwins, popular conservative podcasters who typically support Trump, criticized the strikes to their 3.5 million X followers, calling them contrary to his 2024 campaign promises. Their post stated: “Freeing the people of Iran is not why I voted for Trump.”
However, other MAGA influencers endorsed the bombing campaign. During a televised address, Trump announced his pursuit of regime change and cautioned that American casualties were possible in what he characterized as warfare.
Trump supporter Laura Loomer defended the action on X, writing: “Iran has been attacking the US for over 47 years. And now, the 47th President of the United States is ending their reign of terror.”
Trump’s base largely celebrated January’s capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro as a quick, successful military operation.
University of Michigan political scientist and professor emeritus Michael Traugott noted that opposition has emerged primarily from MAGA movement commentators rather than Republican officeholders. He cautioned it’s premature to assess long-term supporter sentiment.
Traugott warned that an extended Iran conflict might cause some core Trump voters to withdraw their support, explaining: “For the popular MAGA base, this is pretty much a direct violation of a major campaign promise to stay out of foreign engagements.”
The Republican National Committee issued a statement endorsing the Iran operation, while congressional responses followed typical partisan divisions, with GOP members defending the strike as essential.
Mike Davis, who leads the pro-Trump Article III Project legal advocacy organization, justified the strikes Saturday by citing a recent video where he claimed Khamenei threatened to destroy American naval vessels. Speaking on Steve Bannon’s War Room podcast, Davis said: “That video right there is all the justification that the president needs to flatten the supreme leader’s home and take him out.”
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who commanded nearly four decades of authoritarian rule, may have met his end through a joint U.S. and Israeli military operation, according to reports emerging Saturday.
President Donald Trump announced Khamenei’s death, while Israeli sources confirmed to The Associated Press that the 86-year-old leader was eliminated during a major coordinated assault by American and Israeli forces. Iranian authorities have not yet responded to these claims.
The reported death comes after Khamenei orchestrated the most violent suppression of dissent during his tenure when faced with widespread civil unrest earlier this year. As American military forces increased their regional presence to pressure Iran regarding its nuclear activities, Khamenei had cautioned that any U.S. attack would trigger broader regional conflict. Despite these warnings, he permitted Iranian officials to participate in nuclear discussions with Washington.
Before Saturday’s reported targeting of his residence, Khamenei faced escalating challenges to his authority.
His brutal response to mass demonstrations, which resulted in thousands of casualties while crowds shouted “Death to Khamenei,” demonstrated how significantly public fury threatened his regime. Decades of international sanctions combined with government corruption and economic mismanagement had devastated Iran’s financial system.
Additionally, Israeli and American bombing campaigns during last summer’s 12-day conflict severely compromised Iran’s nuclear facilities, missile infrastructure, and military assets. Tehran’s network of allied militant groups, including Hamas in Gaza, Hezbollah in Lebanon, and Yemen’s Houthis, suffered significant losses from Israeli and U.S. strikes following the Gaza conflict’s start, diminishing Iran’s regional influence.
Understanding Khamenei’s background reveals his unlikely rise to absolute power.
Upon assuming leadership in 1989, Khamenei faced significant skepticism regarding his legitimacy. As a minor religious figure, he possessed far less theological standing than his predecessor, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, who led Iran’s Islamic Revolution.
However, Khamenei’s reign lasted three times longer than Khomeini’s and potentially transformed Iran more profoundly.
He solidified the theocratic system dominated by mullahs, or Shiite Islamic clerics. Within the Islamic Republic’s structure, religious authorities maintain supreme control, establishing boundaries that civilian leadership, military forces, and intelligence agencies must respect.
Among hardline supporters, Khamenei represented unquestionable authority, subordinate only to divine power.
Simultaneously, Khamenei transformed the paramilitary Revolutionary Guard into Iran’s most influential military and political force. This organization controls Iran’s most sophisticated military units and manages its ballistic missile development. Khamenei also permitted the Guard to establish extensive business operations and economic dominance.
In exchange, the Guard served as his devoted enforcement apparatus.
Khamenei’s first significant challenge emerged from the reform movement that gained parliamentary control and the presidency shortly after his ascension. These reformers promoted increased authority for elected officials, which Khamenei’s conservative allies viewed as potentially dismantling the Islamic Republic framework.
Khamenei mobilized the clerical hierarchy, and unelected religious councils blocked major reforms and prevented reform candidates from participating in elections.
Subsequently, multiple waves of popular uprisings were violently suppressed.
Massive nationwide demonstrations erupted in 2009 following vote manipulation accusations. Economic hardship from sanctions sparked protests in 2017 and 2019. Additional unrest occurred in 2022 following Mahsa Amini’s death, who died in police custody for improperly wearing her required headscarf.
Government crackdowns resulted in hundreds of deaths, with hundreds more detained amid reports of torture and sexual assault in custody.
The most recent protests began in late December at Tehran’s historic marketplace after Iran’s currency, the rial, collapsed to a record low of 1.42 million per U.S. dollar. Demonstrations rapidly expanded nationwide.
“Rioters must be put in their place,” Khamenei declared. When hundreds of thousands demonstrated on January 8 and 9, security forces opened fire on crowds, with protest veterans expressing shock at the unprecedented violence deployed.
Human rights organizations documented over 7,000 deaths while continuing to verify additional casualties. Government officials acknowledged more than 3,000 fatalities, still exceeding previous crackdown tolls.
Through nuclear negotiations, Khamenei likely attempted to delay potential U.S. attacks. However, Iran rejected Washington’s primary demands to cease all uranium enrichment and relinquish existing uranium reserves.
Trump initially threatened military action to stop Khamenei and other Iranian leaders from killing peaceful demonstrators. He subsequently used this threat to pressure Tehran toward serious nuclear discussions.
Some Iranians and diaspora members hoped American military intervention would remove Khamenei. However, even among Khamenei’s opponents, many voices opposed foreign interference to overthrow the theocracy.
Formally, a council of Shiite clerics holds responsibility for selecting Khamenei’s successor from among their ranks, with various candidates mentioned including his son.
Danny Citrinowicz, an Iran specialist at Israel’s Institute for National Security Studies, told The Associated Press this week that Tehran learned from last year’s conflict the importance of ensuring governmental continuity following Khamenei’s potential death. He suggested power might transfer to a small committee of senior officials during ongoing hostilities.
“It is possible that Khamenei has indicated a preferred successor behind closed doors,” Citrinowicz said. “However automatic implementation of a preselected successor will increase internal friction during war.”
Nevertheless, the Revolutionary Guard has evolved into Iran’s most powerful institution. Should Khamenei’s death receive confirmation, this might encourage Guard leadership or regular military commanders to assume control more directly. Such developments could trigger violent competition for authority over the oil-wealthy nation of 85 million citizens.
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump finds himself navigating the same type of overseas military engagement he once strongly criticized during his political ascent within the Republican Party.
Saturday’s joint U.S.-Israeli military operation against Iran highlights Trump’s evolution over the past decade — from a 2016 candidate who labeled the Iraq War a “big, fat mistake” to a commander-in-chief now warning Americans about possible overseas casualties while urging Iranians to “seize control of your destiny.” This military action contradicts Trump’s 2024 campaign rhetoric, where he characterized his Democratic opponent Kamala Harris as being influenced by “war hawks” pushing for military deployments abroad.
The president defended Saturday’s strikes as essential for preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons or developing long-range missile capabilities targeting America — despite claiming less than a year ago that previous airstrikes had “obliterated” Iran’s military capacity. U.S. intelligence agencies have also reported significant degradation of Iran’s weapons programs.
Trump now faces potential pressure to substantiate his claims about Iran’s immediate threat to American security, echoing concerns about the false intelligence that preceded the Iraq War. Republicans, already confronting electoral challenges amid economic concerns, may need to reevaluate how this military engagement aligns with the “America First” isolationist philosophy that has defined the party during Trump’s political era.
Although Trump could experience an initial boost from patriotic support, sustaining that momentum over extended periods presents challenges — unlike the quick operation to oust Nicolás Maduro from Venezuela earlier this year.
Initial success differs vastly from the unpredictable aftermath that follows.
“The question is whether Iran’s goal is simply to outlast America and whether Trump has strategic attention deficit disorder, which will allow the Iranians to rise from the ashes and claim victory,” explained Michael Rubin, an American Enterprise Institute historian who served as a Pentagon adviser on Iran and Iraq from 2002 to 2004.
Several Republicans rallied behind Trump’s decision, including Texas Senator John Cornyn and state attorney general Ken Paxton, both competing in Tuesday’s Senate primary race.
“Hopefully lives will not be lost needlessly, but this always entails risk,” Cornyn stated Saturday during a Houston-area campaign event. “But we know that Iran will not stop unless the United States and our allies stop them.”
Indiana Senator Todd Young offered measured support, praising military personnel and condemning Iran while acknowledging that Americans deserve answers to questions that “must be answered.”
However, some Republicans openly opposed the action, particularly those who have consistently opposed foreign military interventions. Kentucky Senator Rand Paul criticized what he called “another preemptive war.” Former Georgia Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, previously a strong Trump supporter, dismissed the president’s warnings about Iran’s nuclear threat.
“It’s always a lie and it’s always America Last,” she posted online. “But it feels like the worst betrayal this time because it comes from the very man and the admin who we all believed was different.”
The Trump administration provided minimal advance preparation for Americans regarding such significant military action.
Vice President JD Vance assured The Washington Post this week there was “no chance” of U.S. involvement in an extended conflict similar to Iraq. During Tuesday’s State of the Union address, Trump devoted only brief remarks to Iran, claiming the nation and its allies have “spread nothing but terrorism, death and hate.”
This approach contrasts sharply with the extended buildup preceding the Iraq War.
President George W. Bush designated Iraq as part of the “axis of evil” in January 2002. Then-Secretary of State Colin Powell delivered his controversial United Nations presentation in February 2003, arguing for war based on incorrect claims about Iraqi weapons of mass destruction. The invasion didn’t commence until March 2003, ultimately defining Bush’s second presidential term.
“We just have to be honest that there is a sense that this was not sold to the American public sufficiently,” Andrew Kolvet commented Saturday on “The Charlie Kirk Show,” an online program created by the late conservative activist who maintained close Trump ties. “Perhaps there will be an opportunity on the backend of this.”
Despite concerns, Kolvet expressed willingness to support Trump’s judgment, recognizing the difficult decisions presidents must make.
“President Trump has earned a big, long leash,” he stated. “Not an unlimited one. But a very long one to make tough decisions.”
Public opinion data indicates Americans share Trump’s Iran-related concerns while questioning his response approach. Approximately half of U.S. adults express being “extremely” or “very” worried about Iran’s nuclear program threatening America, according to recent Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research polling.
Most Americans — 61% — consider Iran a U.S. “enemy,” representing a slight increase from September 2023 Pearson Institute/AP-NORC polling. However, public confidence in Trump’s judgment regarding adversary relationships and overseas military force remains limited, with only about 30% of Americans expressing “a great deal” or “quite a bit” of trust in the president.
Democrats view this situation as a political opportunity. In Maine, Governor Janet Mills and Graham Platner are seeking the Democratic nomination to challenge incumbent Senator Susan Collins this fall. Both issued Saturday statements urging Collins — the sole Republican candidate in a state Harris won — to increase administration oversight.
Collins joined two other Senate Republicans supporting last month’s unsuccessful war powers resolution that would have restricted Trump’s ability to conduct additional Venezuelan operations. Democrats announced Saturday plans to pursue similar Iran-focused legislation.
“If we’ve started a war where we begin to lose American lives, that starts changing the political calculus,” noted Republican strategist Ron Bonjean.
He emphasized that Democrats face their own vulnerabilities, particularly regarding potential domestic terror attacks while the Department of Homeland Security remains closed due to their immigration policy demands.
Currently, Trump offers limited details about future strategy. In Saturday evening social media posts, he indicated bombing operations could continue “as long as necessary.”
An overnight Iranian missile assault targeting locations throughout Gulf Arab nations left Dubai International Airport damaged and four people wounded, according to aviation industry sources who spoke Sunday morning.
Dubai’s media office posted on X that “a concourse at Dubai International (DXB) sustained minor damage in an incident, which was quickly contained,” but provided no additional information about the event.
Industry sources informed Reuters that one terminal at the facility, typically among the globe’s most active aviation centers, was harmed during the nighttime Iranian assault that officials would only publicly describe as an “incident.”
The same sources reported that Abu Dhabi International Airport was also struck. They could not confirm whether both airports experienced direct hits or if the harm resulted from falling wreckage after missiles were intercepted.
Reuters received no immediate responses when seeking comments from Dubai Airports or Abu Dhabi Airports Company.
Tehran launched missiles targeting Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Doha, all critical aviation connections between east and west.
Carriers canceled flights throughout the Middle East on Saturday — including routes to and from Dubai and Abu Dhabi — following U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran and Tehran’s missile counterstrikes. Flight tracking systems revealed nearly empty airspace across much of the area.
Dubai Airports halted all operations at Dubai International and Al Maktoum International, advising travelers to avoid coming to the facilities. Emirates and flydubai stopped their services, while Etihad canceled all Abu Dhabi departures until Sunday morning.
NEWARK, Del. – The University of Delaware baseball team extended their hot streak to three consecutive victories Saturday afternoon, thanks to a dramatic seventh-inning rally that secured a 5-4 triumph over Rider University at Bob Hannah Stadium.
The hero of the afternoon was Evan Bouldin, whose clutch two-run homer in the bottom of the seventh frame provided the winning margin for the Fightin’ Blue Hens. The timely blast capped off a thrilling comeback that lifted Delaware’s record to 4-7 on the season.
With the loss, Rider’s record dropped to 3-2 as they fell victim to Delaware’s late-game heroics. The Blue Hens’ recent surge has provided a bright spot in what started as a challenging campaign, as the team continues to find its rhythm in the early portion of the season.
The victory at Bob Hannah Stadium showcased the team’s resilience and ability to deliver in pressure situations, qualities that will serve them well as they progress through their schedule.
The Goldey-Beacom Lightning women’s basketball squad wrapped up their campaign with a heartbreaking 69-65 defeat to the Bridgeport Purple Knights in their season finale at home.
The contest proved to be a nail-biter, with both teams battling until the closing moments before Bridgeport managed to secure the four-point victory over the Lightning.
Prior to tipoff, Goldey-Beacom took time to celebrate four graduating players in a senior night ceremony, recognizing Rory Ciszkowski, Gaia Zimbardo, Karlee Lemon, and Azra Ozgul for their contributions to the program.
Despite the disappointing result in their final home game, the Lightning showed fight against the Purple Knights in what proved to be an exciting finish to their season.
CHESTERTOWN, Md. – Salisbury University’s nationally-ranked women’s lacrosse squad delivered a dominant performance Saturday afternoon, defeating Washington College 16-10 in Maryland.
The Sea Gulls, currently sitting at No. 3 in national rankings, controlled the game’s final quarter by outscoring the Shorewomen 5-2 during the closing period at Roy Kirby Jr. Stadium.
The victory showcased the team’s ability to finish strong, as they pulled away from Washington College with their impressive fourth-quarter surge to secure the decisive six-goal margin of victory.
SALISBURY, Md. – Salisbury University’s baseball squad, currently holding the fourth position in national rankings, dominated on the mound while generating crucial runs during key moments to defeat the TCNJ Lions 5-2 on Saturday at Donnie Williams Sea Gull Baseball Stadium.
The Sea Gulls’ pitching staff delivered an impressive performance, recording 11 strikeouts throughout the contest while limiting the Lions’ offensive opportunities.
Salisbury’s offense came alive during the middle frames of the game, producing the necessary runs to secure the victory on their home field.
The win continues the Sea Gulls’ strong season as they maintain their top-five national ranking in collegiate baseball.
Tensions in the Middle East escalated dramatically Saturday as Iran unleashed a massive missile barrage against Israel, with local news sources reporting more than 200 projectiles launched throughout the evening hours.
The assault wounded eight people in Tel Aviv, where medical teams transported victims for care – one person suffered moderate injuries while seven others sustained minor wounds. Emergency responders also treated a man in his 40s for serious shrapnel injuries in the city, with Magen David Adom medics providing on-site care. Officials expressed concern about unexploded weapons remaining in the area and launched search missions.
Saturday morning brought the first wave of attacks when Iran sent at least 125 missiles toward Israeli territory. Defense officials reported that 35 projectiles penetrated Israeli airspace while defensive systems knocked down the rest, causing warning sirens to sound throughout central and northern regions. The Magen David Adom emergency service confirmed a residential structure in northern Israel took a direct impact during this initial assault.
Emergency crews reported that missile debris hit a 20-story apartment building in Tirat HaCarmel, breaking through to the 17th floor and causing light injuries to one resident, according to Hebrew-language news outlets.
The Israeli Defense Forces announced a second wave of 15 missiles targeted northern and central areas later that day. Around 5 p.m., unverified reports suggested another residential building in central Israel suffered a direct strike, though no casualties were immediately reported.
Medical services treated a 17-year-old victim who received minor shrapnel wounds to his lower extremities, while emergency teams responded to numerous reported impact locations throughout central Israel. During Saturday’s attacks, paramedics assisted roughly 100 individuals, primarily for minor shrapnel injuries or wounds sustained while seeking shelter. Six additional people received treatment for anxiety-related issues.
The Iranian offensive extended beyond Israeli borders, according to Qatar’s Defense Ministry, which reported 65 missiles and 12 drones had been deployed from Iran by Saturday, Reuters confirmed. In the United Arab Emirates, a high-end Dubai hotel became a target as Iran broadened its retaliatory campaign following American-Israeli operations against Iranian positions.
BBC-authenticated footage captured flames engulfing the Fairmont The Palm hotel, with dense black smoke billowing skyward. Dubai officials confirmed four individuals were injured in a blaze at a Palm Jumeirah area structure, stating the fire was successfully contained without releasing additional information.
Meanwhile, Qatar, Bahrain, Jordan, and Kuwait – all nations hosting American military installations – announced they successfully intercepted missiles aimed at their territories.
Multiple Arab nations issued condemnations of Iran on Saturday following the missile strikes against American interests and allied countries throughout the Middle East, describing the attacks as retaliation for coordinated US-Israeli operations targeting Iranian leadership. Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and the United Arab Emirates were among the countries releasing public statements in response.
LA PAZ, Bolivia – A military cargo aircraft transporting freshly printed currency crashed Friday near Bolivia’s capital city, claiming 22 lives and leaving 29 others wounded, according to police officials who provided updated casualty figures Saturday.
The victims included 12 men, six women, and four children, with one crew member among the fatalities, stated police commander Mirko Sokol. Most of those injured were passengers on public buses traveling in the area where the aircraft went down.
Forensic teams continued working Saturday to retrieve bodies from the crash site. Medical facilities in El Alto, the city near La Paz where the airport is situated, treated the injured survivors.
The Hercules C-130 aircraft was carrying 18 tons of newly manufactured Bolivian banknotes from Santa Cruz in the country’s east when it “landed and veered off the runway” at El Alto airport before coming to rest in an adjacent field, Defense Minister Marcelo Salinas explained Friday. Emergency responders successfully extinguished fires that consumed the aircraft.
Social media footage revealed aircraft wreckage, destroyed automobiles, and casualties along the roadway. Fire department chief Pavel Tovar reported that no fewer than 15 vehicles sustained damage in the incident.
The military transport plane was delivering currency to La Paz when it crashed, and social media images captured people racing to collect scattered bills from the scene. More than 500 military personnel and 100 law enforcement officers attempted to control the crowds, official accounts stated.
To prevent additional theft, police and military forces destroyed the remaining cash containers while Central Bank President David Espinoza observed. Espinoza declared the bills “have no legal value because they never entered circulation,” though he did not elaborate further.
While Espinoza declined to reveal the exact monetary value being transported, he confirmed the banknotes had been shipped to Santa Cruz from overseas before the fatal flight.
A major confrontation between the Pentagon and artificial intelligence company Anthropic has become public this week, with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth abruptly cutting off the military’s partnership with the tech firm and other federal agencies.
The conflict began when Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei stood firm on his company’s position against allowing their AI products to be utilized for widespread surveillance operations or fully automated military drones. This stance led President Donald Trump and Hegseth to claim the San Francisco-based AI company poses a threat to America’s national security.
In an unusual step, Hegseth moved to classify Anthropic as a supply chain threat – a designation typically reserved for foreign companies with ties to hostile nations. The company has promised to fight back in court against what they describe as an legally questionable action.
“We will challenge any supply chain risk designation in court,” Anthropic stated, calling it an action “never before publicly applied to an American company.”
This brewing court fight could significantly impact the technology industry’s power structure and establish new precedents for how the military can use AI technology, along with safety measures designed to protect human lives.
The dispute has already created a major win for OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT, which quickly moved to offer its services to the Pentagon after Anthropic rejected the Trump administration’s conditions. This development is expected to intensify the rivalry between OpenAI’s Sam Altman, who faced his own board troubles in 2023, and Amodei, who departed OpenAI in 2021 to start Anthropic due to AI safety concerns.
The Pentagon’s decision to label Anthropic as a defense supply chain threat will terminate a contract worth up to $200 million with the AI firm. Military officials say this action will also prevent other defense contractors from partnering with Anthropic.
Trump announced on Truth Social that most federal agencies must immediately cease using Anthropic’s AI systems, though he granted the Pentagon six months to remove the technology already integrated into military systems.
Anthropic disputes Hegseth’s legal power to block business relationships with other defense contractors. The company maintains that firms with existing commercial agreements can continue using Anthropic’s products for non-military projects.
The supply chain risk classification was originally established to help military leaders reduce the Pentagon’s dealings with potentially dangerous companies. This list has historically featured businesses connected to rival nations, including Chinese telecom company Huawei and Russian cybersecurity firm Kaspersky.
For Anthropic, this designation sends a clear message to other AI and defense companies about the consequences of refusing government demands.
“We don’t need it, we don’t want it, and will not do business with them again!” Trump declared on social media.
The six-month transition period Trump established essentially provides time for other companies to obtain the necessary classified security approvals to work with the Pentagon.
Anthropic reports they have not yet received official notification of Hegseth’s designation.
“When we receive some kind of formal action, we will look at it, we will understand it and we will challenge it in court,” Amodei promised during a CBS News interview scheduled to air Sunday morning.
Currently, Anthropic is working to reassure businesses and government agencies that the Trump administration’s supply chain risk label only impacts the use of Claude, their AI assistant and coding tool, when defense contractors employ it for Pentagon projects.
“Your use for any other purpose is unaffected,” Anthropic explained in their statement.
This clarification is vital for Anthropic since most of their anticipated $14 billion in annual revenue comes from businesses and government agencies using Claude for programming and other functions. Over 500 clients pay Anthropic at least $1 million yearly for Claude access, according to recent investment announcements valuing the company at $380 billion.
Anthropic’s Claude technology has gained significant momentum, positioning itself as a potential substitute for various business software tools currently offered by major tech corporations like Salesforce and Workday. This potential has caused stocks of business software companies to decline this year.
However, with Anthropic now labeled as a supply chain risk, questions arise about whether customers will remain comfortable using Claude for non-military purposes, potentially risking Trump’s displeasure. Any widespread hesitation to use Claude could slow AI advancement in the United States during a critical period of technological competition with China.
Simultaneously, Anthropic and Amodei may now have a prominent platform to advocate for stronger AI safety measures.
“No amount of intimidation or punishment from the Department of War will change our position on mass domestic surveillance or fully autonomous weapons,” the company declared. “We will challenge any supply chain risk designation in court.”
In his CBS interview, Amodei framed Anthropic’s disagreement with the Trump administration as defending democratic principles.
“Disagreeing with the government is the most American thing in the world,” Amodei stated. “And we are patriots. In everything we have done here, we have stood up for the values of this country.”
Shortly after Anthropic faced punishment, OpenAI’s Altman announced Friday evening that his company reached an agreement to provide AI services to classified military networks. However, Altman revealed that the same AI limitations that caused Anthropic’s dispute with the Pentagon are now included in OpenAI’s new partnership.
In an internal memo obtained by The Associated Press, Altman informed OpenAI staff: “We have long believed that AI should not be used for mass surveillance or autonomous lethal weapons, and that humans should remain in the loop for high-stakes automated decisions. These are our main red lines.”
The reason why the Pentagon accepted OpenAI’s restrictions but rejected Anthropic’s remains unclear. In his memo, Altman suggested the company believes it can “de-escalate things” by collaborating with the Pentagon while maintaining proper safety protections.
OpenAI’s agreement with the Trump administration coincided with announcing another $110 billion funding round, bringing the San Francisco company’s valuation to $730 billion.
OpenAI may also face potential criticism if consumers who use ChatGPT view its Pentagon work as prioritizing profits over AI safety.
The Anthropic conflict could create new opportunities for Elon Musk, who co-founded OpenAI with Altman in 2015 before their bitter separation over safety and financial disagreements. Musk has accused Altman of fraudulent behavior in a case set for trial in late April.
Musk now operates the AI chatbot Grok, which the Pentagon also plans to connect to classified military networks despite safety and reliability concerns, plus government investigations into its creation of inappropriate deepfake images. Musk has already supported the Trump administration’s conflict with Amodei, posting on his X platform that “Anthropic hates Western Civilization.”
Google, which has created widely-used AI tools through its Gemini technology, could also compete for additional military contracts, though some employees have urged executives to avoid deals that would contradict the company’s former “Don’t be evil” principle. Google leadership has not yet publicly addressed Anthropic’s dispute with the Trump administration.
NEW YORK (TV Delmarva) — During an urgent Security Council session on Saturday, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres denounced joint American-Israeli military operations against Iran and demanded an immediate shift toward diplomatic talks “to pull the region, and our world, back from the brink.”
Speaking to council members during the emergency gathering, Guterres emphasized that all possible measures must be taken to avoid further military escalation. “The alternative,” he cautioned, “is a potential wider conflict with grave consequences for civilians and regional stability.”
The UN leader also criticized Iran’s counter-strikes for breaching the sovereignty and territorial boundaries of Bahrain, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
Israeli UN Ambassador Danny Danon dismissed criticism of the airstrikes as “hypocrisy” when speaking with media representatives prior to the session. Danon argued that Iran bears responsibility for its regional proxy forces and nuclear weapons development, stating that Israel and America responded “to prevent an irreversible and immediate threat.”
The military operation against Iran resulted in the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, according to Associated Press reporting. The killing of the Islamic Republic’s second leader, who had not named a successor, has heightened concerns about extended conflict amid Iranian vows of retaliation. President Donald Trump posted on social media that Khamenei’s death represents “the single greatest chance for the Iranian people to take back their Country.”
In correspondence to the secretary-general, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi accused America and Israel of “flagrantly” breaching Iran’s sovereignty, territorial boundaries and the UN Charter. Araghchi stated Iran was using its charter-protected right to self-defense in its response.
The foreign minister pressed council members “to take the necessary and immediate measures to halt this unlawful use of force and to ensure accountability.” He also demanded clear condemnation of “this act of aggression … as it undoubtedly poses an unprecedented threat to regional as well as global peace and security.”
The emergency session was requested by five council members: Bahrain, serving as the Arab council representative, along with France, Russia, China and Colombia.
Leaders from Britain and France, both holding Security Council veto power, joined Germany’s chancellor in a joint declaration urging renewed American-Iranian discussions regarding Tehran’s nuclear activities. These three nations, signatories to the 2015 Iranian nuclear agreement, have spearheaded diplomatic resolution efforts. Trump withdrew American participation from that accord in 2018.
The European leaders issued strong criticism of Iranian regional airstrikes — rather than the American-Israeli operations — and pressed Iranian officials toward negotiated settlements, declaring: “Ultimately, the Iranian people must be allowed to determine their future.”
The Security Council convened on the final day of the United Kingdom’s council presidency, one day before the United States assumes the rotating March leadership role.
JERUSALEM – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced Saturday that joint Israeli-U.S. military operations may have resulted in the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, though he stopped short of definitively confirming the leader’s fate.
Speaking in a recorded statement, Netanyahu declared that morning strikes had targeted Khamenei’s residential compound. “This morning we destroyed the compound of the tyrant Khamenei,” the Israeli leader stated, describing the Iranian leader as someone who had “dispatched terrorism across the world, made his own people miserable, and worked constantly and tirelessly on a program to annihilate the state of Israel” over more than three decades.
Netanyahu indicated that evidence suggests the Iranian leader may not have survived the assault. “There are many signs that this tyrant is no longer. This morning we eliminated senior officials in the ayatollahs’ regime, Revolutionary Guards commanders, senior figures in the nuclear programme – and we will continue. In the next few days, we will hit thousands more targets of the terror regime,” he stated in the video message.
The strikes reportedly targeted multiple high-ranking Iranian officials beyond Khamenei, including Revolutionary Guard leadership and key figures involved in Iran’s nuclear development program.
Former President Donald Trump announced Saturday that Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has died, according to a post on his Truth Social platform.
Trump described the Iranian leader as “one of the most evil people in History” while declaring his death, though the former president did not provide any details about how he learned of this information or specify sources for his claim.
The announcement was made on February 28th via Trump’s social media account, but no additional context or verification was offered with the statement.
Maryland State Police crash investigators are working to determine what caused a deadly collision in Caroline County that took the life of a Ridgely resident yesterday afternoon.
Joseph Dsouza, 30, of Ridgely, died at the scene of the crash. Emergency medical personnel declared him deceased after his 2017 Kia Sorento collided with an Isuzu box truck on Maryland Route 480.
A 50-year-old passenger from Kuwait, Hillary Coelho, was riding in Dsouza’s vehicle at the time of impact. State police aviation transported Coelho to a trauma center where he remains hospitalized.
The box truck operator, James Sherry, 50, of Greensboro, was also taken to a hospital for treatment following the crash.
Emergency responders were called to Route 480 north of Eveland Road just before 2:00 p.m. yesterday, where they discovered both vehicles had left the roadway after the collision.
According to initial findings from crash investigators, the box truck was heading north when it veered across the centerline into the southbound lanes. Police believe Dsouza tried to prevent a direct head-on collision by steering his Kia onto the shoulder of the southbound side, but the vehicles still collided there.
Easton Barrack troopers and Caroline County emergency medical teams responded to the scene. Maryland Department of Transportation personnel helped manage road closures and traffic diversions while the highway remained shut down. Caroline County’s State’s Attorney’s Office has been informed of the incident.
Investigators have not yet established the definitive cause of the crash, though they suspect impairment may have contributed to the collision. Criminal charges could be filed depending on what the investigation reveals.
Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division officers also examined the truck following the crash. The Maryland State Police Crash Team is leading the ongoing investigation.
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei took control of Iran’s Islamic Republic in 1989, assuming leadership after the death of the revolution’s founding figure.
Though not regarded as particularly charismatic, Khamenei has maintained stability in Iran following the devastating conflict with Iraq during the 1980s, leading the country for over thirty years – a tenure significantly longer than the single leader who came before him.
This collection of photographs has been assembled by Associated Press photo editors.
Following Saturday’s significant military strike by the United States and Israel against Iran, President Donald Trump encouraged Iranian citizens to “seize control of your destiny” by challenging the Islamic government that has controlled their country since 1979.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a warning that Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei might be the next target, following the elimination of multiple high-ranking Iranian military commanders and nuclear scientists. Netanyahu suggested such an action could destabilize Tehran’s entire governmental structure.
No immediate reports confirmed whether senior Iranian leadership was harmed in the attacks. However, experts note that removing top leaders wouldn’t automatically guarantee a change in government.
Here’s an examination of Iran’s most powerful political and spiritual authorities.
Ali Khamenei assumed the role of Iran’s supreme leader in 1989 following the passing of Ruhollah Khomeini, who established the Islamic Republic of Iran. Khamenei was instrumental in the revolutionary movement that removed Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi from power in 1979.
At 86 years old, Khamenei serves as Iran’s military commander-in-chief and holds ultimate authority over all governmental and religious decisions. The Revolutionary Guard, Iran’s paramilitary organization tasked with protecting the Islamic Republic, reports directly to his office.
Throughout his leadership, Khamenei has overseen multiple suppression campaigns against domestic protesters. He recently declared Iran’s readiness to respond to any American military action.
Saturday’s initial strikes targeted areas near Khamenei’s administrative offices. His whereabouts during the attack remained unknown, as he hadn’t appeared publicly for several days.
Iran’s current president is widely viewed as a reform-minded leader. Masoud Pezeshkian, a former cardiac surgeon, began his presidency on July 28, 2024. As the nation’s second-highest official, the president oversees government operations, manages economic policies, and executes the Supreme Leader’s directives.
Iranian citizens vote for both president and parliament members in four-year election cycles.
Iran’s foreign minister brings extensive diplomatic experience and played a crucial role in negotiating the 2015 nuclear agreement that is no longer in effect. Abbas Araghchi received his appointment on August 21, 2024.
Prior to Saturday’s military action, Araghchi cautioned that confrontation with the U.S. would result in “a devastating war” and emphasized Tehran’s preference for diplomatic resolution before this week’s critical negotiations.
Ali Larijani comes from one of Iran’s most prominent political dynasties. The former parliamentary leader and senior policy consultant was chosen to counsel Khamenei on strategic matters regarding nuclear discussions with the Trump administration.
In January, the U.S. implemented additional economic penalties against Iranian officials, including Larijani, for allegedly suppressing nationwide demonstrations against Iran’s religious government.
The U.S. Treasury Department identified him as among the first officials to advocate for violent responses against Iranian demonstrators.
Gholam-Hossein Mohseni Ejehi, a conservative legal scholar and hardline prosecutor, has served as chief justice since 2021. He is commonly recognized as a devoted supporter of Khamenei.
State media quoted Mohseni Ejehi in January as declaring there would be “no leniency” for those responsible for the recent wave of civil unrest.
Ahmad Movahedi Kermani leads the 88-member religious assembly tasked with selecting the next Supreme Leader. The Assembly of Experts functions similarly to the Vatican’s College of Cardinals within Iran’s system.
Ahmad Jannati effectively heads Iran’s Guardian Council, a 12-person organization that screens political candidates and legislation, rejecting individuals deemed incompatible with Iran’s Islamic religious system. The council includes six Islamic scholars and six legal specialists.
This council possesses the authority to eliminate presidential candidates viewed as opposing the Supreme Leader’s agenda.
Mohammad Mohammadi Golpayegani serves as an Islamic religious leader and long-standing ally of Khamenei. He manages the Supreme Leader’s administrative office.
Ali Akbar Velayati, trained as a doctor, previously held the position of Iran’s foreign minister and currently advises Khamenei on global matters. He participates in the country’s nuclear policy decisions.
Kamal Kharazi acts as a trusted foreign policy counselor to Khamenei, particularly during recent nuclear negotiations with Washington.
The former diplomat and foreign minister previously served as Iran’s representative to the United Nations. Kharazi has occupied various government, diplomatic, and educational positions throughout his career.
Mohammad Reza Aref holds the distinction of being the highest-ranking reform advocate within Iran’s executive government branch. He functions as the president’s principal deputy and conducts cabinet sessions during the president’s absence. Aref maintains communication between the presidency and parliament.
Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, a former Tehran mayor and Revolutionary Guard commander, secured reelection as parliamentary speaker on May 27, 2025. This conservative politician was connected to student suppression incidents in 1999 and 2003.
Mohammad-Taqi Mesbah Yazdi belongs to Iran’s 12-member Guardian Council and serves as an influential religious leader and prayer director loyal to the Supreme Leader. He holds membership in Iran’s Assembly of Experts and has maintained hardline positions throughout his career.
In January, Khatami demanded capital punishment for protesters arrested during nationwide suppression efforts, characterizing demonstrators as “butlers” of Netanyahu and “Trump’s soldiers.”
Mojtaba Khamenei, the Supreme Leader’s second-oldest son, holds mid-level clerical status and is rumored as his father’s potential replacement. He maintains strong connections with Iran’s Revolutionary Guard. Mojtaba participated in military service during the Iran-Iraq conflict and reportedly exercises significant behind-the-scenes influence as his father’s advisor and gatekeeper.
MEXICO CITY — The remains of notorious drug kingpin Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, widely recognized by his alias ‘El Mencho,’ have been released to his relatives after Mexican military forces killed him in an operation last week, government officials announced Saturday.
Mexico’s Attorney General’s Office issued a statement on X confirming they had completed all required legal procedures before turning over the body to family members.
“Genetic tests were carried out to confirm that there were indeed blood ties between the person who requested the release and the deceased,” the agency stated.
The death of Mexico’s most influential cartel leader triggered widespread revenge attacks spanning approximately 20 states throughout the country. The violent backlash claimed the lives of more than 70 individuals.
This surge in bloodshed has raised concerns that the violence might negatively impact the nation’s tourism industry as the FIFA World Cup approaches later this year.
American authorities had placed a bounty of up to $15 million on El Mencho for information that would lead to his capture. He commanded the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, recognized as among Mexico’s most influential and rapidly expanding criminal enterprises since its establishment around 2009.
This past February 2025, the Trump administration classified the organization as a foreign terrorist group.
The elimination of this major crime figure represents the Mexican government’s most significant victory in demonstrating to the Trump administration its commitment to combating drug cartels.
Maryland’s Department of Natural Resources now oversees a sacred burial ground where enslaved ironworkers from the 1700s are interred, following a land donation that adds the historic cemetery to Cunningham Falls State Park.
The two-acre African American cemetery in Frederick County serves as the final resting place for skilled workers who labored at the Catoctin Furnace, which operated during America’s founding era.
State officials held a ceremony on February 28 at the historic Harriet Chapel, a church that never practiced segregation, to mark the land transfer from the Catoctin Furnace Historical Society. Family members descended from those buried at the site attended the solemn gathering during Black History Month.
Maryland DNR Secretary Josh Kurtz emphasized the significance of the transfer during the ceremony. “The transfer of this land to the Maryland Park Service is more than a procedural step; it is a declaration,” Kurtz stated. “It is a promise that the State of Maryland will protect this ground with dignity and ensure that these stories are celebrated and shared with honesty. As we finish celebrating Black History Month and turn toward celebrations of America’s 250th Anniversary, this important place will serve forever as a reminder that African American heritage is foundational to Maryland and American history.”
The iron-making operation began in 1776 under Thomas Johnson, who signed the Declaration of Independence and became Maryland’s first elected governor, along with his three brothers. Workers at the facility created iron products for George Washington’s Continental Army, including ammunition used in the decisive Revolutionary War battle at Yorktown, Virginia. The furnace also manufactured everyday items like dishes and heating stoves for colonial households. The original furnace ruins already sit within the state park boundaries.
Maryland Park Service Director Angela Crenshaw spoke about honoring the workers’ memory and contributions. “We gather to honor the individuals whose lives shaped Catoctin Furnace – skilled ironworkers, laborers, mothers, fathers, and children; people whose contributions to Maryland were immense, even when history failed to record their names,” Crenshaw said. “Their lives mattered. Their dignity endures. And their story deserves to be told honestly, fully, and permanently.”
Crenshaw praised the Catoctin Furnace Historical Society for their efforts to research, document, and maintain the cemetery throughout their ownership. Elizabeth Comer, who serves as both historian and archaeologist as well as president of the historical society, referenced a 1979 archaeological dig that uncovered 35 burial sites, representing roughly one-third of the total graves believed to exist in the cemetery.
The historical society also runs the Museum of the Ironworker, located close to the cemetery grounds.
Beginning in 2014, the Catoctin Furnace Historical Society initiated an extensive campaign to educate the public about African Americans’ crucial role in iron production at Catoctin Furnace and similar operations, while showcasing their broader influence on America’s industrial development.
After seven years of fundraising efforts, the historical society successfully purchased the privately-owned cemetery within a 1.921-acre plot in May 2025, which they have now transferred to the Park Service.
Comer reflected on the timing of the land transfer during America’s 250th birthday celebration. “How fitting is it that on this, the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States, we can fully commemorate the lives of these founders of Maryland who lived, worked, and died at Catoctin,” Comer said.
The historical society plans to maintain their involvement and support of the site going forward. The related nonprofit Catoctin Furnace Friends Group Inc. is currently raising money to help DNR and the historical society create a conservation and preservation management plan and perform ground-penetrating radar surveys for a proposed trail extension to reach the cemetery.
Kansas City has reached an agreement with veteran outfielder Starling Marte, according to multiple reports emerging Saturday.
Financial details of the deal have not been revealed, and the agreement remains subject to Marte passing a physical examination.
The 37-year-old veteran posted a .270 batting average while contributing nine home runs and 34 RBIs across 98 games during his final season in New York. Marte concluded a four-year stint with the Mets after initially joining the organization on a four-year, $78 million deal before the 2022 season.
Throughout his 14-year major league career, the two-time All-Star and Gold Glove Award recipient has maintained a .285 batting average while accumulating 163 home runs, 667 RBIs, and 361 stolen bases. His professional journey has taken him through organizations including the Pittsburgh Pirates (2012-20), Arizona Diamondbacks (2020), Miami Marlins (2020-21), Oakland Athletics (2021), and most recently the New York Mets (2022-25).
A senior Ukrainian official announced Saturday that Russia has signaled its willingness to embrace the United States’ proposed security framework for Ukraine during recent diplomatic discussions in Geneva.
Kyrylo Budanov, a top aide to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, revealed this development during a television interview broadcast on Ukrainian media. “At the last talks, the Russian side said for example that they would accept the security guarantees offered to Ukraine by the United States,” Budanov stated.
The diplomatic efforts come as President Donald Trump pushes both Moscow and Kyiv to reach a settlement that would bring an end to what has become Europe’s largest military conflict since World War II ended in 1945. However, Zelenskiy has expressed frustration that Ukraine faces mounting pressure to offer compromises in any potential agreement.
Ukrainian leadership continues to pursue robust security assurances that would legally bind the United States and European partners to respond militarily should Russia launch future attacks following any peace settlement.
The most recent diplomatic session in Geneva last week failed to produce any significant breakthrough, with both Ukrainian and Russian representatives characterizing the discussions as challenging. Despite this, Washington officials described the talks as showing “meaningful progress.”
Budanov also noted that Russia has not yet committed to arranging a direct meeting between Zelenskiy and Russian President Vladimir Putin, despite earlier suggestions from U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff that such a summit remained a possibility.
Israeli authorities suspended operations at all Gaza border crossings on Saturday, halting the flow of humanitarian assistance and blocking medical evacuations as military operations against Iran were underway, according to COGAT, Israel’s government coordination agency.
Among the shuttered entry points was the crucial Rafah border crossing with Egypt, which had just resumed limited operations in early February. The crossing had been allowing small numbers of Palestinians to pass through for the first time in months, particularly those requiring emergency medical treatment.
More than 2 million Gaza residents have been forced from their homes during Israel’s military campaign in the territory, leaving the population heavily reliant on international humanitarian assistance.
The United Nations reported in mid-February that it continues encountering obstacles while attempting to distribute critical aid throughout Gaza.
A February analysis by Human Rights Watch found that Israeli limitations on aid shipments have perpetuated shortages of medical supplies, rebuilding materials, food supplies, and clean water throughout the territory.
COGAT defended the crossing closures by claiming sufficient food supplies have entered Gaza during the current ceasefire to meet population needs four times over, though the agency provided no supporting data. Officials stated that “the existing stock is expected to suffice for an extended period.”
A University of Delaware men’s lacrosse player reached a significant career milestone during the team’s recent loss to Villanova University.
Powers accomplished the feat of scoring his 100th career point during the matchup against the Wildcats. The individual achievement provided a bright spot for the Blue Hens despite the team’s defeat.
The milestone represents years of dedication and skill development for Powers, marking him as one of the program’s standout performers. Reaching triple digits in career points is a notable accomplishment in collegiate lacrosse.
While the Blue Hens were unable to secure a victory against Villanova, Powers’ achievement highlights the individual talent within the Delaware program. The team continues its season as they work to build on both individual successes and team performance.
Cities worldwide witnessed widespread demonstrations following a significant military operation conducted by the United States and Israel targeting Iran.
The global response was mixed, with some gatherings expressing approval for the military intervention, while other demonstrations criticized the strikes and raised concerns about potential escalation throughout the region.
The Associated Press photo editors compiled visual documentation of these international reactions.
CONCORD, N.H. — The son of famous singer Cher found himself in legal trouble Friday evening after authorities say he caused a disturbance at an elite New Hampshire boarding school where he had no business being.
Elijah Allman, age 49, faces multiple criminal charges following his arrest at St. Paul’s School in Concord. Law enforcement officials have charged him with four separate misdemeanor offenses: a pair of simple assault counts, along with criminal trespass and criminal threatening charges. Additionally, Allman received a citation for disorderly conduct, which violates state law but doesn’t rise to the level of a criminal offense.
Concord law enforcement officers were called to the prestigious prep school around 7 p.m. Friday after receiving reports of someone causing problems in the campus dining facility. Allman, whose late father was musician Gregg Allman of the Allman Brothers Band, had no ties to the educational institution.
Following his arrest and processing on the various charges, Allman was freed on bail while his legal case moves forward through New Hampshire’s court system.
Court documents do not currently list legal representation for Allman. Attempts to reach Cher’s representatives for comment were unsuccessful, while officials at St. Paul’s School have chosen not to discuss the incident publicly.
The matter remains under investigation by local authorities.
