A Dutch technology firm has reached a major breakthrough in semiconductor manufacturing, announcing that their revolutionary chip-making equipment is now ready for widespread industrial use.
ASML Holding, the Netherlands-based company that manufactures the world’s only commercial extreme ultraviolet lithography equipment, revealed Wednesday that their latest generation machines have achieved the performance standards necessary for mass production operations.
These advanced manufacturing systems will enable major chip producers like Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing and Intel to create more sophisticated and energy-efficient processors while streamlining their production methods, according to company data.
Marco Pieters, ASML’s chief technology officer, shared this milestone information with Reuters ahead of a technical presentation scheduled for Thursday in San Jose, California.
“I think that it’s at a critical point to look at the amount of learning cycles that have happened,” Pieters explained, discussing the extensive testing customers have performed on these machines.
The development comes at a crucial time as current chip-making technology approaches its technical boundaries for producing complex artificial intelligence processors. These new High-NA EUV systems are essential for advancing AI applications like OpenAI’s ChatGPT and helping semiconductor companies meet growing market demands.
Each of these cutting-edge machines carries a price tag of approximately $400 million, double the cost of previous-generation equipment.
According to Pieters, the High-NA EUV systems have demonstrated their reliability by maintaining minimal downtime, processing 500,000 dinner-plate-sized silicon wafers, and achieving the precision needed to create intricate circuit patterns. These three performance indicators collectively demonstrate the equipment’s readiness for manufacturing use.
“(Chipmakers) have all the knowledge to qualify these tools,” Pieters stated.
However, despite their technical capabilities, manufacturers will need an additional two to three years to complete sufficient testing and development work before fully incorporating these systems into their production lines.
The company has currently achieved approximately 80% uptime with their equipment and aims to reach 90% efficiency by year’s end. Pieters noted that the imaging capabilities they plan to showcase will demonstrate how a single High-NA process can replace multiple steps required by older technology. The half-million wafers processed have allowed engineers to resolve numerous operational challenges.
Hip-hop icon Flavor Flav revealed plans Thursday to throw a multi-day celebration in Las Vegas this summer for the U.S. women’s ice hockey team following their gold medal triumph at the Milano Cortina Olympics.
The Public Enemy founding member took to social media to announce his “She Got Game” weekend celebration, scheduled for July 16-19 in collaboration with MGM Resorts. The event will recognize the women’s hockey champions along with other accomplished female athletes.
The 66-year-old entertainer, who has become a vocal advocate for women’s athletics, also established a GoFundMe fundraiser to benefit U.S. women’s Olympic medal winners.
“Many of y’all asked how you can support and donate to our female athletes and the celebrations. So I created a Go Fund Me. I’m hopeful this can have an impact beyond the weekend and help those that represent the best of the U.S.,” he posted on X.
USA Hockey has not yet confirmed whether all 23 team members will participate in the Las Vegas festivities.
Flavor Flav extended his invitation through a formal email to the players, promising “a real celebration” complete with dining experiences and entertainment shows. The rapper previously served as the official hype man for U.S. bobsled and skeleton teams during the Milano Cortina Games and supported the women’s water polo squad at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
His celebration announcement follows the women’s hockey team’s decision to skip President Trump’s State of the Union address this Tuesday. USA Hockey explained that scheduling conflicts and travel complications prevented the women from joining the men’s gold medal team at the event.
Trump had extended the invitation during a Sunday locker room congratulatory call to the men’s team after their 2-1 overtime victory against Canada. The women’s squad also defeated Canada by an identical score in overtime three days prior.
During that call, with FBI Director Kash Patel present, Trump told the men’s team, “We’re going to have to bring the women’s team, you do know that,” later adding he would “probably be impeached” if he failed to include them.
Flavor Flav referenced Trump’s comments in his message to the women’s team, continuing his pattern of championing female athletes on the biggest stages.
Environmental advocates across the United Kingdom are preparing for weekend demonstrations targeting the rapid growth of artificial intelligence data centers, citing concerns about their environmental and community impacts.
The coordinated demonstrations, organized by environmental charity Global Action Plan, reflect mounting worldwide opposition to these power-intensive facilities that support the expanding AI industry’s computing needs.
“Big Tech’s unchecked construction of hyperscale AI data centres is putting the UK’s climate targets at risk,” stated Oliver Hayes, Head of Campaigns at Global Action Plan.
The largest demonstration, dubbed the ‘March Against The Machines,’ is scheduled to begin Saturday at noon outside OpenAI’s offices.
Britain currently operates approximately 450 data centers according to a November 2024 techUK analysis, though no official government definition exists for these facilities.
Energy regulators report that 140 data centers have requested grid connections, potentially demanding 50 gigawatts of electricity. To put this in perspective, Britain’s peak power consumption on February 11 reached 45 gigawatts.
OpenAI announced in January it would develop community plans for each location in its Stargate project, a $500 billion investment program to construct AI data centers for training and processing.
Technology companies are now making direct investments in power infrastructure as energy availability becomes a major bottleneck for AI growth, with the demand for larger and more numerous facilities pushing electricity consumption upward.
In Havering, located in east London, Ian Pirie from Friends of the Earth Havering criticized local development plans as “completely inappropriate in a semi-rural Green Belt area,” pointing to the facilities’ energy and water requirements and agricultural land loss.
Leigh Tugwood, Co-chair of Iver Heath Residents Association, who is opposing construction in Buckinghamshire, expressed worry that data center projects are being rushed through without proper community consultation.
“We are, therefore, in support of a moratorium on all future hyperscale data centre development unless and until there is informed debate, a public inquiry and a meaningful community-designed engagement framework that ensures ownership of the process by those most likely to be impacted,” he stated.
TOKYO – Consumer price increases in Japan’s capital city decelerated during February as rising food costs began to level off, according to government data released Friday. The development provides some breathing room for residents but creates new challenges for the nation’s central bank as it considers future interest rate adjustments.
The figures align with Bank of Japan forecasts predicting that consumer price growth would temporarily ease due to government fuel subsidies and comparison effects from last year’s price surge, before picking up again as wages continue rising steadily.
Tokyo’s core consumer price index, which removes volatile fresh food costs, increased 1.8% compared to February of the previous year, down from January’s 2.0% rise, the data revealed. This marks the first time since October 2024 that the measure has fallen beneath the central bank’s 2% inflation goal. The result was slightly higher than economists’ median prediction of 1.7%.
A separate measure that excludes both fresh food and energy costs, considered by analysts to be a more reliable indicator of underlying inflation trends, climbed 2.5% year-over-year in February, up from 2.4% the previous month.
Japan’s central bank elevated interest rates to 0.75% in December, reaching a three-decade peak as officials took another significant step away from years of extensive monetary stimulus. The move reflected the bank’s confidence that the country is making progress toward consistently achieving its 2% inflation objective.
Bank officials have indicated their willingness to implement additional rate increases if their economic and inflation projections prove accurate.
A Manhattan federal judge delivered a significant blow to cryptocurrency giant Binance on Thursday, ruling that the exchange cannot compel customers to resolve their legal disputes through private arbitration proceedings.
U.S. District Judge Andrew Carter determined that investors who filed claims before February 20, 2019, can proceed with their court case. The judge found that Binance failed to properly inform customers when it changed its user agreement to include mandatory arbitration clauses and eliminate their ability to participate in class-action lawsuits.
According to Carter’s ruling, Binance provided no evidence that it properly “announced” the arbitration requirement or guided users to where they could find this provision in the terms of service. The judge also determined that the class-action waiver language in Binance’s 2019 user terms was unclear and could not be enforced.
The legal action also names Changpeng Zhao, who founded Binance and previously served as its chief executive officer. Representatives for both Binance and Zhao have not yet provided responses to requests for comment on the ruling.
Companies often favor arbitration over traditional court proceedings because these private processes can stay confidential, limit evidence collection opportunities, and reduce legal expenses.
The customers bringing the lawsuit claim they suffered financial losses on seven specific cryptocurrency tokens: ELF, EOS, FUN, ICX, OMG, QSP and TRX. They allege that Binance violated federal and state securities regulations by not properly warning investors about the “significant risks” associated with purchasing these digital assets, and they are seeking to recover their investment losses.
This case has had a lengthy court history. Carter initially dismissed the lawsuit in 2022, but a federal appeals court reinstated the case two years later, allowing it to move forward.
Venezuela’s oil ministry has placed 19 oil production agreements with private companies on hold, according to four sources familiar with the decision. These contracts were all signed during Nicolas Maduro’s time as president.
The temporary halt hasn’t affected Venezuela’s current oil and gas production levels, sources confirmed. The state-owned oil company PDVSA continues to market and sell crude oil from these suspended agreements while the review process continues.
Both Venezuelan and American officials plan to examine these contracts closely and may choose to cancel some of them entirely, sources revealed. The two governments are conducting background checks on the companies that entered into these agreements, with particular scrutiny given to lesser-known firms that signed deals while Venezuela was facing U.S. economic sanctions.
The United States gained control over Venezuela’s oil exports and sales in January after capturing Maduro. Following this development, the U.S. Treasury Department has granted special permits allowing certain companies to conduct oil trade with Venezuela and operate within the country’s energy sector.
In late January, Venezuela’s National Assembly approved changes to the nation’s hydrocarbon legislation aimed at encouraging foreign investment in the country’s deteriorating oil infrastructure. The revised law gives the government a six-month window to examine all existing contracts.
Neither Venezuela’s oil ministry nor the White House responded to requests for comment on this matter.
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INDIANAPOLIS — Sources close to the situation confirm that the Indianapolis Colts have authorized quarterback Anthony Richardson to explore trade opportunities with other NFL franchises, according to information obtained Thursday.
The source spoke on condition of anonymity as the organization has not made any public statements regarding the matter.
Indianapolis had high hopes that Richardson would develop into their cornerstone quarterback when they selected him fourth overall in the 2023 NFL Draft, but the former University of Florida standout’s tenure has been marked by setbacks and health concerns.
This development follows comments made just two days earlier by Colts General Manager Chris Ballard, who expressed continued confidence in Richardson’s potential to succeed with the franchise.
When reporters asked whether Richardson might benefit from a change of scenery, Ballard responded: “I’m not going to say that. Anthony’s still young, he’s still developing so we’ll see what the future holds.”
This isn’t the first instance of Ballard allowing a player to explore their options. In August 2023, Pro Bowl running back Jonathan Taylor received similar permission during contract negotiations. Taylor ultimately remained with Indianapolis, signing a three-year, $42 million extension less than two months later.
However, Richardson’s situation appears more complex.
The young quarterback’s development has been hampered by numerous obstacles since earning the starting position during his rookie training camp. His debut season was cut short after just four appearances, with only one complete game, due to right shoulder surgery that ended his 2023 campaign.
Richardson’s 2024 season brought continued challenges with both health and performance issues.
While he started in all 11 games he played, Richardson missed significant time due to various ailments including a hip strain, foot and back problems. He also faced criticism after removing himself from a game mid-season, citing fatigue following back-to-back rushing attempts, which led to a two-game benching. His completion percentage of 47.7% ranked as the lowest among regular NFL starters, accompanied by eight touchdown passes and 12 interceptions.
These struggles led Indianapolis to sign free agent Daniel Jones in March.
Jones, who was the sixth overall selection by the New York Giants in 2019, won the starting quarterback competition last August. As Jones performed well during the season’s first half, Richardson continued battling injuries.
A second right shoulder injury in May was followed by a dislocated finger on his throwing hand in August. Richardson’s season effectively ended in October with a fractured orbital bone sustained in an unusual pregame incident. Combined with Jones’ solid performance, these setbacks limited Richardson to just two game appearances where he completed one of two pass attempts for nine yards.
Jones faces potential free agency next month while recovering from a torn right Achilles tendon that sidelined him for Indianapolis’ final four contests. The team’s 8-2 start gave way to four consecutive losses without Jones, ultimately costing them a playoff berth. The Colts are currently negotiating a new contract with Jones.
“We’re expecting him back for training camp, but the way he works and who he is, you know, it wouldn’t surprise me if it’s sooner,” Ballard said Tuesday regarding Jones’ recovery timeline. “He’ll be back and he’ll be ready to go, and I think he’ll have a good year. We’ve hard great discussions with both of them (Jones and possible free agent receiver Alec Pierce), we’ll continue to work this week and see if we can get something done. It’s been very positive.”
These developments cast further doubt on Richardson’s long-term prospects in Indianapolis.
Despite the uncertainty, Ballard maintained positive remarks about Richardson’s character and progress.
“He’s a really good teammate, positive, wants to do the right thing,” Ballard commented about Richardson. “So it’s trending in the right direction, still got a ways to go but he’s cleared to play, and he is getting better, so we’ll work from there.”
A legendary figure in Major League Baseball has passed away. Bruce Froemming, who spent nearly four decades calling balls and strikes in the big leagues, died Wednesday at age 86, according to his son.
The veteran official suffered a fatal accident early Tuesday morning when he fell and struck his head on hardwood flooring at his residence in Mequon, Wisconsin. Steven Froemming said his father was rushed to Ascension Columbia St. Mary’s Hospital in Milwaukee, where he succumbed to brain hemorrhaging that doctors couldn’t control due to blood-thinning medication.
Froemming’s career behind the plate spanned an impressive 37 seasons, during which he officiated 5,163 games – ranking third in baseball history. His journey began as a teenage semiprofessional player who transitioned to umpiring in the minor leagues in 1958 when he was just 18 years old. After working his way through the ranks, he earned a spot on the National League umpiring crew in 1971, later moving to the consolidated major league staff in 2000 before hanging up his mask in 2007.
The Wisconsin native holds the unique distinction of working behind home plate for a record-setting 11 no-hit games throughout his career. His most memorable assignment came on September 2, 1972, when Chicago Cubs pitcher Milt Pappas came within one strike of a perfect game before walking pinch-hitter Larry Stahl, then completing the no-hitter by retiring Garry Jestadt on a fly ball.
Froemming also called three additional no-hitters from behind the plate, including performances by Ed Halicki in 1975, Hall of Famer Nolan Ryan in 1981, and José Jiménez in 1999. His distinguished career included assignments to five World Series.
Reflecting on his early days just before retirement, Froemming recalled his first professional assignment in Waterloo, Iowa: “I thought I was in heaven — on the ballfield, professional athletes, I was starting my professional career. But never did you dream at the time, ever even think of going to a big league ballpark, because you had so far to go through the minor leagues to even get a chance.”
He offered advice to aspiring umpires, emphasizing that success required “probably being patient with yourself. … You’re going to make mistakes early on.”
Following his retirement from active duty, Froemming continued serving baseball as a special assistant to Major League Baseball’s vice president of umpiring.
He leaves behind his wife, Rosemarie, whom he wed in 1957, along with sons Steven and Kevin, sister Cathy Seizer, half-brother Johnny Froemming, and two grandchildren.
DETROIT — When Joelle Haley’s labor began on Christmas Day, she delivered her son Kieran just two days later at only 24 weeks into her pregnancy. As her premature newborn lay in the dimly lit room at Detroit’s hospital, both mother and baby needed something extra for comfort. That something turned out to be vibrant, soft octopi that Haley would craft from yarn.
At the Children’s Hospital of Michigan Neonatal Intensive Care Unit within DMC Hutzel Women’s Hospital, these adorable donated octopi serve a dual purpose for premature infants — they provide comfort while keeping tiny fingers occupied so babies don’t pull on critical medical tubing and equipment.
“Leaving my son at the hospital was incredibly difficult, even though I trusted the staff completely, because I worried ‘what happens if he becomes distressed and has nothing to soothe him at that moment?’” Haley explained Thursday. “Knowing he has something close by that can comfort him makes me feel better, which allows me to care for myself too.”
These octopi follow the Japanese craft tradition known as Amigurumi, which involves creating small stuffed creatures from yarn, and they’re made in an array of bright colors.
After hearing a nurse mention that such items would benefit the NICU, Haley decided to put her crocheting skills to work. The 30-year-old, who has been crocheting since elementary school, has personally created approximately 20 of these creatures and has enlisted help through social media platforms.
“When I last tallied them up, we had received 175 donations, with more still coming in. Contributors sent them from across Michigan,” she noted while bringing a fresh batch to the hospital, where staff placed them in infant bassinets.
Many babies in the unit need respiratory assistance, explained Dr. Jorge Lua, who serves as medical director for the Children’s Hospital of Michigan Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at DMC Hutzel Women’s Hospital.
“Keeping those tubes secure is crucial. Infants sometimes grasp them and inadvertently remove them,” Dr. Lua stated. “When a breathing tube gets displaced, the infant experiences respiratory distress. They cannot breathe properly. Their oxygen levels drop. This can extend the time needed to get them stable again.”
Haley frequently observed her baby boy pulling at the tubes that connected him to NICU machines.
“Knowing I could assist other babies gives me a sense of comfort,” Haley shared. “Watching my son with his octopus reassures me that he’ll feel secure and comforted during my absence. I hope it provides that same peace of mind to other families.”
According to Haley, each octopus requires roughly 30 minutes to complete.
“My mother introduced me to crocheting as a way to manage anxiety,” she said about the craft. “The rhythmic movements give me something to concentrate on and help me feel more relaxed.”
A Florida airport created quite the buzz on social media this week after announcing plans to prohibit sleepwear in their terminals – but don’t worry, they weren’t serious about the policy.
Tampa International Airport made waves Thursday with a post on their official X platform declaring they had “seen enough” pajamas after previously going “Crocs-free” at their facility.
“The madness stops today. The movement starts now,” the airport wrote in the post that racked up 5.7 million views by Thursday afternoon and sparked heated discussions about appropriate travel clothing.
Airport representative Beau Zimmer explained to The Associated Press that the message reflected the facility’s well-established humorous social media approach that dates back to their early Twitter days, before the platform became X. This comedic strategy has built them a devoted worldwide fanbase, he noted.
“Our regular social media followers just eat this stuff up,” Zimmer said. “But obviously this is all in fun, and we encourage our travelers to be comfortable.”
The post caught the attention of Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, who responded with a GIF featuring actor John Krasinski from “The Office” enthusiastically saying “Yes!”
Duffy has been promoting more formal airline attire as part of his civility initiative launched in November, titled “the Golden Age of Travel Starts with You.” According to the Transportation Department, this effort aims “to jumpstart a nationwide conversation around how we can all restore courtesy and class to air travel.”
Tampa International issued a clarification Thursday confirming their sleepwear post was meant as humor.
“Today’s post about ‘banning’ pajamas was another playful nod to day-of-travel fashion debates,” the statement read. “We encourage our passengers to travel comfortably and appreciate our loyal followers who enjoy the online humor.”
According to Zimmer, the airport’s entertaining online presence has existed for at least ten years. It began when a young intern started sharing lighthearted content, including jokes about competing sports teams and their supporters, “and it really took off.”
Recently, following the Tampa Bay Lightning’s dramatic comeback from a four-goal deficit to defeat the Boston Bruins 6-5 in an NHL Stadium Series match, the airport posted: “Oh, and safe flight home to all the Bruins fans today :)”
Last month, referencing a running gag about travelers confusing their TPA airport code with TIA (an Albanian airport), Tampa shared a New Year’s resolution “to stress out less.”
“Unfortunately,” their post added, “some of y’all’s resolutions is to continue calling us TIA so we will not be meeting our goal.”
One social media user suggested Tampa should simply change their code to “GOAT so people don’t get confused,” using the abbreviation for “greatest of all time.”
PORTLAND, Ore. — A jury in Oregon has awarded $305 million to 16 people affected by the state’s catastrophic 2020 wildfires, marking another significant verdict in an ongoing class-action case against utility company PacifiCorp that involves thousands of plaintiffs.
With this latest decision, jury awards against PacifiCorp have now exceeded $1 billion total for class members. The utility was previously determined to be liable in a 2023 trial for failing to shut off electricity during dangerous wind conditions, despite receiving warnings from senior fire officials.
PacifiCorp is currently appealing the case through state courts. More than 1,000 additional class members have trials scheduled for 2026 and 2027.
The Labor Day weekend fires of 2020 rank among Oregon’s most catastrophic natural disasters, claiming 11 lives, scorching over 1,560 square miles (4,040 square kilometers), and destroying thousands of residences.
Wednesday’s monetary awards from the Multnomah County Circuit Court jury went to 16 people affected by the Santiam Canyon blaze in northwest Oregon.
“This verdict is a meaningful acknowledgment of the devastation they’ve endured and reaffirms the irreversible losses they’ve suffered as a result of the fires,” stated Shawn Rabin, who headed the legal team for the plaintiffs.
PacifiCorp responded via email, calling the verdict an “irresponsible outcome related to damages caused by a fire that PacifiCorp did not start or contribute to as determined by the Oregon Department of Forestry.”
“This is why we have been and will continue to challenge these verdicts,” the company stated.
According to a report issued by the Oregon Department of Forestry last year, 12 out of 19 fires in Santiam Canyon during September 2020 originated from embers of an existing fire. The remaining seven fires resulted from fallen power lines but were found to have no impact on the major fire spread in the canyon, as they were extinguished by local residents or firefighting crews.
Attorneys representing the plaintiffs have criticized this report as containing errors.
In addition to these court cases, PacifiCorp has separately agreed to pay more than $2 billion to resolve various lawsuits related to the 2020 fires, including a $575 million settlement with federal authorities for wildfire damage on government property in Oregon and California.
President Donald Trump’s State of the Union speech this week drew 32.6 million television viewers, representing a decline of 4 million from his previous year’s congressional address and marking his lowest viewership for the annual presidential message.
According to Nielsen ratings, Trump’s remarks — which set a record as the lengthiest televised State of the Union in presidential history — aired across 15 separate television networks.
During his initial presidential term, Trump consistently attracted at least 37.1 million viewers for each of his four State of the Union speeches. His audience numbers surpassed 40 million annually from 2017 to 2019, reaching a high point of 47.7 million for his inaugural address, Nielsen data shows.
Tuesday’s viewership figures closely matched those of former President Joe Biden’s last State of the Union in 2024, which drew 32.2 million watchers. The presidential address continues to rank among television’s most-watched annual events, especially among older demographics, with 23.6 million of Trump’s Tuesday audience being viewers aged 55 and older.
Fox News Channel dominated viewership preferences, capturing 9.1 million of Trump’s total audience. ABC News secured second place with 5.1 million viewers, while no other network managed to attract more than 3.6 million watchers.
The chairwoman of the National Transportation Safety Board delivered sharp criticism Thursday against House lawmakers, saying their aviation safety legislation fails to properly implement her agency’s recommendations following a deadly midair collision near the nation’s capital that claimed 67 lives.
Jennifer Homendy, who leads the NTSB, described the House proposal as having “watered-down” provisions that won’t adequately prevent future disasters. She argued that a Senate version, which fell just one vote shy of House passage earlier this week, would be far more effective. The NTSB sent an official letter Thursday afternoon to two House committees stating they cannot support the current legislation.
“We can have disagreements over policy all day. But when something is sold as these are the NTSB recommendations and that is not factually accurate, we have a problem with that. Because now you’re using the NTSB and you’re using people who lost loved ones in terrible tragedies,” Homendy stated. “You’re using their pain to move your agenda forward.”
At the heart of the dispute lies Homendy’s concern, shared by crash victims’ families, that all aircraft should be mandated to carry advanced tracking technology the NTSB has advocated since 2008. This equipment would give pilots better awareness of nearby air traffic. While aircraft already must have Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast Out systems near major airports to transmit their position, the ADS-B In technology that receives location data from other aircraft remains optional.
Rather than mandating ADS-B In systems, the House proposal would direct the Federal Aviation Administration to develop regulations for the most advanced tracking technology available. However, the legislation includes exceptions for corporate jets and smaller aircraft in certain airspace areas. Homendy also criticized weaknesses in other provisions, including restrictions on military authority to disable tracking systems and insufficient requirements for ensuring the technology functions properly.
House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee leaders Sam Graves and Rick Larsen chose not to address Homendy’s remarks Thursday, though they have previously stated their ALERT bill properly handles the 50 safety recommendations the NTSB issued after investigating the crash between an American Airlines aircraft and an Army Black Hawk helicopter.
The lawmakers defended their approach and promised collaboration with families, Senate colleagues, and industry representatives to create the most effective solution quickly. Committee markup of the bill is expected within weeks.
“From the beginning, we have stressed the importance of getting this right, and we are confident that we will achieve that goal,” Larsen and Graves stated. House Speaker Mike Johnson has also expressed commitment to advancing the legislation.
The NTSB published a detailed comparison between their recommendations and the House bill, documenting numerous areas where the proposed law doesn’t fully address necessary reforms.
Doug Lane, whose wife and son died in the January 29, 2005 collision, joined other bereaved families in calling the House measure “not really a serious attempt to address the NTSB recommendations.” Lane suggested the bill’s timing, introduced days before voting on the Senate’s ROTOR Act, appeared calculated to undermine that unanimous Senate proposal and delay ADS-B In requirements through extended regulatory proceedings.
Matt Collins, who lost his brother Chris in the tragedy, emphasized that mandatory ADS-B In systems are essential for family approval.
“As far as the ALERT act — the way it’s written now, I can’t endorse the way its written now. It needs to include ADS-B In,” Collins declared. “It’s non-negotiable for us as family members, extremely non-negotiable.”
While the NTSB identified systematic failures and years of unheeded warnings as primary crash factors, Homendy has maintained that ADS-B In equipment on both aircraft, if activated, would have prevented the collision. Army protocols at the time required helicopters to fly with such systems disabled to maintain operational secrecy, despite the involved helicopter conducting routine training rather than sensitive operations.
Homendy accused House members of selectively incorporating NTSB recommendations rather than comprehensive implementation.
“We were very explicit of what needed to occur,” Homendy explained. “When we issue a recommendation, those recommendations are aimed at preventing a tragedy from happening again. And if you’re just going to give us half a loaf, it’s not going to do it. We’re not gonna save lives.”
A major health collaboration worth $1.2 billion has been finalized between the United States and the Democratic Republic of Congo, both governments announced Thursday in a joint declaration.
According to the State Department, America will contribute up to $900 million across five years to help the Central African nation combat HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, deaths among mothers and children, and additional infectious diseases. Meanwhile, Congo has pledged to boost its own healthcare spending by $300 million during the same timeframe, the statement revealed.
This marks another in a series of partnerships the United States has established with over a dozen African nations, many of which have experienced reductions in American aid funding, including Congo.
Cuts to U.S. assistance have severely damaged healthcare infrastructure throughout developing nations, particularly across Africa, where numerous countries depended on this financial support for essential programs, including disease outbreak response efforts.
As of Thursday, the State Department has completed 19 bilateral health partnerships with African nations.
The Trump administration describes these new “America First” health funding arrangements as designed to boost self-reliance and remove what it characterizes as ideological priorities and inefficiency from international aid programs. These agreements are replacing various previous health accords under the now-dissolved United States Agency for International Development.
Experts suggest this fresh approach to global health reflects President Donald Trump’s tendency toward transactional diplomacy, utilizing direct negotiations with foreign leaders to advance his international objectives.
The U.S.-Congo partnership announcement coincides with the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention expressing alarm about clauses in certain agreements mandating countries provide Washington with virus data that could signal potential outbreaks as a condition for receiving funds.
“There are huge concerns regarding data, regarding pathogen sharing,” Africa CDC director-general Dr. Jean Kaseya stated to reporters.
On Wednesday, health funding discussions between the United States and Zimbabwe broke down when the African country refused to accept a mandate for sharing confidential health information.
Whether similar data-sharing obligations exist in the U.S.-Congo health partnership remains unknown.
Canada’s trade minister responsible for U.S. relations warned Thursday that the North American trade agreement between the United States, Mexico, and Canada might undergo yearly evaluations, potentially creating ongoing business uncertainty under the Trump administration.
Speaking to business leaders in Toronto, Dominic LeBlanc announced plans to meet with U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer in Washington next week, prior to the required USMCA evaluation scheduled for July.
“If there’s no consensus in the review the agreement continues. Then there’s an annual review that starts and if uncertainty is one of the objectives from one of our (USMCA) partners you can imagine scenarios of how this might go,” LeBlanc explained to the audience.
The Canadian official noted that questions surrounding the trade agreement’s stability are already impacting business decisions across Canada.
“Net business investment is down,” LeBlanc stated. “Therein lies one of the big challenges. We have to control what we can control.”
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has established an ambitious target to expand Canada’s non-American exports by 100% over the coming ten years, citing concerns that U.S. tariffs are discouraging investment. Carney recently completed trade negotiations with China and is currently conducting business in India.
President Trump originally negotiated the USMCA during his previous presidency and incorporated a provision requiring the agreement’s review in 2026.
The president has discussed encouraging American automotive companies to relocate their Canadian operations to the United States, while Greer has promoted bringing industrial manufacturing back to America.
Despite these concerns, LeBlanc expressed cautious optimism about the trade agreement’s prospects, noting that Trump’s recent tariff announcements maintained existing exemptions for Canada and Mexico under the USMCA framework.
“So, they’re doing that because it’s in the American economic interest to do that,” he observed.
While the USMCA currently protects most Canadian exports to America, specific industries including aluminum, steel, automotive, and lumber continue to face tariff pressures that are affecting Canada’s economic performance.
LeBlanc revealed that Canada appeared close to reaching an agreement on industry-specific tariffs during the fall, but negotiations ended abruptly when Trump responded negatively to an anti-tariff television advertisement created by Ontario’s government.
The minister acknowledged that Trump administration representatives have engaged in public political discussions about trade policy, but suggested private diplomatic conversations remain more productive.
“There is a public prosecution of the argument, the political argument in the United States, and there are the private government-to-government-to-government conversations, which are not discouraging,” LeBlanc concluded.
Cuban Deputy Foreign Minister Carlos Fernández de Cossío announced Thursday that his nation’s officials are actively coordinating with their American counterparts following a deadly maritime confrontation that left several people dead in Cuban territorial waters.
The Cuban official stated his government stands ready to share information with U.S. authorities, while also planning to request details about those involved and how they organized their journey.
“The U.S. government has shown willingness to cooperate in clarifying the facts,” Cossío stated.
According to Cuba’s Interior Ministry, the incident unfolded Wednesday morning when a speedboat registered in Florida and carrying 10 armed Cuban nationals from the United States fired upon soldiers along the island’s northern coastline. Cuban forces returned fire, resulting in four deaths and six injuries among the boat’s occupants. Cuban officials reported one of their personnel was also wounded.
A U.S. official confirmed Thursday that at least one American citizen died in the encounter, with another sustaining injuries.
The official, speaking anonymously due to the sensitive nature of the ongoing investigation into Wednesday’s gun battle, revealed that another crew member held a U.S. visa, while several others may have possessed green cards.
Additionally, the boat’s owner has claimed the vessel was taken without permission by one of his workers.
Cuban authorities have published a roster containing the names of those they consider suspects, alleging the group intended to launch an invasion and carry out terrorist activities.
Cossío revealed that investigators discovered assault weapons, sniper rifles, handguns, night vision gear, bayonets, military-style clothing, field rations, communications devices “and a large number of insignia from counterrevolutionary terrorist organizations.”
“This information is still preliminary. More details will be provided in the coming days,” he added.
On Wednesday night, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that the Department of Homeland Security and Coast Guard are conducting their own investigation.
“The majority of the facts being publicly reported are those by the information provided by the Cubans. We will verify that independently as we gather more information, and we’ll be prepared to respond accordingly,” Rubio stated.
Cossío pointed out that Cuban officials have consistently shared intelligence with the U.S. regarding individuals he claims “have been involved in promoting, financing, and organizing violent and terrorist acts against Cuba.”
He revealed that two of the detained boat passengers appeared on that intelligence list “and enjoyed impunity within U.S. territory.”
“The Cuban government is still awaiting responses to requests for information about them and the other individuals and organizations included in the list issued,” Cossío said.
The deputy foreign minister declined to answer reporter questions during his press conference.
Throughout Havana and surrounding areas, residents discussed the incident with varying reactions.
“What the hell,” commented 88-year-old street performer Efraín Scotland regarding the alleged invasion attempt by 10 individuals. “No, my friend, no, that’s not going to bring down a nation.”
Others, including 48-year-old construction worker Roberto Henry Figueredo, expressed support for Cuba’s military response.
“That hail of bullets that we unleashed was good,” he remarked, adding that Cubans would resist future attacks. “If they fire at us, we’re going to eat those bullets.”
Citizens in Cuba and elsewhere continue seeking answers about the motivations behind the alleged maritime operation targeting the Caribbean nation.
Cuban political analyst Rafael M. Hernández addressed reporters during an online briefing Thursday, noting numerous unanswered questions: “What were they doing? What were they looking for? Were they starting a liberation movement in Cuba? Were they trying to sabotage the Cuban economy?”
He characterized the alleged mission as “silly and counterproductive.”
Some observers expressed concern that the shooting incident might further damage the already strained diplomatic relationship between Cuba and the United States, which has increased economic sanctions.
Last month, U.S. President Donald Trump also threatened to impose tariffs on nations that sell or supply oil to Cuba, which had relied heavily on Venezuelan petroleum. However, those deliveries ceased after U.S. actions against the South American country and the arrest of its former leader.
Cuba has subsequently implemented strict fuel conservation measures.
“I expect things to get more tense,” said 54-year-old Havana resident Rosa Larrondo, who characterized Wednesday’s shooting as “a violation of the sovereignty of the Cuban people.”
A high-ranking White House official announced Thursday he plans to closely examine the aviation industry following troublesome experiences he and his wife had with American Airlines flights.
Deputy White House Chief of Staff James Blair expressed his frustration on social media platform X, describing how American Airlines caused him a 2.5-hour delay due to staff failing to detect empty hydraulic fluid before his aircraft reached the runway. His wife faced a different problem when the airline apparently neglected to schedule a pilot for her flight.
“I’m going to take a new interest in the airline industry,” Blair stated in his post.
Neither the White House nor American Airlines provided immediate responses to requests for comment.
The carrier has faced increased criticism following its handling of a major winter storm in late January that resulted in extensive flight cancellations and highlighted weaknesses in the airline’s recovery procedures.
According to information from aviation analytics company OAG, American Airlines performed worse than major competitors in January. The carrier ranked behind Southwest Airlines, Alaska Airlines, United Airlines, and Delta Air Lines for punctuality while recording the highest rate of canceled flights among these carriers.
The Trump administration has been rolling back several aviation consumer protection measures that were introduced during the Biden presidency.
This past December, the Transportation Department decided to eliminate certain airline penalties that had been imposed under the previous administration. This included canceling $16.7 million in fines levied against American Airlines in 2024 as part of an agreement addressing how the company treated passengers with disabilities.
The department also forgave the outstanding $11 million portion of Southwest Airlines’ penalty, which was part of a $140 million resolution concerning operational failures that left over 2 million travelers stranded during the December 2022 holiday season.
In November, transportation officials withdrew a Biden-era proposal that would have mandated airlines provide cash payments to passengers when flight disruptions were the carrier’s fault.
Most recently, the Transportation Department has suggested revising its enforcement approach to reduce emphasis on imposing financial penalties against airlines that breach consumer protection regulations, moving away from the stricter enforcement policies established during the Biden years.
CHICAGO — Thousands of people formed lengthy lines spanning almost two city blocks in Chicago this week to pay their final respects to civil rights champion Jesse Jackson, who passed away last week at the age of 84.
The public viewing took place at the Rainbow PUSH Coalition headquarters, the organization Jackson established in 1996. Community members, political leaders, and activists gathered to celebrate the life of a man whose lifelong commitment to social justice transformed the landscape of American politics and gave voice to Black communities and other marginalized groups.
Barricades contained the massive crowd as people waited patiently to see Jackson lying in repose during the memorial service. A large screen outside the building displayed photographs chronicling Jackson’s journey from his early organizing days through the pinnacle of his influential career.
Street vendors positioned themselves at a nearby intersection, offering t-shirts, pins, and memorabilia featuring Jackson’s famous rallying cry “Keep Hope Alive” — a slogan that became deeply connected with his movement and continues to inspire today’s social justice advocates.
Among those in attendance was Theo Scott, an 82-year-old visitor from North Carolina who was in town caring for an ill family member. “He was outstanding and his resilience is one of the things that stands out to me,” she said while explaining her decision to stop by the memorial before returning home.
Within the building, Jackson’s family members and longtime ally Al Sharpton positioned themselves next to his glass-covered casket, greeting each mourner who came to pay their final respects.
“It’s been beautiful to see the outpouring of love,” Yusef Jackson, an attorney and the youngest son of Jesse Jackson, told Reuters. “We’re dealing with a level of personal grief and loss that is a big gap in our household. He was our father, he was our minister and he was also our leader.”
Former U.S. representative Bobby Rush, seated among the attendees, emphasized the responsibility now facing future generations. “It’s up to the younger generation to keep pushing this battle forward,” he stated.
Jazmine Valadez, 32, characterized Jackson’s lifetime of work as “proof of concept” for continued activism efforts. “He showed us we can do amazing things, care for one another, and build those coalitions,” she explained.
Jackson emerged as a prominent figure in the civil rights movement as a young organizer within the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, working closely with the Reverend Martin Luther King Jr. He traveled with King to Memphis in 1968 to support striking African-American sanitation workers, just before the assassination of the renowned civil rights leader.
A native of Greenville, South Carolina, Jackson developed into one of the most prominent Black political figures of the latter half of the 20th century. His advocacy efforts included pushing for sanctions against South Africa’s apartheid system, securing the freedom of American hostages in foreign countries, and promoting corporate responsibility and minority business opportunities domestically.
Charles Jenkins, 50, who viewed Jackson as a mentor, remembered their interactions where Jackson was “always teaching.” Even as his health deteriorated, Jenkins noted that Jackson never stopped fighting for economic fairness and community welfare.
“While sick, he had a goal to mobilize 2,000 churches for holiday food distribution,” said Jenkins, who had visited Jackson following his hospitalization in November. “Reverend Jackson led with love at the core, which is to have the highest form of concern for another by demonstration.”
Jackson constructed a political movement focused on economic fairness and building alliances that crossed racial and socioeconomic boundaries. His two presidential campaigns energized millions of previously inactive voters through his “Rainbow Coalition” platform, compelling the Democratic Party to prioritize concerns affecting working-class Americans, agricultural communities, and people of color.
His passing occurs during a period when President Donald Trump’s administration has targeted various U.S. institutions, including museums, monuments, and national parks, to eliminate what the president labels “anti-American” ideology. These actions have included dismantling slavery exhibitions and restoring Confederate monuments, moves that civil rights advocates warn could undo decades of social advancement.
“His fingerprint changed the world,” Charlie Dates, senior pastor of Progressive Baptist Church of Chicago, said of Jackson. “I’m feeling a sense of responsibility. So much despair and anxiety is rampant, but we cannot fear, we have to work towards better.”
Upcoming memorial events include a musical tribute called “The People’s Celebration” featuring gospel choirs, scheduled for next week at the House of Hope Baptist church. A private homegoing celebration of life is planned for March 7 at the Rainbow PUSH Coalition headquarters.
Ukrainian forces launched missile strikes against a Russian border city early Friday morning, causing widespread power outages and infrastructure damage, according to local Russian officials.
The strikes targeted Belgorod, a Russian city located approximately 25 miles from Ukraine’s border, along with surrounding areas. Regional governor Vyacheslav Gladkov reported that the attack caused extensive damage to the area’s power grid.
“Serious damage has occurred with energy infrastructure,” Gladkov wrote on Telegram. “As a result, there have been disruptions to supplies of power, water and heating.”
This marks the second major attack on Belgorod within a five-day period that has resulted in significant infrastructure damage. The region has faced regular Ukrainian military strikes throughout the four-year conflict that began when Russia invaded Ukraine.
Gladkov indicated that officials would conduct a full damage assessment once daylight arrived. Unofficial social media posts showed residential neighborhoods plunged into darkness, with bright flashes from explosions visible across the night sky.
Ukrainian government representatives have not issued any statements regarding the strikes.
Minnesota’s Democratic Governor Tim Walz unveiled new anti-fraud legislation Thursday following a federal immigration enforcement operation in his state that was justified by allegations of program fraud.
The announcement comes after the Trump administration conducted an extensive immigration enforcement campaign in Minnesota over several months, which included incidents where federal agents fatally shot two American citizens in January. Federal officials also suspended funding for various social programs based on fraud claims, though the deportation operations have been reduced this month.
“This package strengthens oversight, improves detection, expands enforcement, and increases penalties to protect every dollar Minnesotans depend on. We’ve followed the experts, audits, and proven roadmaps; now it’s time for the Legislature to act,” Walz stated Thursday.
The governor’s “Anti-Fraud Package” would enhance auditing procedures and internal oversight, create a centralized inspector general office, broaden the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension’s authority to issue subpoenas, and impose lifetime prohibitions on state contracts and grants for those found guilty of fraud.
Additional provisions include establishing a new public funds theft law, increasing fraud penalties by 20%, and extending the statute of limitations to seven years for specific fraud-related offenses.
On Wednesday, the Trump administration suspended $259 million in deferred Medicaid payments to Minnesota. State officials report this latest funding freeze adds to federal withholding of more than $2 billion in annual Medicaid support for Minnesota.
Minnesota’s health department has submitted a corrective action plan seeking to persuade the Trump administration to restore the funding.
President Trump has made claims about fraudulent activities within Somali communities in Minnesota. The administration has characterized its actions as efforts to combat fraud and enhance national security.
Civil rights organizations argue the enforcement actions have fostered a climate of fear and contend that Trump has exploited individual fraud cases to justify targeting immigrant populations. These groups also question Trump’s commitment to fighting fraud, pointing to his previous pardons of individuals with fraud convictions.
WASHINGTON – Federal aviation safety investigators are raising concerns that Congress isn’t doing enough to prevent deadly mid-air crashes like the one that claimed 67 lives near the nation’s capital earlier this year.
The National Transportation Safety Board issued a statement Thursday criticizing a House aviation safety measure, saying the proposed ALERT Act falls short of implementing crucial safety improvements.
According to the safety board, lawmakers failed to include a key recommendation requiring aircraft to use ADS-B collision-warning technology, which could help prevent similar tragedies in the future.
The criticism comes as aviation safety remains under intense scrutiny following the devastating 2025 mid-air collision in the Washington area that killed dozens of people.
CoreWeave exceeded Wall Street’s revenue projections for the fourth quarter on Thursday, riding the wave of artificial intelligence growth that has led businesses to seek its platform for the substantial computing resources required to build and run sophisticated AI systems.
Despite the revenue success, CoreWeave’s stock price dropped 7% in after-hours trading as operational costs skyrocketed to $1.66 billion during the fourth quarter – more than twice the previous amount – while the company’s net losses grew substantially.
The business saw its adjusted losses expand dramatically to $284 million, compared to just $36 million during the same three-month period last year.
D.A. Davidson analyst Alexander Platt pointed out that CoreWeave continues to grapple with ongoing challenges related to backlog risks, debt obligations, and capital costs.
The company reported a revenue backlog totaling $66.8 billion at the end of December.
In January, tech giant Nvidia announced a significant $2 billion investment in CoreWeave, making it the AI infrastructure company’s second-largest stakeholder.
CoreWeave’s adjusted operating income margin declined to negative 6% in the fourth quarter, a significant drop from the positive 16% recorded one year earlier.
Although the company has successfully diversified its revenue backlog, major customers including Microsoft and OpenAI continue to play a crucial role in its expansion plans.
CoreWeave has established itself as a more focused and budget-friendly option compared to cloud services offered by tech giants Amazon, Google, and Microsoft, drawing customers that include AI research facilities and major corporations.
The company transformed its high-performance GPU systems, which were initially designed for large-scale cryptocurrency mining operations, into what is now considered a leading cloud service provider for the worldwide artificial intelligence industry.
Fourth-quarter revenue reached $1.57 billion, surpassing the average analyst forecast of $1.55 billion.
Technology stocks took a beating Thursday as investor enthusiasm for artificial intelligence chipmaker Nvidia quickly turned to disappointment, sending major market indexes tumbling despite initially strong earnings results.
The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite dropped 1.3% while the S&P 500 fell 0.5%, with seven of the index’s eleven sectors declining. Technology stocks led the losses with a 1.8% drop, while the Philadelphia semiconductor index plunged 3%.
Nvidia shares exemplified the market’s volatile mood, initially jumping 4% in after-hours trading Wednesday following fourth-quarter results that exceeded sales expectations and provided an optimistic forecast. However, that enthusiasm evaporated by Thursday’s close, with the stock tumbling 5.5% in its worst single-day performance since April. The decline erased $260 billion from the company’s market value.
The dramatic reversal highlights growing uncertainty about whether artificial intelligence investments will deliver the returns investors expect from massive capital expenditures across the technology sector. Market sentiment around AI appears to shift daily as questions mount about the technology’s disruptive potential.
While tech stocks struggled, safe-haven assets found favor among nervous investors. Gold and Treasury securities gained ground as uncertainty prevailed. Interestingly, several international markets reached new highs overnight, including Japan, Taiwan, South Korea, and the United Kingdom.
In currency markets, the dollar index finished flat while most emerging market currencies declined. A notable exception was China’s yuan, which reached its highest level in nearly three years and extended its longest winning streak since 2010.
Bond markets provided some relief as U.S. yields dropped 3-4 basis points. Significantly for consumers, 30-year mortgage rates fell below 6% for the first time since September 2022, potentially offering psychological relief to prospective homebuyers struggling with affordability challenges.
Interest rate expectations continue evolving as futures markets now price the next quarter-point Federal Reserve rate cut for September rather than earlier in the summer. With core inflation still running at 3%, the central bank appears in no rush to ease monetary policy.
The housing market developments could provide political relief for President Trump ahead of potentially challenging midterm elections. However, borrowing costs remain elevated compared to existing mortgages, with roughly 70% of current homeowners holding rates below 5%.
Looking ahead, several key economic indicators could influence market direction, including inflation data from Japan and Germany, Canadian GDP figures, and U.S. producer price inflation numbers. Bank of England chief economist Huw Pill is also scheduled to speak, potentially moving currency markets.
The day’s trading underscored the market’s skittish nature around technology investments and artificial intelligence prospects, with investor sentiment capable of dramatic shifts within hours based on earnings interpretations and future growth expectations.
Security services giant Brinks Company announced Thursday it will purchase NCR Atleos, a digital retail solutions company, in a massive transaction worth approximately $6.6 billion.
Under the terms of the agreement, Brinks will pay NCR Atleos shareholders $30.00 in cash plus 0.1574 shares of Brinks common stock for each share they own.
Leadership teams from both corporations have given their approval to the merger, which is anticipated to finalize during the opening quarter of 2027.
Motorists traveling on College Road are facing traffic delays today due to ongoing construction work that has forced the closure of one eastbound lane.
According to DelDOT officials, the lane restriction is in effect on the eastbound side of College Road in the stretch running from Kenton Road to McKee Road. The construction work is scheduled to continue until 3:30 PM this afternoon.
Drivers are advised to allow extra time for their commute and consider alternate routes if possible to avoid potential backups in the area.
A series of memorial ceremonies celebrating the civil rights legacy of Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr. kicked off in Chicago, marking the beginning of tributes that will span multiple states.
The commemorative events began with a public visitation at the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition headquarters in Chicago, where community members gathered to pay their final respects to the renowned activist. Among those in attendance was James Hickman, who carried a photo collage featuring images of the late reverend.
The tribute services will extend beyond Chicago, with additional memorial events scheduled to take place in Washington, D.C., and South Carolina. The inclusion of South Carolina holds special significance as it represents both Jackson’s birthplace and the location where he first embarked on his journey as a civil rights advocate.
These multi-city memorial services reflect the widespread impact Jackson had throughout his decades-long career fighting for civil rights and social justice across the nation.
Russian defense officials announced Thursday that their air defense systems destroyed 220 Ukrainian drones during a nine-hour span, with two dozen of those aircraft reportedly targeting the capital city.
According to the Defense Ministry’s most recent update, 53 drone aircraft were shot down during a three-hour window that concluded at 11 p.m. local time (2000 GMT).
Central Russian territories bore the brunt of the drone activity, with defense officials reporting that a dozen of the unmanned aircraft had Moscow as their intended destination.
Moscow’s mayor, Sergei Sobyanin, posted on the Telegram messaging platform that 27 drones approaching the city were eliminated, with the defensive operations beginning around 5 p.m.
Drivers traveling along Foulk Road should plan for potential delays today as construction crews have blocked off the right lane at the intersection with Annwood Drive.
The Delaware Department of Transportation reports that the right lane on Foulk Road (Route 261) at Annwood Drive will remain closed for construction activities until 3 PM.
Motorists are advised to use caution when traveling through the work zone and allow extra time for their commute. Traffic is being directed around the construction area using the remaining open lanes.
A legendary group of NBC Sports broadcasters will step back in time Tuesday night, reuniting for a special basketball telecast that pays homage to the network’s golden era of NBA coverage from the 1990s.
Bob Costas, Doug Collins, and Mike Fratello will work together in the broadcast booth for the first time ever, despite being NBC colleagues over two decades ago. The trio will provide commentary when the Philadelphia 76ers host the San Antonio Spurs, featuring stars Joel Embiid and Victor Wembanyama.
The broadcast will recreate the look and feel of NBC’s 1995-96 season coverage, complete with vintage graphics and presentation elements. Jim Gray will serve as the sideline correspondent for the game.
For Costas, the real excitement comes from reconnecting with his former NBC family rather than the matchup itself.
“With all due respect to Victor Wembanyama and to Joel Embiid and to both teams, it’s the reunion,” Costas said. “It’s being around all those people.”
The nostalgic evening will begin at 7 p.m. Eastern with a special edition of “NBA Showtime” featuring original studio hosts Hannah Storm, Isiah Thomas, and P.J. Carlesimo, one hour before the main broadcast begins.
Costas described the concept as having “just a touch of nostalgia and history,” while still focusing on current basketball action. He referred to the approach as “new-stalgia.”
“But then we lean into what’s happening now,” Costas said.
The returning broadcast team represents NBC’s basketball heyday spanning the 1990s and early 2000s. Costas anchored NBA coverage from 1990-2002, while Collins provided analysis from 1998-2001. Fratello worked multiple stints as both game and studio analyst between 1990-1993 and again in 2001-02.
Gray covered games from courtside between 1994-2002, Storm handled reporting and hosting duties from 1993-2000, Thomas analyzed games and studio coverage from 1998-2000, and Carlesimo worked as a studio analyst during the 2001-02 season.
Sam Flood, NBC Sports’ executive producer, expressed enthusiasm about bringing the iconic voices back together.
“Everyone at NBC Sports has so many great memories of the 1990s and NBA on NBC,” Flood said. “We are excited to get the band of iconic voices back together with Bob, Doug, Mike, Jim, Hannah, Isiah and P.J. and celebrate the game of basketball with viewers of all ages.”
The reunion extends beyond just the broadcast, with NBC planning a multi-day celebration including a Monday night dinner and an extended production meeting Tuesday before game time.
Costas revealed that Fratello and Carlesimo, renowned for their extensive knowledge of Italian restaurants in NBA cities, were put in charge of selecting the Monday evening dining location.
“The czar of the telestrator, Mike Fratello, knows every good Italian restaurant in every city in America. And it doesn’t matter if they’re booked up. He can get a table at any one of them,” Costas said. “So, I said to the Czar, ‘Call P.J., you two guys put your heads together and whatever you decide, all the rest of us have to do is know the place and the time and we’ll be there.’”
A vehicle crash has forced the complete closure of Interstate 495 southbound at Edgemoor Road, according to the Delaware Department of Transportation.
DelDOT officials are urging drivers to find alternate routes while emergency crews respond to the incident and work to clear the roadway.
No details about injuries or the cause of the accident have been released at this time. The duration of the closure remains unknown as crews continue their response efforts.
Motorists should expect significant delays in the area and plan accordingly for their commute.
Delaware transportation officials have shut down a section of Pickwicke Road after trees fell across the roadway, blocking traffic in both directions.
The complete closure extends from Fairfield Road to Harris Road, with DelDOT crews working to clear the debris and reopen the route to motorists.
Drivers are being advised to find alternate routes while crews work to remove the fallen trees and restore normal traffic flow. No timeline has been provided for when the road will reopen.
BEIJING, Feb 27 – Nearly twelve months have passed since China strengthened its rare-earth export restrictions, supposedly to block foreign military use, yet exporters continue grappling with fundamental uncertainties: at what point does a tiny magnet transform an ordinary item into a regulated product?
Companies manufacturing everything from medicine containers, advertising displays, engine parts and specialized glass have joined a growing list of businesses seeking guidance from the commerce ministry about licensing requirements.
China is building up its export enforcement workforce and implementing compliance measures across the nation, despite increasing expenses for local companies and creating shipping complications.
An examination by Reuters of more than 200 public export-control compliance questions submitted to China’s commerce ministry from 2019 through early this month revealed a dramatic increase following last April’s rare-earth control tightening.
Meanwhile, Washington has relaxed certain export limitations on items like sophisticated artificial-intelligence processors during President Donald Trump’s second administration, following China’s restrictions on rare-earth exports that threatened to disrupt global supply networks across automotive, technology, energy, aerospace, and defense industries.
Both nations’ export restrictions are anticipated to receive significant attention when Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping convene in Beijing during late March for their second face-to-face meeting since Trump’s return to the presidency, creating a crucial test of whether the delicate trade agreement between the world’s two biggest economies can survive.
“What we are seeing in China is … the rapid construction of a comprehensive export-control apparatus designed to weaponize chokepoints across strategic and non-strategic sectors,” said Alfredo Montufar-Helu, a Beijing-based managing director at Ankura Consulting. “That the U.S. is reining in some of its controls is a direct acknowledgement of China’s growing leverage.”
China’s commerce ministry did not respond to a request for comment.
EXPORT COMPLIANCE QUERIES JUMP
Companies have overwhelmed the Chinese commerce ministry’s website with pressing compliance inquiries: do magnetic materials exceed rare-earth limits; are gallium nitride semiconductors prohibited; does ultraviolet medical machinery qualify as regulated technology.
Between 2019 and 2024, only 43 export-control compliance inquiries appeared publicly. During 2025 alone, that figure soared to 135, with approximately 16% consisting of grievances about problems like shipping delays and heightened regulatory obstacles. The complaint rate nearly doubled during early 2026.
The true volume of exporter inquiries likely exceeds these numbers by substantial margins since companies can utilize multiple private channels, including reaching out to provincial and municipal commerce offices, many lacking public inquiry systems like the central government’s commerce ministry.
Official replies to Chinese exporter questions have remained unclear and standardized, avoiding confirmation of whether specific products, from rare-earth magnets to medical supplies, needed licensing.
The enforcement campaign encompasses legal and administrative elements. Since China implemented its Export Control Law in October 2020, it has introduced or expanded export control policies 29 times, versus only six instances between 2015-2020.
Employment documents indicate 45 commerce ministry positions available in this year’s national civil-service exam could involve export-control-related duties, compared with 11 such openings in both 2022 and 2023.
Numerous provincial and municipal administrations have organized compliance workshops and policy briefings during the past year, while Beijing has hosted national export-control working conferences bringing officials from throughout the country to the capital.
Beijing’s October 2025 modification to its rare-earth export-control system incorporated lessons from the U.S. Foreign Direct Product Rule, which permits Washington to claim authority over certain foreign-manufactured goods created using American technology.
“China’s use of rare earths as leverage is completely learned from the West – especially the U.S.,” said Li Xing, professor at the Guangdong Institute for International Strategies, a think tank in Guangzhou.
China controls rare-earth processing, transforming ore into refined oxides and metals utilized in electric vehicles, wind turbines and defense systems, representing a supply chain bottleneck more significant than mining operations.
Its new licensing framework extends into processing and downstream integration.
“This is not just a supply chain shortage. This is economic warfare,” said Nick Myers, chief executive of U.S. rare-earth startup Phoenix Tailings.
PACE OF U.S. EXPORT CONTROLS SLOWS
Throughout Trump’s initial presidency and under President Joe Biden, the United States quickly broadened export controls focused on China.
Yearly China-related additions to the Entity List, requiring U.S. exporters to secure licenses often reviewed with denial presumption, jumped from 47 in 2018 to 227 in 2020, hitting a peak of 257 in 2024, according to Reuters analysis.
Since Trump’s presidential return, this pattern has shifted. China-related Entity List additions dropped to 131 in 2025, approximately half the prior year’s rate.
Earlier this month, the Pentagon temporarily released, then retracted, a revised Military End User list that would have included Chinese technology companies Alibaba and Baidu while removing several memory chip manufacturers.
The White House and the U.S. Commerce Department’s Bureau of Industry and Security did not respond to requests for comment. A Pentagon official said the list was withdrawn as it may require modifications based on new information and that a revised list would be published, without providing additional details.
This moderation has attracted criticism from bipartisan U.S. legislators, who have criticized the administration for approving specific Nvidia AI chip exports and reducing BIS funding.
A Nvidia spokesperson said in a statement that criticism of the current administration’s decision to greenlight these semiconductor shipments to China was unintentionally promoting the interests of foreign competitors.
“America should always want its industry to compete for vetted and approved commercial businesses, and thereby protecting national security, creating American jobs, and keeping America’s lead in AI,” the spokesperson said.
Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, who criticized Biden-era controls, said last year that “export control was a failure” and that Trump “realises it’s exactly the wrong goal.”
The Boston Red Sox weathered a dramatic late-game surge from Tampa Bay to secure a 7-5 spring training victory Thursday afternoon in Fort Myers, Florida.
Boston’s pitching staff controlled the early innings, building what appeared to be an insurmountable 7-0 advantage through four innings. However, the Rays refused to fold, mounting a determined comeback that brought the potential game-tying run to home plate in the ninth inning after Marshall Toole delivered an RBI triple.
The Red Sox received strong early work from their pitching rotation. Left-handed starter Garrett Crochet threw two shutout frames before handing the ball to Aroldis Chapman, who struck out three consecutive batters in the third. Right-hander Greg Weissert continued the dominant performance with a clean fourth inning to earn the victory.
Boston’s offensive explosion came entirely in the fourth inning, when they pushed across all seven runs. Tampa Bay starter T.J. Nichols was charged with no earned runs despite lasting just two-thirds of an inning. The Red Sox rally ignited when third baseman Andruw Monasterio reached base on an error by second baseman Ben Williamson, allowing Caleb Durbin to cross home plate while Kristian Campbell moved to second base.
Red Sox closer Devin Sweet locked down the save despite some ninth-inning drama, surrendering two hits and one run while recording two strikeouts in the final frame.
Toole collected two hits to lead Tampa Bay’s offensive effort, while Red Sox shortstop Trevor Story contributed two RBIs during Boston’s decisive fourth-inning outburst.
Orioles 6, Tigers 5
Twenty-year-old Jordan Sanchez delivered a clutch walk-off single through the middle against Detroit lefty Carlos Pena in Sarasota, Florida, extending the Tigers’ winless streak to seven games this spring.
Sanchez entered as a ninth-inning substitute for second baseman Jeremiah Jackson and came through in dramatic fashion. Jackson had recorded two hits before his replacement, as did first baseman Pete Alonso. Tyler O’Neill went a perfect 3-for-3 with a first-inning home run, boosting his spring average to .778.
Detroit rallied from a 5-2 deficit with late-game power. Eduardo Valencia launched a two-run blast to left field in the sixth, followed by Carson Rucker’s game-tying solo shot in the seventh – both hits coming off Baltimore’s Trey Gibson.
The Orioles collected 15 hits while stranding seven Tigers runners who reached scoring position. Sanchez’s game-winner came when he connected with a Pena fastball and drove it past diving shortstop Jack Penney, scoring Aron Estrada with the decisive run.
Detroit’s winless spring record includes two tie games.
Mets 5, Astros 0
Nolan McLean dominated Houston hitters for four shutout innings with six strikeouts, while home runs from Tyrone Taylor and Marcus Semien powered New York past the Astros in West Palm Beach, Florida.
Right-hander Robert Stock took over in the fifth inning and continued the strikeout parade, fanning six batters across three innings of work.
Houston’s offense struggled mightily, managing just two hits while striking out 15 times in 28 at-bats. Among the Astros’ non-starters, only outfielder Anthony Huezo reached base via a walk.
Taylor connected on a two-run blast to center field in the second inning, followed by Semien’s first home run as a Met – a shot to left-center off Bryan King. Semien finished 2-for-3 at the plate. King entered after left-hander Steven Okert, who absorbed the loss after allowing three runs and a walk in one inning.
Yankees 7, Braves 3
Left-handed power hitter Spencer Jones launched a towering solo home run out of George Steinbrenner Field as New York overpowered Atlanta in Tampa, Florida.
The Yankees seized control with a five-run first inning and collected eight hits, with five going for extra bases.
New York’s long ball attack featured homers from Jones, Paul Goldschmidt and Jazz Chisholm, who started the assault on Braves veteran Carlos Carrasco with a two-run blast in the opening frame. Jones’ mammoth shot cleared the bleachers and reached the parking lot beyond the right-center field wall.
Atlanta’s Ben Gamel connected for his second spring training homer, while center fielder Jose Azocar contributed two hits. Carrasco lasted just 1⅔ innings, surrendering five runs in his brief outing.
Elmer Rodriguez earned the win for New York, striking out four while allowing two runs over three innings.
Phillies 7, Nationals 3
Bryce Harper knocked in two runs and scored once as Philadelphia defeated Washington in Clearwater, Florida.
The Phillies broke open a 1-1 tie with a four-run third inning, highlighted by designated hitter Kehden Hettiger’s home run to left-center field. Bryson Stott, who had homered in the first inning, reached base ahead of Harper and scored on a double to the right field corner. Harper then came home on a single by catcher Garrett Stubbs.
Washington right-hander Gus Varland was pulled before completing the third inning after allowing four runs in two-thirds of an inning.
Nationals first baseman Andres Chaparro pulled the visitors within 5-3 in the fourth with a two-run homer that stayed just inside the left field foul pole.
Harper extended Philadelphia’s lead to 6-3 with a sacrifice fly in the fifth inning, driving home Hettiger.
WASHINGTON – A member of Congress is challenging the decision to redirect millions in foreign aid funding to cover personal security costs for White House budget director Russell Vought, labeling the move an improper use of taxpayer money.
The Office of Management and Budget has transferred more than $15 million from the U.S. Agency for International Development’s operational budget to pay for Vought’s protection through the U.S. Marshals Service during 2024, according to a February 13 Reuters investigation.
In response to that report, Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi sent a letter to Vought on Wednesday, arguing that redirecting these dollars for his security protection “deviates sharply from Congress’s intent and undermines the agency’s core purpose.”
“The misuse of funds is fundamentally wrong and a gross abuse of power,” Krishnamoorthi stated.
Vought’s office has not yet provided a response to requests for comment on the matter.
President Trump disbanded USAID last year, alleging widespread corruption within the organization without providing supporting evidence. The closure resulted in thousands of job losses among staff and contractors and disrupted international humanitarian programs worldwide.
A minimal staff remains to finalize outstanding contracts before the 64-year-old agency permanently closes its doors in September.
In his letter, Krishnamoorthi demanded that Vought provide comprehensive information about the USAID money being used for his protection, including the funds’ “original congressional intent” and whether lawmakers were informed about the reallocation.
The congressman also inquired whether alternative White House funding options were explored and requested identification of who approved using USAID resources for Vought’s security expenses.
The head of artificial intelligence company Anthropic announced Thursday that his organization will not comply with demands from the Pentagon in an ongoing disagreement over AI safety measures.
Chief Executive Officer Dario Amodei stated that his company is unable to agree to what the Defense Department is requesting in the current dispute regarding artificial intelligence safeguards.
The announcement marks a significant standoff between the private AI sector and the U.S. military establishment over how artificial intelligence technology should be regulated and protected.
A deadly confrontation between Cuban military forces and an armed speedboat carrying Cuban exiles has brought renewed attention to the decades-long struggle between those who fled the communist island and the government they left behind.
According to Cuban officials, military personnel engaged a speedboat with 10 people aboard as it neared the island’s coastline. The vessel’s occupants fired first on Cuban troops, who returned fire, resulting in four deaths and six injuries.
Among those killed was Michel Ortega Casanova, an American citizen described by his Miami-based brother as being on an “obsessive and diabolical” mission to liberate Cuba from its current situation.
His brother, Misael Ortega Casanova, told The Associated Press that Michel had resided in the United States for more than two decades but remained tormented by the hardships faced by Cubans under the current regime.
“They became so obsessed that they didn’t think about the consequences nor their own lives,” Misael explained when discussing the intense feelings that drove his brother’s actions.
However, Misael also expressed confusion about the incident, stating he was unfamiliar with the other names released by Cuban authorities in connection with the maritime intrusion. The family was completely unaware of Michel’s intentions.
“No one knew,” Misael said regarding his brother’s plans. “My mother is devastated.”
Despite his grief, Misael expressed hope that his brother’s sacrifice might serve a greater purpose.
“Maybe it will justify that some day Cuba will be free.”
Cuban officials claim Michel Ortega Casanova traveled with two individuals wanted for their alleged roles in “the promotion, planning, organization, financing, support or commission” of terrorist activities: Amijail Sánchez González and Leordan Enrique Cruz Gómez.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed skepticism about Cuba’s initial account and stated the U.S. would conduct its own investigation into those involved. His comments referenced the long history of covert operations and armed conflicts between the two nations.
“It is highly unusual to see shootouts in open sea like that,” said Rubio, whose parents emigrated from Cuba. “It’s something that hasn’t happened with Cuba in a very long time.”
Another passenger, Conrado Galindo Sariol, was previously identified as a former political prisoner in a 2025 interview with Martí Noticias, a U.S.-based media outlet that advocates for governmental change in Cuba.
Cuban authorities reported the vessel was registered in Florida and contained assault weapons, pistols, homemade explosives, body armor, telescopic sights, and military-style clothing.
This maritime confrontation occurred during a period of escalating friction between the two nations as President Donald Trump’s administration strengthens the U.S. trade embargo and warns of potential tariffs against countries supplying Cuba with petroleum.
Critical oil deliveries to Cuba from Venezuela ceased after U.S. forces captured Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro during a covert military operation on January 3.
Mysterious watercraft and weapons have been recurring elements in Cuba’s modern history, from the guerrilla campaign that led to the 1959 revolution to the unsuccessful 1961 Bay of Pigs invasion by CIA-trained Cuban exiles attempting to remove Fidel Castro from power, along with various conflicts that followed.
William LeoGrande, an American University professor who has extensively researched Cuba, believes any recent maritime incursion likely resulted from increased U.S. economic pressure that has devastated Cuba’s economy and fueled speculation about potential regime change among policymakers.
A scholarly conference currently underway at Florida International University in Miami, called “Cuba: The Day After Tomorrow,” examines the “possibilities of a national refoundation following a political transition,” according to event organizers.
“The atmosphere now is that the Cuban government is on the verge of collapse,” LeoGrande explained. “I don’t think that’s true, but that’s what the president of the United States is saying, that’s what Secretary of State Marco Rubio is saying.”
Emilio Izquierdo, a notable Miami exile who served two years in Cuban prison before reaching the U.S. in 1980, questioned Cuba’s initial reports about the armed incursion.
He suggested it was more plausible that foreign operatives had penetrated Miami’s large Cuban exile population and manipulated regime opponents into attempting a doomed mission to topple the communist leadership in Havana.
“Nobody with a 25-foot speedboat tries to overthrow a government,” he observed.
The incident’s timing, occurring when U.S.-Cuba relations have reached their most strained point in decades, also raised his suspicions.
Ramón Saul Sanchez, a Cuban exile activist who leads the nonprofit organization Movimiento Democracia, believes Cuban authorities had advance knowledge of the speedboat’s planned approach.
Streaming service Netflix announced Thursday that it will not increase its acquisition bid for Warner Bros Discovery following the media company’s board decision to favor a competing offer.
The board of Warner Bros Discovery, which owns HBO Max, has classified the most recent proposal from Paramount Skydance as a “Superior Proposal” when compared to the existing merger agreement with the streaming giant.
This development marks a significant shift in the ongoing bidding war for the major media conglomerate, as Netflix steps back from escalating its financial commitment in the face of increased competition.
WASHINGTON – Ukraine secured a major financial lifeline Thursday when the International Monetary Fund’s executive board gave the green light to an $8.1 billion assistance package spanning four years.
Officials announced that $1.5 billion from this funding will be made available to Ukraine right away through what the IMF calls an Extended Fund Facility arrangement.
This substantial loan represents one component of a much larger $136.5 billion worldwide aid commitment designed to support Ukraine as it continues battling the ongoing conflict. The announcement comes during the same week that Ukraine observed the fourth anniversary of Russia’s military invasion of the country.
The NBA handed down a $25,000 penalty to Orlando Magic guard Desmond Bane on Thursday following an incident where he launched a basketball into the crowd after his team’s narrow 110-109 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers on the road.
The incident occurred moments after LeBron James failed to connect on a last-second three-pointer at the final buzzer on Tuesday. Bane then threw the basketball toward the opposite end of the arena, where it bounced off the shot clock before striking fans who were sitting near the baseline.
The 27-year-old player is putting up solid numbers this season, contributing 20.2 points per game along with 4.1 rebounds and 4.1 assists across 57 contests, all as a starter. Orlando obtained Bane through a major trade deal with the Memphis Grizzlies last June.
The league also announced an identical $25,000 penalty for Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards on the same day for a similar violation. Edwards’ basketball toss from near the free-throw line during halftime break reportedly hit a security worker in the head.
This marks Bane’s second fine for throwing basketballs inappropriately this season. In December, the league penalized him $35,000 for hurling a ball at New York Knicks forward OG Anunoby when the player wasn’t looking.
TORONTO — The artificial intelligence company behind ChatGPT announced Thursday it will implement enhanced safety protocols following a recent school shooting incident in Canada.
OpenAI revealed the new measures in correspondence with Canada’s artificial intelligence minister, stating the company will establish direct communication channels with Canadian police agencies. The tech firm also plans to strengthen its systems for identifying users who repeatedly break platform rules.
These enhanced safety steps come as the AI company faces scrutiny over how its technology might be misused in the aftermath of the Canadian school shooting incident.
A former Major League Soccer Most Valuable Player is pushing soccer’s international governing body to establish universal concussion substitution requirements before this year’s World Cup tournament.
Taylor Twellman, whose professional playing career was cut short by post-concussion syndrome, expressed concerns Monday that the 48 competing nations have varying brain injury protocols that could endanger players.
“Quite honestly, FIFA should have a concussion sub universal in all the leagues around the world,” he told Reuters on Monday.
The 45-year-old sports broadcaster has emerged as a prominent advocate for brain injury prevention in soccer through his ThinkTaylor foundation, which he launched in 2011. He contends that while FIFA has established written guidelines, the organization has not successfully ensured uniform implementation across global competitions.
“I don’t think FIFA’s done a good enough job of educating the world and being at the forefront of changing the sport for a better way for the athletes.”
FIFA’s current brain injury guidelines recommend a “suspect and protect” strategy, requiring players with possible concussions to undergo evaluation and prohibiting same-day return to competition. The protocol also promotes using video analysis and organized sideline examinations to detect head injuries.
“FIFA may have a protocol, but that doesn’t mean the application of the protocol is at the same level from every team,” Twellman added.
Soccer’s world governing organization has not yet responded to requests for comment regarding their concussion policies.
Twellman highlighted significant disparities in brain injury awareness based on his observations at the professional club level, noting that international players joining MLS often arrive with limited knowledge about concussions.
“Sometimes they don’t even know what a concussion looks like or how it should be treated until they see and discuss it,” he said. “It’s very difficult to be that universal medical voice when some countries don’t even recognise concussions in the same way.”
This challenge becomes more complex considering soccer’s worldwide popularity and the uneven quality of medical resources across different regions.
Twellman acknowledged improvements in Major League Soccer since his playing years, noting that all 50 U.S. states now mandate removing athletes with suspected concussions from competition and requiring medical approval before they can return. However, he stressed that no league should become complacent with existing safety measures.
“Has MLS addressed it in a better way than, let’s say, the (English) Premier League or FIFA? Sure. But that also doesn’t mean the league needs to stay where it is and not continue to grow,” he said. “Everyone should have to grow, including the NFL for that matter.”
The former player delivered a direct message to current athletes about personal responsibility.
“Take responsibility for your body, your brain, control what you can control,” he says.
“When I was playing, we didn’t have this information. We now do, so there are no excuses not to be educated on it.”
With more than 50 MLS players anticipated to participate in the World Cup, Twellman views this summer’s tournament as an opportunity to highlight American soccer’s development. The league begins the current season with 30 teams.
As MLS kicked off last weekend, Twellman considered the sport’s progress in America since the 1994 World Cup helped establish the foundation for the league’s debut two years afterward.
“I think it would be hard to believe anyone that would think the league would grow this fast,” he added.
He also sees the international tournament as a chance for FIFA to show leadership regarding player safety.
“We’ve got the education, we’ve got the science behind it,” Twellman said. “Now we’ve just got to make better decisions on and off the field.”
The Cuban Baseball and Softball Federation announced Thursday that eight members of their delegation have been refused entry visas to the United States for the upcoming World Baseball Classic tournament.
The tournament is slated to run from March 5-17, with Cuba scheduled to face off against Puerto Rico, Colombia, Panama and Canada during pool competition in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Federation president Juan Reinaldo Pérez Pardo and general secretary Carlos del Pino Muñoz were among those whose visa applications were rejected. Pitching coach Pedro Luis Lazo also had his request denied.
According to a source with direct knowledge of the situation, all Cuban athletes and coaching staff received visa approval except for Lazo. The source requested anonymity when speaking with The Associated Press Thursday since no official announcements regarding player visas have been released. The State Department refused to address the Cuban federation’s concerns, citing visa confidentiality regulations, though a U.S. official speaking anonymously confirmed that those denied visas were executives and officials rather than competing athletes.
“The United States’ response, after more than a month since these requests were submitted, ignores the reasons on which they are based, the most basic principles of sport, and the commitments assumed by the host countries of such events” the Federation said in a statement.
Cuba secured third place in the 2023 World Baseball Classic. The squad has warm-up matches planned for next week in Arizona against the Kansas City Royals and Cincinnati Reds.
The island nation appears on a roster of seven countries facing US travel limitations, which also includes Burundi, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan and Venezuela.
In 2023, the Cacique Mara squad from Maracaibo, Venezuela, was refused US visas and consequently missed the Senior Baseball World Series.
The Cuban Federation stated it “will analyze how to proceed, and will inform in due course.”
Officials in the Democratic Republic of Congo announced Thursday the discovery of mass burial sites containing 171 bodies in territory recently abandoned by M23 rebels, highlighting ongoing violence despite diplomatic efforts to bring peace to the region.
South-Kivu province Governor Jean-Jacques Purusi reported that authorities uncovered the graves in the Kiromoni and Kavimvira areas near the eastern city of Uvira. The larger site in Kavimvira contained 141 bodies, while the Kiromoni location held approximately 30 remains near the border with Burundi.
“At this stage, we have identified two sites: one mass grave containing approximately 30 bodies in Kiromoni, not far from the Burundian border on the Congolese side, and another in Kavimvira where 141 bodies were found,” Purusi explained in a telephone interview with The Associated Press.
The Associated Press was unable to independently confirm these allegations, and M23 representatives have not yet responded to requests for comment.
A regional civil society organization, the Executive Secretariat of the Local Network for the Protection of Civilians, reported Thursday that Congolese military forces blocked their attempts to examine the burial sites.
According to Yves Ramadhani, vice president of the civilian protection group, evidence suggests M23 fighters executed the victims after suspecting them of ties to government forces or pro-government militias.
Human rights organizations have previously documented extrajudicial executions and other violations by both M23 rebels and Congolese military units.
The M23 movement had seized control of Uvira in December during a swift military campaign that resulted in over 1,500 deaths and displaced approximately 300,000 residents, according to regional officials.
The rebel organization subsequently announced its departure from the city, describing the move as a “unilateral trust-building measure” requested by the United States to support ongoing peace negotiations.
The Democratic Republic of Congo, the United States, and United Nations investigators maintain that Rwanda provides support to M23, which has expanded from several hundred fighters in 2021 to roughly 6,500 combatants, according to UN estimates.
Eastern Congo’s mineral wealth has attracted more than 100 armed factions competing for territorial control near the Rwandan border, with M23 representing the most significant threat. This prolonged conflict has generated one of the globe’s worst humanitarian emergencies, forcing over 7 million people from their homes, UN refugee officials report.
Combat persists across multiple areas of eastern Congo, resulting in continued civilian and military casualties, even as American mediators work to implement agreements between Congolese and Rwandan leadership and facilitate discussions between rebels and the government.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney embarked on his inaugural visit to India this week as part of a broader strategy to expand trade relationships beyond the United States and mend ties with one of the world’s largest economies.
The Prime Minister touched down in Mumbai on Friday following his departure from Ottawa the previous day. His international tour will continue next week with stops in Australia and Japan.
The diplomatic mission comes as President Donald Trump’s policies and rhetoric have raised concerns in Canada about economic independence and national sovereignty, particularly following Trump’s suggestions that Canada should become “the 51st state.”
“Donald Trump’s rhetoric and policies are clearly pushing Canada to diversify its economic and trade relations, not only with other non-US Western countries but also countries like China and India,” explained Daniel Béland, a political science professor at McGill University in Montreal.
The relationship between India and Canada has been working toward normalization since both nations agreed to resume diplomatic services last year. The diplomatic crisis began in 2023 when Ottawa publicly accused New Delhi of orchestrating the assassination of a Sikh separatist leader, creating significant tension between the two countries.
Former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau created international headlines in September 2023 when he told Parliament that credible evidence suggested India’s connection to the murder of Canadian citizen Hardeep Singh Nijjar near Vancouver. India strongly rejected these claims and countered by accusing Trudeau’s administration of providing safe haven to extremist elements.
Nijjar was a vocal supporter of the Khalistan movement, which India has outlawed, seeking to establish an independent Sikh nation. Sikh advocacy groups regarded him as a champion of human rights.
The diplomatic crisis deepened approximately 16 months ago when Trudeau and law enforcement officials publicly alleged that Indian diplomatic personnel were conducting surveillance on Sikh separatists living in Canada and sharing intelligence with New Delhi. According to these officials, senior Indian authorities were subsequently providing this information to criminal organizations within India, who then targeted these Canadian citizens through violent means including shootings, extortion, and assassination attempts.
“The whole episode led to a spectacular deterioration of Canada-India relations and Prime Minister Carney’s visit to India is part of a broader strategy to improve the diplomatic and trade relations between the two countries,” Béland noted.
Similar allegations against Indian officials have emerged from other nations. In 2023, American prosecutors revealed that an Indian government representative orchestrated an unsuccessful assassination attempt against another Sikh separatist leader in New York. Earlier this month, an Indian national pleaded guilty to conspiring to hire an assassin for the same target.
Canadian Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree acknowledged that “there’s a lot more work to do” to prevent Indian government operatives from threatening or intimidating Canadian residents.
Nevertheless, University of Toronto political scientist Nelson Wiseman observed that “the attitudes of India and Canada toward one another have taken a 180-degree turn” due to Carney’s business-focused approach, which differs significantly from Justin Trudeau’s methodology.
Members of the Sikh community view Carney’s diplomatic approach as surrendering to pressure.
“We are deeply disappointed by this government’s absolute capitulation and appeasement and unprincipled approach when it comes to ties with India,” stated Danish Singh, President of the World Sikh Organization of Canada.
“Activists are continuing to be harassed. We continue to see families get warnings for risks to their lives and yet we are supposed to believe this problem has been solved. We cannot accept that.”
Both countries began pursuing a trade agreement last year following years of mutual suspicion. By 2024, India had become Canada’s seventh-largest commercial partner.
Carney has established an ambitious target of doubling Canada’s exports to non-American markets within ten years, citing concerns that potential American tariffs are discouraging business investment.
Trump has recently warned of imposing 100% tariffs on Canadian imports in response to Canada’s proposed trade arrangements with China, escalating tensions with the neighboring ally and directly challenging Carney.
During last month’s World Economic Forum in Davos, Carney criticized the practice of economic intimidation by major powers against smaller nations. His speech garnered significant international attention and praise, effectively overshadowing Trump’s presence at the event.
“Cordial relations with countries like India are at the heart of the Davos doctrine enunciated by Carney,” explained Robert Bothwell, a professor of Canadian history and international relations at the University of Toronto.
“India would at least be open to discussions given the effect of Trump’s tariff warfare on that country. There is a mutual interest in stability in contrast to the whimsical, capricious and aggressive use of tariffs as a weapon to bend other countries to Trump’s will.”
WASHINGTON — Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Marty Makary has announced plans to implement a new pilot program providing financial bonuses to agency staff members who finish drug evaluations before their deadlines.
During a Thursday staff meeting, Makary outlined the initiative that would begin distributing quarterly bonus payments to eligible employees starting around August. The Associated Press obtained presentation materials and audio from the meeting.
“My job as your commissioner is to be your advocate and to fight for you,” Makary stated to FDA personnel, noting that securing approval for the payment system required “some wrangling.”
“If you don’t like it, we can get rid of it, but usually everybody loves money,” Makary added.
The new system creates several concerns, particularly regarding how payments will be allocated among the large teams that typically work together on drug evaluations. Workers not directly involved in drug reviews, including facility inspectors, won’t qualify for these payments. The program also raises ethical questions about whether reviewers might feel pressured to accelerate processes crucial for verifying medication safety and efficacy.
For decades, the FDA has collected fees from pharmaceutical companies to fund additional personnel for expedited reviews of new prescription medications and vaccines. While the agency operates under industry agreements with specific timelines and performance measures for completing reviews, it has never previously provided direct financial incentives to workers for meeting or surpassing these targets.
According to presentation materials shown to FDA staff, the bonus system is designed “to recognize and reward staff who find ways to be more efficient delivering high-quality work activities that ultimately benefit patients.”
Senior agency officials explained during the meeting that payments would be calculated using “weighted time savings” accomplished by employees and their teams, combined with assessments of “work quality and work complexity.”
“This program values speed, but never at the expense of quality,” according to one presentation slide.
This announcement comes during a period when the agency is experiencing significant staffing losses in its drug review divisions due to retirements and departures following broader workforce reductions and buyout offers across other agency departments. FDA records indicate that the drug and biologics centers responsible for overseeing prescription drugs, vaccines, and biotechnology products have lost approximately 20% of their workforce since President Donald Trump assumed office one year ago.
Furthermore, some agency reviewers are unable to participate in certain projects because they are currently interviewing for positions within the pharmaceutical industry.
The initiative could also harm public trust in the FDA, which has frequently faced criticism for being too closely connected to the drug companies it regulates.
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who supervises the agency, has characterized FDA staff as “a sock puppet” of industry since taking his position as the nation’s leading health official last February.
Approximately 70% of the FDA’s drug program funding comes from user fees paid by pharmaceutical companies submitting products for review. This arrangement has enabled the agency to employ thousands of additional scientists and reduce review timeframes by more than half compared to pre-funding levels.
Since joining the agency last April, Makary has introduced several initiatives aimed at accelerating FDA reviews, including providing one-month drug evaluations for new medications serving “national interests.” Within just the past two weeks, Makary announced the FDA would eliminate its long-standing requirement for two clinical trials in drug reviews and establish a new approval pathway for treatments that can only be tested in limited patient populations.
These announcements promoting accelerated, simplified approvals occur as the agency faces scrutiny regarding its recent management of vaccines, gene therapies, and other specialized treatments.
The FDA’s chief scientist and vaccine director, Dr. Vinay Prasad, has personally overturned staff decisions by rejecting multiple experimental therapies and biotech drugs, citing requirements for additional research and more conclusive evidence.
Earlier this month, Prasad declined to accept Moderna’s application for a new mRNA influenza vaccine, stating its clinical trial was inadequate. However, less than a week later, the agency changed its position, agreeing to review the vaccine after Moderna committed to conducting an additional study involving older patients.
NEW YORK CITY Mayor Zohran Mamdani employed an unconventional strategy during his White House meeting Thursday, bringing along a fabricated newspaper front page to convince President Donald Trump to support major housing development funding for the city.
The creative approach was specifically tailored to Trump’s well-documented attention to media coverage and his habit of closely following New York City news outlets, according to political observers. Despite their opposing political parties, the Republican president and Democratic mayor have developed a working relationship since initially meeting last autumn.
Communications director Anna Bahr explained that Mamdani’s team designed the fake newspaper headlines to show Trump the potential positive media response that federal housing investments could generate. The fabricated New York Daily News cover displayed “Trump to City: Let’s Build” — a clever reference to the notorious 1975 headline “Ford to City: Drop Dead,” which criticized President Gerald Ford’s refusal to provide financial aid to the city.
The mayor shared images from their White House encounter on his social media accounts, showcasing the mock newspaper pages.
While Mamdani’s office wouldn’t provide specifics about the housing proposal, Bahr reported that Trump responded with “very enthusiastic” support. During their previous November meeting, Trump had encouraged the mayor to return with ambitious development ideas for New York City, according to Bahr.
Despite Trump’s previous campaign attacks calling Mamdani a “communist” during the mayoral race, the president appeared impressed with the mayor following their private November White House discussion.
Thursday’s unscheduled meeting, which extended for approximately one hour, also addressed the detention of Ellie Aghayeva, a Columbia University student from Azerbaijan who was apprehended by federal immigration officers earlier that day.
Immigration agents had gained access to the campus dormitory by falsely claiming they were investigating a “missing person” case, according to both Aghayeva’s legal team and Columbia’s president. During his Trump meeting, Mamdani advocated for the student’s release.
Shortly after their White House discussion concluded, Trump contacted the mayor by phone to confirm that Aghayeva would be freed. Mamdani also provided White House chief of staff Susie Wiles with names of four additional students facing federal action, requesting administrative assistance for their cases.
The four students — Mahmoud Khalil, Yunseo Chung, Mohsen Mahdawi and Leqaa Kordia — were all arrested for participating in pro-Palestinian demonstrations. Currently, only Kordia remains detained, though all four cases continue moving through the court system.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — A federal court has declared unconstitutional a Tennessee statute that would have subjected local government officials to felony prosecution and potential jail time for supporting sanctuary immigration measures.
Nashville Chancellor Russell Perkins approved a settlement agreement Wednesday involving Tennessee’s attorney general and seven Nashville-Davidson County council members who filed the legal challenge against the controversial measure.
Republican Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti’s office refused to defend the law for several months. Speaking to media in September, Skrmetti explained that the Constitution provides “absolute immunity for all legislative votes, whether at the federal, state, or local levels” despite Tennessee’s prohibition on sanctuary policies by municipalities and counties.
Council member Clay Capp announced in a statement that the ruling guarantees Tennessee’s elected leaders can serve their communities “without looking over their shoulder at criminal penalties.”
“This settlement affirms a basic American principle: the government cannot prosecute you for how you vote,” Capp declared. “Tennessee tried to gag local officials with threats of prison time, but the Constitution doesn’t allow that.”
The Republican-controlled Legislature and GOP Governor Bill Lee enacted the immigration enforcement measure last year to support the Trump administration’s policies. The legislation established a Class E felony penalty — carrying up to six years imprisonment — for any municipal official who votes to establish or support sanctuary policies as outlined in state statute. Such violations could encompass supporting local measures that hinder Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations targeting undocumented immigrants.
GOP legislators maintained the criminal provision within the comprehensive immigration package despite legal advisors cautioning that such penalties might violate constitutional protections.
Republican legislative leadership supported the punishment, with House Majority Leader William Lamberth describing it as “the easiest felony in the world to avoid.”
Tennessee banned sanctuary jurisdictions in 2019, warning that non-compliant local governments would forfeit state economic development funding.
A North Dakota judge has ordered the environmental organization Greenpeace to pay $345 million to Energy Transfer, the company behind the controversial Dakota Access Pipeline that sparked massive protests years ago.
The massive financial penalty stems from a jury verdict last year that held three Greenpeace organizations responsible for various legal violations, initially awarding Energy Transfer more than $660 million in damages. Judge James Gion reduced that amount by nearly half before announcing the final order on Tuesday.
Both parties are expected to challenge the ruling before North Dakota’s highest court once the judgment becomes official. Energy Transfer, a $64 billion Dallas-based pipeline operator with networks spanning 44 states, has expressed dissatisfaction with the reduced award amount. Meanwhile, Greenpeace USA has reported having nowhere near the financial resources to cover such substantial damages.
“We will be requesting a new trial and, failing that, will appeal the judgment to the Supreme Court of North Dakota, where Greenpeace International and the US Greenpeace entities have solid arguments for the dismissal of all legal claims against us,” stated Kristin Casper, General Counsel for Greenpeace International, on Thursday.
The affected organizations – Netherlands-based Greenpeace International, Greenpeace USA, and their funding branch Greenpeace Fund Inc. – have vowed to continue their environmental protection mission despite the legal setback.
Operating across more than 55 nations worldwide, Greenpeace describes itself as “a global network of independent campaigning organizations that use peaceful protest and creative confrontation to expose global environmental problems and promote solutions that are essential to a green, just, and joyful future.”
The organization traces its roots to 1971, when Canadian environmental activists attempted to halt nuclear weapons testing in Alaska’s Aleutian Islands. Though the Coast Guard stopped their ship before reaching the test site, the mission succeeded when the United States ceased testing on the island. The group’s name originated during a meeting when someone departed making a peace sign while saying “Peace!” prompting Canadian ecologist Bill Darnell to suggest, “Let’s make it a Green Peace.”
Throughout its history, Greenpeace has become known for dramatic protest tactics, including scaling bridges to display banners and confronting whaling vessels on the open ocean. The organization maintains three ships that travel globally to support their environmental campaigns.
Notable past actions include activists climbing a chemical facility’s smokestack in 1981 to protest toxic contamination, taking over a North Sea oil platform in 1995, and displaying a “Resist” banner from a crane near the White House in 2017 following President Donald Trump’s decision to resume Dakota Access construction. More recently, in 2023, they draped then-British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s country residence in black material to oppose new oil and gas exploration.
However, it was their involvement in North Dakota protests supporting the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe that led to their current legal predicament.
The multi-billion-dollar Dakota Access Pipeline, which currently transports oil across four Midwest states, faced significant resistance following objections from the tribe. The Standing Rock Sioux, whose reservation sits downstream from where the pipeline crosses the Missouri River, have consistently argued that the project poses risks to their water supply.
The tribal opposition attracted thousands of supporters who established camps in the region for months while attempting to halt construction activities. The sometimes turbulent demonstrations during 2016 and 2017 resulted in hundreds of arrests.
Energy Transfer’s legal representative, Trey Cox, argued that Greenpeace transformed what could have remained a minor, localized dispute into a major controversy to advance their own objectives. He characterized the organization as “master manipulators” and “deceptive to the core,” alleging they funded professional demonstrators, conducted protester training sessions, shared intelligence about pipeline routes, and even provided lockboxes for protesters to chain themselves to construction equipment.
The Greenpeace organizations denied these accusations, stating no evidence supported such claims and asserting they had minimal involvement in the protests. They characterized the legal action as “lawfare” designed to intimidate activists and suppress criticism.
Despite their denials, the jury found Greenpeace USA responsible for all charges, including defamation, conspiracy, trespassing, creating a public nuisance, and tortious interference. The two other Greenpeace entities were held liable for some of the accusations.
LOS ANGELES — In a groundbreaking courtroom battle against major tech companies, a 20-year-old woman shared her story Thursday about how social media consumed her childhood, testifying that she spent entire days scrolling through platforms.
The plaintiff, identified in legal papers as KGM and called Kaley by her legal team, claims her childhood exposure to social media created an addiction that worsened her depression and led to thoughts of suicide. Meta and YouTube remain as defendants after TikTok and Snap reached settlements.
This trial serves as a bellwether case, with its results potentially influencing the resolution of thousands of comparable lawsuits filed against social media corporations.
Kaley’s digital journey began early — she started watching YouTube videos at 6 years old and joined Instagram by age 9.
Taking the witness stand in a pink floral dress and beige sweater, Kaley admitted feeling “very nervous” when her lawyer Mark Lanier asked about her state of mind Thursday morning.
Lanier presented family photographs and questioned Kaley about happy childhood memories from her quiet neighborhood street in Chico, California. She recalled elaborate birthday celebrations, amusement park visits, and her mother’s dedication to creating memorable experiences.
However, Kaley’s relationship with her mother experienced tension, primarily centered around phone usage disputes.
Legal teams on both sides have highlighted Kaley’s difficult home environment. Her lawyers contend she was targeted as a vulnerable young user, while Meta and Google’s YouTube legal representatives argue Kaley used their platforms to cope with existing mental health issues.
When questioned about allegations that her mother physically harmed, mistreated, or neglected her, Kaley responded that “she wasn’t perfect, but she was trying her best,” and stated she wouldn’t characterize her mother’s past behavior as abusive or neglectful today. Kaley, who currently works as a personal shopper at Walmart, continues living with her mother in their family home.
During her youth, Kaley created numerous accounts across Instagram and YouTube to like and comment on her own content. She also used services to “purchase” likes by engaging with others’ posts in exchange for reciprocal engagement. “It made me look popular,” she explained.
The lawsuit focuses on features allegedly engineered to create addiction, particularly notifications. Kaley described these Instagram and YouTube alerts as providing a “rush.” She received constant notifications throughout school days and would sneak bathroom breaks to check them — a habit she maintains today.
While Kaley uses YouTube less frequently now, she believes she was previously dependent on it. “Anytime I tried to set limits for myself, it wouldn’t work and I just couldn’t get off,” she testified.
Instagram filters, especially those altering facial features, have become central to the case and were constantly used by Kaley. Lanier’s team displayed a nearly 35-foot banner featuring Kaley’s Instagram photos. She confirmed that “almost all” included filters.
The jury viewed Instagram posts and YouTube content Kaley created as a child and teenager. One video following a popular nighttime routine trend showed young Kaley scrolling her phone, showering, removing makeup, then returning to Instagram browsing. Another clip captured her expressing “crying tears of joy” after reaching 100 YouTube subscribers — before quickly apologizing for her “ugly appearance.”
“I look so fat in this shirt,” young Kaley said in the footage.
Meta maintains that Kaley faced substantial difficulties before ever accessing social media. Company attorney Paul Schmidt stated earlier this month that the central issue is whether these platforms significantly contributed to Kaley’s mental health problems. During opening statements, he extensively reviewed the plaintiff’s medical records, emphasizing various childhood hardships including emotional mistreatment, body image concerns, and peer harassment.
Kaley testified she never experienced negative feelings related to her body dysmorphia diagnosis until she began using social media and filters.
Regarding her heaviest Instagram usage, which reached over 16 hours in a single day, Kaley explained: “I just felt like I wanted to be on it all the time, and if I wasn’t on it, I felt like I was going to miss out on something.”
Her attempts to quit the platforms typically failed.
“Every single day, I was on it all day long,” she stated.
Victoria Burke, a former therapist who worked with Kaley in 2019, testified Wednesday that Kaley’s social media use and self-perception “were closely related,” noting that platform activities could “make or break her mood.”
A Meta attorney spent approximately three hours cross-examining Burke, reviewing her session notes extensively. He emphasized Kaley’s face-to-face bullying experiences, academic stressors, and family problems. Social media references in the notes primarily involved Kaley feeling displaced at home and school but finding acceptance and visibility on social platforms.
Burke’s treatment of Kaley lasted roughly six months and occurred seven years ago.
This case has attracted significant attention from child safety advocacy organizations and technology industry observers, featuring high-profile testimony from Instagram head Adam Mosseri and Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg.
During Zuckerberg’s testimony, when asked whether people typically use addictive products more frequently, he replied “I’m not sure what to say to that.”
“I don’t think that applies here,” he added. He expressed belief in the “basic assumption” that “if something is valuable, people will use it more because it’s useful to them.” Mosseri also stated his disbelief that people can develop clinical addictions to social media platforms.
The trial is expected to continue for several more weeks, with the jury’s decision potentially shaping numerous similar lawsuits against social media companies. Meta also faces a separate trial in New Mexico.
NEW YORK — In a dramatic reversal that could reshape Hollywood’s landscape, Warner Bros. Discovery announced Thursday that Paramount’s enhanced takeover proposal now outshines the media company’s existing agreement with Netflix.
The entertainment conglomerate behind HBO Max, DC Studios, and blockbuster franchises like “Harry Potter” had previously supported Netflix’s bid for several months. However, following Skydance-backed Paramount’s decision to raise its comprehensive buyout offer to $31 per share along with additional sweeteners, Warner’s leadership declared the revised proposal represents a “company superior proposal.”
This development sets the stage for what could become an intense new round of corporate warfare. Netflix now faces a four-day deadline to either equal Paramount’s terms or enhance its current $27.75 per share proposal, which targets Warner’s entertainment and streaming divisions specifically.
Despite Thursday’s announcement, Warner Bros. Discovery emphasized that Netflix’s original agreement remains valid. The board clarified it “has not withdrawn or modified” its earlier endorsement of the Netflix transaction.
Netflix representatives did not provide immediate comment when contacted.
Paramount CEO David Ellison celebrated the development, stating his company was “pleased WBD’s Board has unanimously affirmed the superior value of our offer.”
The corporate battle reflects fundamentally different strategic visions. While Netflix seeks Warner’s studio and streaming assets, Paramount pursues complete ownership, including traditional television networks such as CNN and Discovery.
Recent weeks have witnessed an increasingly aggressive public competition between the two suitors. Thursday’s announcement followed Paramount’s decision to substantially improve its proposal terms.
Beyond raising its acquisition price, Paramount committed to a $7 billion regulatory termination fee. The company also accelerated its “ticking fee” timeline, agreeing to pay 25 cents per share quarterly if the transaction extends beyond September’s end, rather than waiting until year-end as originally proposed.
Motorists traveling through a residential area are experiencing temporary traffic disruptions as construction crews work on Upland Court at South Skyward Drive.
Delaware Department of Transportation officials report that drivers should anticipate periodic lane restrictions in the area as work continues throughout the day. The construction-related traffic pattern changes are expected to remain in effect until 5:30 PM this evening.
Commuters are advised to allow extra travel time when using this route and to exercise caution when approaching the work zone area.
Technology company Dell announced Thursday its revenue projections for fiscal 2027 will surpass Wall Street expectations, fueled by increasing demand for servers designed to handle artificial intelligence workloads. The positive forecast sent Dell’s stock price climbing approximately 12% in after-hours trading.
Along with the optimistic revenue outlook, Dell revealed it will increase its cash dividend by 20% and allocate an additional $10 billion toward buying back company shares.
Major technology corporations including Alphabet, Microsoft, Amazon, and Meta are projected to invest at least $630 billion this year in building AI infrastructure, creating significant opportunities for equipment suppliers like Dell and competitor Super Micro Computer.
Rising costs for memory chips and U.S. trade restrictions related to AI infrastructure development have prompted companies such as Dell and HP Inc to raise their prices, helping them manage increased expenses.
Memory chips are essential components in virtually all servers, storing data and instructions needed to maintain high-speed processor operations that are crucial for AI applications.
Dell anticipates its AI server revenue will double, growing 103% to approximately $50 billion by fiscal 2027.
The company reported having more than 4,000 customers for its AI servers, including Elon Musk’s artificial intelligence company xAI and CoreWeave.
Dell’s annual revenue projection ranges from $138 billion to $142 billion, significantly higher than the $125.54 billion average estimate from analysts, based on LSEG data.
The shortage of memory chips is expected to reduce global consumer demand for electronic devices like personal computers, smartphones, and gaming systems. HP Inc indicated it expects fiscal 2026 performance to fall at the lower end of previous projections, while China’s Lenovo cautioned about increasing challenges for PC sales.
Dell projects annual adjusted earnings of $12.90 per share, surpassing analyst estimates of $11.59.
The company achieved record fourth-quarter revenue of $33.4 billion, exceeding the estimated $31.73 billion. Dell’s adjusted earnings per share of $3.89 also beat expectations of $3.53.
Revenue from Dell’s infrastructure solutions division, encompassing storage, software, and server products, surged 73% to $19.60 billion. Meanwhile, sales from the client solutions group, which includes personal computers, increased 14% to $13.49 billion.
The Department of Justice announced Thursday that it has filed lawsuits against five additional states, claiming they have not provided complete voter registration records as required.
Utah, Oklahoma, Kentucky, West Virginia, and New Jersey are now facing federal legal action, expanding the total count of states being sued to 29, along with the District of Columbia.
“Accurate, well-maintained voter rolls are a requisite for the election integrity that the American people deserve,” Attorney General Pamela Bondi said in a statement.
State and local officials handle the administration of elections throughout the United States, including those for federal positions.
Former President Donald Trump has consistently questioned the reliability of the electoral process and maintains his unfounded claims that his 2020 defeat to Democratic President Joe Biden resulted from fraudulent activity.
Earlier this month, Trump announced his intention to implement voter identification mandates for the upcoming November midterm elections, regardless of whether Congress grants approval.
The Biden administration continues to express willingness to engage in conversations with North Korea without establishing preliminary requirements, according to reports from South Korean news outlets citing White House officials on Friday.
The diplomatic opening comes following recent comments from North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, who indicated earlier this week that improved relations between the two nations could be achievable. Kim stated there would be no obstacle to developing positive ties with America if Washington would end what he described as “hostile policy” toward North Korea.
The exchange of statements suggests a potential diplomatic pathway between the two countries, though significant tensions remain over North Korea’s nuclear program and regional security concerns.
A federal appeals court has given the green light to President Donald Trump’s directive removing collective bargaining rights from hundreds of thousands of government employees, overturning a previous court decision that had temporarily halted the policy.
The three-judge panel from the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco ruled Thursday that Trump’s 2025 executive order was properly justified by national security considerations when it eliminated union negotiation rights for large numbers of federal workers.
Labor unions had contended that Trump issued the directive as payback for their opposition to other administration policies, claiming it violated their First Amendment rights. However, the appeals court determined that Trump would have implemented the same policy regardless of any intent to penalize unions.
Circuit Judge Daniel Bress, appointed by Trump, wrote in the court’s opinion that Trump’s directive “expresses that the President’s primary – if not only – concern with union activity was its interference with national security.”
The elimination of collective bargaining rights will enable government agencies to modify workplace conditions and terminate or discipline employees with greater ease, while potentially stopping unions from legally challenging Trump administration policies in court.
The appellate panel overturned a decision from last year by U.S. District Judge James Donato in San Francisco, who had temporarily suspended Trump’s executive order. The 9th Circuit had already put Donato’s decision on hold in August while the appeal was being considered. A separate federal appeals court in Washington, D.C., had similarly paused a comparable ruling in May that had also blocked Trump’s directive.
Neither the White House nor the unions involved in the litigation provided immediate responses when asked for comment.
Trump’s executive order removed collective bargaining requirements from more than twelve federal agencies, including the Departments of Justice, State, Defense, Treasury, and Health and Human Services.
The presidential directive exempted agencies that Trump described as having “as a primary function intelligence, counterintelligence, investigative, or national security work” from union negotiation requirements, substantially broadening an existing exemption for employees whose jobs involve national security matters.
Dating platform Grindr delivered stronger-than-expected financial results for the final quarter of last year, announcing Thursday that it will pour resources into artificial intelligence technology while expanding its stock repurchase initiative by $400 million.
The LGBTQ+ focused app saw its stock price climb roughly 4% in after-hours trading following the announcement.
Company leadership also revealed a new agreement with Ray Zage, the firm’s biggest investor. The deal includes an 18-month commitment from Zage not to pursue taking the company private unless the board of directors extends an invitation, according to regulatory documents filed Thursday.
“We are going to stay public. And everyone’s aligned on that. I think we have a very clear strategy,” Grindr CEO George Arison told Reuters.
Back in October, major stakeholders had floated the idea of converting Grindr into a private company, but those discussions collapsed the following month.
The Los Angeles-headquartered business plans to pour significant investment into AI-driven projects throughout 2025, expressing optimism that technological enhancements will boost both user acquisition and activity levels.
Grindr recently unveiled “Edge,” a premium subscription option powered by artificial intelligence that bundles the platform’s AI capabilities into a single offering.
“Edge will be the focus for most of the year, trial and testing around the pricing and enhancing the user experience through the comprehensive offering,” Arison said.
Unlike competitors such as Bumble and Match Group’s Tinder, which have faced challenges keeping younger demographics engaged amid changing dating habits and app exhaustion, Grindr has successfully held onto its leading position within the LGBTQ+ dating market.
The platform is doubling down on artificial intelligence through its custom gAI system, which enables conversation summaries, tailored suggestions, and profile discovery features. The company sets itself apart by emphasizing community connections and location-based networking beyond just romantic matches.
Simultaneously, Arison emphasized that Grindr will maintain “a very robust free product” to draw in younger demographics and enhance the overall user experience.
Looking ahead, the company announced plans for heavier investment in 2026 to update its fundamental technology infrastructure and branch out beyond dating services, including health and wellness offerings through its Woodwork project.
For the complete year, Grindr projects revenue exceeding $528 million, closely matching analyst predictions of $529 million based on LSEG data.
Fourth-quarter revenue jumped 29% to reach $126 million, surpassing Wall Street forecasts of $122 million.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum announced Thursday that Coca-Cola’s worldwide chief executive has committed to a massive $6 billion investment in her country.
According to Sheinbaum’s social media announcement, the beverage company’s global CEO Henrique Braun shared details of the substantial financial commitment during their Thursday discussion.
The announcement marks a major expansion of the Atlanta-based company’s presence in Mexico, though specific details about how the funds will be allocated have not yet been disclosed.
Soybean commodity markets concluded Thursday’s trading session with uneven results, primarily showing weakness following a day marked by significant price fluctuations. Market analysts are closely watching weather developments across South America, where conditions appear varied but generally supportive for crop harvesting in certain Brazilian regions.
Rainfall predictions for Argentina in the coming days continue to show sporadic coverage across farming areas. According to the United States Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service representative stationed in Argentina, production estimates for the 2025/26 growing season stand at 48 million tons.
Delaware families preparing their grocery budgets should brace for another hit to their wallets, as the U.S. Department of Agriculture projects food costs will climb an additional 3% this year.
The anticipated increase comes on top of already substantial price hikes that have strained household budgets across the First State. According to Andrew Harig from the Food Industry Association, families have watched their weekly grocery expenses balloon by roughly 40% since 2020.
“If you look at that, $120 to $170, that exceeds the rate of inflation over that period,” Harig explained, highlighting how food cost increases have outstripped broader economic price trends.
The projected price surge reflects ongoing challenges in the food supply chain and evolving consumer preferences that continue to reshape the grocery landscape. For Delaware households already stretching their dollars at the checkout counter, the forecast signals another year of careful meal planning and budget adjustments.
Dairy commodity trading displayed varying results Thursday at the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, with butter gains counterbalanced by declining cheese values. Dry whey held steady at $0.6375 per pound without any price movement.
Block cheese fell by $0.0725 to reach $1.53 per pound. Trading activity included two transactions completed at $1.53 and $1.5375 per pound. Barrel cheese maintained its position at $1.56 per pound with no price changes.
Butter showed positive movement, increasing by $0.0250 to close at $1.86 per pound. Market activity was robust with ten separate transactions occurring, starting from $1.8350 per pound.
Motorists should plan alternate routes as a portion of Thompsons Bridge Road remains impassable due to ongoing tree clearing operations.
The roadway is blocked between Montchanin Road and Guyencourt Road while work crews remove trees from the area. Officials expect the closure to remain in effect until 8 PM today.
Drivers are advised to seek alternative routes and allow extra travel time when navigating around the affected area.
The shipping giant FedEx announced Thursday it plans to pass along any tariff refunds it receives to the customers and businesses who originally shouldered those costs.
The company’s pledge follows its legal action in the U.S. Court of International Trade seeking reimbursement for tariffs imposed during the Trump administration through the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. Last Friday, the nation’s highest court declared these IEEPA tariffs unlawful.
FedEx joins more than 1,000 businesses pursuing legal remedies in the trade court to recover money spent on the now-illegal tariffs, with major retailers like Costco and Revlon among those seeking compensation.
“If refunds are issued to FedEx, we will issue refunds to the shippers and consumers who originally bore those charges,” the company stated Thursday. “When that will happen and the exact process for requesting and issuing refunds will depend in part on future guidance from the government and the court.”
The high court’s decision left unresolved how companies and consumers who paid these tariffs would actually receive their money back.
Establishing a refund mechanism will likely take considerable time. Earlier this week, the Liberty Justice Center, which advocates for limited government and represented some original plaintiffs in the Supreme Court case, announced it filed coordinated legal motions with attorney Neal Katyal in both the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit and the trade court to begin creating a refund process. Federal officials must respond by Friday.
“We are committed to transparency and will communicate clearly as additional direction becomes available from the U.S. government and the court,” FedEx added in its statement.
Livestock futures took a sharp dive at the Chicago Mercantile Exchange as traders cashed in on profits while direct cash cattle trading began to take shape. The April live cattle contract dropped $3.37 to close at $236.90, while the June contract fell $3.30 to $233.40.
Feeder cattle saw even steeper losses, with March contracts declining $4.65 to $361.65 and April dropping $5.27 to $358.75. The significant downturn comes as market participants pulled back from trading activity as the week drew to a close.
The declining futures reflect broader market dynamics as direct cash cattle markets begin establishing price levels for upcoming transactions.
Michigan agriculture officials are pointing to a community college food distribution center as the template for a statewide program designed to expand local food access to institutional buyers.
The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has designated the ValleyHUB Food Hub located at Kalamazoo Valley Community College as the model for their recently launched Good Food for Michigan Project.
According to Director Tim Boring, who spoke with Brownfield, the program is designed to expand opportunities for schools, hospitals, and similar large-scale food buyers to source products locally. “It’s breaking down these barriers so [institutions can access local food more easily],” Boring explained.
The initiative focuses on removing obstacles that have traditionally prevented institutional buyers from purchasing food from local and regional producers, potentially creating new market opportunities for farmers while improving food access in communities.
ANNAPOLIS, MD — Maryland agriculture officials announced Thursday that initial tests have detected H5 avian influenza at a commercial chicken farm in Caroline County.
The Maryland Department of Agriculture reported the presumptive positive case on February 26, 2026, marking the third instance of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) identified at a commercial poultry facility within the state.
The affected operation is a broiler farm, which raises chickens specifically for meat production. State officials are working to contain the outbreak and prevent further spread of the disease.
Public memorial services for civil rights icon Jesse Jackson have started this week in Chicago. Jackson’s body is being displayed for public viewing at the Rainbow-Push Coalition headquarters on Thursday and Friday, allowing community members and supporters to pay their final respects to the legendary activist.
Two founding members of South America’s Mercosur trading bloc made history Thursday by becoming the first nations to formally approve a groundbreaking trade agreement with the European Union that has been in negotiations for 25 years.
Uruguay’s lower legislative chamber overwhelmingly endorsed the deal with a decisive 91-2 vote, following Wednesday’s unanimous Senate approval. Meanwhile, Argentina’s Senate passed the agreement by a commanding 69-3 margin without any abstentions, after the nation’s Chamber of Deputies had already given their approval on February 12th.
Following Uruguay’s historic vote, Congressman Juan Martín Rodríguez declared: “Uruguay has sent a strong message to the United States, Mercosur and Europe: that we have waited 25 years, but we are not willing to wait a single second longer.”
The comprehensive trade pact encompasses nations that collectively represent more than 700 million residents and account for approximately 25% of the world’s total economic output. Brazil and Paraguay, the remaining two original Mercosur members, are expected to ratify the agreement within the coming weeks.
The trans-Atlantic agreement received official signatures on January 17th, finally breaking through a 25-year stalemate that had been maintained by European farming interests worried about competitive disadvantages. However, European legislators have since filed a legal challenge in the bloc’s highest court, questioning the agreement’s legality. While a judicial ruling may take several months, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen previously indicated the EU would move forward once at least one Mercosur country completed ratification.
When fully operational, the trade zone will establish what von der Leyen has described as a significant demonstration of international cooperation amid what she characterized as “the face of an increasingly hostile and transactional world.”
WASHINGTON — A federal judge ruled Thursday that the Internal Revenue Service violated federal law by improperly sharing private taxpayer information with Immigration and Customs Enforcement on “approximately 42,695” occasions.
U.S. District Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly determined that the IRS illegally provided confidential taxpayer data for thousands of individuals to the Department of Homeland Security through a disputed information-sharing arrangement between the agencies designed to locate and remove immigrants living in the United States without authorization.
The judge’s determination stems from a court filing submitted this month by Dottie Romo, the IRS’ chief risk and control officer, which disclosed that the tax agency had furnished DHS with data on 47,000 individuals out of 1.28 million people ICE had requested information about — and in the majority of instances, provided ICE with supplementary address details that violated privacy regulations protecting taxpayer information.
In her Thursday decision, Kollar-Kotelly stated that the agency breached IRS Code 6103, among the most stringent confidentiality statutes in federal law, “approximately 42,695 times by disclosing last known taxpayer addresses to ICE.” She described the Romo filing as “a significant development in this case.”
“The IRS not only failed to ensure that ICE’s request for confidential taxpayer address information met the statutory requirements, but this failure led the IRS to disclose confidential taxpayer addresses to ICE in situations where ICE’s request for that information was patently deficient,” she wrote.
While the government is challenging the case on appeal, Thursday’s decision carries weight because Romo’s filing bolsters the ruling during the appeals process.
Nina Olson, founder of the Center for Taxpayer Rights, which has filed suit against the government regarding the information sharing, says “this confirms what we’ve been saying all along: that the IRS has an unlawful policy that violates the Internal Revenue Code’s protections by releasing these addresses in a way that violates the law’s requirements.”
Officials from the IRS and Treasury Department did not provide responses to Associated Press inquiries seeking comment.
An information-sharing compact executed last April by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem permits ICE to submit names and addresses of immigrants residing in the U.S. without legal status to the IRS for verification against tax documentation. The arrangement prompted the then-acting IRS commissioner to step down.
Multiple ongoing legal challenges are contesting the IRS-DHS information-sharing arrangement.
Earlier this week, a three-judge panel from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit rejected a request for a preliminary injunction from the immigrants’ rights organization Centro de Trabajadores Unidos and other nonprofit organizations suing the federal government to halt the agreement’s implementation.
In rejecting the preliminary injunction petition, Judge Harry T. Edwards stated that the nonprofit organizations “are unlikely to succeed on the merits of their claim,” because the data the agencies are exchanging falls outside the scope of the IRS privacy law.
Nevertheless, two distinct court orders have prevented the agencies from conducting large-scale transfers of taxpayer data and prohibited ICE from taking action based on any IRS information in its possession. Those preliminary injunctions remain active.
A repeat stowaway offender has been taken into custody in Italy after allegedly boarding another international flight without authorization, this time traveling from Newark, New Jersey to Milan.
Svetlana Dali was apprehended Thursday at Milan’s Malpensa Airport following the unauthorized journey on a United Airlines aircraft, according to a law enforcement source who requested anonymity due to the ongoing investigation.
The arrest marks another violation for Dali, who received a conviction earlier in 2024 for illegally traveling to Paris without proper documentation or a valid ticket.
FBI representative Emily Molinari confirmed that the Newark field office has knowledge of “the alleged stowaway” situation but withheld further details. Molinari stated the bureau is collaborating with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, which oversees Newark Liberty International Airport, along with the Transportation Security Administration regarding “this open investigation.”
United Airlines acknowledged the breach, stating the company is “investigating this incident and working with the appropriate authorities.”
Michael K. Schneider, serving as Dali’s federal public defender and handling her appeal from previous charges, refused to provide comment Thursday. He also would not discuss whether Dali had completed a required mental health assessment as mandated by her supervised release terms.
“I can’t comment on what she’s done since her release. My office is handling the appeal, which is still pending,” Schneider stated.
Dali’s May 2025 conviction stemmed from bypassing security protocols and airline personnel at John F. Kennedy International Airport before illegally boarding a New York to Paris flight.
Security footage captured Dali, a Russian national with U.S. residency status, blending with legitimate passengers to evade Delta Air Lines staff detection. During court proceedings, Dali admitted to boarding the aircraft without presenting a boarding pass. Prosecutors revealed she concealed herself in an aircraft restroom for multiple hours before discovery as the plane approached Paris.
Following her return to New York, Dali informed an FBI agent she felt compelled to flee the United States due to her belief that individuals were attempting to poison her, court records indicate.
Prior to this recent incident, Dali remained under a one-year supervised release period after receiving a time-served sentence last July. Standard probation terms prohibited her from departing the designated federal judicial district without obtaining prior court or probation officer approval. Additional requirements included undergoing mental health evaluation and participating in treatment if determined necessary.
Federal prosecutors previously stated Dali circumvented security protocols at two additional airports before the JFK breach, with suspicions she may have successfully stowed away on other flights.
Two days before the Paris flight incident, she managed to pass through TSA security at Bradley International Airport near Hartford, Connecticut, by concealing herself among other travelers. Officials reported she made an unsuccessful boarding attempt before departing the facility.
In February 2024, U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers found Dali hiding in a restroom at Miami International Airport, according to prosecutors. She was removed from the airport after agents could not verify her claim of arriving on an Air France flight.
While federal investigators made no official determination that Dali illegally traveled as a stowaway to Miami, prosecutors noted her statements to law enforcement following her Paris arrest suggested she had entered Miami through illegal means.
NEW ORLEANS — Actor Shia LaBeouf must return to substance abuse treatment following his arrest during Mardi Gras festivities in New Orleans, where he faces battery charges for allegedly attacking several people outside a French Quarter establishment.
Orleans Parish Criminal Court Judge Simone Levine established a $100,000 bond Thursday for the 39-year-old actor, who appeared before the court dressed in a fleece jacket and jeans with cowboy boots. The judge criticized LaBeouf for allegedly shouting anti-gay slurs while physically assaulting multiple individuals, with police reports indicating he dislocated one person’s nose.
During the hearing, Levine mandated that LaBeouf undergo weekly substance testing, beginning immediately with a courthouse screening. His legal representative confirmed the initial test came back negative for illegal drugs.
The judge expressed serious concerns about community safety, particularly regarding marginalized groups that have faced significant hardship. “This defendant does not take his alcohol addiction seriously,” Levine stated. “This court does not believe he understands the level of seriousness when it comes to these allegations.”
She specifically referenced the episode as a threat to “the safety of this larger community, especially relative to a marginalized community that has gone through so much terror,” speaking about the LGBTQ+ community.
Following his bond payment, LaBeouf refused media interviews in the courthouse corridor. “No, I won’t say a word,” he told reporters. “God bless you, leave me alone.” The actor has yet to enter a formal plea regarding the charges.
Local performer Jeffrey Damnit, whose legal name is Jeffrey Klein according to police documents, previously described how LaBeouf repeatedly struck him while using homophobic language and making death threats. Damnit believes he became a target due to his makeup and eyeliner.
“This guy wants me to be dead because I wear makeup,” Damnit explained. “It’s a screwed-up thing.”
Judge Levine revealed that when she initially released LaBeouf without bond shortly after his February 17 arrest, she hadn’t yet reviewed the police documentation detailing his alleged use of slurs while returning to the establishment and striking patrons after staff requested his departure. Video footage has emerged showing the actor hitting multiple individuals.
Following his release from jail, LaBeouf was spotted celebrating in the French Quarter streets during Mardi Gras festivities.
The court has prohibited LaBeouf from contacting the victims or visiting the location where the incident occurred. Additionally, Levine rejected his attorney’s request for permission to travel to Rome in March for what was described as “religious observations, including his father’s baptism.”
The judge questioned whether LaBeouf “could handle his alcohol” during the proceedings.
Defense attorney Sarah Chervinsky argued to the court that “being drunk on Mardi Gras is not a crime.”
NEW YORK — Federal immigration officers detained a Columbia University student on Thursday morning after using deceptive tactics to enter campus housing, claiming they were investigating a missing person case, according to legal representatives and university officials.
The student’s situation took an unexpected turn when New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced on social media that President Donald Trump had committed to her “immediate” release following their conversation during a separate meeting.
The detained student, identified as Ellie Aghayeva, is completing her final year at Columbia where she studies neuroscience and political science. Originally from Azerbaijan, she has built a substantial online presence by creating content about college life as an international student.
Around 7:00 a.m., Aghayeva reached out to her Instagram audience of over 100,000 followers with an urgent message: “DHS illegally arrested me. Please help.” She included an image that appeared to be taken from inside a vehicle.
A Department of Homeland Security representative verified the arrest and revealed that Aghayeva’s student visa was revoked in 2016 due to class attendance issues. The agency did not address inquiries regarding her potential release timeline.
Legal documents filed on Aghayeva’s behalf indicate she originally arrived in the United States on a visa around 2016. Her lawyers state that Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers detained her early Thursday without presenting a warrant, instead “represented they were searching for a missing person to gain entry” to the university residence.
The attorneys reported she was being held at the federal detention facility in Lower Manhattan and declined to elaborate further on her immigration circumstances.
Columbia’s acting president, Claire Shipman, informed the campus community via email that federal agents accessed a residential facility around 6:30 a.m. under the pretense of locating a missing individual.
Shipman noted the university was working to contact the student’s relatives and arrange legal assistance.
Immigration officials’ use of false identities or misleading claims has gained scrutiny recently, particularly after agents were observed impersonating utility workers and service personnel in Minneapolis and other cities.
While such deceptive practices are typically within legal bounds, immigration lawyers report they are becoming more frequent, raising alarm about the current administration’s evolving approach to immigration enforcement across the country.
This arrest occurs almost exactly one year after federal authorities apprehended Mahmoud Khalil, a former Columbia graduate student and Palestinian advocate, at his university residence. Khalil remains free on bond while challenging his deportation proceedings.
Following Khalil’s detention, student groups pressured the university to strengthen protections against federal immigration operations on campus.
Columbia’s current policy mandates that law enforcement officials must present a court-issued warrant or subpoena to enter restricted university areas, including student housing.
In her communication to students, Shipman advised against permitting law enforcement access to non-public university spaces and recommended contacting campus security rather than accepting legal documents directly.
Royal Bank of Canada announced Thursday that its first-quarter earnings exceeded Wall Street expectations, driven by robust performance in wealth management and personal banking operations.
As economic uncertainty persists due to ongoing trade disputes with the United States, Canadian financial institutions have increasingly focused on fee-generating, high-margin services like capital markets operations and wealth advisory services to maintain profitability.
RBC has been expanding its wealth management operations by recruiting additional financial advisors and growing the division’s presence in international markets beyond Canada.
The wealth management division delivered impressive results with net income soaring 32% to C$1.3 billion (equivalent to $950.22 million) in the first quarter, benefiting from increased fee revenue generated by client asset management.
Despite elevated interest rates and a sluggish housing sector, consumer spending patterns have proven more resilient than many economists anticipated.
Personal banking operations at RBC, which holds the distinction of being Canada’s largest financial institution, saw net income climb 17% to reach C$1.96 billion.
Canadian banks have also benefited from renewed activity in mergers and acquisitions along with initial public offerings, while market volatility has encouraged investors to rebalance their portfolios, creating additional revenue opportunities for trading operations.
RBC’s capital markets division posted a 3% increase in net income to C$1.48 billion, though results were somewhat dampened by rising employee compensation costs and increased provisions set aside for potential credit losses. Operating expenses for this segment increased 4% compared to the previous year.
The financial institution reported adjusted earnings per share of C$4.08 for the quarter, surpassing the average analyst forecast of C$3.85 according to LSEG data compilation.
For the third straight year, the Miami Dolphins have claimed the number one position in the NFL Players Association’s yearly team evaluations, ESPN reported Thursday.
The Minnesota Vikings and Washington Commanders secured second and third place respectively, while the Pittsburgh Steelers dropped to the bottom ranking for the first time since the survey began four years ago.
According to ESPN, players consistently refer to the Dolphins organization as “the best in the NFL” in their survey responses.
ESPN reports that 1,759 players participated in this year’s evaluation, rating teams from A+ to F across multiple categories including head coaching, ownership, locker room quality, family treatment, and home field conditions – a newly added category. The survey was distributed to all active roster players between November 2nd and December 11th.
Following the public release of survey results in each of the previous three years, the NFL successfully filed a grievance against the players union, arguing the publication breached the league’s collective bargaining agreement.
Though an arbitrator sided with the league, the NFLPA has stated its intention to keep conducting these evaluations in the future, even if the results cannot be made public.
Pittsburgh reportedly ranked last in facility investment willingness, locker room quality, and home field conditions, with the latter category showing a particularly significant gap.
According to ESPN, the survey noted that “Players cite inadequate maintenance and excessive wear from hosting local college and high school games” and “Players across the league note the poor condition of the field and emphasize the need for investment to bring it up to standard.”
The Arizona Cardinals, who held the bottom spot last season, improved slightly to 31st place. The Cleveland Browns maintained their 30th position from the previous year.
Mexican authorities announced Thursday they are pursuing legal action against a Paris-based auction house to prevent the sale of dozens of ancient artifacts the government claims were illegally taken from the country.
Culture Secretary Claudia Curiel revealed that Mexico has initiated legal proceedings and contacted French officials through diplomatic channels to stop Millon auction house from selling 40 pre-Columbian pieces scheduled for auction Friday.
“The defense of cultural heritage is a responsibility of the state and an act of historical justice,” Curiel stated in a social media post.
The contested items are part of a collection titled “Les Empires de Lumiere” (The Empires of Light) set for an in-person auction in Paris. Millon’s website showed a maintenance message Thursday and the company has not responded to requests for comment.
In a Tuesday letter to the auction house, Curiel explained that Mexico’s National Institute of Anthropology and History had identified the 40 artifacts as protected under Mexican law.
“These goods are property of the Nation, unalienable and incontrovertible, and their export has been banned since 1827, and as such their presence outside the national territory derives from an illicit extraction,” the letter stated.
This legal battle represents part of Mexico’s ongoing efforts to reclaim pre-colonial artifacts from private collections worldwide. While some nations have agreed to return items, many cases remain in lengthy legal disputes.
One notable example involves the ornate feathered headdress believed to have belonged to Aztec ruler Moctezuma before Spanish forces conquered his empire. Austria’s Weltmuseum, which houses the piece, has argued that moving it could harm its fragile quetzal feathers.
Last year, Mexican officials took similar legal action against Millon regarding 83 objects the auction house planned to sell. At that time, Millon defended the sale to ARTnews, stating all items had “irreproachable origin” and met standards established by French law and UNESCO guidelines.
Minnesota has acquired right-handed pitcher Zak Kent through waivers from St. Louis on Thursday, adding depth to their bullpen.
The 28-year-old hurler, who celebrated his birthday just two days ago, broke into the majors last year with Cleveland. During his rookie campaign, Kent posted a 1-0 record with a 4.58 earned run average across 12 bullpen outings for the Guardians.
St. Louis had previously picked up Kent from Cleveland through the waiver wire on February 16th, but moved to designate him for assignment just five days afterward to create roster space for infielder Ramon Urias.
Minnesota made space on their 40-man roster by transferring right-hander Pablo Lopez to the 60-day injured list. The 29-year-old Lopez underwent Tommy John elbow reconstruction surgery on Wednesday and will miss the entire upcoming season.
The University of Maryland Eastern Shore men’s volleyball squad celebrated a milestone achievement Wednesday night, claiming their first Northeast Conference victory of the season with a commanding straight-set victory over D’Youville.
The Hawks controlled the match from start to finish, taking down the Saints 3-0 in the opening contest of a two-game series between the programs.
This breakthrough conference win represents a significant step forward for the UMES volleyball program as they continue building momentum in Northeast Conference play.
The victory sets up the Hawks for their second matchup against D’Youville, giving the team confidence heading into the remainder of their conference schedule.
Ottawa Senators captain Brady Tkachuk addressed reporters Thursday to clarify his position regarding an artificially created video that surfaced on the White House’s official TikTok page, which falsely depicted him making disparaging remarks about the Canadian hockey squad.
The 26-year-old hockey star, who contributed to Team USA’s historic first men’s hockey gold medal victory since 1980 by defeating Canada 2-1 this past Sunday during the Milan Cortina Olympics, spoke about the digitally manipulated clip that was released on the same day as the championship game. The fabricated footage showed what appeared to be Tkachuk at a previous 4 Nations Face-Off media event, where he supposedly stated, “They booed our national anthem, so I had to come out and teach those maple syrup eating f—s a lesson.”
Speaking to media members in Ottawa before the Senators’ return to action following the Olympic hiatus against the Detroit Red Wings, Tkachuk firmly denied the authenticity of the content. “Well, it’s clearly fake, because it’s not my voice, not my lips moving,” Tkachuk explained to reporters. “I’m not in control of any of those accounts. I know that those words would never come out of my mouth. So, I can’t do anything about it.”
The manipulated content, which accumulated more than 11 million views on the social media platform, included a disclaimer indicating artificial intelligence was used in its creation. The clip featured the classic rock song “Free Bird” playing over Tkachuk’s fabricated statement before cutting to footage from the American team’s championship victory.
Tkachuk emphasized his disapproval of the misrepresentation, stating, “It’s not my voice. It’s not what I was saying. I would never say that. That’s not who I am, so I guess I don’t like that video because that would never come out of my mouth and (I) never had that thought.”
The hockey player also addressed another misconception, clarifying that he was not the individual who yelled “Close the northern border” during Team USA’s celebratory phone conversation with President Donald Trump following their Olympic triumph.
“I’ve been seeing stuff that people think it’s me. But if you watch the video, it’s not my voice,” Tkachuk stated. “I don’t know how that took a storm on its own when I give everything I have here. It’s crazy when things go on social media, how fast they go. I would never say anything like that.”
Following their Olympic success, the men’s hockey team made an appearance at the White House on Tuesday during Trump’s State of the Union address. The president sparked debate during the post-victory phone call when he mentioned he would probably face impeachment if he failed to extend an invitation to the gold medal-winning women’s team as well.
In his Olympic debut, Tkachuk recorded three goals and two assists across six games during the tournament. This season with the Senators, he has accumulated 37 points through 37 games, including 14 goals and 23 assists.
New federal biofuel regulations from the Environmental Protection Agency could directly influence commodity markets, according to an agricultural economist. Ben Brown shared with Brownfield that the agency’s proposal from last summer outlined higher blending mandates for ethanol and additional renewable fuels.
“That will probably have to be coupled with the small refiner exemptions, in-terms of how they’re” implemented, Brown explained regarding the final Renewable Volume Obligations and their potential market effects on corn and soybean pricing.
Delaware farmers considering equipment trades this year should prepare for potential tax consequences down the road, according to an agricultural law specialist. Changes made through federal tax legislation have modified how equipment trade-ins are valued for tax purposes, potentially creating larger tax obligations for local farmers.
Joe Peiffer, an attorney with Ag and Business Legal Strategies, explains that the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act included provisions that altered trade-in calculations. According to Peiffer, “For example, the quarter of a million dollars that you received on the trade-in is treated as” part of taxable income under the new rules.
The changes could particularly impact Delaware’s agricultural community, where equipment upgrades and trades are common business practices. Farmers who complete equipment trades in the current tax year may find themselves facing increased tax bills when the provisions take full effect in 2026.
Conservation law enforcement officers from Maryland were celebrated for their outstanding service and heroic actions during the Maryland Natural Resources Police annual recognition ceremony held February 25 at Anne Arundel Community College in Arnold.
Maryland Department of Natural Resources Secretary Josh Kurtz and Natural Resources Police Colonel Orlando Lilly presented the awards, honoring officers for their exceptional work in conservation enforcement, water safety, and courageous rescue operations.
“Our dedicated Natural Resources Police officers truly exemplify what it means to be public servants,” said Sec. Kurtz. “They demonstrate an unwavering commitment to Maryland’s people and natural resources, respond with courage in moments of crisis, and represent the Department of Natural Resources with pride and dignity. We celebrate their achievements and express our deep appreciation for keeping our communities, lands, waters, and wildlife safe.”
The top honor went to Corporal Timothy Fabian, who earned the 2025 Officer of the Year award. Fabian, a DNR veteran since 1991 and the most experienced officer in the agency’s Western Region, was recognized for his outstanding enforcement achievements, life-saving interventions, mentoring of junior officers, and active community involvement. His proactive approach has led to numerous successful prosecutions of wildlife and fisheries violations, while his teaching at the academy helps shape future conservation officers.
Captain Andrew Wilson was formally recognized for his promotion from Lieutenant last April 30, now leading the Strategic Planning Division within NRP’s Executive Services Bureau.
Two officers received the agency’s most prestigious recognition – the Medal of Valor – for displaying extraordinary courage in life-threatening situations.
Corporal Andrew Felsecker earned the medal for his response to the January 2025 mid-air collision between American Airlines Flight 5342 and a U.S. Army UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter. As one of the initial rescue divers on scene, Felsecker faced dangerous water temperatures, floating debris, fuel contamination, and hazardous materials while searching the submerged wreckage for survivors.
Officer Ryan Kalbaugh also received the Medal of Valor for his February 2025 response when a side-by-side vehicle crashed through the ice at Deep Creek Lake in Garrett County. Learning that someone remained trapped underwater, Kalbaugh immediately dove into the freezing lake wearing only an exposure suit, successfully extracted the victim, and began life-saving measures before medical helicopter transport to a trauma center.
Seven officers earned Awards of Merit for extraordinary life-saving efforts: Officers Coby Blum, Brian Chillas, Christopher Crable, David Deems, Caleb Demerritt (Metropolitan Police Department), Joy McClintock, and Donald Medtart.
Blum and Demerritt were honored for their October 2025 intervention with a suicidal individual near a Western Maryland overpass. The officers built trust with the man through shared interests, ultimately persuading him to step back to safety and accept medical evaluation. Blum received a second Award of Merit for his May 2025 response to an armed person threatening himself and others, successfully de-escalating the situation and ensuring the individual received proper medical care.
Chillas and Deems were recognized for their August 2025 rescue of a bicyclist who suffered cardiac arrest on a trail at Fair Hill Natural Resources Management Area. Their quick response, successful CPR efforts that restored the victim’s pulse, and coordination with emergency medical services proved crucial in saving the man’s life.
Crable and Medtart earned recognition for their September 2025 response when a recreational crabber fell into the water at Sandy Point State Park. The officers immediately located the unconscious victim and alternated performing CPR until emergency crews transported her to a hospital where her pulse was restored.
McClintock was honored for her role during dangerous May 2025 flooding in the Savage River watershed in Garrett County. She conducted over 30 door-to-door evacuations in remote areas without radio contact, cell service, or backup support, navigating waist-deep floodwaters and damaged roads. She later performed welfare checks and helped deliver essential food and medical supplies to affected residents.
“Throughout 2025, the men and women of the Natural Resources Police reinforced our mission of protecting people, communities, and natural resources through safety, trust, and shared stewardship,” said Col. Lilly. “I’m proud of the work we’ve accomplished to strengthen public trust, safeguard our lands and waterways, and protect the people of Maryland. Our state is safer because NRP is on patrol.”
Officer First Class Evan Stiles from the Eastern Region was named Conservation Officer of the Year for his comprehensive natural resource protection work. Stiles’ diverse enforcement activities span public lands, shellfish harvesting, wildlife inspections, commercial fishing, recreational fishing and crabbing, forestry, hunting, and oyster operations. His 2025 accomplishments included resolving multiple abandoned vessel cases, prosecuting crop damage violations, uncovering illegal deer harvests, and investigating harassment of nesting birds and fraudulent hunting blind reservations. Stiles also maintains strong community connections through regular participation in youth programs and educational events.
Officer First Class Allison Higgs of the Southern Region received the Boating Safety Officer of the Year award. Higgs logged more than 1,100 hours on water patrols, leading her region in vessel inspections, boater interactions, and maritime enforcement actions. She has developed strong relationships with waterfront property owners, marine businesses, and recreational boaters, frequently earning praise for her professional service.
Corporal Andrew Cummins was named Support Services Officer of the Year for his leadership in NRP’s drone program, enhancing the agency’s emergency response and enforcement capabilities. Cummins also serves as both a Tactical Flight Officer and Tactical Boat Operator.
Master Marine Technician Jeffrey “Scott” Lord earned the Professional Staff Member of the Year award for his expertise in maintaining and repairing marine engines across NRP’s boat fleet.
Additional awards included Corporal Vincent Artrip as Fishing and Boating Services Officer of the Year and Lieutenant William Davis as Maryland Park Service NRP Officer of the Year.
Eleven personnel received Superintendent’s Commendations: Corporal Vincent Artrip, Officer Thomas Burt, Corporal Lakeram Chhaturam, Officer Dylan Coster, Officer David Deems, Sergeant Jessica Felsecker, Corporal Amelia Hunt, Police Communications Operator Denise Jaskulski, Corporal Brian Walter, and Officer Adam Willey.
Several Unit Citations recognized group achievements, including officers from Garrett and Allegany counties for their flood response in Westernport, officers from Calvert, Charles, and St. Mary’s counties for striped bass enforcement standardization, Communication Center Squad 2 for their coordination during the January airline collision, the Underwater Operations Team for their response to the same incident, the In-Service Training Unit for Active Attack response training, and the Response Team Unit for their work on numerous high-profile incidents that saved lives and enhanced public safety.
Federal immigration enforcement officers allegedly used deceptive tactics to gain access to a Columbia University dormitory before arresting a student, according to legal representatives for the institution.
University attorneys claim the agents falsely presented themselves as investigators looking into a missing person case when they entered the campus residence hall. Instead, they proceeded to arrest Ellie Aghayeva, a student originally from Azerbaijan.
The incident has raised concerns about the methods used by immigration enforcement officials to conduct arrests on college campuses. Columbia University has expressed objections to what they characterize as misleading tactics employed to gain entry to student housing facilities.
The case highlights ongoing tensions between federal immigration enforcement activities and educational institutions’ efforts to protect their student populations.
Agricultural researchers are warning that Brazil’s booming soybean industry could negatively affect American farmers’ profits by 2026. The South American nation is on track to harvest unprecedented quantities of soybeans, which may drive down prices for U.S. producers.
According to Joana Colussi, an assistant professor at Purdue University, Brazil is projected to yield more than 177 million tons of soybeans during the current growing season. This massive production increase stems from the country’s aggressive agricultural expansion efforts.
“The harvest weather has been mostly positive, with some exceptions in the south of Brazil, where there are” challenges, Colussi noted. The favorable growing conditions across most of the country have contributed to the record-breaking crop expectations.
This surge in Brazilian soybean output represents a significant development in global agricultural markets, as increased supply from one of the world’s largest producers typically leads to price competition that can squeeze profit margins for farmers in competing nations like the United States.
Fresh outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza are creating mounting concerns for Indiana’s poultry producers. Turkey farmer Kevin Kalb, who operates in southwestern Indiana, expressed alarm about the virus’s proximity to his operation.
“We just found out, I think two days ago, it’s about 12-13 miles from us right now,” Kalb stated. “So that’s a big concern on our farm.”
The ongoing spread of the deadly bird flu strain continues to threaten poultry operations across Indiana, forcing farmers to remain vigilant about biosecurity measures to protect their flocks.
Drivers traveling along Estates Drive should expect periodic lane restrictions this afternoon as work continues in the area.
The Delaware Department of Transportation reports that intermittent lane closures are affecting the stretch of Estates Drive between Appleby Road and Conlin Court. These temporary restrictions are expected to remain in place through 6 p.m. today.
Motorists are advised to allow extra travel time and exercise caution when passing through the work zone. The periodic nature of the closures means traffic flow will vary throughout the afternoon.
SUNRISE, Fla. — Matthew Tkachuk is eager to return to NHL action, though he’s not quite finished celebrating his Olympic triumph.
The Florida Panthers forward, who helped Team USA capture gold at the Milan Cortina Olympics, suited up Thursday evening for the team’s first game following the Olympic break against Toronto. The Panthers organized a special gold medal ceremony, which also honored Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews, who served as Team USA’s captain during the Olympics.
“I really think our team really showed what it’s like to be true Americans and the pride we played with and how we would do every single thing for our country,” Tkachuk declared while wearing his gold medal. “So, the support we’ve gotten is incredible.”
Tkachuk’s schedule has been packed since Sunday’s victory: an overnight celebration in Italy followed by a charter flight home, additional team festivities in Miami on Monday, and a White House visit for the State of the Union address alongside most of his Olympic teammates.
The recent years have brought Tkachuk a string of major accomplishments, including Stanley Cup championships in 2024 and 2025, his wedding, and now Olympic gold.
“The hardest thing to do in sports is winning the Stanley Cup,” Tkachuk explained. “You go through an 82-game grind and then your four playoff series, some Game 7s probably, and just the physicality and the travel and everything, it’s crazy. Whereas you could almost argue it over there at the Olympics, it’s so hard because it’s just one-game elimination.”
The Panthers had seven players earn Olympic medals: while Tkachuk claimed gold, Canadian teammates Brad Marchand, Sam Reinhart and Sam Bennett received silver medals. Finnish players Anton Lundell, Niko Mikkola and Eetu Luostarinen brought home bronze. Panthers executive Bill Zito served on Team USA’s management team in Milan, and equipment manager Teddy Richards filled the same position for the American squad.
All medalists participated in Thursday’s recognition ceremony.
“It’s a weird dynamic,” Marchand reflected. “Obviously we’re disappointed and you want a different outcome, but at the same time, trying to remember to be grateful for the incredible part of it all.”
A significant transformation in organ donation practices is reshaping how lifesaving transplants happen across the United States, according to new research published Thursday.
Medical professionals are seeing a dramatic rise in organ donations from patients whose hearts have stopped beating, rather than from those declared brain dead – a change that has fundamentally altered the transplant landscape in just over two decades.
Known as donation after circulatory death (DCD), this approach represented nearly half of all deceased organ donors nationwide in 2023, a remarkable increase from just 2% in 2000, researchers from NYU Langone Health discovered.
Advanced medical technology has enabled doctors to overcome previous obstacles in preserving organs as the heart ceases function, driving this surge during a time when the nation desperately seeks solutions to address organ shortages. Currently, more than 100,000 Americans remain on transplant waiting lists, with thousands dying while waiting for organs. Last year saw approximately 49,000 transplant procedures completed.
However, the NYU study revealed significant regional disparities in circulatory death donations, indicating that improved education for hospitals and communities could potentially expand access to these critical procedures even further.
The research, featured in JAMA medical journal, emerges amid concerning incidents where potential donors displayed signs of life, creating uncertainty about transplant protocols.
Federal authorities and certified organ procurement organizations are now developing enhanced safety measures, with these new research findings potentially influencing future policy decisions.
“Donation after circulatory death is complex and we need to make sure we are doing it well,” explained Dr. Babak Orandi, a transplant surgeon at NYU and study co-author. “If we stop doing it or severely restrict it, there would be pretty significant repercussions for patients.”
Traditional organ donation typically involves brain death declarations, where medical testing confirms complete loss of brain activity. In these cases, patients remain on ventilators to preserve organs until surgical removal.
Circulatory death donation becomes possible when patients suffer injuries incompatible with survival but retain some brain function, and families decide to discontinue life support. Death occurs as the heart gradually ceases beating. Medical guidelines require a mandatory five-minute waiting period after heart stoppage to ensure it won’t resume before doctors can declare death.
Legal requirements strictly prohibit donation and transplant teams from participating in life support decisions, and they cannot be present when support is withdrawn. Organ recovery only begins after official death declaration. If death doesn’t occur within approximately two hours, organs become unusable and recovery attempts are abandoned.
The NYU research team examined information from the national Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network and 55 regional organ procurement organizations.
In 2023, circulatory death donations comprised more than half of all donors at 24 organ procurement agencies, though this varied dramatically across regions, with some organizations reporting as low as 11%.
Hospital capabilities influence these numbers significantly, according to the Association for Organ Procurement Organizations. While life support withdrawal decisions are routine, smaller or rural medical facilities may lack familiarity with the additional procedures required for donation.
Technology adoption also plays a crucial role. Organ quality can deteriorate as hearts stop, temporarily cutting off oxygen supply. Following death declaration, a technique called normothermic regional perfusion enables surgeons to briefly restore blood circulation to chest and abdominal organs – while avoiding the brain – during the delicate removal process.
This innovation has expanded the use of organs from older, more medically complex donors after cardiac death, though temporarily restoring circulation after death has sparked ethical debates.
The Health Resources and Services Administration is developing new national policies to strengthen safeguards for this donation type. One proposed change would allow anyone involved with potential donors who questions whether conditions are appropriate for life support withdrawal to request a pause in preparations.
Additional proposals would mandate that organ procurement organizations document proper neurological examinations by hospitals caring for potential donors and provide comprehensive education to families about required procedures.
The Association of Organ Procurement Organizations has established similar guidelines, with some organizations already implementing hospital checklists.
The association also recommends conducting life support withdrawal in intensive care units rather than operating rooms to reduce public confusion about death timing and when organ teams become involved, stated association president Jeff Trageser.
“Donation after circulatory death requires a lot of buy-in from the community, including the local hospitals, to make this happen,” Orandi noted. “A couple of cases out of many, many cases has led to a loss of trust.”
CAPE TOWN, South Africa — Thousands of crayfish are washing up dead along South Africa’s western shoreline as a dangerous algae outbreak creates havoc for marine life.
Officials issued public warnings Thursday urging residents to avoid gathering or consuming the shellfish, which may contain deadly toxins. Law enforcement officers have been stationed at several beaches to enforce the advisory.
Red tides develop when algae populations multiply rapidly beyond normal levels, as explained by the U.S. National Ocean Service. These algae colonies turn ocean water a distinctive red color while releasing harmful substances that prove fatal to marine creatures.
While such events regularly occur along South Africa’s coastline, this particular outbreak ranks among the most devastating on record, according to the nation’s Ministry of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment.
The ministry reported that the toxic bloom triggered a “mass walkout” of crayfish, also called rock lobsters, near Elands Bay, located approximately 135 miles north of Cape Town. These crustaceans attempted to flee the poisonous waters but ended up perishing in large numbers on the shore alongside various fish species.
Rock lobsters represent a highly sought-after delicacy throughout South Africa. Environmental officials had to escort more than 20 individuals away from a single beach location where they were attempting to harvest the contaminated shellfish. Authorities emphasized that consuming these creatures could expose people to potentially fatal nerve toxins.
Ministry personnel are currently working to rescue surviving crayfish while safely removing the accumulating piles of deceased marine life from affected areas.
WASHINGTON — Defense Department officials have issued a firm deadline to artificial intelligence company Anthropic, demanding the firm agree to expanded military use of its technology by Friday evening or face serious consequences.
Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell emphasized Thursday through social media that military leaders want access to Anthropic’s AI systems for all legitimate purposes and stressed that the company will not be allowed to restrict operational decisions.
“The Pentagon has no interest in using AI to conduct mass surveillance of Americans (which is illegal) nor do we want to use AI to develop autonomous weapons that operate without human involvement,” Parnell stated.
These specific applications are already prohibited under Anthropic’s current policies. The company remains the only major AI firm that hasn’t provided its technology to the military’s new internal network system.
While Parnell confirmed the Pentagon seeks to “use Anthropic’s model for all lawful purposes,” he declined to elaborate on specific intended applications. He argued that broader access would ensure the company doesn’t interfere with “critical military operations.”
“We will not let ANY company dictate the terms regarding how we make operational decisions,” he declared.
The ultimatum follows a Tuesday meeting between Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Anthropic’s chief executive Dario Amodei, where military leaders outlined potential repercussions including supply chain risk designation, contract termination, or invoking the Defense Production Act from the Cold War era to force broader technology access.
In his Thursday social media post, Parnell referenced two of these potential actions and set a specific timeline, stating Anthropic has “until 5:01 PM ET on Friday to decide.”
“Otherwise, we will terminate our partnership with Anthropic and deem them a supply chain risk,” he announced.
Anthropic had not provided a response to requests for comment by Thursday evening. Following Tuesday’s discussions, the company released a statement saying it “continued good-faith conversations about our usage policy to ensure Anthropic can continue to support the government’s national security mission in line with what our models can reliably and responsibly do.”
The fast-food giant Burger King is experimenting with artificial intelligence headsets that monitor employee interactions and can detect whether workers are using courteous language with customers.
Restaurant Brands International, the Miami-headquartered corporation behind Burger King, Popeyes, and other restaurant chains, announced Thursday that it’s currently piloting these OpenAI-driven headsets across 500 locations throughout the United States.
The technology gathers operational information and communicates through “Patty,” an AI voice assistant that speaks directly to workers via their headsets. When beverage dispensers run low on Diet Coke, Patty notifies management. Should a patron scan a QR code to report restroom cleanliness issues, supervisors receive immediate alerts.
Workers can inquire with Patty about preparation methods for different food items or instruct the system to temporarily remove menu options when ingredients are unavailable.
The restaurant chain revealed it’s also investigating Patty’s potential for enhancing guest relations. The technology monitors employee use of courteous language including “welcome,” “please,” and “thank you,” then reports this information to management.
During Thursday’s inquiry from The Associated Press regarding this feature, Burger King clarified that Patty serves as a training resource rather than a surveillance mechanism for individual workers.
“It’s not about scoring individuals or enforcing scripts. It’s about reinforcing great hospitality and giving managers helpful, real-time insights so they can recognize their teams more effectively,” the company stated.
Burger King emphasized that courteous language represents “one of many signals to help managers understand service patterns.”
“We believe hospitality is fundamentally human. The role of this technology is to support our teams so they can stay present with guests,” according to the company’s statement.
This AI assistant operates within the broader BK Assistant platform, an app-based system scheduled for deployment across all domestic restaurants by year’s end.
The burger chain joins other major fast-food companies exploring artificial intelligence applications. Yum Brands announced last spring its collaboration with Nvidia to create AI solutions for KFC, Taco Bell, and Pizza Hut.
McDonald’s discontinued its IBM partnership in 2024 after testing automated drive-thru ordering systems. The company has since begun working with Google on AI development.
OTTAWA, Ontario — Ottawa Senators captain Brady Tkachuk spoke out Thursday against a manipulated social media video posted by the White House, denouncing the AI-generated content that falsely portrayed him making offensive remarks about Canadians following his Olympic gold medal victory.
The TikTok post featured artificial audio making it seem as though Tkachuk called Canadians “maple syrup eating f—s,” with the profanity censored. The 26-year-old Arizona-born hockey star dismissed the content as “clearly fake,” pointing out that the voice didn’t sync with the lip movements and emphasizing he would never use such language. The video does include a disclaimer noting it “contains AI-generated media.”
Tkachuk also refuted claims that he was the person heard yelling “close the northern border” during Team USA’s victory celebration call with President Donald Trump following their 2-1 triumph over Canada in Sunday’s Olympic final.
The White House has not yet provided a response to requests for comment regarding the controversial post.
The NHL captain and his Olympic teammates have returned from Italy this week to resume the regular hockey season. Several team members were present at Trump’s State of the Union address Tuesday evening in Washington, where they received applause from the audience.
The American men’s victory completed a historic sweep for Team USA, coming after the women’s team also defeated Canada 2-1 in overtime three days prior, marking the first time Americans won both Olympic hockey championships in the same games.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz criticized the Trump administration Thursday for freezing federal Medicaid payments to his state, calling it political payback while announcing new legislation designed to combat fraud in government programs.
The Democratic governor’s remarks came one day after Vice President JD Vance announced the administration would temporarily suspend Medicaid funding due to concerns about fraudulent activity. Walz had been developing his anti-fraud proposals before the federal announcement, continuing efforts he started previously to address problems that contributed to his decision not to seek reelection.
“This is a targeted retribution against a state that the president doesn’t like,” Walz stated during a press briefing. He accused the administration of using misleading fraud claims as justification, similar to how they defended Operation Metro Surge, which deployed more than 3,000 federal agents to Minnesota.
Walz’s comprehensive proposal includes enhanced detection systems, stronger investigative powers, tougher criminal penalties, and establishing a centralized Office of the Inspector General for fraud prevention. The state Senate approved a bipartisan inspector general measure last year, but it remains stuck in the House due to disputes over whether the office should have law enforcement powers or focus solely on investigations while leaving enforcement to the existing state Bureau of Criminal Apprehension.
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz announced Wednesday alongside Vance that the federal government would withhold $259.5 million in Minnesota Medicaid payments. Oz stated the funds would only be released after Minnesota develops “a comprehensive corrective action plan to solve the problem” and gave Walz a 60-day deadline to respond.
“How does taking and punishing children and elderly have anything to do with fighting fraud?” Walz responded. He noted that the Trump administration has provided no guidance on addressing their concerns or opportunities to demonstrate Minnesota’s existing anti-fraud efforts. His administration projects that 1.2 million state residents could be affected.
The federal action represents part of a broader nationwide fraud investigation, stemming from allegations involving daycare facilities operated by Somali residents in the Minneapolis region that triggered the massive federal enforcement operation in the city, leading to widespread demonstrations.
A Minnesota federal prosecutor estimated last summer that total fraud across multiple programs might surpass $9 billion. However, John Connolly, the state’s Medicaid director, told media Thursday that the state lacks evidence supporting such an enormous figure.
Minnesota Department of Human Services officials, who oversee Medicaid, pointed out that withholding the $259.5 million — retroactive to the fourth quarter of 2025 — follows previous federal decisions to freeze over $2 billion in annual Medicaid funding. The department said it previously submitted a corrective action plan and continues appealing that determination.
The state agency reported implementing multiple new procedures and reforms to prevent and identify Medicaid fraud since 2024. These changes included pinpointing high-risk fraud areas, establishing tighter controls like criminal background screenings for providers, and conducting more surprise facility inspections.
Both Walz and Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison are set to testify before the U.S. House Oversight Committee next Wednesday during a hearing examining federal fund misuse in Minnesota’s social service programs.
KYIV – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced Thursday that the upcoming three-way peace discussions involving the United States, Russia, and Ukraine are expected to move to Abu Dhabi during the first part of March.
Zelensky revealed this information during his nightly address to the nation, speaking after completing discussions in Geneva where American and Ukrainian representatives met to discuss plans for rebuilding Ukraine after the conflict ends.
The peace negotiations, which are being facilitated by the United States, represent ongoing diplomatic efforts to find a resolution to the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
WASHINGTON – The nation’s chief banking regulator indicated Thursday he might grant a congressional request to let senior lawmakers examine the banking charter application submitted by World Liberty Financial, a cryptocurrency business operated by President Donald Trump’s family.
During testimony before the Senate Banking Committee, Comptroller of the Currency Jonathan Gould, who was appointed by Trump last year, told Democratic Senator Elizabeth Warren he would “entertain” her request for confidential access to the crypto firm’s national trust bank charter application, which was submitted in January. Approval of such a charter would enable the company to broaden its business activities.
Senator Warren, alongside fellow Democrats who have expressed worries about possible conflicts of interest, requested that Gould provide both her and Republican Senate Banking Committee Chairman Tim Scott with a complete, unredacted version of the application to verify it contains all required details.
Warren and additional Democratic committee members also urged Gould to either deny or postpone consideration of the application. The Trump sons and other business partners manage World Liberty Financial.
Democratic lawmakers also referenced Wall Street Journal coverage indicating that the United Arab Emirates’ national security adviser holds a significant investment stake.
A representative for World Liberty Financial stated the firm has met all regulatory requirements throughout the application procedure, including mandatory disclosures.
Company spokesperson David Wachsman said, “Democrats are playing politics and, with baseless lies, smearing a private American company undergoing a rigorous regulatory process.”
The White House has previously stated that the Trump family’s cryptocurrency business connections do not create a conflict of interest.
Gould described the licensing procedure as being managed by “superb” agency personnel and noted that the process is outlined in publicly accessible staff guidelines.
During the congressional hearing, he stated, “We process applications in a fair and evenhanded manner.”
A trust bank charter permits companies to manage and store customer assets while processing payments more quickly, though these institutions cannot accept deposits or issue loans. Multiple other cryptocurrency companies have obtained preliminary approval for similar charters.
A newly disclosed State Department document reveals the United States plans to handle 4,500 refugee applications monthly from white South Africans, a figure that significantly exceeds President Donald Trump’s announced refugee program limits.
The January 27 document, which had not been previously reported, shows officials are setting up temporary trailer facilities at the U.S. embassy compound in Pretoria to handle the increased workload.
This monthly processing goal far surpasses Trump’s declared ceiling of 7,500 total refugees from all countries for fiscal year 2026. Internal discussions last year had considered much higher limits between 40,000 and 60,000 people.
Since the program began in May 2025, approximately 2,000 white South Africans have arrived in the United States as refugees through January 31, though the numbers have increased in recent months.
However, recent administrative holdups in Washington have temporarily suspended all refugee arrivals to the U.S., including those from South Africa, according to a government official with knowledge of the situation.
Neither the State Department nor Department of Homeland Security provided responses to inquiries about the program. White House officials directed questions to the State Department.
The South African Chamber of Commerce in the U.S. reported last year that over 67,000 individuals had shown interest in relocating to America.
After initially stopping all refugee admissions upon taking office in 2025, Trump later created a special program for white South Africans of Afrikaner heritage, claiming they face violent persecution in the predominantly Black nation. South African officials have disputed this characterization, and some refugee advocacy groups have condemned the policy.
The contracting document, published Wednesday in a government database, justifies bypassing competitive bidding for the trailer contract due to urgent security needs.
According to the document, South African immigration officials had previously raided a U.S. refugee processing center located in a commercial building in Johannesburg, which “compromised operations” and forced officials to seek a more secure location.
“The inability to safely process about 4,500 applicants per month, an objective communicated to (the U.S. State Department’s refugee division) from the White House, would result in failure to meet a Presidential priority,” the document stated.
South African Foreign Ministry spokesperson Chrispin Phiri indicated his government would not obstruct the U.S. program as long as it operates within legal parameters, while maintaining Pretoria’s disagreement with Trump’s persecution claims.
“The assertion that Afrikaners face systemic persecution is fundamentally unsubstantiated,” Phiri said.
It remains uncertain whether the ambitious 4,500 monthly target can be achieved. The State Department recently suspended all refugee travel, including South Africans, from February 23 through March 9 due to operational issues, according to an email sent to applicants.
Due to Trump’s comprehensive refugee prohibition issued in January 2025, South Africans must receive individual approval from Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem on a case-by-case basis.
The government official, speaking anonymously about internal operations, said DHS has delayed these approvals, creating an administrative bottleneck.
Before the temporary suspension, South African admissions had been increasing, with approximately 1,500 people entering in December and January, compared to roughly 500 during the previous six and a half months, based on State Department data.
U.S.-South Africa relations became strained in mid-December when South African authorities conducted the raid on the Johannesburg commercial facility where American staff and contractors were processing refugee cases.
Seven Kenyan contractors working for a U.S.-based refugee organization were arrested for alleged visa violations, while two American refugee officers were temporarily detained.
American and South African officials reached a private understanding during a closed meeting in late December to permit processing to resume, as Reuters previously reported.
The contracting document revealed that a South African company received a non-competitive $772,000 contract to provide and install 14 prefabricated modular units as part of a “temporary modular village” at an embassy property in Pretoria.
In a WhatsApp chat group where South Africans exchange program information, one applicant reported having an interview this week in a trailer-style building at an embassy property, noting that additional trailers were being prepared, indicating the facility is now functioning.
WILMINGTON — Delaware Governor Matt Meyer has issued a new executive order aimed at accelerating the state’s permitting process, officials announced today.
The directive is designed to remove bureaucratic hurdles that have slowed construction of affordable housing, renewable energy facilities, broadband infrastructure, and public water systems throughout the state.
Meyer’s order specifically targets permits needed for workforce housing developments, sustainable power generation projects, internet expansion efforts, and water treatment facility improvements.
State officials emphasize that the streamlined approach will continue to uphold environmental protections and public safety requirements while reducing delays in the approval process.
The complete text of the executive order is available through the governor’s office.
The University of Delaware baseball squad is preparing to take on Rider University in a three-game series at Bob Hannah Stadium in Newark.
The Blue Hens will host the Broncs for what promises to be an exciting weekend of collegiate baseball action on their home field. The series represents an important conference matchup for Delaware as they continue their season.
Bob Hannah Stadium will serve as the backdrop for all three contests between these two teams. Fans can expect competitive baseball as both squads look to gain an advantage in conference standings.
The Delaware baseball program continues to build on its tradition of strong play at their home venue, where they have historically performed well in front of local supporters.
Delaware State Police Superintendent Colonel William D. Crotty has announced the completion of training for the 105th Delaware State Police and 101st Municipal Police Recruit Class.
Twenty new Delaware State Troopers and nine municipal officers celebrated their achievement during a ceremony at Dover Middle School on February 19, 2026. The municipal graduates will serve with the Delaware Natural Resources Police, Georgetown Police Department, Middletown Police Department, and Millsboro Police Department as they begin their law enforcement careers.
The ceremony featured remarks from several state officials and one of the new graduates. Trooper Gabriel Hayes, chosen by his fellow classmates, delivered a speech to the graduating class and attendees. Other speakers included Governor Matthew Meyer, State Prosecutor Dan Logan from the Delaware Department of Justice, Secretary Joshua A. Bushweller from the Department of Safety and Homeland Security, and Colonel William D. Crotty.
Several graduates received special recognition for their exceptional performance during training:
Trooper David Hernandez earned the Delaware State Police Academy Physical Fitness Award, while Trooper Maximillian Schwetje received both the Outstanding Proficiency in Police Firearms Award and The Secretary of Safety and Homeland Security Award.
Among the municipal graduates, Patrolman Keishawn Mansfield from Georgetown Police Department also received the Outstanding Proficiency in Police Firearms Award. His Georgetown colleague, Patrolman Horace Rose, was honored with the Delaware State Police Academy Core Value Award.
Patrolman Autumn Potter of the Millsboro Police Department received The Attorney General’s Award for Legal Excellence, while Officer Eric Johnson from Middletown Police Department earned the Delaware Association of Chiefs of Police Award.
The highest honor, the Governor’s Outstanding Recruit Trooper Award, went to Trooper Gabriel Hayes.
The complete list of new Delaware State Troopers includes: Damian Alexander, Justin Altemus, Gavin Burton, Shawn Church, Jonathan Crist, Gracie Frech, Nicolas Gaspich, Miller Gladding, Gabriel Hayes, Raymond Hearns, David Hernandez, Jacob Hudson, Strovenscolv Larochelle, Macy Layfield, Courtney McCloskey, Brendan McKewen, Carlton North, Tyler Sareyka, Maximillian Schwetje, and Brock Vincent.
The municipal police graduates are: Officers Spencer Failing and Gabriel Martin with Delaware Natural Resources Police; Patrolmen Alec Barr, Keishawn Mansfield, Dominick Redshaw, and Horace Rose with Georgetown Police Department; Officers Eric Johnson and Yordi Ventura with Middletown Police Department; and Patrolman Autumn Potter with Millsboro Police Department.
Cambridge city officials have announced they are extending their public comment period to allow more residents the opportunity to share their thoughts and concerns.
The extension gives community members additional time to participate in the feedback process before the comment period closes.
City officials are encouraging all interested residents to take advantage of this extended opportunity to make their voices heard on the matter.
The public comment period was originally scheduled to end earlier but has been lengthened to accommodate greater community participation.
A federal program that has protected Americans from contaminated shellfish for 100 years continues to play a crucial role in keeping Chesapeake Bay seafood safe for consumers throughout our region.
Maryland’s collaboration with the National Shellfish Sanitation Program helps guarantee that oysters, clams and mussels harvested from state waters meet strict safety requirements before reaching dinner tables. This partnership has become especially important following the recent sewage spill in the Potomac River, which highlighted the need for constant monitoring of water quality.
The federal oversight program began in 1925 when health officials noticed increasing illness rates linked to people eating raw shellfish. On February 19 that year, the U.S. Surgeon General met with state conservation officials, local health departments and commercial fishing representatives to establish safety guidelines that became the foundation for today’s program.
Now operating under the Food and Drug Administration, the program updates its safety recommendations every two years and works with three Maryland agencies: the Department of Natural Resources, Department of the Environment, and Department of Health.
Maryland Natural Resources Police officers have been enforcing shellfish safety rules since 1868, when the agency started as the State Oyster Police Force. Back then, officers commanded a fleet of schooners and armed steamers to stop out-of-state boats that locals called “oyster pirates” from illegally harvesting Maryland’s oysters.
Today’s enforcement looks different but remains just as important. Officers regularly board harvesting boats to verify that watermen are working in approved areas and following proper procedures. They check whether crews are using the right equipment – some locations allow power dredging while others require hand-tonging methods only.
During these inspections, officers also ensure boats meet sanitation standards, including providing shade over stored oysters, keeping detailed harvest records, and following time restrictions during the hottest parts of the day.
The same strict oversight extends to seafood processing facilities and retail markets, where shellfish are cleaned, packaged and sold to consumers.
Following the Potomac Interceptor sewage incident, the Maryland Department of the Environment has been conducting extra water quality tests. Recent monitoring found no evidence that the upstream spill has affected shellfish harvesting areas in the Potomac River.
The Department of Health creates Maryland-specific handling and processing rules based on federal requirements, while environmental officials regulate the waters where shellfish are grown and harvested.
This century-long cooperation between federal safety standards and state enforcement helps ensure that shellfish from Maryland waters remains safe for families throughout the region to enjoy.
