A fallen tree is completely obstructing traffic on Windmill Drive at Pine Grove Lane, according to Delaware Department of Transportation officials.
The tree has come down across the entire roadway, making it impassable for vehicles in both directions. DelDOT crews are expected to respond to clear the obstruction, though no timeline has been provided for when the road will reopen.
Drivers are advised to find alternative routes and avoid the area until the tree can be removed and normal traffic flow restored.
Chicago residents have chosen politics alongside practicality in their city’s yearly snowplow naming competition, selecting ‘Abolish ICE’ as this year’s top choice.
The winning entry in Chicago’s fourth annual ‘You Name a Snowplow’ contest cleverly combines winter weather terminology with a pointed political message aimed at President Donald Trump’s immigration policies. The selection comes after Immigration and Customs Enforcement conducted extensive operations in Chicago and surrounding areas last fall.
Starting in September, the federal initiative called ‘Operation Midway Blitz’ led to over 4,000 detentions, included a deadly shooting incident, and created significant tension between federal authorities and Chicago’s Democratic leadership, especially within the city’s substantial immigrant communities. Even during harsh winter conditions, ‘ICE Out’ demonstrations have persisted in downtown Chicago, around federal facilities, and across suburban areas.
Mayor Brandon Johnson expressed appreciation to Chicago residents in an official statement, praising their ‘unmatched creativity, sense of humor, and civic pride.’
When questioned about potential controversy surrounding the chosen name, a city representative noted that ‘Abolish ICE’ won by a significant margin, stating, ‘The people of Chicago clearly have no issue with the name of this snowplow.’
Officials from ICE and the Department of Homeland Security were contacted for their response to the naming decision.
While numerous cities hold similar snowplow naming competitions, Chicago’s winning selection stands out for its political edge. Other municipalities have chosen less controversial options, such as Nashville’s ‘Dolly Plowton’ honoring country star Dolly Parton, and Minnesota’s ‘Taylor Drift’ celebrating pop icon Taylor Swift.
Chicago voters also selected several lighter-hearted names during the competition. Winners included ‘Stephen Coldbert,’ referencing late-night television host Stephen Colbert, and ‘Pope Frio XIV,’ incorporating the Spanish term for cold while honoring Chicago-born Pope Leo.
Additional winning names featured ‘Blizzard of Oz,’ ‘Svencoolie’ as a tribute to local television horror personality Svengoolie, and ‘Caleb Chilliams’ celebrating quarterback Williams, who recently guided the Bears to their first playoff appearance in fifteen years.
Johnson noted that he and the Department of Streets and Sanitation were ‘grateful and inspired by the record-breaking participation in the contest this year.’ The competition attracted 13,300 name submissions and generated 39,000 votes during the final selection process. The department operates 300 vehicles to maintain 9,400 miles of city streets during winter weather.
According to Ryan Gage, spokesperson for Streets and Sanitation, the competition followed the same format used in previous years. Citizens submit suggestions through the Chicago Shovels website using a survey application for both preliminary and final voting rounds.
Department staff members evaluate all submissions and select finalists, which then go to the mayor’s office for ultimate approval, Gage explained.
The United States Ambassador to Chile stood firm Monday in supporting recently imposed visa restrictions targeting three senior Chilean government officials, characterizing the decision as America’s sovereign authority to control border access.
Ambassador Brandon Judd addressed the diplomatic tensions arising after the Trump administration implemented travel prohibitions against the officials over their purported participation in actions that Washington claims have jeopardized regional stability. Transport and Telecommunications Minister Juan Carlos Muñoz is among those facing sanctions.
“It’s our sovereign right to take actions when we feel that the region’s security is being threatened,” Judd stated during a Santiago press briefing.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio unveiled the penalties Friday, alleging the three officials engaged in “activities that compromised critical telecommunications infrastructure and eroded regional security.” This statement appears to reference a proposed underwater fiber optic cable project, currently under review, that would establish communications links between Chile and China.
Chilean authorities confirmed Muñoz was targeted by the sanctions but declined to reveal the identities of the remaining two officials.
The ambassador maintained that Washington pursued all diplomatic channels before implementing sanctions, asserting that despite explicit concerns about the submarine cable initiative, Chilean leadership failed to offer adequate transparency.
The American action has triggered fierce backlash from Chile’s leftist administration. President Gabriel Boric criticized the decision, alleging the Trump government made “indeterminate accusations” and imposed “unilateral sanctions” that violate Chilean independence.
Boric, scheduled to transfer authority to far-right leader José Antonio Kast within two weeks, has emerged as one of President Donald Trump’s most outspoken regional opponents.
When questioned about the heated Chilean government response, the US ambassador insisted America poses “no threats.” “We are not making any threats. What we have strictly told you all the time is that everything we do depends upon communication and security,” he explained.
Without identifying particular nations, Judd contended that “there are many malicious actors in this region that want to cause harm, not just to this region and to Chile, but to the United States as well.”
Chilean-American relations have significantly worsened during Trump’s second presidency. Boric has launched harsh attacks against his American counterpart, describing the Republican’s governing approach as resembling a “new emperor.”
Trump has publicly expressed frustration with Boric while embracing Kast’s forthcoming presidency after his decisive December electoral triumph.
“We look forward to working with the new government to provide what the Chilean people demanded,” Judd commented.
WASHINGTON — A former attorney with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement who oversaw the preparation of new deportation officers testified Monday that the agency’s educational program for recruits is “deficient, defective and broken.”
Ryan Schwank made these statements at a congressional hearing organized by Democratic lawmakers during a period of heightened examination of officers implementing President Donald Trump’s large-scale deportation plans. Advocacy organizations and Democratic officials have criticized deportation officers for allegedly using unnecessary force during immigrant arrests, confronting people who film their actions, and disregarding constitutional rights protections.
The Department of Homeland Security is quickly expanding its deportation officer workforce, sparking worries that proper vetting and preparation of candidates may be compromised to expedite their deployment. Department officials rejected claims of shortcuts, stating that new officers receive instruction in weapon handling, force protocols, and safe arrest procedures.
Schwank appeared before a panel organized by Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal from Connecticut and Representative Robert Garcia from California. According to Blumenthal’s office, Schwank left the agency on February 13.
“I am here because I am duty-bound to report the legally required training program at the ICE academy is deficient, defective and broken,” Schwank said.
He further alleged that the department has dismantled the preparation program for new deportation officers while being dishonest about their actions.
“DHS told the public the new cadets receive all the training they need to perform their duties, that no critical material or standards have been cut,” he said. “This is a lie. ICE made the program shorter, and they removed so many essential parts that what remains is a dangerous husk.”
This marked the third public hearing conducted by the two Democrats to investigate how ICE prepares thousands of new officers and evaluate their behavior in the field. Both lawmakers have consistently criticized ICE officer conduct. Opening the session, Blumenthal praised witnesses, including Schwank, for their “courage and strength.”
According to Blumenthal’s office, Schwank was among two unnamed whistleblowers who previously revealed a new ICE directive allowing deportation officers to enter immigrants’ homes by force for removal purposes without court-approved warrants.
His office also made public numerous documents concerning deportation officer preparation, noting the materials came from whistleblowers.
Blumenthal’s office stated the documents revealed “drastic cuts” to training and evaluation procedures for new deportation officers. These modifications affect testing requirements, required coursework, and training duration for new officers.
“The training has been truncated and reduced, both in numbers of courses and substantive policy,” the senator said at the start of the hearing.
Homeland Security firmly rejected claims that training requirements have been eliminated or standards lowered for officers. ICE recruits complete 56 days of preparation plus an average of 28 days of field training, the department stated Monday responding to forum allegations.
“Despite false claims from the media and sanctuary politicians, no training hours have been cut. Our officers receive extensive firearm training, are taught de-escalation tactics, and receive Fourth and Fifth Amendment comprehensive instruction,” department spokeswoman Lauren Bis said in an e-mailed statement.
She added that ICE recruits are supervised during field work following academy completion.
The department has “streamlined training to cut redundancy and incorporate technology advancements, without sacrificing basic subject matter content,” Bis said.
According to Democratic Senate staff analysis, the documents reveal ICE is removing more than twelve “practical exams” previously required for deportation officer certification. ICE also appears to have eliminated several classes from preparation, including “Use of Force Simulation Training.”
Based on the documents, deportation officers seem to be receiving reduced overall training hours.
County officials in Wicomico announced that their Government Office Building will stay closed today as power restoration efforts continue following recent severe weather.
According to the announcement, road conditions have significantly improved due to the dedicated efforts of the Public Works Department crews who have been working to clear debris and restore normal traffic flow.
However, fallen trees and widespread electrical outages continue to impact numerous county residents, with the government facility among the buildings still without power service.
The closure affects regular county office operations and public services typically available at the Government Office Building.
Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal made an impressive spring training debut Monday, tossing two scoreless frames despite his team falling 3-0 to the Minnesota Twins in Lakeland, Florida.
The two-time reigning American League Cy Young Award recipient, who secured a $32 million salary after prevailing in arbitration, recorded four strikeouts while keeping Minnesota off the scoreboard during his stint. In his first inning of work, Skubal fanned two hitters with runners on base to escape trouble.
Following his outing, Skubal informed media members he intends to make just one appearance for Team USA during the World Baseball Classic’s round-robin portion before heading back to Detroit’s training facility.
Minnesota secured the victory behind home runs from Emmanuel Rodriguez and Alex Jackson, while pitcher Mick Abel contributed three scoreless innings with five strikeouts for the Twins.
Detroit’s offense managed only three base hits, including a triple from Matt Vierling and a double off the bat of Javier Baez.
Mets 4, Blue Jays 3
In Dunedin, Florida, New York edged Toronto as Cristian Pache connected for a home run and MJ Melendez drove in a run with a double.
Veteran hurlers Clay Holmes and Jose Berrios each surrendered two earned runs in their spring debuts for the Mets and Blue Jays respectively.
Toronto’s major offseason signing from Japan, Kazuma Okamoto, launched his first homer of the spring – a two-run blast in the second frame. The slugger inked a four-year, $60 million contract during the winter.
Braves 10, Orioles 7
Atlanta rallied past Baltimore in Sarasota, Florida, scoring eight times in the sixth inning, capped by Jorge Mateo’s grand slam.
The Braves collected 13 hits total, with Dominic Smith, Eli White, Lizandro Espinoza and Aaron Schunk each recording two hits apiece.
Baltimore got a two-run homer from Vance Honeycutt but left 11 runners stranded on the bases.
Rays 2, Red Sox 1
Tampa Bay completed a dramatic comeback in Port Charlotte, Florida, as Jonny DeLuca delivered a walk-off two-run single to defeat Boston.
Rays pitcher Drew Rasmussen struck out three batters across two shutout innings. Tampa Bay managed just two hits through eight innings before collecting three more in the decisive ninth.
Boston took the lead when Mickey Gasper drove in a run with a triple in the top of the ninth.
Cardinals 5, Marlins 4
St. Louis scored three runs in the final inning to beat Miami in Jupiter, Florida, with Ryan Weingartner and Jeremy Rivas contributing RBI doubles before a wild pitch ended the game.
Rivas finished with two of St. Louis’ five hits, while Jose Fermin added an RBI single in the opening frame against Miami starter Eury Perez.
The Marlins got on the board first via Jakob Marsee’s spring training home run debut in the first inning, but Miami struggled with runners in scoring position, going 2-for-13 and leaving 13 men on base.
Yankees 6, Pirates 2
New York pulled away from Pittsburgh in Bradenton, Florida, scoring four times in the second inning behind RBI hits from Ben Rice and Jasson Dominguez.
Rice started the rally with a two-run single, followed by Dominguez’s RBI double. The Yankees also received a home run from prospect Miguel Palma and drew 11 walks to compensate for managing only five hits.
Pittsburgh’s highly regarded pitching prospect Bubba Chandler struggled in his spring debut, walking four batters and allowing four runs despite not surrendering a hit over 1 2/3 innings. The Pirates got an early RBI single from newly signed Marcell Ozuna, who joined the team on a one-year, $12 million contract.
WASHINGTON – With November’s midterm elections approaching, Democratic House candidates are collecting campaign contributions at nearly twice the rate of their Republican opponents in the nation’s most contested districts, new campaign finance data reveals.
An analysis of federal campaign reports shows that while sitting lawmakers from both parties maintain substantial fundraising advantages over their challengers, there’s a stark difference between how well Democratic and Republican challengers are performing against each other.
In 30 highly competitive districts where current representatives are running for reelection, the numbers tell a clear story. Republican candidates vying for 16 seats currently held by Democrats managed to raise approximately $20 million combined last year – averaging around $465,000 per candidate across 42 hopefuls.
Meanwhile, Democratic challengers targeting 14 Republican-controlled seats brought in roughly $50 million total, with 54 candidates averaging nearly $918,000 each.
The fundraising disparity comes as Republicans maintain a razor-thin 218-214 advantage in the House. Historical trends suggest the party controlling the White House typically loses ground during midterm cycles, meaning Democrats would need to capture just a small number of additional seats to seize control of the chamber during the final two years of Donald Trump’s presidency.
In the three competitive districts where no current officeholder is seeking reelection, Democrats hold fundraising leads across the board.
These financial snapshots provide insight into the battle for House control as primary season kicks off March 3 with contests in Texas, North Carolina and Arkansas.
Democratic political operatives argue that House Republicans are concentrating more energy on defending their narrow majority rather than pursuing an aggressive expansion strategy, emphasizing incumbent protection over recruiting strong new candidates.
“Given the fact that Republicans have claimed for the last year that they’re on offense, one could be shocked to learn how weak their recruitment has been this cycle,” said Katarina Flicker, a spokesperson for the Democratic super PAC House Majority PAC. “In competitive, Democratic-held seats across the country, Republicans are struggling to field credible candidates.”
Republican officials push back against this characterization, arguing their incumbents maintain clear advantages in both fundraising and messaging on key voter concerns.
Mike Marinella, a spokesperson for the National Republican Congressional Committee, said GOP incumbents as a whole “are absolutely dominating Democrats” in fundraising and on issues voters care about.
“It says a lot about the national Democrats’ desperation when they have to cherry-pick scraps of data to convince themselves they’re competing,” Marinella said.
The political landscape faces additional complications as at least 31 House Republicans plan to leave their positions early next year due to retirement or campaigns for higher office. House Democrats’ campaign organization has identified six of these seats as targets, though political experts expect only three to be genuinely competitive.
The fight for congressional control will ultimately be decided in roughly three dozen House districts and eight pivotal states for Senate races. Republicans currently hold a 53-47 Senate majority.
Additional variables could significantly influence November’s outcomes, including new congressional district boundaries drawn in several states and spending by political action committees, national party organizations and independent expenditure groups.
The Women’s National Basketball Players Association announced that the WNBA has achieved a historic financial milestone, becoming profitable enough to share revenue with players for the first time in the league’s history.
WNBPA officials informed ESPN on Monday that players across all 13 teams from the 2025 season will split $8 million in revenue sharing payments.
This achievement stems from a collective bargaining agreement signed in early 2020, which established specific financial targets that would unlock revenue sharing opportunities once met. While the union confirmed the milestone was reached, they declined to reveal the league’s complete 2025 revenue figures or specify the exact threshold required.
The league actually set aside $16 million from its revenue for players, but half of that amount is designated for marketing partnerships rather than direct player compensation, according to the report.
“I’m just hopeful that this distribution gives them a little bit of comfort and a lot of confidence in what we’re doing,” WNBPA executive director Terri Jackson told ESPN.
Additionally, players will collectively earn $9.25 million from licensing deals involving merchandise sales, video games, and jersey purchases.
This revenue sharing development comes during ongoing contract negotiations between the union and league officials. With the draft and training camp approaching in just a few months, the players association recently modified its financial demands in a new proposal submitted last week.
The union’s updated proposal requests an average of 27.5% of total league revenue, starting at 25% in year one of any new agreement. Their revised salary cap proposal would begin below $9.5 million for the first season.
The union’s earlier demands were significantly higher, seeking 31% of gross revenue on average, with an initial year starting at 28%. Their previous salary cap proposal called for $10.5 million in the opening year.
WASHINGTON – Federal securities regulators announced Monday they have approved a groundbreaking request from investment firm WisdomTree, permitting real-time trading of digital shares in a Treasury money market fund. The Securities and Exchange Commission said the decision could accelerate transaction processing and improve investment access for everyday investors.
The regulatory approval represents a significant milestone in the growing movement to digitize traditional financial markets using blockchain technology. Previously, investors would have been restricted to conducting transactions only at the close of each trading day under standard SEC mutual fund regulations.
Will Peck, who oversees digital assets at WisdomTree, expressed excitement about the regulatory breakthrough. “This relief preserves the protections of a regulated money market fund while permitting retail investors intra-day liquidity,” said Brian Daly, who leads the SEC’s Investment Management division.
The Treasury Money Market Digital Fund becomes the first tokenized mutual fund to receive this type of regulatory exemption, according to company officials. Peck described WisdomTree as “thrilled” by the development in a company statement.
The approval comes as cryptocurrency and blockchain companies increasingly seek to expand into traditional financial services, benefiting from a more favorable regulatory climate in Washington toward digital asset innovations. Tokenized securities allow traditional investments to be traded on distributed digital ledgers, potentially offering faster settlements and broader market access.
SANTO DOMINGO – Electricity vanished across the Dominican Republic on Monday morning after a catastrophic breakdown in the country’s electrical transmission system, government officials announced, marking the Caribbean nation’s second complete power failure in three months.
The widespread outage brought traffic to a standstill, crippled public transportation networks, and forced numerous businesses to close their doors while utility crews rushed to restore electrical service nationwide.
Energy and Mines Minister Joel Santos revealed during a news briefing that the electrical system collapsed around 10:50 a.m. due to a malfunctioning transmission line switch that activated protective shutdowns throughout the grid.
“From the very first moment, the established protocols for this situation were activated, with the goal of restoring the system as quickly as possible,” Santos told the press.
According to the government-owned Dominican Electricity Transmission Company, the nation’s primary power generation facilities unexpectedly reduced their output before noon, creating a cascade effect that shut down additional power plants across the system.
Santos reported that by the middle of the afternoon, electrical crews had managed to restore approximately 30% of the grid’s normal operating capacity.
Critical infrastructure including medical facilities, water treatment plants, public transportation systems, and airports continued operating through emergency backup power systems, Santos confirmed.
Electrical service interruptions occur frequently throughout the Caribbean island nation, which previously suffered a similar country-wide power failure in November.
A major Hollywood bidding battle has escalated as Paramount increased its acquisition offer for Warner Bros Discovery, according to a source with knowledge of the negotiations who spoke to Reuters on Monday. The move aims to disrupt the entertainment company’s existing agreement with Netflix.
The competition centers on valuable entertainment properties, including beloved franchises such as “Harry Potter” and “Game of Thrones,” as companies fight for streaming market control.
Netflix currently holds the preferred position with Warner Bros after proposing to purchase the studio and streaming operations for $27.75 per share in cash, totaling $82.7 billion. However, the streaming giant now has the opportunity to counter Paramount’s enhanced proposal.
With substantial financial resources at its disposal, Netflix could increase its bid for the HBO Max parent company, while Paramount’s competing offer has backing from Oracle billionaire Larry Ellison through his son David Ellison’s leadership.
Paramount’s comprehensive company bid reaches $108.4 billion, equivalent to $30 per share.
Warner Bros requested Paramount submit its “best and final offer” after declining an improved proposal that would have covered the $2.8 billion Netflix termination fee and included a quarterly “ticking fee” of 25 cents per share starting next year to offset any deal completion delays for shareholders.
Warner Bros stated that Paramount’s February 10 proposal remained inadequate for board consideration as a superior alternative, establishing a seven-day February 23 deadline for a revised submission.
MoffettNathanson analysts previously indicated that a Paramount offer around $34 per share would likely conclude the competition and “eliminate continued discussion about Discovery Global’s worth.”
Warner Bros estimates suggest Discovery Global’s value could range from $1.33 to $6.86 per share.
Netflix maintains its proposal provides Warner Bros shareholders additional benefits through the Discovery Global separation, which the company claims will create value by offering enhanced strategic, operational and financial flexibility to the resulting entity.
Conversely, Paramount has characterized the cable division spinoff that forms the core of the streaming company’s offer as having no meaningful value.
Warner Bros, under David Zaslav’s leadership, faced pressure from Ancora Capital after the activist investor acquired approximately $200 million in HBO owner shares and criticized the company for insufficient engagement with Paramount.
The investor issued a warning that rejecting renewed Paramount negotiations would result in opposition to the Netflix agreement and accountability measures against the company’s board during the annual shareholder meeting.
America’s most popular national destination, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, has relied heavily on community volunteers after experiencing significant workforce reductions over the past year.
The National Park Service eliminated approximately 25% of staff positions last year, creating substantial operational challenges for the Tennessee park that welcomes more visitors annually than any other national park in the country.
Local volunteers have stepped forward to fill critical roles and ensure park operations continue running smoothly despite the dramatic personnel cuts affecting the federal agency.
A fallen tree has forced the closure of Seven Hickories Road at Main Street, according to Delaware Department of Transportation officials.
The roadway remains blocked as crews work to remove the downed tree and restore normal traffic flow through the intersection.
Motorists are advised to seek alternate routes while DelDOT personnel address the situation. No timeline has been provided for when the road will reopen.
Motorists will need to find alternate routes as a fallen tree has blocked Thicket Road at its intersection with Pickett Road.
The Delaware Department of Transportation reports the roadway is currently impassable due to the tree obstruction. Crews are working to remove the debris and restore normal traffic flow.
Drivers are advised to avoid the area and use alternative routes until the road reopens.
Delaware officials announced Sunday that driving restrictions in the state’s two southern counties have been reduced following ongoing winter storm recovery operations.
Kent and Sussex counties, which had been under a complete driving prohibition, now face more limited travel restrictions that still discourage non-essential trips. Meanwhile, New Castle County continues under its existing driving advisory.
The announcement came from Smyrna as state agencies work around the clock to clear roadways and restore normal travel conditions throughout Delaware.
Under the current Level 2 restrictions in Kent and Sussex counties, residents are strongly urged to avoid unnecessary travel while road crews continue their cleanup efforts. The previous Level 3 designation had completely prohibited vehicle operation except for emergency situations.
State officials have not provided a timeline for when restrictions might be lifted entirely, saying conditions will continue to be monitored as recovery work progresses.
The champion U.S. women’s hockey squad that captured Olympic gold has respectfully turned down President Trump’s offer to join him at Tuesday evening’s State of the Union address.
In a statement issued Monday, the women’s team expressed appreciation for the recognition while explaining their absence. “We are sincerely grateful for the invitation extended to our gold medal–winning U.S. Women’s Hockey Team and deeply appreciate the recognition of their extraordinary achievement,” the team’s statement read. “Due to the timing and previously scheduled academic and professional commitments following the Games, the athletes are unable to participate. They were honored to be included and are grateful for the acknowledgment.”
President Trump extended similar invitations to both the men’s and women’s Olympic hockey champions. However, timing presents obstacles as NHL action resumes Wednesday with five scheduled contests, while the PWHL returns to play Thursday. Both championship teams touched down in Miami Monday.
White House officials have not yet responded to inquiries regarding the attendance status of either squad.
The recent Olympic hockey competition delivered dramatic championship matches, with both gold medal contests decided in overtime periods. The American women claimed victory over Canada 2-1 in Thursday’s final, while the men’s team also defeated Canada on Sunday.
Men’s team member Matthew Tkachuk shared his excitement upon returning to U.S. soil in Miami. “It’s been a whirlwind, it’s been amazing. It’s a dream of ours, it was such an amazing way to unite the country,” Tkachuk commented after the team’s arrival.
“We felt the support being across the Atlantic and now being back on home soil we could feel it the second the wheels hit the ground. So excited to be back in the greatest country in the world and so excited to celebrate.”
Tkachuk described receiving communication from Trump following their victory as meaningful. “And so we are definitely honored to represent him and the millions and millions across the country.”
During the Games’ opening week, Vice President JD Vance and his family were present for two of the U.S. women’s preliminary victories.
A fallen tree has forced the closure of a busy intersection in the Wilmington area, according to Delaware Department of Transportation officials.
The roadway blockage occurred at the intersection of Silverside Road and Sweetbriar Road, where a tree has come down across the travel lanes. DelDOT crews are currently on scene working to remove the obstruction and restore normal traffic flow.
Motorists are advised to seek alternate routes while cleanup efforts continue. The department has not provided an estimated time for when the intersection will reopen to vehicle traffic.
Traffic is being rerouted in the downtown area after a fallen tree completely blocked Main Street at its intersection with West Commerce Street.
Delaware Department of Transportation officials report the roadway is currently impassable due to the tree obstruction spanning across the entire street.
Motorists are advised to seek alternate routes while crews work to clear the debris and reopen the intersection to normal traffic flow.
No timeline has been provided for when the roadway will reopen to vehicles.
A fallen tree has prompted authorities to shut down Bethel Road at the Firemans Road intersection, blocking traffic in the area.
The roadway remains impassable as the large tree lies across the pavement, preventing vehicles from getting through. Drivers traveling in the vicinity should plan alternative routes until cleanup crews can remove the obstruction and reopen the road to normal traffic flow.
Officials have not provided an estimated timeline for when the roadway will be cleared and reopened to the public.
Traffic is being diverted around a section of Redden Road after a fallen tree completely blocked the roadway at Camp Road.
Delaware Department of Transportation officials report the tree has made the road impassable, prompting a full closure of that intersection until further notice.
Motorists are advised to seek alternate routes while crews work to remove the obstruction and reopen the roadway to normal traffic flow.
MEXICO CITY — Mexican officials revealed Monday that tracking one of his romantic relationships ultimately led to the death of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, the feared boss of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel who went by “El Mencho.”
Defense Secretary Gen. Ricardo Trevilla announced that the high-stakes military mission on Sunday, supported by American intelligence, concluded when elite troops discovered Oseguera Cervantes “hiding in the undergrowth” within his native Jalisco state. Following multiple firefights, eight gunmen lost their lives while the drug kingpin and two personal guards sustained injuries. All three were detained but succumbed to their wounds during transport to Mexico City, according to Trevilla.
The total death count from the operation and subsequent violence exceeded 70 individuals, encompassing military personnel, alleged cartel operatives, and civilians.
Mexican and American law enforcement had pursued “El Mencho” for years, with multiple warrants pending in both nations for organized crime and narcotics trafficking charges.
This breakthrough came when military intelligence officers identified and monitored a close companion of one woman linked romantically to Oseguera Cervantes. This associate accompanied the woman to Tapalpa, Jalisco, on Friday for a rendezvous with the crime boss. Trevilla explained that pinpointing his exact whereabouts was made possible through “very important additional information” supplied by U.S. intelligence agencies.
After the woman departed following an overnight stay with “El Mencho,” special operations teams completed their tactical preparations, having verified his presence in the region alongside armed protection.
Mexican army and National Guard forces created a perimeter on the ground while six helicopters and backup special forces units positioned themselves in neighboring states around Jalisco.
Air Force assets provided additional reconnaissance and aerial support, Trevilla reported. The assault commenced before dawn Sunday after confirming his location. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum received continuous updates throughout the mission while traveling in northern Mexico.
Gen. Trevilla characterized the criminals’ reaction as exceptionally brutal.
During the battle, he reported that “El Mencho” tried escaping with two bodyguards while a heavily armed faction stayed behind to delay military progress. The on-site casualty count reached eight, four higher than Sunday’s initial reports.
Confiscated weapons included two rocket launchers, one matching the type the CJNG employed in 2015 to bring down a military helicopter. That 2015 incident marked a dark turning point, demonstrating the cartel’s willingness to engage Mexican forces with devastating, military-grade firepower.
Oseguera Cervantes sought refuge in a forested area scattered with small structures near Tapalpa’s edges. Despite the criminals possessing rocket launchers, Trevilla observed they failed to use them effectively. Special forces ultimately “located him hiding in the undergrowth,” sparking another fierce battle that wounded “El Mencho” and his two guards.
Amid the violence, a military helicopter made an emergency landing after taking gunfire, leading to two arrests at the location. Three soldiers suffered injuries during the engagement.
After securing the area, the cartel leader and his guards were placed aboard a helicopter for urgent medical transport. However, Trevilla confirmed their deaths during the flight, stating they were already in “critical condition.”
The flight path was then altered. Rather than touching down in Jalisco’s capital, the remains were transported to Mexico City to prevent potential violent revenge by the criminal organization.
Approximately 100 kilometers west of Tapalpa, a logistics and financial operative identified only as “El Tuli” allegedly promised gunmen 20,000 pesos — more than $1,000 — for each soldier eliminated, Trevilla stated.
The defense minister also identified “El Tuli” — reportedly Oseguera’s second-in-command — as the architect behind numerous roadblocks, arson incidents, and attacks on government facilities throughout Jalisco state.
Security Secretary Omar García Harfuch reported that Jalisco experienced the worst violence, with fatalities including 25 National Guard personnel, one prison worker, one prosecutor’s office staff member, and one presumed civilian woman, plus 30 suspected criminals.
In adjacent Michoacán, four additional gunmen perished while 15 security officers sustained wounds.
A paratrooper rifle unit hunted down “El Tuli” and eliminated him in a gunfight, recovering various firearms and nearly $1.4 million in combined American and Mexican currency. Nevertheless, cartel retaliation persisted across several Mexican states.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. spent decades as an environmental attorney battling against glyphosate, a disputed herbicide component, and secured a major victory against chemical corporation Monsanto by demonstrating that its Roundup product played a role in causing his client’s cancer.
However, in his current role as the country’s leading health official, Kennedy has aligned himself with President Donald Trump following the issuance of an executive directive designed to increase glyphosate manufacturing. The directive would additionally provide restricted legal protection to producers who comply with federal guidelines.
On Sunday night, Kennedy published an extensive statement on social media describing pesticides as “toxic by design” while positioning Trump’s decision as essential for farming stability and national defense.
“President Trump did not build our current system — he inherited it,” Kennedy wrote. “I support President Trump’s Executive Order to bring agricultural chemical production back to the United States and end our near-total reliance on adversarial nations.”
This demonstration of allegiance to the president who facilitated Kennedy’s transformation of vaccination policies at federal levels has created a potentially damaging division within their political alliance before November’s midterm elections.
Supporters of Kennedy’s Make America Healthy Again movement are growing frustrated with a Republican administration that has mostly ignored their demands for pesticide regulation, and they’re voicing concerns about what they consider a betrayal.
“It’s been a year. Not a single thing has been done by the EPA to reduce our children’s and families exposure to pesticides,” Moms Across America founder Zen Honeycutt, a prominent MAHA activist, replied to Kennedy’s post. “We love you Bobby but this administration needs to keep their word.”
Opponents of the executive directive claim it represents a broader trend that benefits pesticide producers, who maintain their products undergo thorough regulatory review to confirm they pose no health risks when used correctly.
For instance, House Republicans have proposed legislation that would complicate lawsuits against pesticide corporations for inadequate danger warnings. The Justice Department also supported Monsanto parent company Bayer in a Supreme Court case last December that could reduce future Roundup liability.
“That is America Last, Anti-MAHA, and unforgivable,” prominent activist Kelly Ryerson wrote on social media.
Trump’s executive directive aims to safeguard domestic manufacturing of elemental phosphorus, utilized in military equipment and glyphosate-based herbicide production. It also seeks to protect glyphosate-based herbicide manufacturing, which officials consider vital to farming supply networks.
Kennedy has consistently maintained his belief that glyphosate triggers cancer, including statements made as recently as January.
Although multiple studies have supported Kennedy’s position, the Environmental Protection Agency has determined the chemical likely poses no cancer risk to humans when properly applied. Bayer stated in an email that it “stands behind the safety of our glyphosate-based products which have been tested extensively, approved by regulators and used around the globe for more than 50 years.”
In his social media statement, Kennedy indicated he is collaborating with the U.S. Department of Agriculture and EPA to accelerate progress toward a food system independent of dangerous chemicals. Supporting this goal, the Trump administration introduced a $700 million regenerative pilot program in December to help farmers implement practices that improve soil health, water quality and productivity.
Nevertheless, some experienced environmental advocates report seeing little evidence of meaningful transformation.
“If there is a big plan, a big MAHA-style plan to move in the direction of detoxifying agriculture from these chemicals, where is it?” said Ken Cook, head of the nonprofit Environmental Working Group, which has fought for raising environmental standards since the 1990s. “What I’m seeing here is a very aggressive effort to try and hang onto MAHA principles even as, at every turn, you betray them.”
Cook stated that many seasoned public health advocates never expected Kennedy would deliver the changes MAHA supporters anticipated. He noted that Kennedy’s statement language resembled arguments he has observed from pesticide manufacturers for years.
“He’s jumped onto their message square and is dancing on it,” he said of Kennedy.
The EPA has hinted at an upcoming MAHA agenda addressing issues including forever chemicals, plastic contamination, food quality, Superfund cleanups and lead pipes. On Friday, federal officials announced they would implement a strict 10-year timeline for lead pipe replacement to improve drinking water safety. EPA press secretary Brigit Hirsch stated the agenda is “in the final stages” and will reaffirm the agency’s dedication to science and transparency regarding pesticides.
Kennedy’s MAHA coalition, an enthusiastic and politically diverse group including anti-vaccine activists, environmental advocates and healthy food supporters, represents a politically significant constituency that Republicans need to maintain their slim Congressional majorities.
However, the movement doesn’t consistently support Republican policies, creating a “tough spot” for Kennedy, according to Matt Motta, a professor at Boston University School of Public Health.
“He does need to try to please his base of supporters who care a lot about this issue and presumably think that it can cause cancer – while also pleasing the president if he wants to be able to keep this job,” Motta said.
As Democrats observe the widening divide between MAHA supporters and the Trump administration, some recognize a political opportunity.
Sen. Cory Booker of New Jersey, who faces reelection this fall, described the executive order as “a slap in the face to the thousands of Americans who have gotten cancer from glyphosate.” He argued on social media the administration’s message is that “chemical company profits are more important than your health.”
Democratic strategist Anjan Mukherjee predicted more left-leaning midterm candidates will emphasize to MAHA supporters “how this administration has failed them.”
“What this administration has shown to them over and over again is that they’re only interested in enriching themselves and putting more money into the pockets of the wealthy,” Mukherjee said.
These efforts may not succeed in attracting MAHA supporters who have witnessed Kennedy advance many of their other objectives, including reforming childhood vaccination guidelines and changing the FDA’s stance on artificial food coloring.
Giving Democrats Congressional control could introduce oversight and budget constraints that would hinder that progress, said David Mansdoerfer, a Department of Health and Human Services official during Trump’s first presidency who currently advises several MAHA organizations.
“MAHA has a choice this election season,” he said. “Support the Trump administration and continue to have a voice in Washington or stay at home and watch their federal agenda come to a halt.”
WASHINGTON — Federal education officials announced Monday they are transferring additional programs to other government agencies, advancing the Trump administration’s plan to eliminate the Department of Education entirely.
Two new agreements will relocate millions of dollars in grant programs currently managed by education officials. The Department of Health and Human Services will assume control of funding streams that support school safety initiatives and community outreach programs. Meanwhile, the State Department will manage a system that monitors foreign donations to American universities.
Education Secretary Linda McMahon defended the transfers in a prepared statement, saying the moves represent progress toward dismantling federal education oversight.
“As we continue to break up the federal education bureaucracy and return education to the states, our new partnerships with the State Department and HHS represent a practical step toward greater efficiency, stronger coordination, and meaningful improvement,” McMahon stated.
President Trump and McMahon have both recognized that only Congress possesses the power to completely eliminate the Education Department, though they have indicated the agency’s primary responsibilities could be distributed among various federal departments.
The HHS agreement affects a limited number of grant programs while leaving special education services untouched for now. McMahon has previously indicated her intention to eventually transfer special education programs to HHS as well, reiterating that goal to advocacy groups as recently as December.
However, McMahon’s special education plans have created political challenges, drawing criticism even from members of her own party during congressional hearings. The current agreements avoid mentioning the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services, which administers billions in grants and monitors state adherence to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.
These latest transfers follow seven similar agreements signed last year that moved substantial responsibilities to the Departments of Labor, Interior, State, and HHS. Those previous deals involved billions in federal funding, including Title I programs that assist schools serving low-income students.
The union representing Education Department employees criticized the new agreements, arguing they place educational programs under agencies lacking relevant expertise.
“This isn’t efficiency — Secretary McMahon is creating confusion for schools and colleges, eroding public trust, and harming students and families,” stated Rachel Gittleman, president of AFGE Local 252.
“This is an insult to the tens of millions of students who rely on the Department to safeguard access to quality education and to the taxpayers who depend on federal oversight to prevent waste.”
Democratic Senator Patty Murray of Washington expressed concern that the transfers would negatively impact students and families.
“These illegal agreements aren’t just creating pointless new bureaucracy that burdens our already-overworked teachers and schools; they are actively jeopardizing resources and support that students and families count on and are entitled to under the law,” Murray said.
The State Department agreement expands that agency’s role in collecting data and enforcing Section 117, which mandates that colleges and universities report annual gifts exceeding $250,000.
Under the HHS arrangement, six programs will move to the Administration for Children and Families, which will manage grant competitions and provide technical support for these initiatives.
The future of these transferred programs remains questionable. The Trump administration’s 2026 budget proposal seeks to eliminate funding for five of the six programs being moved to HHS. Additionally, some organizations receiving Promise Neighborhoods and Full-Service Community Schools grants, which fund academic and after-school programs, learned in December that their 2026 funding would be discontinued, forcing them to halt operations abruptly.
WASHINGTON — Three individuals died Monday when American forces attacked what officials described as a drug trafficking vessel in Caribbean waters, according to military officials. The deadly operation represents the latest action in the Trump administration’s ongoing offensive against suspected narcotics smugglers that launched in early September.
The Monday incident raises the casualty count to no fewer than 151 deaths since the current administration initiated its campaign targeting individuals it labels as “narcoterrorists” operating small watercraft.
Following the pattern of previous military communications regarding the more than 40 documented attacks, U.S. Southern Command reported it engaged suspected drug runners traveling established smuggling corridors. Officials provided no concrete proof the targeted boat carried narcotics, though they released footage on social media platform X showing the destruction of a small vessel equipped with outboard motors.
“Intelligence confirmed the vessel was transiting along known narco-trafficking routes in the Caribbean and was engaged in narco-trafficking operations,” Southern Command stated in a post on X. “Three male narco-terrorists were killed during this action.”
President Donald Trump has declared the United States engaged in “armed conflict” with Latin American cartels, defending these operations as essential measures to prevent illegal drugs from entering American territory. However, his administration has provided minimal proof supporting its assertions about eliminating “narcoterrorists.”
Opponents have challenged both the legal foundation for these operations and their practical value, noting that fentanyl responsible for numerous deadly overdoses generally enters the U.S. through overland routes from Mexico, where it’s manufactured using chemicals sourced from China and India.
The watercraft attacks have faced sharp condemnation after reports emerged that military forces killed survivors from the initial boat strike in a subsequent attack. Trump administration officials and Republican legislators defended the actions as lawful and essential, while Democratic politicians and legal scholars characterized the deaths as murder or potentially war crimes.
The University of Delaware Blue Hens baseball squad is preparing for a pair of away games this week, with matchups scheduled against Maryland and La Salle.
The midweek road trip will test the Blue Hens as they take on two different opponents in what promises to be challenging contests for the Delaware team.
Both games represent important opportunities for the Blue Hens to build momentum as they continue their season with these non-conference matchups.
Twenty-two Democratic senators filed legislation Monday demanding the Trump administration return all money collected from tariffs recently overturned by the Supreme Court, plus interest, within six months.
The proposed bill would direct U.S. Customs and Border Protection, which handles tariff collection at ports nationwide, to give priority treatment to small businesses seeking refunds.
Last Friday, the Supreme Court invalidated Trump’s sweeping tariffs that were imposed using the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, but the justices provided no guidance on refunds. Instead, they sent the matter back to a lower trade court for further proceedings.
The Democratic proposal would mandate CBP return all unlawfully collected IEEPA tariffs with interest, including those already finalized through the agency’s liquidation process.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer joined 21 other Democrats in sponsoring the measure, including key committee leaders Ron Wyden of Oregon, Edward Markey of Massachusetts, and Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire from the Finance, Small Business, and Foreign Relations committees.
“Senate Democrats will continue fighting to rein in Donald Trump’s price-hiking trade and economic policies,” Wyden stated. “A crucial first step is helping people who need it most, by putting money back into the pockets of small businesses and manufacturers as soon as possible.”
Republican Senate Majority Leader John Thune’s office from South Dakota refused to say whether the Democratic bill would receive floor consideration.
Since the legislation was just filed and must undergo committee review, any decision on moving forward remains distant.
House Speaker Mike Johnson indicated the Republican-controlled chamber would avoid the tariff refund issue entirely.
“The White House is going to sort that out, and we have to give them the time and space to do it. This is an unprecedented event, of course, so there’s no playbook to follow,” the Louisiana Republican told reporters. “I think they’ve (the White House) got good arguments on their side, and we’ll see how it shakes out. That’s not something that really involves the House at this point.”
The White House has not yet responded to requests for comment about the proposed legislation.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Sunday the administration would await lower court decisions on refunds. “We will follow what they decide, but it can take weeks or months until we hear from them,” Bessent told CNN.
CBP must stop collecting the IEEPA tariffs beginning Tuesday at 12:01 a.m. Eastern time.
According to Penn-Wharton Budget Model economists, the Supreme Court ruling potentially affects more than $175 billion in IEEPA tariff collections. Their analysis showed these tariffs were bringing in over $500 million daily in gross revenue.
Banking giant Citigroup announced Monday it has reached agreements to divest a significant portion of its Mexican banking subsidiary to a consortium of major investors in a deal worth approximately $2.5 billion.
The financial services company will transfer 24% of its ownership in Banamex to a diverse group of institutional investors and family investment offices. The buyer group includes several prominent names in finance: private equity giant General Atlantic, an affiliate of asset management firm Sura, Banco BTG Pactual, insurance company Chubb, and investment funds operated by Blackstone, Liberty Strategic Capital, and Qatar Investment Authority.
Once this transaction closes, which Citigroup anticipates will happen sometime in 2024, the bank’s controlling interest in its Mexican division will drop from the current 73% to 49%.
Shares of Keysight Technologies jumped more than 15% in after-hours trading Monday after the electronic testing equipment manufacturer projected second-quarter earnings that exceeded Wall Street predictions.
The company, which specializes in electronic design, testing and simulation software, continues to capitalize on robust demand from data centers that are scaling up operations to handle artificial intelligence computing needs.
Based in Santa Rosa, California, Keysight anticipates second-quarter revenue between $1.69 billion and $1.71 billion, surpassing analysts’ consensus estimate of $1.51 billion compiled by LSEG.
The company projects adjusted earnings per share will fall between $2.27 and $2.33 for the upcoming quarter, well above the $1.91 per share that analysts had predicted.
The company noted that its projections do not account for possible effects from the February 20 U.S. Supreme Court decision that overturned President Donald Trump’s tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, or any follow-up measures by the current administration.
Keysight also exceeded Wall Street expectations for both revenue and earnings in its first quarter that concluded January 31, powered by robust results from its communications solutions division.
Revenue from that division climbed 27% to reach $1.12 billion during the quarter, fueled by ongoing investments in AI-centered data center infrastructure, satellite and space-based network applications, and military equipment upgrades.
Total quarterly revenue reached $1.6 billion, topping analyst projections of $1.54 billion.
The company’s adjusted first-quarter earnings per share hit $2.17, exceeding the $2 per share estimate.
The National Football League may grant replay officials the authority to call penalties for certain infractions, marking a potential first in professional football history.
Troy Vincent, the NFL’s vice president of football operations, announced that league officials are exploring giving replay booth personnel the power to flag specific violations, particularly those involving non-football conduct.
“You don’t want to just be just expanding the Pandora’s box, but we believe that things like the non-football act, you can really, really restrict what that is,” Vincent explained during the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, where committee members gathered Monday afternoon. “That’s something that we believe that potentially there’s a little bit of tweaking in the language, that may be the first step.”
Vincent referenced a controversial moment from Super Bowl LX as an example of when this new authority could prove valuable. During that game, Seattle Seahawks cornerback Josh Jobe punched New England Patriots receiver Stefon Diggs, but field officials failed to call a penalty despite the clear violation.
Television replays clearly captured Diggs receiving a left-handed strike to his helmet, while cameras lingered for over 30 seconds on Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel’s frustrated response to the missed call – exactly the type of non-football conduct Vincent discussed during Monday’s meetings.
According to Vincent, there’s decreased opposition to this concept compared to previous discussions, though he emphasized any implementation would be gradual and serve as “the first step in getting to putting flags on the field” for replay officials.
Vincent also confirmed reports that no franchise proposed eliminating the controversial “tush push” play this year. The specialized short-yardage technique, perfected by Philadelphia, sparked heated debate last season when Green Bay raised player safety concerns, but efforts to ban the Eagles’ signature move ultimately failed.
JPMorgan Chase announced Monday it will stick with its annual spending budget of $105 billion while setting a goal of achieving a 17% return on tangible common equity, the nation’s biggest bank told investors.
During a presentation to investors in New York, bank officials expressed optimism about their financial outlook. “We remain confident in achieving our longer-term ambitions,” the banking giant stated.
The return on tangible common equity figure represents an important measure of how well a financial institution uses its physical assets to create sustained profits over time.
Last month, JPMorgan announced fourth-quarter earnings that surpassed what financial analysts had predicted, with the bank’s trading division capitalizing on market turbulence. According to LSEG information, the financial institution exceeded Wall Street earnings projections during each quarter of the previous year.
The bank’s stock performance showed strong gains of 34.4% in 2025, doing better than both the index that tracks major U.S. banking institutions and the overall stock market benchmark.
Following the announcement, JPMorgan shares showed slight increases in after-hours trading sessions.
Livestock commodity markets experienced volatile trading today at the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, with cattle contracts experiencing steep declines while hog futures moved higher.
Live cattle contracts faced significant selling pressure as traders cashed in profits and concerns about potential trade policy changes weighed on broader commodity markets. The April live cattle contract dropped $2.75 to close at $239.25 per hundredweight, while the June contract fell $2.07 to settle at $235.45.
Feeder cattle saw even steeper losses, with March contracts tumbling $3.72 to end at $364.30 per hundredweight. The selling was attributed to a combination of technical factors and uncertainty surrounding potential tariff policies affecting agricultural commodities.
In contrast to the cattle market weakness, lean hog futures posted gains during the same trading session, showing the divergent trends affecting different livestock sectors.
WASHINGTON — A devastating nor’easter that buried much of the Northeast under nearly three feet of snow represents the most powerful winter storm to strike the region in ten years, according to weather experts who describe it as a textbook example of extreme weather conditions.
The massive storm rapidly strengthened into what meteorologists classify as a “bomb cyclone” while producing rare phenomena including thundersnow and lightning strikes. Despite creating dangerous and paralyzing conditions for millions across the Eastern Seaboard, weather professionals expressed fascination with the storm’s remarkable combination of intensity and meteorological perfection.
According to Owen Shieh, warning coordination meteorologist at the National Weather Service’s Weather Prediction Center in Maryland, the blizzard achieved what he called a “Goldilocks situation” — perfect atmospheric conditions that maximized snowfall potential. The temperatures were precisely right for heavy, wet snow accumulation; slightly warmer conditions would have prevented snow formation, while colder air would have contained insufficient moisture to fuel such massive precipitation.
The storm also followed an optimal path for maximum impact. Jeff Masters, co-founder of Weather Underground and current meteorologist at Yale Climate Connections, explained that a track slightly more inland would have cut off the system’s oceanic energy source, while a more seaward path would have dumped the heaviest snow over open water instead of populated areas.
“I’ve always been fascinated about how Mother Nature figures out how to put all the pieces together in order to maximize the most extreme outcome,” said private meteorologist Ryan Maue, a former chief scientist for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. “I think you could make a pretty good case that this is on par with some of the most impressive blizzards in history.”
“There’s this sweet spot that can generate your highest snow totals and that’s kind of where we’re at, so in a way that kind of adds to that classic-ness of it,” Shieh said.
By Monday midday, Providence shattered its all-time snowfall record with 32.8 inches, surpassing the previous mark set in 1978, with snow continuing to fall, according to the National Weather Service office in Boston.
Other significant accumulations included 26.5 inches at Islip Airport on Long Island, 24.2 inches in Freehold, New Jersey, and 24 inches in Southampton, New York — all recorded before noon Monday while precipitation continued. New York City measured over 15 inches with totals still climbing, and Philadelphia exceeded 13 inches, based on preliminary weather service data.
Shieh warned that the heavy, moisture-laden snow poses serious health risks, particularly for cardiac events during snow removal activities.
“Just a word of caution for those who are going to be out shoveling the snow, that this will be easy to overexert yourself on,” Shieh said. “So take frequent breaks.”
Weather experts evaluate storm strength by measuring atmospheric pressure at the system’s center — lower pressure indicates greater intensity. This particular storm underwent rapid intensification, with pressure dropping 39 millibars within 24 hours, far exceeding the 24-millibar daily decrease threshold required for “bombogenesis” or “bomb cyclone” classification, according to Shieh and Maue.
“I guess you could call it a superbomb,” Maue said.
Masters explained that such winter storms derive their power from temperature contrasts between cold continental air masses and warm, moisture-rich oceanic air, combined with thermal energy from the seas.
“This is about as intense as you can get,” Maue said. The storm’s minimum pressure reading of 966 millibars would equate to Category 2 hurricane strength in tropical systems, leading him to describe it as “a hurricane with snow.”
Former weather service director Louis Uccellini, who authored meteorological textbooks on winter storms, praised the system’s exceptional characteristics, comparing it to notable storms from 2016 and 1961. “It is a classic in terms of not only the snowfall rates, but the intensity of the storm itself,” said Uccellini. “It was just an amazing storm system.”
Research published last summer indicates that climate change is causing the most powerful nor’easters to become significantly more intense in our warming world.
MIT’s Judah Cohen identified a stretched polar vortex — when extremely cold Arctic air typically confined near the North Pole extends southward — as a contributing factor that began just before the storm developed. His separate research from last year found these polar vortex stretching events are becoming more frequent due to Arctic warming.
The storm produced an extraordinary combination of winter and summer weather phenomena, including thundersnow and lightning strikes that excited meteorologists covering the event. Masters noted that such occurrences happen “only in the most intense winter storms.”
Weather Channel extreme weather meteorologist Jim Cantore experienced lightning strikes while reporting live from Plymouth, Massachusetts — remarkably, the same location where he witnessed similar phenomena 11 years earlier during another storm.
“Holy smokes. We got it again baby,” Cantore screamed. “In the same place. Unbelievable.”
Meteorologist Matthew Cappucci, a Plymouth native who said he had long hoped to witness thundersnow, expressed excitement about the “really cool” lightning strikes that hit a New York City skyscraper and offshore wind turbines near the Massachusetts coast. However, Shieh noted that the weather service received no thundersnow reports from New York City.
Weather enthusiasts including Cappucci, Cohen, and Uccellini celebrated satellite imagery of the storm, which clearly showed all the meteorological elements that created such perfect conditions.
Shieh said the storm’s appearance was almost too perfect to be real, resembling something from a Hollywood production.
“It almost looks like CGI (computer generated image),” he said.
American officials have directed non-essential government employees and eligible family members to evacuate the U.S. Embassy in Beirut, Lebanon, following increased security threats throughout the Middle East region.
The State Department announced the evacuation Monday, explaining their decision in an official statement: “The Department of State has ordered the departure of non-emergency US government personnel and eligible family members from US Embassy Beirut.” Officials further stated: “We continuously assess the security environment, and based on our latest review, we determined it prudent to reduce our footprint to essential personnel.”
This diplomatic withdrawal coincides with a massive American military deployment throughout the region. Current U.S. naval forces include destroyers stationed in the Mediterranean Sea (two vessels), Red Sea (one vessel), and Persian Gulf (four vessels). The USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier and its four accompanying destroyers are positioned in the Arabian Sea, while the USS Gerald R. Ford carrier arrived in Mediterranean waters Friday with its escort ships.
According to Axios reporting Tuesday, American forces have deployed over 50 fighter aircraft to Middle Eastern locations within the last day, as confirmed by a U.S. official. Flight tracking services documented F-16, F-22, and F-35 warplanes heading toward the region as part of the expanded air and sea presence near Iran.
These security measures occur while Washington prepares for nuclear negotiations with Iran scheduled for Thursday in Geneva. However, The New York Times reports that President Donald Trump is evaluating potential limited military action against Iran designed to force Tehran’s compliance with nuclear agreement terms.
The newspaper’s reporting indicates initial strike options would focus specifically on Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps headquarters, ballistic missile installations, or components of Iran’s nuclear program. Should these targeted operations prove unsuccessful, the administration is reportedly considering a broader military campaign later this year designed to remove Ayatollah Ali Khamenei from power.
Canadian government officials have ordered top safety executives from OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT, to appear in Ottawa following revelations that the firm detected concerning activity from a future school shooter but failed to notify authorities.
Canada’s Artificial Intelligence Minister Evan Solomon announced Monday that he has called OpenAI’s senior safety team to meet with him Tuesday to explain their decision-making process regarding when to alert law enforcement about potentially dangerous users.
Last June, OpenAI discovered the account belonging to Jesse Van Rootselaar through their monitoring systems designed to catch “furtherance of violent activities.” Despite internal discussions among approximately twelve staff members about contacting Canadian authorities, the San Francisco-based company ultimately chose not to reach out to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
The tech giant determined that Van Rootselaar’s online behavior fell short of their criteria for law enforcement referral, which requires evidence of “an imminent and credible risk of serious physical harm to others.” Company officials stated they found no indication of immediate or believable attack planning. OpenAI subsequently suspended the account for policy violations.
Earlier this month, the 18-year-old Van Rootselaar carried out one of Canada’s most devastating school attacks, claiming eight lives in a remote British Columbia community before taking her own life.
Only after news of the shooting broke did OpenAI personnel contact the RCMP to share information about Van Rootselaar’s platform usage, according to reporting by The Wall Street Journal.
Solomon expressed immediate concern upon learning of OpenAI’s handling of the situation. “I have summoned the senior safety team from OpenAI to come here to Ottawa from the United States,” Solomon stated. “Canadians expect, first of all, that their children particularly are kept safe and these organizations act in a responsible manner.”
Canadian officials held preliminary discussions with some OpenAI representatives Sunday, Solomon confirmed. While he declined to specify whether new regulations for AI chatbots are being considered, the minister emphasized that “all options are on the table.”
The tragic incident unfolded when Van Rootselaar first killed her mother and stepbrother at their family residence before targeting the local school. Authorities noted she had previous mental health-related encounters with police, though her motivations remain unknown.
The attack occurred in Tumbler Ridge, a small community nestled in the Canadian Rockies approximately 600 miles northeast of Vancouver, close to the Alberta border. Among the victims were a 39-year-old educational aide and five students between ages 12 and 13.
This shooting represents Canada’s most lethal mass violence incident since 2020, when a Nova Scotia gunman killed 13 people and caused fires that resulted in nine additional deaths.
Agricultural markets could face significant turbulence in the months ahead, according to a financial expert who specializes in farming economics. Tanner Ehmke, an economist with CoBank, is warning that shifting weather patterns may trigger substantial price fluctuations across commodity markets.
The transition away from La Nina conditions has Ehmke particularly concerned about market stability. “There are signs that we could be getting some hot and dry conditions, so we’ve got to keep an eye on” the developing weather situation, he explained.
Beyond weather concerns, Ehmke is also monitoring how international tensions and conflicts could impact agricultural trade and pricing. These geopolitical factors, combined with changing climate patterns, create a complex environment that could surprise markets with sudden shifts.
The economist’s assessment comes as farmers across the region prepare for the upcoming growing season, making critical decisions about crop selection and input purchases that could be affected by the market volatility he’s predicting.
GALAXIDI, Greece (AP) — In a vibrant display of tradition, people in the Greek coastal community of Galaxidi engage in an exuberant custom of pelting each other with colorful flour sacks, creating a lively spectacle of chaos and celebration.
This spirited tradition serves as the finale to carnival celebrations while simultaneously welcoming the solemn period of Lent. The festive flour battle transforms the seaside community into a rainbow of colors as both locals and tourists participate in the joyous mayhem.
The images showcase this unique cultural celebration curated by Associated Press photographers.
The Israeli Defense Forces and law enforcement officials are looking into allegations that Jewish settlers torched the Abu Bakr al-Taddiq Mosque in the Arab community of Tel, located near Nablus in the West Bank, according to reports from both Palestinian and Israeli sources on Monday.
According to reports, the perpetrators also spray-painted the words “revenge” and “price tag” on the mosque walls after starting the blaze.
The Palestinian Authority’s Religious Affairs Ministry described the incident through the PA-controlled news agency WAFA as a “nationalistic attack.”
In response to the incident, the IDF issued the following statement: “The IDF strongly condemns such incidents, including harm to religious institutions, and will continue to act resolutely to maintain security and order in the region.”
The PA ministry highlighted an increasing pattern of attacks on Islamic religious facilities, claiming that 45 mosques have been targeted in 2025, which they attribute to what they termed a “protection of the occupation.”
In a separate incident also occurring Monday, Israeli forces detained four teenagers suspected of planning an assault on military personnel in Karmiel, according to Israel’s domestic security service, Shin Bet. The security agency stated in their announcement that the suspects had “conspired to carry out an attack targeting soldiers in Karmiel” and noted that several of the individuals had undergone training and received instructions for executing their planned operation.
A series of new trade agreements with Southeast Asian countries could open significant opportunities for American pork producers, according to industry officials.
Maria Zieba, who serves as vice president of government affairs for the National Pork Producers Council, reports that these recent trade frameworks are eliminating barriers that have historically limited U.S. pork exports to the region.
The agreements address both traditional tariffs and other regulatory obstacles that previously restricted trade access. Zieba highlighted Malaysia’s particularly cooperative approach to the negotiations.
“Malaysia went above and beyond,” Zieba stated, adding that “All plants are going” to benefit from the expanded market access.
The development represents a potentially major shift for American pork producers seeking to expand their international market reach in Southeast Asia.
Delaware Department of Transportation officials have shut down a section of Arvey Road near its intersection with Hudson Road after a tree fell across the roadway.
The fallen tree is blocking traffic flow, forcing DelDOT to close the affected portion of Arvey Road until crews can safely remove the obstruction and reopen the route to vehicles.
Motorists traveling in the area are advised to seek alternate routes while cleanup operations are underway. DelDOT has not provided an estimated time for when the road will reopen to normal traffic.
Three student-athletes from Goldey-Beacom College earned recognition from the Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference this week for their exceptional performances on the court and field.
Sophomore basketball player Tre Powell, who hails from Mount Laurel, New Jersey, was selected for the CACC Men’s Basketball Weekly Honor Roll following another strong week of play.
The college’s baseball program also received recognition, with two players earning spots on the weekly honor roll. Sophomore Roman Keith from Selbyville, Delaware, and senior Kory Williams from Pennsauken, New Jersey, both received the conference accolade for their contributions to the Lightning’s baseball team.
The weekly honors highlight the continued success of Goldey-Beacom’s athletic programs as they compete in conference play this season.
WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — Once considered destined for extinction, the world’s only flightless parrot is making a remarkable comeback thanks to an extraordinary conservation success story.
The kakapo, a nocturnal bird native to New Zealand, was previously thought to have no chance of survival due to its hefty build, sluggish movement, and appealing taste to predators. The species also exhibits an extremely casual attitude toward breeding that has complicated recovery efforts.
However, dedicated conservation work has helped increase the population from just 50 individuals to over 200 during the past thirty years. An abundant harvest of the unusual parrot’s preferred berries has now triggered exceptional breeding activity, raising hopes among conservationists for a record-breaking number of offspring expected in February. This development could significantly advance the kakapo’s journey away from what seemed like inevitable extinction just decades ago.
These remarkable birds inhabit three small, isolated islands located off New Zealand’s southern coastline, making wild sightings extremely uncommon. The current breeding cycle has brought one female to online stardom through a live video feed of her subterranean nesting site, where a chick was anticipated to emerge this week.
While the kakapo represents a magnificent species capable of living 60 to 80 years, their appearance is undeniably distinctive.
These birds can exceed 3 kilograms (6.6 pounds) in weight. Their features include owl-like faces, whiskers, and speckled green, yellow and black feathers that blend with filtered sunlight on forest floors.
Living on the ground has created survival challenges for these flightless parrots.
“Kakapo also have a really strong scent,” said Deidre Vercoe, the operations manager for the Department of Conservation’s kakapo program. “They smell really musky and fruity — gorgeous smell.”
This distinctive fragrance proved problematic when humans first reached New Zealand centuries ago. The arrival of rats, dogs, cats and stoats, combined with human hunting and native forest destruction, pushed many of the nation’s ground-dwelling bird species, including the kakapo, toward complete or near elimination.
By 1974, experts believed no kakapo remained alive. Conservation teams continued searching, and during the late 1970s, researchers found a surviving group of these birds.
Restoring their numbers has presented numerous challenges.
The kakapo’s slow population growth stems partly from their unusual reproductive patterns. Successful egg-laying can be separated by years or even decades between occurrences.
Mating seasons occur only every two to four years, triggered by abundant fruit production from native rimu trees that these parrots prefer. The last such event occurred in 2022. Chick survival requires massive food availability, though scientists remain uncertain how adult birds detect these plentiful harvests.
“They’re probably up there in the canopy assessing the fruiting,” said Vercoe. “When there’s a large crop developing, they somehow tune into that.”
The breeding behavior becomes particularly unusual at this point. Male kakapo create hollowed-out depressions in the earth and produce deep booming calls followed by sounds called “chings,” resembling squeaky bed springs.
These resonant booms can travel across entire forests on calm evenings, drawing female kakapo to the males’ ground bowls. Females may produce up to four eggs and raise their young independently.
Since January, bird enthusiasts have enjoyed an uncommon look at this process through live streaming footage of 23-year-old kakapo Rakiura’s underground nest on Whenua Hou island. She has produced three eggs, with two being fertile. Due to the species’ fragile status, the actual eggs have been replaced with artificial ones while the real eggs receive indoor incubation. They will be returned to the nest moments before hatching.
The extraordinary measures New Zealanders have taken to preserve the kakapo may be the only thing more remarkable than the bird itself. Increasing the population four-fold over three decades has required moving them to three isolated, predator-free offshore islands and carefully managing every aspect of their breeding relationships.
“We do what we can to make sure we don’t lose any further genetic diversity,” Vercoe said. “We manage that carefully through having the best matches possible on each island.”
Every bird receives a name and wears a small tracking device on their back; without these monitors, disappeared birds would be nearly impossible to locate. With the kakapo remaining critically endangered, intensive conservation work will likely continue indefinitely, though staff are gradually reducing direct intervention each breeding season.
This meticulous species preservation effort might appear unusual to outsiders, but the parrot represents just one of many unique and spirited birds in a nation where avian species dominate. New Zealand’s only native land mammals consist of two bat species, so the country’s birds, which developed distinctive characteristics before human and predator arrival, have become cherished national icons.
“We don’t have the Eiffel Tower or the pyramids, but we do have kakapo and kiwi,” Vercoe said. “It’s a real New Zealand duty to save these birds.”
GENEVA (AP) — A senior American arms control official on Monday released what he described as newly declassified information about a suspected Chinese underground nuclear test from nearly six years ago, calling on the international community to pressure Beijing and Moscow toward greater nuclear disarmament efforts.
Christopher Yeaw, who serves as assistant secretary of state for arms control and nonproliferation, addressed a United Nations-supported forum following this month’s expiration of the final nuclear weapons agreement between America and Russia. The treaty’s end has removed restrictions on the world’s two largest nuclear arsenals, sparking fears of a renewed arms competition.
Yeaw demanded increased openness from China while highlighting weaknesses in the expired New START agreement, including its failure to cover Russia’s extensive collection of tactical nuclear weapons — estimated at up to 2,000 warheads.
“But perhaps its greatest flaw was that New START did not account for the unprecedented, deliberate, rapid and opaque nuclear weapons buildup by China,” he told the U.N.-backed Conference on Disarmament.
According to Yeaw, Beijing “has deliberately, and without constraint, massively expanded its nuclear arsenal” contrary to its public statements. He expressed concern over the lack of clarity regarding China’s ultimate objectives or “endpoint.”
“We believe China may achieve parity within the next four or five years,” he said.
China has resisted any limitations on its smaller yet expanding nuclear stockpile and continues to deny conducting such nuclear testing.
Yeaw held discussions Monday with Russian representatives and planned to meet with Chinese and additional delegations Tuesday in Geneva. American officials have already conducted multiple sessions with allies, including nuclear powers France and Britain.
During his remarks, Yeaw referenced a blast registered at China’s Lop Nur underground facility in the western region as a 2.75 magnitude seismic occurrence on June 22, 2020, according to data gathered from an international monitoring network station in nearby Kazakhstan.
“It was a probable explosion based upon comparisons between historic explosions and earthquakes,” he said. “The seismic signals were indicative of a single fire explosion, not typical of mining explosions.”
Yeaw stated that China has made monitoring its testing operations “difficult” for the global community and that during negotiations, Beijing refused to permit seismic monitoring equipment at distances comparable to what America allows near its Nevada test facility.
China’s representative to the conference responded Monday that Beijing “resolutely rejects the unfounded accusations” from the US and criticized the “continued distortion and smearing of China’s nuclear policy by certain countries.”
“The U.S. accusation that China conducted a nuclear explosion test is completely unfounded and is merely a pretext for resuming its own nuclear testing,” Ambassador Jian Shen said. “The U.S.’s practice of smearing other countries to evade international arms control obligations seriously damages its own international standing.”
President Donald Trump indicated in October America’s intentions to restart nuclear testing for the first time since 1992, though Energy Secretary Chris Wright subsequently clarified such tests would not involve nuclear detonations.
During his initial presidency, Trump unsuccessfully attempted to establish a three-nation nuclear agreement including China.
Following the New START treaty’s expiration, Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated America was “pursuing all avenues” to achieve Trump’s “desire for a world with fewer of these awful weapons,” while emphasizing Washington would not remain passive as Russia and China build up their nuclear capabilities.
“Since 2020, China has increased its nuclear weapons stockpile from the low 200s to more than 600 and is on pace to have more than 1,000 warheads by 2030,” Rubio wrote on Substack this month.
America has indicated willingness to explore various diplomatic approaches to address the issue — whether through bilateral discussions, small group negotiations, or broader international talks.
“We are looking to all of you to help encourage nuclear-weapon states like China and Russia to engage meaningfully in a multilateral process,” Yeaw told the conference, which includes approximately 65 nations addressing nuclear, biological and chemical weapons issues.
Shen emphasized that China has continuously backed the objectives of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty, “always adhered” to commitments by the five nuclear weapon states to halt nuclear testing and “never” participated in activities violating the agreement.
He also noted that Beijing, despite its recent extensive military expansion, maintains a smaller nuclear arsenal than America or Russia and called it “unfair, unreasonable and unfeasible” to expect China to participate in three-way nuclear arms control discussions.
“China’s nuclear arsenal is not on the same scale as the country with the largest nuclear arsenal, and the strategic security environment faced by China’s nuclear policy is completely different from that of the U.S.,” Shen said.
OAKLAND, Calif. — Roughly 31,000 healthcare workers at Kaiser Permanente facilities in California and Hawaii will clock back in on Tuesday, bringing their month-long work stoppage to a close as union leaders report meaningful progress in contract talks.
The United Nurses Associations of California/Union of Health Care Professionals announced Monday that “significant movement at the bargaining table” led to their decision to suspend the walkout. Union officials have not revealed specifics about what breakthroughs occurred during recent negotiations or outlined terms of any preliminary agreement.
“According to the union, returning members to their patients and their livelihoods is the clearest path to securing a final agreement and building on the progress achieved during the strike,” the organization stated.
Kaiser Permanente management has not yet responded to the union’s announcement about ending the work stoppage.
The labor action, which launched on January 27, represents the second significant strike by this union in recent months. Workers previously walked off the job for five days in October, leading to resumed talks that ultimately stalled in December.
Striking employees, including pharmacists, midwives and rehabilitation therapists, argued their compensation has failed to match rising costs of living while understaffing issues prevent adequate patient care.
Union members sought a 25% pay boost spread across four years, claiming their current wages lag behind comparable positions by at least 7%.
The healthcare giant had offered a 21.5% raise over the same timeframe. Company representatives argued their unionized staff already earns 16% more than industry counterparts on average, and meeting striker demands would force higher costs onto patients.
Medical facilities stayed operational throughout the strike, though some face-to-face appointments moved to telehealth platforms and certain non-urgent procedures were postponed.
Based in Oakland, Kaiser Permanente runs one of America’s biggest nonprofit healthcare networks, providing services to 12.6 million patients across 600 medical facilities and 40 hospitals, primarily in western states.
Meanwhile in New York City, nurses at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital system voted Saturday to accept a new contract, ending their own strike that lasted over a month.
Two additional major New York hospital networks, Montefiore and Mount Sinai, resolved their nursing strikes earlier this month through contract deals with the same union.
Federal law enforcement officials are examining a gunfire exchange that occurred early Sunday morning at New Hampshire’s border with Canada, where an individual allegedly shot at a border patrol officer who fired back and wounded the attacker.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation reported the confrontation happened around 1 a.m. Sunday in Pittsburg, a small community of approximately 800 residents located at the Canadian border. Bureau officials have not released the identity of the alleged gunman, though they confirmed the individual is being treated at a medical facility.
The border patrol officer involved in the shooting was not injured during the encounter, according to an FBI representative. The gunfire occurred in this remote area that houses New Hampshire’s only international crossing point with Quebec, Canada.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Rodney Scott confirmed the confrontation happened close to the port of entry. The FBI’s Boston division will conduct the investigation alongside the U.S. Attorney’s Office for New Hampshire’s District.
“Initial reports indicate that the subject opened fire on the agent at which time the agent returned fire,” Scott said in a statement. “CBP is cooperating fully with investigators.”
Representatives from the FBI, CBP, and U.S. Attorney’s Office refused to share additional details about the alleged shooter or what circumstances preceded the gunfire exchange. The U.S. Attorney’s Office stated in their announcement that more information would be made public if criminal charges are filed against the individual.
Pittsburg sits approximately 150 miles north of New Hampshire’s capital city, Concord. The community shares borders with Maine, Vermont, and Canada. The shooting occurred near this typically peaceful crossing point in New Hampshire’s sole town that adjoins Canada. The international boundary in this area extends for nearly 60 miles.
Israeli health authorities disclosed Monday that roughly 50% of vegetables imported from Palestinian territories contain toxic chemical residues at dangerously elevated concentrations.
During a Knesset Health Committee session, officials reported that approximately 15,000 tons of agricultural products enter Israel annually from these regions, with significant contamination detected across multiple vegetable varieties.
Ziva Hamma, who leads the Health Ministry’s Food Risk Management Department, informed committee members that current testing protocols allow produce shipments to reach markets before laboratory analysis results become available.
According to reporting by The Jerusalem Post, the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories announced plans to implement an eight-month suspension period following discoveries that contamination rates reached 50% for cucumbers, 49% for tomatoes, and 66% for hot peppers from Palestinian Authority regions.
The new suspension protocol would require all produce to remain warehoused until testing confirms pesticide levels meet safety standards.
Laboratory analysis revealed that 13% of tested produce contained more than five different chemical pesticides, while 14% of samples showed presence of organophosphates – neurotoxic compounds associated with developmental risks in fetuses, infants, and children, as well as increased Parkinson’s disease risk.
Samir Maadi, Agricultural Coordinator at the Civil Administration, explained that contaminated produce gets removed from sale immediately, with responsible farmers facing temporary market exclusion. Among approximately 3,000 farmers in the program, several hundred have faced disqualification. Banned producers may return to selling after three months, provided they pass subsequent inspections.
MK Amit Halevi from the Likud party criticized the situation, stating: “The data provided by the Health Ministry itself shows that the food of Israeli citizens is poisoned, and the Coordinator of Government Activities’ considerations should not influence the ministry’s decisions.”
Halevi further commented: “Israeli citizens have been suffering from cancer for years because of this produce and the Health Ministry remains silent. Employees of the Ministries of Agriculture and Health have failed in their duties and their mission and obeyed the Civil Administration to poison the citizens.”
The lawmaker also encouraged individuals who developed cancer potentially linked to contaminated produce consumption to pursue legal action against Civil Administration leadership who approved the import procedures.
Federal antitrust officials announced Monday they will launch a public review process to develop updated rules governing when companies can legally cooperate with their competitors, according to a senior Justice Department spokesperson.
The initiative comes at a time when more businesses are turning to third-party services that collect industry-wide data and provide pricing recommendations to clients. Officials from both enforcement agencies are requesting public feedback on which emerging business practices and technologies should be covered in the new guidance.
The agencies had previously operated under guidelines established in 2000, but those rules were scrapped in December 2024 during the final weeks of President Joe Biden’s term after regulators determined they no longer reflected current market conditions.
Winnipeg Jets defenseman Josh Morrissey will be sidelined for an extended period following an upper-body injury he suffered during the Milan Cortina Olympics, according to TSN’s Monday report.
The veteran player left Canada’s opening match against Czechia on February 12 and remained out for the rest of the Olympic tournament, missing Sunday’s 2-1 overtime defeat to the United States in the championship game.
Morrissey managed only 7:10 of playing time during the Olympics, marking another setback after he previously sat out last February’s 4 Nations Face-Off title game due to sickness. Canada claimed victory in that Boston event, defeating the U.S. 3-2 in overtime.
The injury creates a significant void for the Jets, who resume play following the Olympic pause with a Wednesday matchup against the Vancouver Canucks. Morrissey serves as a crucial offensive contributor from the blue line and plays in all game situations.
The 30-year-old ranks as Winnipeg’s fourth-highest point producer with 42 points across 56 contests this season, while logging the 11th-most ice time league-wide at 24:37 per game.
“We want Josh in this game. He helps us with puck moving and everything he does, but in the end, if you’re not physically able to do it…” Canada head coach Jon Cooper stated prior to the Olympic championship. “When it comes to the flag, no one is getting in the way of it. If (players are) incapable of giving what they think is optimal effort, they don’t want to put the country in harm. They understand what we have here.”
Now in his tenth complete campaign with Winnipeg, Morrissey was selected 13th overall by the franchise in 2013. Throughout his career, he has accumulated 415 points on 90 goals and 325 assists over 718 NHL appearances.
Following their Presidents’ Trophy championship last year, Winnipeg has fallen dramatically to 13th place in the Western Conference standings, sitting 11 points behind a playoff position.
Detroit Tigers star pitcher Tarik Skubal will limit his participation in next month’s World Baseball Classic to a single appearance for Team USA.
The two-time Cy Young Award recipient announced following his first spring training outing on Monday that he intends to make only one start during the tournament’s group stage, which kicks off March 5. After that appearance, he’ll head back to Detroit and won’t be available for any potential elimination round starts.
Reports indicate Skubal’s single outing for the American squad will occur March 7 during pool play against Great Britain.
“If they go to the finals, I think I’m going to try and lobby to just go watch and be with the guys,” Skubal said.
This decision represents a setback for Team USA, which seeks its second World Baseball Classic championship and first since capturing the title in 2017. Over the past two seasons, Skubal has established himself as baseball’s premier pitcher, accumulating 31 victories combined with an ERA below 2.40 in both 2024 and 2025. Throughout his six-year career with Detroit, he’s compiled a 54-37 record with a 3.08 ERA across 137 games, including 134 starts.
Despite Skubal’s limited availability, the U.S. roster remains deep with pitching talent, featuring 2025 Cy Young winner Paul Skenes alongside 2025 All-Stars Logan Webb, Joe Ryan and Matthew Boyd.
Team USA has been placed in Group B and will begin tournament play March 6 against Brazil in Houston. The group also includes Great Britain, Italy and Mexico. The World Baseball Classic championship game is scheduled for March 17 in Miami.
WASHINGTON – Project managers overseeing a massive $16 billion tunnel construction initiative connecting New York and New Jersey report that prolonged delays in federal funding approval have resulted in substantial financial setbacks totaling millions of dollars.
According to the Gateway Development Corporation, the Trump administration held back crucial funding for the Hudson Tunnel Project beginning October 1st, creating a financial standstill that lasted several months. While federal officials recently approved the release of $235.7 million in previously frozen funds, project leaders indicate the damage has already been done.
The corporation revealed in court documents filed Monday that an additional $19 million remains outstanding for the infrastructure project. Due to ongoing uncertainty about whether the U.S. Transportation Department will continue providing necessary payments, construction crews are only returning to limited operations this week rather than full-scale work resumption.
Multiple sources indicate the Atlanta Falcons intend to place the franchise tag on tight end Kyle Pitts to keep him from entering free agency.
The 25-year-old player was scheduled to become a free agent, but the franchise designation would guarantee him roughly $16.5 million for the 2026 season, which represents the average of the five highest-paid players at the tight end position.
According to NFL Network, both parties plan to negotiate a multi-year contract that would make the franchise tag unnecessary for the coming season. The deadline for reaching such an agreement is July 15.
Selected fourth overall by Atlanta in the 2021 NFL Draft, Pitts has experienced a mixed professional trajectory. While his rookie campaign remains his only season surpassing 1,000 receiving yards, he returned to prominence last year with 88 receptions for 928 yards and five touchdowns, marking a career best in scoring.
Under new head coach Kevin Stefanski and offensive coordinator Tommy Rees, Pitts will continue serving as a key target in the passing game alongside wide receiver Drake London.
Though the organization has not made an official announcement, Pitts appears to be the first player subject to the franchise tag this offseason. Reports suggest the Dallas Cowboys may apply the designation to wide receiver George Pickens.
NFL teams must finalize their franchise tag decisions by March 3.
The chief executive of agricultural news organization Agri-Pulse has earned a prestigious recognition from the Software Information Industry Association.
Sara Wyant, who established and currently heads Agri-Pulse, received the McAllister Top Management Fellow designation from the industry group. The annual honor includes a special three-day engagement each autumn where the recipient collaborates with both students and professors at Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism.
An Iowa angler has made fishing history by reeling in a black crappie that shattered the state’s previous record. The achievement has garnered attention from fishing enthusiasts across the Midwest.
Mickey Thompson, the angler behind this remarkable catch, recently spoke about his record-breaking experience. The fish exceeded the previous Iowa state record for black crappie, marking a significant milestone for the state’s fishing community.
Details about the exact weight, location, and circumstances surrounding the catch have made this story particularly noteworthy among local fishing circles. Thompson’s achievement represents years of dedication to the sport and knowledge of Iowa’s waterways.
The new record has been officially recognized by state wildlife authorities, cementing Thompson’s place in Iowa fishing history. His success story continues to inspire other anglers hoping to land their own trophy fish in the state’s lakes and rivers.
A leading agricultural economist predicts the Federal Reserve will reduce short-term interest rates in the months ahead as economic conditions shift.
Ernie Goss from Creighton University shared his forecast with Brownfield, stating his expectation for multiple rate reductions. “I look for a couple of cuts on the short end – two or three – going forward. None at this meeting in March, but we will see some rate cuts and that will,” Goss explained.
The economist’s projections come as financial markets closely monitor Federal Reserve policy decisions that could impact borrowing costs across various sectors, including agriculture.
A new bilateral trade agreement between the United States and Taiwan promises to boost American wheat exports by permanently removing import tariffs, according to a trade policy specialist.
Ryan Olson from U.S. Wheat Associates explains that this recently unveiled reciprocal trade arrangement will create lasting benefits for American wheat producers by setting tariff rates at zero indefinitely.
“Taiwan has committed to purchasing over 130 million bushels of U.S. wheat almost through the end of this decade,” Olson stated.
The agreement represents a significant opportunity for expanding American agricultural exports to the Taiwan market, with the elimination of trade barriers expected to make U.S. wheat more competitive in the region.
GALAXIDI, Greece — A coastal Greek community transformed into a chaotic battlefield of flying flour Monday as locals and tourists engaged in their traditional celebration marking the beginning of the Lenten season.
The main waterfront street in Galaxidi became covered in a rainbow of colored flour as participants hurled bags of the dyed powder at one another during the annual festivities. Town residents and numerous visitors enthusiastically joined the messy celebration, while others watched safely from nearby balconies.
The colorful chaos lasted several hours, though some dedicated participants continued the festivities well into the evening hours.
“This custom was brought here by (our ancestors) in their sailboats, in 1800. It only exists here,” said Panayiotis Paphilis, a local resident.
This vibrant spectacle occurs annually on Clean Monday, an important Orthodox Christian observance that begins Lent — the 40-day fasting period leading up to Easter. The holiday also signals the conclusion of carnival season, which maintains connections to the nation’s ancient pre-Christian customs.
First-time visitors, particularly young adults, made up a significant portion of the crowd.
“We had a great time. We’ll come back,” said Stephanos Kapetanakis, 28, who was accompanied by several of his friends.
Across most of Greece, Clean Monday observances tend to be much calmer, typically involving kite flying and eating large quantities of shellfish and seafood.
However, in Galaxidi — a former shipping hub located approximately 200 kilometers (125 miles) west of Athens — the celebrations are notably boisterous, with participants attempting to make each year more intense than the last.
While many comparable festivals trace back to ancient pagan origins that have been incorporated into Christian traditions, Galaxidi’s flour battle appears to have more recent beginnings.
The custom dates to the 1800s, when seafaring merchants drew inspiration from similar events they witnessed in Sicily during the era when locally-constructed sailing vessels traveled global trade routes.
Those prosperous times eventually ended, and Galaxidi — now home to 1,700 residents — became cut off from the wider world as harbor traffic declined and mountain ranges blocked road access to other areas.
Road construction didn’t occur until the 1960s, but the decades of isolation helped maintain the community’s distinctive traditions.
BRATISLAVA, Slovakia — Slovakia has suspended emergency power assistance to Ukraine on Monday, intensifying a disagreement over oil shipments as Ukraine continues to face widespread blackouts from Russian attacks on its electrical infrastructure.
Oil deliveries from Russia to Slovakia and Hungary have been disrupted since January 27 following what Ukrainian authorities describe as Russian drone strikes that harmed the Druzhba pipeline, a crucial route transporting Russian crude through Ukrainian land into Central Europe.
Slovakia and Hungary, considered the EU’s most Russia-friendly nations, have accused Ukraine of intentionally blocking oil shipments. Both countries secured temporary waivers from European Union restrictions on Russian oil imports.
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, a populist leader, announced Monday’s action came after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy refused to address the matter with him before Wednesday.
“Given the seriousness of the situation and the declared state of oil emergency in Slovakia, we are forced to take the first reciprocal measure immediately. It will be lifted immediately after the resumption of oil transit to Slovakia,” Fico said in a statement.
“As of today, if the Ukrainian side turns to Slovakia with a request for assistance in stabilizing the Ukrainian energy network, it will not receive such assistance,” he said.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha urged both nations “to engage in constructive cooperation and responsible behavior.”
Opposition parties in Slovakia criticized the move.
Fico warned of additional actions if oil deliveries don’t restart, including withdrawing Slovak support for Ukraine’s European Union membership bid.
Both Slovakia and Hungary have disputed Ukraine’s account, asserting the Druzhba pipeline remains operational for oil transport, though they haven’t provided supporting evidence.
“Our intelligence services report that the oil pipeline in Ukraine is functional,” Fico said. “Our ambassador to Kyiv has not yet been allowed to visit the part of the oil pipeline that the Ukrainian side claims is damaged.”
The Slovak leader claimed halting oil shipments represented “a purely political decision with the aim of blackmailing Slovakia” due to the country’s differing perspective on the Russian conflict compared to mainstream European views.
Agricultural financing experts are predicting a substantial reduction in rice cultivation across Arkansas this spring season, citing depressed market prices as the primary factor affecting the nation’s leading rice-producing state.
According to Greg Cole, a representative from AgHeritage Farm Credit Services, the state normally plants between 1.3 and 1.4 million acres of rice annually. However, Cole warned in an interview with Brownfield that current economic conditions could force a significant decrease in planted acreage.
“We could see rice acres” drop considerably from typical levels, Cole indicated, as farmers grapple with unfavorable pricing that makes rice cultivation less profitable compared to alternative crops.
This potential decline in Arkansas rice production could have broader implications for the national rice supply, given the state’s dominant position in American rice agriculture.
The chief executive of biofuel company POET is expressing frustration over continued delays in advancing nationwide E15 ethanol legislation through Congress. Jeff Broin, who founded and leads the company, shared his disappointment with the ongoing obstacles preventing year-round E15 availability across the country.
“We have been working on that for literally over a decade,” Broin said in an interview with Brownfield. “I cannot believe what it’s taken.”
According to Broin, pushing federal E15 policy through to President Trump’s desk represents a vital step for America’s rural communities. The legislation would allow the higher ethanol blend to be sold throughout the entire year nationwide, rather than facing seasonal restrictions.
The nation’s egg industry kicked off 2026 with encouraging production figures, according to new data from federal agriculture officials.
January numbers show the country produced nearly 9.2 billion eggs, representing a 2% increase over the same month in 2025. The United States Department of Agriculture released the production statistics showing 9.196 billion eggs were laid during the first month of the year.
The growth stems from improvements in both the size of laying flocks and individual bird productivity. The total number of laying hens reached 374.566 million birds, climbing 1% from the previous year. Meanwhile, production efficiency also improved, with each group of 100 hens producing an average of 2,455 eggs, also up 1% annually.
These January figures suggest the industry may continue its expansion trajectory throughout the year, building on steady growth patterns in the agricultural sector.
TORONTO (AP) — Canada’s most populous province leader declared Monday that mounting pressures are constraining President Donald Trump following a U.S. Supreme Court ruling that overturned numerous Trump tariffs, while expressing anticipation for November’s U.S. midterm elections that might further limit Trump’s authority.
Doug Ford, Ontario’s Premier, characterized the current situation as an “economic war” and stated that no agreement would be preferable to a poor arrangement with Trump.
“The situation is extremely difficult at this time. I often pause to reflect, and I’m not alone in this. People worldwide are questioning how a single individual can generate such widespread chaos globally, not just in Canada but everywhere. It’s quite remarkable. I’m eagerly awaiting the midterms,” Ford stated.
Friday’s court ruling eliminated tariffs that Trump had placed on virtually all nations worldwide through emergency powers legislation. Trump has indicated he will now utilize different, though more restricted, legal mechanisms.
“The Supreme Court delivered an encouraging signal,” Ford commented.
While the United States-Mexico-Canada trade agreement, or USMCA, protects most Canadian exports to America, certain tariffs continue to impact specific areas of Canada’s economy, especially aluminum, steel, automotive, and lumber industries.
Ford cautioned that Trump might eliminate the free trade agreement currently under evaluation this year.
Ford mentioned that nations such as Japan and the United Kingdom “hurried to secure agreements and suddenly, he attacked them like a venomous snake. We will proceed carefully.”
Ford highlighted that numerous Republican positions will be contested in November’s congressional elections, including several in neighboring Michigan.
The premier also referenced the House’s recent vote to counter Trump’s Canadian tariffs, representing an unusual though largely ceremonial rejection of White House policies as Republicans joined Democrats despite GOP leadership opposition. The resolution aims to terminate Trump’s declared national emergency used to implement tariffs, though actually reversing the policy would need presidential support, which seems extremely doubtful. The measure now advances to the Senate.
“President Trump is facing increasing constraints,” Ford declared. “You witnessed his defeat in the vote when six Republicans sided with Congress, and then there was the Supreme Court decision.”
Ford indicated the tariffs are driving up prices.
“Americans are experiencing financial strain. They’re not seeing reduced costs for food and other products. This all stems from the instability he’s created worldwide and with his primary global customer,” Ford explained.
Trump has recently threatened to impose 100% tariffs on Canadian imports due to that nation’s proposed China trade agreement, escalating tensions with the longtime U.S. partner and Prime Minister Mark Carney.
PARIS (AP) — France’s foreign minister announced Monday that US Ambassador Charles Kushner will face restrictions on his direct access to French government officials following his failure to attend a mandatory diplomatic meeting.
Kushner was ordered to appear at France’s Foreign Affairs Ministry Monday evening to address controversial statements made by the Trump administration regarding the fatal beating of a far-right activist, but diplomatic sources confirm he did not attend.
Foreign Affairs Minister Jean-Noel Barrot implemented the access restrictions citing “this apparent misunderstanding of the basic expectations of the mission of an ambassador, who has the honor of representing his country.”
Despite the diplomatic tensions, French officials indicated willingness to resolve the dispute.
“It remains, of course, possible for Ambassador Charles Kushner to carry out his duties and present himself at the Quai d’Orsay, so that we may hold the diplomatic discussions needed to smooth over the irritants that can inevitably arise in a friendship spanning 250 years,” the ministry stated.
The diplomatic crisis began after the State Department’s Counterterrorism Bureau published a social media post declaring that “reports, corroborated by the French Minister of the Interior, that Quentin Deranque was killed by left-wing militants, should concern us all.” The US Embassy subsequently shared this statement on its social platforms.
Deranque, who was involved in far-right activism, succumbed to severe brain trauma earlier this month following a violent assault in Lyon, France. The attack occurred during clashes on the sidelines of a student gathering featuring a far-left politician as the main speaker.
The incident has intensified France’s already volatile political atmosphere as the nation approaches its upcoming presidential election.
“We reject any instrumentalization of this tragedy, which has plunged a French family into mourning, for political ends,” Barrot declared over the weekend. “We have no lessons to learn, particularly on the issue of violence, from the international reactionary movement.”
The State Department’s original post asserted that “violent radical leftism is on the rise and its role in Quentin Deranque’s death demonstrates the threat it poses to public safety. We will continue to monitor the situation and expect to see the perpetrators of violence brought to justice.”
This marks the second time Kushner has avoided a diplomatic summons, having previously failed to appear in August when called to explain his correspondence to French President Emmanuel Macron criticizing France’s efforts to combat antisemitism. On that occasion, French officials met with a representative from the US embassy instead.
CAIRO (AP) — University campuses throughout Iran’s capital became centers of opposition demonstrations Monday, with eyewitness accounts and online footage showing renewed civil unrest while American military assets position themselves in the region for potential military action.
The campus demonstrations, which saw numerous students voicing backing for Iran’s exiled royal heir from the former monarchy, started over the weekend. Monday witnessed protest activity on no fewer than three university grounds, with one incident resulting in physical confrontations involving the paramilitary Basij force.
Iranian authorities launched a brutal suppression campaign in January targeting widespread demonstrations, resulting in thousands of deaths and the imprisonment of tens of thousands more. President Donald Trump issued threats of military intervention in response before redirecting attention to Iran’s controversial atomic program and demanding negotiations.
American and Iranian representatives plan to conduct another session of indirect negotiations in Geneva this week, with Iran anticipated to present a comprehensive plan for limiting its nuclear activities. The USS Gerald R. Ford, representing the globe’s most massive aircraft carrier, is currently en route to the Middle East to supplement another carrier already deployed.
Iranian officials maintain their atomic program serves entirely civilian purposes and claim no uranium enrichment has occurred since 12 days of combined Israeli and American bombardments last June. The United States and international partners have historically questioned Iran’s intentions regarding nuclear weapons development. Iran has blocked inspections of atomic facilities following extensive bombing campaigns last year.
Country-wide demonstrations began late last year following Iran’s currency collapse under persistent American sanctions targeting the nuclear program. Protesters have demanded the removal of the Shiite religious government that has controlled the nation since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.
Monday’s demonstrations included activity at Sharif University, a prestigious institution in the capital, according to a student witness. The student described how he and fellow classmates assembled outside dining facilities at midday before covering their faces and applauding while chanting during the Muslim prayer call broadcast through speakers.
As participant numbers grew, one student displayed a printed banner featuring the lion-and-sun symbol of the former monarchy, while dozens voiced support for exiled crown prince Reza Pahlavi.
The student reported physical altercations between demonstrators and Basij members, who have historically suppressed opposition activities, as campus security personnel attempted to keep the groups apart.
At the University of Tehran, protest activity occurred during commemorative services for a student killed in previous demonstrations, another student reported. Participants chanted “women, life, freedom” — the rallying cry from 2022 protest movements — and demanded the removal of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
The student noted that university security did not intervene. Both student sources requested anonymity citing safety concerns.
Video footage reviewed and confirmed by The Associated Press documented additional protests at Al Zahra University, where female students assembled and voiced pro-Pahlavi messages.
Measuring Pahlavi’s actual support within Iran remains challenging, though some of the largest demonstrations in years erupted in early January following his public call for street protests. Trump issued military action threats regarding protester killings and potential mass executions as authorities worked to eliminate those demonstrations.
The United States-based Human Rights Activists News Agency reports at least 7,015 deaths during recent protest activities and government crackdowns, including 214 government personnel. The organization has demonstrated accuracy in documenting casualties during previous Iranian unrest periods and uses activist networks within the country to confirm deaths. The casualty count continues increasing as the group verifies information.
Iran’s government provided its sole official death count from earlier protests on January 21, claiming 3,117 fatalities. Iran’s religious leadership has historically undercounted or failed to report deaths from past civil unrest.
The Associated Press cannot independently verify casualty figures, partly due to significant disruptions affecting Iran’s communication infrastructure.
SALISBURY, Md. – A pair of Salisbury University athletes have earned recognition from the Coast-to-Coast Athletic Conference for their outstanding performances during the week of February 16-22.
Tennis standout Evelyn Whiteside captured the women’s tennis player of the week award, marking the first conference honor for her team this season. Meanwhile, baseball pitcher Cole Williams continued a strong trend for Sea Gulls baseball, becoming the second consecutive pitcher from the program to receive weekly recognition from the league.
The awards are sponsored by Jersey Mike’s A Sub Above and highlight exceptional student-athlete performances across the conference.
NEWARK, Del. – The Blue Hens baseball program at the University of Delaware has revealed modifications to their scheduled home contest versus the Maryland Terrapins.
The team made the announcement regarding the altered timing for the matchup that was set to take place on campus in Newark.
WASHINGTON – Military officials are expressing strong opposition to aviation safety legislation scheduled for consideration by the House of Representatives today, warning the measure could impose “significant unresolved budgetary burdens and operational security risks affecting national defense activities.”
The House is preparing to vote on the ROTOR Act, which received unanimous approval from the Senate in December. The legislation would mandate that aircraft operators install automatic-dependent-surveillance-broadcast systems, commonly known as ADS-B technology, across their fleets no later than the end of 2031.
The proposed legislation comes in response to the tragic January 2025 crash between an American Airlines regional aircraft and an Army Black Hawk helicopter in the Washington area, which resulted in 67 fatalities.
The e-commerce giant Amazon has announced a massive $12 billion investment to construct data centers throughout Louisiana, marking one of the company’s largest infrastructure commitments in recent years.
The tech company, headquartered in Seattle, revealed that the extensive data center development will take place in the northwestern region of Louisiana and is projected to generate 540 permanent positions. Beyond these direct employment opportunities, the project will also create numerous supporting roles for skilled tradespeople, including electrical workers and heating and cooling system specialists.
This substantial investment comes as Amazon significantly ramps up its infrastructure spending. During the company’s most recent quarterly earnings announcement in February, executives revealed plans for $200 billion in capital investments throughout this year, representing a dramatic jump from the previous year’s $131 billion expenditure. The announcement of these increased spending plans caused Amazon’s stock price to decline.
American diplomats engaged in nuclear arms control discussions with Russian officials in Geneva on Monday and are set to hold similar talks with Chinese representatives today, according to a senior State Department official.
The United States is pushing for a comprehensive new arms control agreement that would include China alongside Russia, following the expiration of the New START treaty, which previously limited missile and warhead deployments between the US and Russia.
However, China’s disarmament ambassador, Shen Jian, stated earlier this month that Beijing would not join nuclear arms control negotiations with Moscow and Washington at this time. Officials have not clarified whether today’s discussions will constitute formal negotiations.
Neither the Chinese nor Russian diplomatic missions in Geneva have responded to requests for comment.
Tensions have been elevated after the United States accused China of conducting a covert nuclear test in June 2020, an allegation that Shen strongly rejected.
The senior American official noted that productive bilateral discussions had already taken place with the United Kingdom and France, both permanent members of the UN Security Council.
“Taking discussions to the five permanent members of the Security Council was the next logical step,” the official said, expressing optimism about the process.
Canadian government officials are demanding face-to-face explanations from ChatGPT’s parent company after learning the artificial intelligence firm kept quiet about warning signs involving a user who later carried out a deadly school attack.
The tragic incident occurred earlier this month when an 18-year-old struggling with mental health issues opened fire in a western Canadian community, injuring eight people before taking his own life. It was later discovered that OpenAI had previously suspended the shooter’s ChatGPT account due to policy breaches, but company officials determined these violations didn’t reach the threshold for alerting authorities.
Artificial Intelligence Minister Evan Solomon announced Monday that he has ordered OpenAI’s top safety executives to travel from the United States to Canada’s capital for mandatory discussions about their security measures.
“I have summoned the senior safety team from OpenAI in the United States to come here to Ottawa … we will have a sit down meeting to have an explanation of their safety protocols,” Solomon informed the media.
When questioned about potential government action to shield Canadians from digital dangers, the minister responded that “All options are on the table,” though he declined to elaborate on specific measures under consideration.
Delaware’s poultry industry posted mixed results during January, according to new federal agriculture data released this week.
Egg production across the state increased by 2 percent compared to the same period last year, providing welcome news for producers in one of Delaware’s key agricultural sectors.
However, the numbers tell a more complex story when examining breeding patterns. Hatching of egg-type chicks dropped by 6 percent during the month, potentially signaling future supply challenges for egg producers.
On the broiler side, the news was more encouraging. Chicks destined for meat production saw a 2 percent uptick in hatching rates, suggesting continued strength in Delaware’s dominant poultry segment.
The data reflects ongoing adjustments within Delaware’s massive poultry industry, which represents a cornerstone of the state’s agricultural economy and provides thousands of jobs across rural communities.
These production fluctuations come as poultry operations continue adapting to market demands and recovery efforts following previous disease outbreaks that impacted flocks nationwide.
Farmers in Missouri will catch a break on their state taxes thanks to efforts by the Missouri Soybean Association, which successfully lobbied for tax relief on federal disaster assistance payments.
Ben Travlos, who serves as policy director for the Missouri Soybean Association, provided additional information about this development in a recent Spotlight on Soybeans segment.
The tax relief measure will benefit soybean producers who receive federal disaster payments, allowing them to avoid double taxation on assistance designed to help them recover from natural disasters and other qualifying events.
Delaware farmers and agricultural operations across the country should prepare for another difficult year ahead, according to a warning from a prominent agricultural economist. Carl Zulauf, professor emeritus at Ohio State University, predicts that American farming will continue to struggle in 2026 due to mounting financial pressures.
Rising costs for farming supplies and equipment, combined with uncertain government policies, are squeezing farmers’ ability to turn a profit, Zulauf explains. The economist warns that current financial struggles in agriculture are likely to extend into the coming year.
“If this year is a loss year, then next year is likely to be a loss year,” Zulauf stated, highlighting the ongoing challenges facing the agricultural sector nationwide.
Federal agricultural officials are highlighting a remarkable surge in corn shipments from American ports, with export inspections reaching exceptional levels during the week that concluded on February 19th.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, inspectors processed over two million tons of corn destined for international markets. The bulk of these shipments headed to Japan, South Korea, and Mexico – three major trading partners that have demonstrated exceptionally robust appetite for American corn throughout this marketing season.
The agricultural department also noted that wheat exports experienced weekly gains during the same period.
The Cambridge City Council has announced a scheduling change for their upcoming meeting, requiring residents to adjust their calendars accordingly.
Officials have moved the previously scheduled council session to accommodate necessary adjustments to the municipal agenda.
Community members who planned to attend the original meeting date are encouraged to mark the new date and time on their calendars to ensure they don’t miss important city business discussions.
The rescheduled meeting will maintain the same agenda items and public participation opportunities as originally planned.
An Iowa-based equipment manufacturing company is expanding its operations with a major new production facility to keep pace with surging market demand. Vermeer Corporation’s chief executive Jason Andringa announced that the Pella-headquartered company will construct a massive 300,000 square foot manufacturing plant in Bondurant.
According to Andringa, who serves as both president and CEO of Vermeer Corporation, the decision to build the cutting-edge facility stems from persistent innovation efforts and increasing customer demand for their products. The new plant is designed to produce industrial components and equipment, representing a significant expansion of the company’s manufacturing footprint in Iowa.
The state-of-the-art facility will add substantial production capacity as Vermeer works to meet growing market needs for their specialized equipment and parts.
MEXICO CITY – Mexican military forces successfully eliminated the nation’s most sought-after drug trafficking leader during a weekend operation that resulted in widespread violent backlash across the country.
Nemesio Oseguera, known by his criminal alias ‘El Mencho,’ died during a complex military assault on Sunday. Oseguera controlled the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, one of the primary organizations smuggling deadly fentanyl into American communities.
Mexican authorities provided a detailed account of the operation on Monday:
FEBRUARY 20: INTELLIGENCE BREAKTHROUGH
Intelligence operatives received crucial information from a confidential source connected to one of Oseguera’s romantic companions. This intelligence led authorities to track the companion to a compound located in Tapalpa, within Jalisco state, where the cartel leader was hiding. Government officials declined to release additional specifics about the location.
FEBRUARY 21: MILITARY MOBILIZATION
After the romantic partner departed the compound, Mexican intelligence agencies verified that Oseguera remained inside under armed protection from his security detail.
A massive force comprising army units, National Guard military police, elite tactical teams, combat aircraft and six helicopters deployed to the region under strict secrecy.
According to a U.S. defense official speaking to Reuters, a recently established American military task force focused on cartel intelligence gathering provided assistance during the operation.
FEBRUARY 22: THE ASSAULT
Before sunrise, Mexican ground troops surrounded the target area in preparation for a prolonged confrontation. Armed cartel members initiated combat, but specialized units successfully countered their assault, resulting in eight suspected criminal organization members being killed.
Oseguera and his closest associates escaped to a cabin compound situated in nearby forested terrain. Elite forces followed them into the wilderness, where additional armed confrontation occurred.
Once Mexican security personnel gained control of the scene, they discovered Oseguera and two of his bodyguards with serious injuries. Medical evacuation by helicopter was arranged to transport them to a treatment facility, however Oseguera succumbed to his injuries while airborne.
Meanwhile, the military action had sparked extensive violent retaliation from cartel operatives, preventing the helicopter from reaching its intended destination in Guadalajara, the Jalisco state capital. The aircraft was redirected to Morelia airport in neighboring Michoacan state, where Oseguera’s remains were transferred to a military aircraft heading to Mexico City.
FEBRUARY 22: ESCALATING RETALIATION
Violent responses rapidly expanded throughout the region.
Defense ministry officials identified an individual known as ‘El Tuli’ – described as Oseguera’s primary lieutenant and chief financial coordinator – as the organizer behind numerous roadway blockades, arson incidents and attacks targeting government facilities throughout Jalisco state.
Law enforcement reported that ‘El Tuli’ was providing financial incentives of 20,000 pesos ($1,100) for the assassination of military personnel.
Security forces tracked ‘El Tuli’ to El Grullo, a small municipality approximately 180 kilometers (110 miles) southwest of Guadalajara. When confronted, he attempted to escape by vehicle and engaged the arrest team in combat. He was fatally wounded during the confrontation.
Multiple commercial airlines suspended service to Puerto Vallarta, a popular Pacific coast resort destination in Jalisco state, where shocked vacationers recorded video of smoke columns rising above the city.
Throughout various municipalities, tourists and local residents received advisories to remain indoors while commercial truckers were instructed to utilize alternative routes or return to their facilities. Educational institutions including schools and universities suspended operations across Jalisco and multiple neighboring states.
Government officials reported Monday that approximately 30 suspected criminal organization members, 25 National Guard personnel, and one civilian died in the violence following the initial raid. Additionally, at least 70 individuals were detained across seven states, while authorities documented 85 cartel-organized roadblocks on Sunday alone.
FEBRUARY 23: RESTORING ORDER
During a Monday press briefing, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum announced that roadblocks had been cleared as of Monday morning. She indicated that conditions were anticipated to return to normal and that airline operations should resume Monday or Tuesday.
Security Minister Omar Garcia Harfuch stated that individuals considered potential successors to Oseguera’s cartel leadership position were under intensive government monitoring. He emphasized that authorities remained vigilant for additional retaliatory actions from the organization or competing cartels seeking territorial expansion.
U.S. President Donald Trump posted on social media that Mexico ‘must step up their effort on Cartels and Drugs!’ Mexico serves as America’s primary trading partner, and the North American trade agreement faces review this year.
Military officials announced Monday that American forces launched a fatal attack on a boat suspected of drug smuggling in Caribbean waters, leaving three individuals dead in what marks another recent incident of its kind.
The Trump administration has emphasized its aggressive stance against suspected narcotics smuggling operations throughout the region, highlighting these military interventions as successful counter-drug efforts.
According to a military statement posted on social media platform X, the targeted boat was “engaged in narco-trafficking operations.”
Independent confirmation of the military’s account was not immediately available through Reuters.
Seven Ukrainian police officers sustained injuries during a Monday blast in the southern city of Mykolaiv, with two officers suffering serious wounds, according to the country’s top police official.
National police chief Ivan Vyhivskyi reported that the officers were positioned near their patrol vehicles while awaiting a shift change when the blast took place.
Writing on his Facebook page, Vyhivskyi connected the incident to another recent attack on law enforcement personnel.
“The day before yesterday, a terrorist attack against police officers took place in Lviv,” Vyhivskyi stated, referencing the western Ukrainian city located close to Poland’s border.
“This is not a coincidence. The enemy is deliberately trying to kill Ukrainian police officers who defend people and the state every day,” he added.
The Saturday incident in Lviv resulted in the death of a female police officer and left 24 additional people with injuries.
A federal class action lawsuit filed recently accuses the Department of Homeland Security of unconstitutionally retaliating against individuals who legally observe and document immigration enforcement activities.
The legal action stems from incidents in Maine where people monitoring federal immigration operations say they were labeled as ‘domestic terrorists’ by agents and threatened with placement on government databases and watchlists.
According to the lawsuit, federal agents gathered personal information about these observers who were exercising their constitutional rights to watch and record law enforcement activities in public spaces.
The case challenges what plaintiffs describe as intimidation tactics used against citizens lawfully monitoring immigration enforcement operations. The observers claim agents violated their constitutional protections by collecting their data and using threatening language to discourage their legal activities.
This lawsuit represents a broader conflict over the rights of citizens to observe and document government law enforcement actions, particularly in immigration enforcement scenarios.
A leading agricultural commodities analyst is expressing renewed confidence that China will increase its purchases of American farm products, driven by political considerations rather than market forces.
Arlan Suderman, who serves as the top commodities economist at StoneX Group, recently shared his growing optimism about Chinese agricultural imports with Brownfield. According to Suderman, Chinese President Xi Jinping is currently navigating complex domestic political challenges and may seek American support to strengthen his position.
“My bias at this point is he will survive it, but in the meantime,” Suderman explained, suggesting that Xi’s political calculations could lead to increased cooperation with U.S. agricultural exporters.
The economist’s assessment indicates that geopolitical factors may play a more significant role than traditional market dynamics in shaping future trade relationships between the world’s two largest economies.
FRANKFURT, Germany — European lawmakers are demanding answers from Washington after President Donald Trump announced new import taxes that could undermine a trade agreement negotiated this summer, leading EU officials to delay ratification of the deal.
The European Parliament’s trade committee canceled Tuesday’s scheduled vote on the agreement following Trump’s Saturday announcement of a 15% worldwide tariff on imports. This move came after the Supreme Court rejected Trump’s previous attempt to impose tariffs using emergency powers, prompting the president to invoke different trade legislation to justify the new rates that begin Tuesday.
“A deal is a deal,” stated European Commission spokesperson Olof Gill, summarizing the EU’s stance. “So now we are simply saying to the US, it is up to you to clearly show to us what path you are taking to honor the agreement.”
The original US-EU agreement established a maximum 15% tariff rate on most European products entering America, while eliminating tariffs entirely on American industrial exports to Europe. Though the deal raised costs for consumers and businesses compared to the previous 4.8% average, it provided market stability that economists credit with helping Europe dodge recession last year.
Trade committee chairman Bernd Lange explained that Trump’s newly announced 15% rate would stack on top of existing tariffs, violating the ceiling established in their agreement. This prompted legislators to postpone Tuesday’s committee vote.
The situation also raises concerns about separate agreements negotiated with individual nations, including Brazil, India, and Britain. Britain’s deal caps tariffs at 10%, while India accepted 18% and Vietnam agreed to 20%. Though the Supreme Court ruling doesn’t directly impact these bilateral arrangements, they were negotiated using the threat of tariffs that have now been invalidated.
US Trade Representative Jamison Greer addressed these concerns Sunday on CBS’s “Face the Nation,” stating the administration had warned negotiating partners that Trump intended to pursue tariffs regardless of the court’s decision. “Whether we won or lost, there were going to be tariffs,” Greer explained.
Greer emphasized that the bilateral agreements “are good deals, we expect to stand by them, we expect our partners to stand by them.”
Berenberg bank economist Atakan Bakiskan noted that switching from country-specific rates to a uniform 15% global tariff “will have considerable implications elsewhere.” Some nations would see reduced rates, including Brazil, which would drop nearly 15 percentage points, and China, facing a reduction of almost 10 percentage points.
The legal authority Trump is using for these latest tariffs only permits them for 150 days unless Congress approves an extension. This timeframe could allow Trump to seek alternative legal justifications for his trade policies.
The uncertainty affects both European businesses and the American economy, where consumers and companies bear the cost of import tariffs. “Uncertainty around trade policy appears here to stay — putting continued pressure on the US economy,” Bakiskan observed.
QUITO, Ecuador — A dozen attackers wearing military uniforms invaded a coastal property in western Ecuador during the early morning hours Monday, fatally shooting at least seven individuals in what authorities describe as the newest chapter of escalating drug-related bloodshed plaguing the South American country.
Law enforcement officials reported that the assailants, posing as government soldiers while carrying firearms, targeted the seaside location in Manabi province and opened fire on multiple victims, including three adult male siblings.
The nation’s murder statistics have increased fivefold since 2020, with Ecuador documenting its most deadly year on record in 2023 when homicides reached 50 deaths per 100,000 inhabitants, data from the Interior Ministry shows.
This dramatic rise in deadly violence stems from battling criminal organizations linked to Mexican and Colombian drug cartels, along with their domestic partners, as they compete for dominance over narcotics smuggling corridors and shipping facilities used to transport cocaine northward to American markets.
President Daniel Noboa responded to the crisis in January by implementing emergency powers across seven provinces, granting law enforcement authority to conduct warrantless home searches while deploying military forces for city patrols.
Noboa has accused Colombia’s leadership of fueling the bloodshed by failing to adequately manage rebel factions and trafficking networks operating near their mutual boundary. Colombian officials have rejected these claims, sparking a commercial dispute between the adjacent nations.
Ecuador documented over 9,000 homicides throughout 2023, with the majority of these killings occurring within the coastal regions of Guayas, Manabi and Esmeraldas provinces.
Millions of residents across the northeastern United States found themselves confined to their homes as a powerful winter storm unleashed dangerous conditions throughout the region. The severe weather system brought fierce winds and blizzard conditions that created hazardous travel and prompted widespread precautionary measures.
The storm’s impact was felt far and wide, with transportation systems grinding to a halt and communities taking shelter from the harsh conditions. Educational institutions and businesses throughout the affected areas made the decision to close their doors as safety became the top priority.
Weather officials had issued blizzard warnings as the storm system moved through, urging residents to avoid unnecessary travel and remain indoors until conditions improved.
Utah’s newly drawn congressional districts that improve Democratic prospects for capturing a U.S. House seat will remain in place for this year’s elections, after a federal court on Monday rejected Republican efforts to halt their implementation.
This decision represents the GOP’s second consecutive legal defeat in recent days, following an unsuccessful challenge before Utah’s highest state court.
Last November, a Utah state judge implemented these revised districts after invalidating the congressional boundaries that Republican lawmakers had established following the 2020 census. The judge determined that state legislators had violated voter-approved measures designed to prevent gerrymandering.
This development places Utah at the center of a nationwide redistricting conflict unfolding across multiple states before the midterm elections. Former President Donald Trump has encouraged Republican-controlled states including Texas, Missouri and North Carolina to redraw their boundaries to benefit GOP candidates in November’s contests, leading Democratic-controlled states like California and Virginia to pursue their own redistricting strategies.
Currently, Republicans occupy all four of Utah’s House seats. The court-ordered map implemented by Judge Dianna Gibson last autumn maintains Salt Lake County largely within a single district, rather than splitting the Democratic stronghold across all four districts as occurred under the previous arrangement. This new configuration was proposed by the plaintiffs in the lawsuit, which included the League of Women Voters of Utah and Mormon Women for Ethical Government.
GOP officials have contended that the judge lacked proper legal standing to implement district boundaries without legislative approval.
However, a three-judge federal panel rejected the Republican petition for a preliminary injunction to prevent use of the new boundaries in upcoming elections. The federal judges concluded that Republicans were unlikely to succeed with their legal challenge and determined that judicial intervention would come too late in the election cycle.
Utah’s congressional candidate filing period begins March 9, with party caucuses set for March 17 and state conventions planned for April 25. The court observed that some candidates have already begun their campaigns.
“An active primary is ongoing, and the election has drawn too close for the court to get involved,” the judges wrote, adding: “The possibility of voter confusion is a considerable risk were the panel to enjoin the current election map.”
University of Maryland Eastern Shore women’s basketball standout Kaliya Perry has been selected as the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Rookie of the Week, marking her fourth time receiving this recognition during the current season.
The achievement underscores Perry’s consistent impact on the court for the Hawks throughout her debut collegiate campaign. Her repeated recognition by the conference demonstrates her ability to perform at a high level week after week.
Perry’s latest honor comes following the Hawks’ recent games, including their matchup against Coppin State. The freshman has established herself as a key contributor to the team’s efforts this season.
This marks Perry’s fourth weekly rookie honor from the MEAC, showcasing her emergence as one of the conference’s top first-year players. The recognition reflects her ongoing development and contributions to the UMES women’s basketball program.
Notre Dame’s star running back Jeremiyah Love is poised to make a spectacular impression at this week’s NFL Scouting Combine, with the potential to deliver a performance reminiscent of Saquon Barkley’s memorable showing.
The 20-year-old athlete is expected to clock a 40-yard dash in the low 4.3-second range, showcasing the explosive speed and athleticism that could create a highlight-reel moment in Indianapolis.
During his time with the Fighting Irish, Love accumulated 40 touchdowns while serving as the team’s primary ball carrier and currently sits at the number two spot on Field Level Media’s rankings of top 2026 draft candidates.
Love’s game-breaking velocity represents his strongest asset heading into the draft. While he may not reach the second overall selection that Barkley achieved with the Giants, his combination of skills positions him as a strong candidate for a top-10 pick, particularly given the number of franchises in that range seeking backfield help.
Several teams picking early could target Love, including the Arizona Cardinals (third pick), Tennessee Titans (fourth), New York Giants (fifth), Washington Commanders (seventh), New Orleans Saints (eighth), and Kansas City Chiefs (ninth) – all organizations that could view him as a crucial offensive weapon.
When Barkley tested at the 2018 combine, he registered 233 pounds with a 4.4-second 40-yard dash, 41-inch vertical leap, and 29 repetitions at 225 pounds on the bench press.
Love’s anticipated 40-yard dash and vertical jump measurements could surpass Barkley’s numbers, with his 10-yard split potentially showing exceptional acceleration compared to Barkley’s 1.54-second mark.
Scouts are drawing parallels between Love and former Arkansas speedster Darren McFadden, who posted a 4.33-second 40-yard dash in 2008.
For context, Virginia Tech’s Bhayshul Tuten recorded the fastest time among running backs at last year’s combine with a 4.32, eventually being selected 104th overall by Jacksonville.
The United States has evacuated dozens of diplomatic personnel from its embassy in Lebanon as tensions with Iran continue to escalate, raising fears of potential military confrontation in the region.
A high-ranking State Department official announced Monday that non-essential government workers and their eligible family members have been withdrawn from the Beirut facility as a precautionary measure.
“We continuously assess the security environment, and based on our latest review, we determined it prudent to reduce our footprint to essential personnel,” the official told reporters while requesting anonymity.
The official emphasized that operations will continue with skeleton staffing. “The Embassy remains operational with core staff in place. This is a temporary measure intended to ensure the safety of our personnel while maintaining our ability to operate and assist U.S. citizens,” they explained.
Sources indicate approximately 50 individuals were evacuated, with airport officials in Beirut confirming that 32 embassy employees and their family members departed on flights Monday.
This diplomatic pullback comes as the United States has assembled one of its largest military presences in the Middle East in recent years. President Trump issued stern warnings last Thursday, stating that “really bad things will happen” without progress on resolving the ongoing nuclear dispute with Tehran. Iranian officials have countered with threats to target American military installations throughout the region if attacked.
Internal State Department communications obtained by news outlets detailed instructions for remaining staff, advising those in critical roles to coordinate coverage arrangements and consult with regional offices before considering departure.
The State Department also revised its Lebanon travel guidance Monday, maintaining its recommendation against all travel to the country. Current embassy staff face restrictions on personal travel and may encounter additional limitations “with little to no notice due to increased security issues or threats,” according to the updated advisory.
Lebanon holds particular significance for American security concerns, as U.S. interests faced repeated attacks during the country’s 1975-90 civil conflict. The Iran-supported Hezbollah organization was blamed for devastating strikes, including the 1983 bombing of Marine barracks that claimed 241 American lives and a separate embassy attack that same year killing 49 diplomatic personnel.
Despite rising tensions, diplomatic efforts continue. Secretary of State Marco Rubio maintains plans to visit Israel this Saturday for discussions with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, though officials note scheduling could change based on developments.
The nuclear standoff remains at the heart of U.S.-Iran relations, with Washington demanding Tehran abandon its atomic program while Iran maintains its activities are peaceful and refuses to halt enrichment operations. American officials view Iran’s uranium enrichment as a potential route to weapons development.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi expressed cautious optimism Sunday, confirming plans to meet with Trump’s special representative Steve Witkoff in Geneva Thursday. Araqchi suggested “a good chance” exists for diplomatic resolution.
However, significant disagreements persist between the nations, particularly regarding sanctions relief timing and scope, following two previous negotiation rounds. A senior Iranian source indicated both sides remain far apart on key issues.
Recent reporting suggests the situation is deteriorating rapidly, with diplomatic sources across the Gulf and Europe warning that military conflict appears increasingly likely as peaceful solutions seem less achievable.
Witkoff commented Sunday that President Trump questions why Iran has not yet “capitulated” and agreed to nuclear program restrictions.
Any potential military action would mark the second time within twelve months that U.S. and Israeli forces have struck Iranian targets, following coordinated attacks on military and nuclear sites last June.
The chief executive of logistics giant C.H. Robinson is pushing back against investor fears that artificial intelligence will disrupt the freight industry, arguing instead that the technology will benefit larger companies and drive consolidation.
CEO Dave Bozeman made the comments following a significant stock decline earlier this month. On February 12th, C.H. Robinson experienced its steepest single-day stock drop in approximately two years, falling 14.5% as part of a wider decline in transportation and logistics companies.
The market downturn was sparked by statements from AI technology firm Algorhythm Holdings, which claimed its SemiCab platform helps clients increase freight volumes by 300% to 400% while maintaining the same staffing levels.
Speaking with Reuters, Bozeman characterized the stock decline as a “short-term reaction” and emphasized his company’s competitive advantages. He pointed to C.H. Robinson’s size and extensive proprietary database as assets that would be expensive and challenging for competitors to match.
“We’re going to go into agentic artificial intelligence that’s going to make us faster and even better,” Bozeman stated.
The CEO predicts increased consolidation within the industry as smaller firms struggle to compete in an AI-focused marketplace that demands substantial data resources and specialized knowledge – capabilities that cannot be quickly developed even with significant investment.
C.H. Robinson recently announced fourth-quarter earnings that exceeded Wall Street projections, with AI-powered improvements contributing to streamlined operations and reduced manual work in routine business functions.
As of Monday afternoon trading, the company’s stock was trading at $178.44, down 6.1%, though it has regained some value since the mid-February selloff.
Anthropic, the company behind the Claude chatbot, announced Monday that three Chinese artificial intelligence firms illegally extracted technology from their system to enhance their own AI models. This revelation comes just weeks after OpenAI made similar accusations against Chinese competitors.
According to Anthropic’s blog post, the Chinese companies DeepSeek, Moonshot, and MiniMax established approximately 24,000 fraudulent accounts to generate over 16 million interactions with Claude. This activity violated the company’s user agreements and geographic access limitations.
The firms employed a method known as “distillation,” where an established AI system evaluates responses from a developing model, essentially copying the knowledge and capabilities of the mature technology, Anthropic explained.
In a previous memo obtained by Reuters, OpenAI had alerted U.S. government officials that DeepSeek was specifically targeting ChatGPT and other leading American AI companies to duplicate their models for training purposes.
“These campaigns are growing in intensity and sophistication. The window to act is narrow, and the threat extends beyond any single company or region,” Anthropic stated in their disclosure.
Each Chinese company focused on different aspects of Claude’s capabilities. DeepSeek concentrated on reasoning abilities across various tasks and developing alternatives to policy-restricted queries. Moonshot pursued advanced reasoning, tool integration, coding, and data analysis features.
MiniMax targeted coding capabilities, tool usage, and system coordination. Anthropic discovered this particular operation while it was still ongoing, before MiniMax had launched the model they were developing.
“When we released a new model during MiniMax’s active campaign, they pivoted within 24 hours, redirecting nearly half their traffic to capture capabilities from our latest system,” the blog post said.
None of the three Chinese companies responded to requests for comment regarding these allegations.
Michelle Wie West, the former U.S. Women’s Open winner, has announced she’s ending her retirement to participate in a cutting-edge indoor golf competition backed by golf superstars Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy.
The Hawaiian golfer stepped away from professional competition in 2023 after capturing five LPGA Tour victories during her career. She holds a limited ownership stake in TGL’s Los Angeles Golf Club squad, which features players Collin Morikawa, Tommy Fleetwood, Justin Rose and Sahith Theegala.
“I’m excited for the chance to compete again through WTGL, which will be a powerful platform for women’s golf,” stated Wie West, who represented the U.S. in five Solheim Cup competitions. “I’m passionate about growing the game, and TGL has proved how new formats through the lens of innovation and creativity can bring golf to a broader audience.”
The LPGA partnered with TMRW Sports in January to launch the WTGL, featuring elite female golfers in rapid-fire team competitions at the SoFi Center located in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.
Several top-ranked players have already committed to the league, including world number one Jeeno Thitikul, along with Charley Hull (ranked 3rd), Lydia Ko (6th), and Lottie Woad (8th).
Wie West made history in 2003 when she became the youngest player ever to survive the cut in an LPGA tournament at just 13 years old. Her career trajectory included a near-miss at making the cut in a men’s PGA Tour event the following year, though injuries and health issues plagued her throughout her professional journey.
Monday’s trading session at the Chicago Mercantile Exchange brought mostly declining values for dairy commodities, with block cheese standing as the lone exception to the downward trend.
Dry whey prices fell by 2.5 cents to settle at 65.5 cents, though no transactions were completed during the session. Meanwhile, 40-pound blocks of cheese bucked the overall trend, climbing 1.75 cents to reach $1.5150 per pound. Trading activity was robust for cheese blocks, with six transactions recorded at prices spanning from $1.49 to $1.5150.
Cheese barrels maintained their previous closing price of $1.49 per pound without any recorded sales activity. Butter experienced the steepest decline of the day, dropping 5.75 cents to $1.8125 per pound. This commodity saw significant trading volume with 18 transactions completed, with prices ranging between $1.81 and $1.87 per pound.
Nonfat dry milk rounded out the session with a 4-cent decrease, closing at $1.6450 per pound. Two sales were documented for this commodity, with transactions occurring at $1.64 and $1.6450 per pound.
The NBA handed down identical $35,000 fines Monday to Memphis Grizzlies guard Scotty Pippen Jr. and Miami Heat forward Myron Gardner following their involvement in a court brawl during Saturday’s game in Miami.
The incident unfolded during the final minutes of Miami’s 136-120 win over Memphis, with just 1 minute and 55 seconds left on the clock. After Pippen missed an attempt and began retreating down court, Gardner made contact with him from behind, sending Pippen tumbling to the ground. Pippen then pursued Gardner to the opposite end of the court, confronted him verbally while pointing, then delivered a forceful shove that sent both players tumbling off the court where they continued wrestling until officials and teammates separated them.
According to the league’s official statement, “Gardner initiated the incident by bumping Pippen from behind, causing Pippen to fall to the floor. Pippen further escalated the altercation by forcefully shoving Gardner in response.”
Officials issued technical fouls to both players and removed them from the contest, though neither received a suspension.
The 25-year-old Pippen is posting averages of 12.5 points and 4.8 assists through four appearances this season for Memphis, including one starting assignment.
Gardner, age 24, has appeared in 28 games for Miami this year with four starts, averaging 4.2 points and 3.0 rebounds per contest.
LONDON – Britain’s public broadcaster issued an apology Monday after failing to remove offensive language from its coverage of the country’s premier film awards ceremony, where a guest living with Tourette syndrome called out a racial slur during a presentation by two Black performers.
The incident took place Sunday evening at the British Academy Film Awards as actors Michael B Jordan and Delroy Lindo took the stage to present an award. John Davidson, whose life story inspired the award-winning film “I Swear,” shouted the offensive term from the audience. When the BBC aired its delayed broadcast approximately two hours later, the slur remained in the program and stayed available on the network’s streaming service until Monday morning.
Meanwhile, the broadcaster chose to remove director Akinola Davies Jr’s “Free Palestine” comment from his acceptance speech in the edited version.
Davidson had been invited to attend Sunday’s London ceremony after his personal journey with Tourette syndrome became the basis for “I Swear,” which received multiple honors at the awards show. The neurological condition causes individuals to experience sudden, uncontrollable sounds or movements called tics, which may sometimes involve profanity.
A BBC representative acknowledged Monday that audience members may have been exposed to “strong and offensive language” during the awards broadcast.
“This arose from involuntary verbal tics associated with Tourette syndrome, and as explained during the ceremony it was not intentional. We apologise that this was not edited out prior to broadcast and it will now be removed from the version on BBC iPlayer,” the spokesperson stated.
The British Academy of Film and Television Arts organization did not provide a response when contacted for comment.
During the live ceremony, host Alan Cumming addressed the situation later in the evening, explaining that the individual with Tourette’s could not control his words and stating: “We apologise if you were offended.”
Several prominent figures in the entertainment industry expressed frustration with how the situation was handled. Wendell Pierce, who appeared alongside Jordan in “The Wire,” took to social media platform X to voice his anger that the two presenting actors did not receive an immediate and comprehensive apology.
“The insult to them takes priority,” Pierce wrote. “It doesn’t matter the reasoning for the racist slur.”
Hannah Beachler, who worked as production designer on “Sinners,” described the circumstances as an “impossible situation” but criticized what she called a “throw-away” apology for making matters worse. “Of course we were offended,” Beachler commented.
The film “Sinners,” a vampire thriller highlighting blues music and Black culture during America’s segregation period, is experiencing a remarkable awards season that has been celebrated as historic for Black filmmakers.
The movie earned a record-breaking 16 Academy Award nominations and claimed three victories at the British awards: best original screenplay for writer-director Ryan Coogler, best supporting actress for Wunmi Mosaku, and best original score.
Jordan received nominations across multiple award ceremonies, including an Oscar nod, for his dual role as twin brothers in the film. Lindo, an accomplished stage and screen performer, also earned an Oscar nomination.
“I Swear” chronicles Davidson’s experience growing up with Tourette syndrome and how the condition shaped his life, leading him to become an advocate for raising public understanding of the disorder.
The advocacy organization Tourettes Action released a statement acknowledging the pain Davidson’s words caused at the awards ceremony while emphasizing that such outbursts do not represent a person’s true beliefs, intentions, or character.
“We are deeply sorry to the Black community for the harm caused but at the same time, it is vital that the public understands a fundamental truth about Tourette syndrome: tics are involuntary,” the group’s statement read.
Municipal leaders in Lewes have issued fresh guidance concerning winter weather conditions expected to impact the coastal Delaware community on February 23rd, 2026.
The Lewes administration, working alongside the Board of Public Works, has distributed updated advisories to help residents prepare for the incoming storm system.
City officials are coordinating with utility services to ensure essential operations continue during the weather event, while keeping the public informed about any potential service disruptions or safety measures.
Residents are encouraged to monitor official city communications channels for the most current information as conditions develop throughout the day.
A high-profile attorney who successfully represented American businesses before the Supreme Court in their fight against former President Trump’s trade tariffs is now calling for the federal government to issue refunds with interest to affected companies.
Neal Katyal, who served as the legal advocate for U.S. firms during the high court proceedings challenging the Trump administration’s tariff policies, maintains that Washington owes these businesses financial compensation for the fees they were forced to pay.
The Supreme Court case centered on whether the Trump-era tariffs imposed on various imported goods were legally justified, with Katyal’s clients arguing the trade measures caused significant financial harm to their operations.
According to Katyal, now that the legal challenge has been resolved in favor of the business community, the federal government has an obligation to return the collected tariff payments along with accumulated interest to the companies that were required to pay them.
The attorney’s push for reimbursement comes as businesses across the country continue to assess the long-term financial impact of the trade policies implemented during the previous administration.
The Las Vegas Raiders find themselves in a familiar position – starting from the bottom with hopes of climbing back to the top following a disastrous 2025 season.
After posting a league-worst 3-14 record, the Silver and Black have earned the top selection in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft as the new league year approaches in March.
The franchise faces substantial challenges in returning to competitive form, with extensive roster needs across multiple positions.
However, Las Vegas enters this crucial offseason period with significant resources at their disposal. The organization possesses ten draft picks and boasts more than $87 million in available salary cap room, providing ample opportunity to rebuild a depleted roster and challenge for relevance in the competitive AFC West division.
Financial flexibility highlights the Raiders’ rebuilding position:
Available salary cap space for 2026: $87.2 million
Largest individual cap hit: Defensive end Maxx Crosby at $35.791 million
Notable players entering free agency include offensive guard Dylan Parham, defensive end Malcolm Koonce, center Jordan Meredith (restricted free agent), quarterback Kenny Pickett, cornerback Eric Stokes, linebacker Elandon Roberts, and kicker Daniel Carlson.
Priority positions for improvement include quarterback, offensive line, wide receiver, and defensive line.
The Raiders’ 2026 draft capital includes:
Round 1: Pick 1
Round 2: Pick 36
Round 3: Pick 67
Round 4: Picks 102, 117, and 134
Round 5: Pick 174
Round 6: Picks 180 and 183
Round 7: Pick 220
This combination of draft assets and financial resources positions the Raiders to make substantial improvements as they prepare for the NFL Scouting Combine and a potentially franchise-altering offseason.
Four Syrian government security forces were killed Monday when ISIS militants attacked a checkpoint in northern Syria, according to the country’s state news agency, marking the terrorist organization’s most lethal strike against government troops since President Bashar al-Assad was removed from power.
The deadly incident occurred at a security post located west of Raqqa city and represents a significant increase in hostile activities by the extremist organization targeting President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s administration. This attack follows ISIS’s recent announcement just two days prior, when the group proclaimed “a new phase of operations” against Syria’s current leadership.
While ISIS has not yet taken responsibility for Monday’s deadly assault, the terrorist group did claim credit for two separate attacks over the weekend that targeted Syrian military personnel in the country’s northern and eastern regions, resulting in the deaths of one soldier and one civilian.
Syrian state media reported that government forces successfully repelled the Monday attack and eliminated one of the attacking militants. A security official confirmed to the news agency that ISIS was responsible for carrying out the assault.
Syria’s government became part of the U.S.-led international effort to defeat ISIS last year. During January, Syrian government troops took control of Raqqa city from the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces and secured significant portions of surrounding territory across northern and eastern Syria.
At the same time, American military personnel started their departure Monday from their primary base in northeastern Syria, according to three Syrian military and security officials. This withdrawal is part of a larger pullback of U.S. forces who were originally deployed to Syria ten years ago to combat ISIS.
A major winter storm is causing widespread transportation chaos throughout the northeastern United States, bringing air and rail travel to a complete halt across large portions of the region.
Weather experts are warning that driving conditions have become extremely dangerous and nearly impossible in the areas experiencing the storm’s most severe impact. The harsh conditions have forced the suspension of flight operations and train services in numerous locations.
The storm’s intensity has created hazardous situations for anyone attempting to travel, with authorities strongly advising people to avoid unnecessary trips until conditions improve.
LONDON — For the first time in nine decades, Britain may remove a royal family member from the line of succession to the throne. The UK government announced it’s exploring legal measures to formally exclude Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor from the monarchy’s succession order.
King Charles III’s younger brother currently holds the eighth position in line for the crown, even though he lost his prince title last October due to his connections with deceased convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Constitutional experts warn that eliminating him from succession could take considerable time since it would need approval from approximately a dozen nations that recognize the British monarch as their head of state.
However, support for this change appears to be growing following Mountbatten-Windsor’s arrest last week on charges of suspected misconduct in public office. The 66-year-old faces accusations of providing confidential trade secrets to Epstein during his tenure as Britain’s trade representative between 2001 and 2011. These allegations emerged after the US Justice Department released extensive Epstein-related documents last month.
Authorities released Mountbatten-Windsor on Thursday after holding him for approximately 11 hours, though the investigation continues.
“The government is clear that we are not ruling out action in respect of the line of succession at this stage, and we will consider whether any further steps are required in due course,” Chief Secretary Darren Jones informed Parliament members on Monday.
Jones emphasized that any action would wait until police complete their investigation.
The current succession order places Prince William as heir apparent, followed by his three children — Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis. Prince Harry ranks fifth, with his children Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet in sixth and seventh positions respectively.
Mountbatten-Windsor, who held second place at birth, now sits in eighth position. His daughters, Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, occupy ninth and twelfth places.
Parliamentary legislation would be necessary to remove him from succession, requiring lawmaker approval.
The Liberal Democrats have openly endorsed such action.
“I think it would be intolerable for Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor to succeed to the crown,” party leader Ed Davey stated last week. “It’s not as remote as some people think.”
Commonwealth nations where Charles serves as head of state would also need to approve succession changes.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese expressed Monday his willingness to support any UK plan to exclude Mountbatten-Windsor.
“These are grave allegations and Australians take them seriously,” Albanese wrote to Prime Minister Keir Starmer. “I agree with His Majesty that the law must now take its full course and there must be a full, fair and proper investigation.”
Starmer’s administration hasn’t received comparable letters from the other 13 countries recognizing Charles as head of state, including Canada, New Zealand, Jamaica, the Bahamas, and Tuvalu.
University College London politics professor Robert Hazell, who established the Constitution Unit, noted that some nations would need formal constitutional amendments while others could act through legislation. He questioned whether governments would invest time removing someone ranked eighth in succession.
“The last time this happened was for the Succession to the Crown Act 2013, which made the law of royal succession gender neutral,” Hazell explained. “It took two years of protracted negotiations for all the different countries to amend their own laws or constitutions.”
Questions remain about whether excluding Mountbatten-Windsor would impact his daughters and their children.
“Not necessarily — it depends how the legislation is framed,” Hazell said.
The most recent royal removal from succession occurred when King Edward VIII abdicated in December 1936 to wed American divorcee Wallis Simpson. That legislation eliminated both him and any future descendants from the succession list.
King Charles hasn’t publicly revealed his position on removing his brother from succession. The monarch has emphasized allowing the legal process to proceed, stating: “My family and I will continue in our duty and service to you all.”
British media reports suggest the palace wouldn’t oppose legislative changes to remove Mountbatten-Windsor from succession. The Times of London reported Saturday that an unnamed palace source said the royal family would “never get in the way” of Parliament’s decisions.
A coalition of environmental and conservation organizations has filed a federal court petition seeking to halt the agricultural use of dicamba herbicide on cotton and soybean crops.
The National Family Farm Coalition and Center for Food Safety, along with other advocacy groups, are challenging three recently approved product labels in their legal filing. The organizations argue that the Environmental Protection Agency failed to comply with requirements outlined in the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act during the approval process.
The lawsuit specifically targets the EPA’s authorization for over-the-top dicamba applications, a farming practice where the herbicide is sprayed directly over crops that have been genetically modified to resist the chemical.
LONDON — Authorities in Britain have detained Peter Mandelson, the former United Kingdom’s ambassador to America, as part of an ongoing investigation into his connections with Jeffrey Epstein. The arrest occurred on Monday, just days following the detention of former Prince Andrew in a related case involving the convicted financier.
The detention comes as authorities continue examining over 3 million pages of Epstein-related materials made public by the U.S. Justice Department.
London’s Metropolitan Police confirmed that officers detained a 72-year-old individual on charges related to misconduct in public office at a residence in northern London. The suspect was transported to a police facility for interrogation.
While police did not release the suspect’s identity following standard British protocol, the individual has been previously identified as the former diplomat, who is 72 years old. Video footage captured Mandelson being escorted from his London residence by two undercover officers on Monday afternoon.
British law permits authorities to detain suspects without formal charges for up to 24 hours, with possible extensions reaching 96 hours maximum. Mandelson may face formal charges, unconditional release, or release pending continued investigation.
Investigators are examining allegations that Mandelson shared confidential government data with Epstein approximately fifteen years ago. The case does not involve any sexual misconduct accusations.
His detention occurred four days following the arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the former Prince Andrew, on similar charges connected to his relationship with Epstein. Andrew was freed after spending 11 hours in custody while the investigation proceeds.
Mandelson lost his diplomatic position in September after published emails revealed he continued his relationship with Epstein following the financier’s 2008 conviction on sex crimes involving a minor.
Mandelson held high-ranking government positions under previous Labour administrations and served as Britain’s ambassador to Washington until Prime Minister Keir Starmer dismissed him in September due to his Epstein connections.
The Epstein documents indicate that Mandelson shared confidential government intelligence with Epstein in 2009, when Mandelson held a government position. This included an internal government analysis exploring methods for Britain to generate revenue following the 2008 financial crisis, including through government asset sales. Mandelson also reportedly informed Epstein he would advocate with other government officials to lower taxes on banking bonuses.
British authorities initiated a criminal investigation earlier this month and conducted searches of Mandelson’s residences in London and western England.
Starmer’s decision to appoint Mandelson nearly jeopardized his position as questions arose about his judgment regarding someone with a controversial political history spanning decades.
While Starmer has admitted his error and issued apologies to Epstein’s victims, his political future remains uncertain. His survival may depend on files related to Mandelson’s appointment. The government has committed to releasing these documents in early March, though his arrest may complicate this schedule.
Mandelson has remained a significant, though controversial, figure within the center-left Labour Party for decades. He is recognized as a skilled political strategist whose expertise in political maneuvering earned him the moniker “Prince of Darkness.”
As the grandson of former Labour Cabinet member Herbert Morrison, he helped orchestrate the party’s 1997 return to power as the centrist “New Labour” movement under Prime Minister Tony Blair.
Mandelson occupied senior government roles under Blair from 1997 to 2001, and under Prime Minister Gordon Brown from 2008 to 2010. He also served as the European Union’s trade commissioner during this period. Brown has expressed particular anger over these revelations and has assisted police in their investigation.
During the Blair years, Mandelson resigned from government twice due to allegations of financial or ethical violations, admitting errors while maintaining his innocence.
He subsequently returned to government service and resumed frontline politics when Starmer appointed him as ambassador to Washington at the beginning of President Donald Trump’s second administration. Mandelson’s trade knowledge and ease with wealthy individuals were viewed as significant advantages. He successfully negotiated a trade agreement in May that protected Britain from some tariffs Trump imposed globally.
The agreement’s future remains uncertain following Trump’s announcement of new worldwide tariffs after a Supreme Court ruling overturned his previous import tax directive.
