Delaware transportation officials have blocked traffic on Silver Lake Road at Noxontown Road as emergency responders deal with an active situation in the area.
The Delaware Department of Transportation announced the road closure, though specific details about the nature of the emergency have not been released at this time.
Drivers are advised to find alternate routes while crews work to resolve the incident and reopen the roadway to normal traffic flow.
The Delaware State University softball program has revealed modifications to their competitive calendar for the upcoming season.
Officials with the Hornets athletics department confirmed that their scheduled contest against Mississippi State University will not take place as originally planned.
The university has not provided additional details regarding the reasoning behind the scheduling adjustment or whether the game will be rescheduled for a later date.
Delaware State’s softball team continues to prepare for their remaining scheduled competitions as they work toward the start of their season.
HARARE, Zimbabwe — In a dusty area outside Zimbabwe’s capital city, dozens of young women, mothers carrying infants, and men gathered in lines Thursday to receive doses of a revolutionary HIV prevention medication that requires just two injections annually.
The southern African nation, which has experienced tens of thousands of HIV-related fatalities over the last twenty years, has become among the initial countries to distribute lenacapavir, an extended-release medication that officials believe will reduce new infection rates.
Clinical trials have shown the treatment provides nearly complete protection, leading some medical experts to call it a game-changer for vulnerable populations. However, others caution that transforming this scientific breakthrough into widespread success will depend on addressing funding limitations, healthcare system weaknesses, and maintaining patient participation.
Following her injection at the Zimbabwe launch event, Constance Mukoloka emerged from a mobile healthcare unit with a bright smile of relief after becoming one of the initial recipients.
“I am safe, I can work with confidence now,” the 27-year-old sex worker explained, discussing how taking daily preventive pills for preexposure prophylaxis, known as PrEP, frequently caused problems with clients and was hard to maintain regularly — endangering herself and others.
Mukoloka represents one of the earliest recipients of a donor-funded lenacapavir distribution program spanning 10 African nations. Medical authorities and advocates believe this medication could transform HIV prevention approaches if governments can overcome obstacles related to expenses and vulnerable healthcare infrastructure.
Created by Gilead Sciences in California, the introduction of lenacapavir in targeted high-risk nations receives backing from the United States President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, known as PEPFAR, working alongside the Global Fund.
Zimbabwe provides the injection at no cost to vulnerable groups including sex workers, teenage girls and young women, gay men, and expectant or nursing mothers.
For Mukoloka, this treatment means far more than simple convenience.
“When I took tablets, customers would see a container of pills and leave. They would never return due to fear,” she explained. “They couldn’t tell the difference between PrEP and treatment drugs. With the work we do, that stigma costs you money.”
Zimbabwe has offered daily oral PrEP for years along with condoms, vaginal rings, and shorter-duration injections. Still, consistent use has remained problematic, especially for individuals experiencing stigma or irregular routines.
“I work in beer halls looking for clients. Sometimes I would get drunk and forget to take my drugs,” Mukoloka noted. “Sometimes I would work all night and not have time. Some clients refuse protection. They say … ‘Why should I use protection when I have paid?’”
Medical officials view lenacapavir’s subtle nature and lengthy effectiveness as crucial benefits for key groups like sex workers, making it valuable in combating HIV transmission.
“Prevention must fit into real life. If a health solution is too complicated, too demanding, or too visible, people simply won’t use it,” stated Douglas Mombeshora, Zimbabwe’s health minister, during Thursday’s launch ceremony. “Lenacapavir represents a new way of doing things.”
Other southern African countries including Zambia and Eswatini have also introduced the medication.
Zimbabwe, Eswatini, and Zambia, formerly major HIV hotspots worldwide, have become leading examples of epidemic management in recent years, meeting World Health Organization goals for testing, treatment, and viral suppression.
Despite these achievements, new infections continue causing concern, especially among teenage girls and young women.
The United Nations children’s agency reports that HIV rates among adolescent girls and young women aged 10-24 remain “persistently” three times higher than their male peers in sub-Saharan Africa, caused by gender inequality, poverty, and unequal healthcare access.
Throughout sub-Saharan Africa, females of all ages represented 63% of new HIV infections in 2024, according to UNAIDS. In other global regions, approximately 73% of new 2024 infections affected males.
Zimbabwean authorities expect roughly 46,000 individuals across 24 locations to receive treatment during lenacapavir’s initial rollout phase, representing a small portion of potential need in this country of approximately 15 million residents.
Plans for subsequent phases remain unclear. Government officials express hope that beneficiary numbers will grow as additional donor-funded supplies become available. They also aim to purchase their own doses for broader distribution but, like many African governments, face insufficient funding.
Medical professionals, experts, and activists caution that real-world challenges could limit the drug’s early potential across Africa, a continent exceeding 1.5 billion people, particularly due to expensive mass distribution costs for governments.
Kenya, which received its initial 21,000 lenacapavir doses this week, announced the injection would cost approximately $54 per person annually at negotiated rates, still representing a substantial expense for many.
Gilead Sciences has committed to selling its medication without profit to low and middle-income countries significantly affected by HIV.
Bellinda Thibela, who focuses on health justice and access at Health GAP, an international advocacy group, called this move “a bit comforting” but insufficient alone on a continent where healthcare systems depend heavily on declining external funding, particularly following President Donald Trump’s foreign aid reductions.
Difficulties will persist in nations that were “80% to 90% dependent on U.S. funding,” Thibela observed. “What’s the point of having a reduced price if there is no staff and equipment in clinics?”
While numerous medical professionals consider lenacapavir a major advancement, they emphasize it should supplement, not substitute, existing prevention methods.
“Condoms remain key. They are cheap and they also prevent other sexually transmitted infections,” explained Enerst Chikwati, Zimbabwe program director at AIDS Healthcare Foundation.
However, for early users like Mukoloka, the medication’s effects already seem transformative.
“I am elated. I can go for a whole six months feeling safe,” she said.
Phoenix Suns guard Dillon Brooks sustained a fractured left hand during Saturday’s home matchup against the Orlando Magic and faces an extended absence from the court, according to ESPN reports.
The injury occurred early in the contest, forcing Brooks to exit the game with 4:46 left in the opening quarter. Despite his departure, the Suns managed to secure a thrilling 113-110 victory in double overtime. Brooks had been absent from Thursday’s loss in San Antonio due to a one-game suspension.
During his brief time on the court against Orlando, the 30-year-old guard contributed five points and grabbed three rebounds across seven minutes of play.
This season has marked a career year for Brooks in his debut campaign with Phoenix. Through 49 games as a starter, he’s posted career-high averages of 21.2 points per game, along with 3.7 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 1.1 steals while logging 31.1 minutes nightly. His rebounding numbers match his previous best from his time with the Houston Rockets last season.
The Suns face additional injury concerns beyond Brooks’ setback. Prior to Saturday’s game, the organization revealed that All-Star guard Devin Booker would be sidelined for a minimum of one week with a right hip strain suffered during Thursday’s contest against San Antonio.
Medical staff will reassess Booker’s condition after the one-week period to determine his recovery progress, though no specific return date has been established.
Saturday marked Booker’s ninth absence in the team’s last 12 contests. The five-time All-Star previously missed seven consecutive games due to a sprained right ankle.
The team also provided an update on recently signed guard Haywood Highsmith, who will undergo re-evaluation in 2-3 weeks for a right knee issue.
The Floyd County Coroner’s Office in Indiana has confirmed the death of Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Rondale Moore on Saturday. The 25-year-old athlete was discovered in a New Albany garage with what police believe was a self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to New Albany Police Chief Todd Bailey.
An autopsy has been scheduled for Sunday as authorities continue their investigation into Moore’s death.
Moore made his mark in college football during his freshman year at Purdue University in 2018, accumulating an impressive 1,471 scrimmage yards along with 662 yards on kickoff returns. His debut collegiate performance against Northwestern set a new Purdue record for all-purpose yards in a single game, totaling 313 yards through receiving (109), rushing (79 on just two attempts), and kickoff returns (125). That breakout season earned him All-America recognition and 12 receiving touchdowns.
His exceptional versatility on the field was recognized when he received the Paul Hornung Award, given annually to college football’s most versatile player.
Jeff Brohm, who coached Moore at Purdue and now serves as Louisville’s head coach, shared his memories of the young athlete on social media Saturday evening:
“Rondale Moore was a complete joy to coach. The ultimate competitor who wouldn’t back down from any challenge. Rondale had a work ethic unmatched by anyone. A great teammate that would come through in any situation. We all loved Rondale, we loved his smile and his competitive edge that always wanted to please everyone he came in contact with. We offer all our thoughts and prayers to Rondale and his family. We love him very much.”
The Arizona Cardinals selected Moore as their second-round pick, 49th overall, in the 2021 NFL Draft. During his rookie campaign, he recorded 54 receptions for 435 yards and one touchdown while also returning 13 kickoffs for an average of 22.4 yards. Injuries plagued his professional career, limiting him to 39 appearances out of 51 possible games across three seasons in Arizona.
Arizona traded Moore to the Atlanta Falcons before the 2024 season began, but a knee injury sustained during training camp ended his season before it started. The Vikings later signed him as a free agent prior to last season, though another knee injury during preseason action once again cut his campaign short.
Moore was a native of New Albany, Indiana, where he attended New Albany High School before transferring to Trinity High School in Louisville to complete his prep career.
The Department of Homeland Security plans to temporarily halt its TSA PreCheck and Global Entry traveler programs as the agency continues to face a shutdown, according to a Saturday report from the Washington Post.
A DHS spokesperson confirmed to the newspaper that the department is implementing the suspension as part of several emergency actions designed to reallocate personnel resources. This decision comes over a week following Congressional failure to approve additional funding for the agency.
The halt of these popular expedited screening programs represents one of multiple urgent steps the department says it must take to manage staffing during the ongoing budget crisis.
Reuters noted they were unable to independently confirm the Washington Post’s reporting at the time of publication.
Delaware State University’s women’s basketball squad delivered an impressive performance against Morgan State, cruising to a 74-59 victory with outstanding contributions from their reserve players.
The Hornets’ bench proved to be the difference-maker in Friday night’s matchup, adding 29 crucial points to propel the team to victory. The depth of Delaware State’s roster was on full display as substitutes stepped up when called upon.
The decisive win showcases the strength and versatility of the Hornets’ program, with players throughout the lineup making meaningful contributions. Delaware State controlled the game from start to finish, never allowing Morgan State to mount a serious comeback threat.
This victory continues Delaware State’s strong season as the team demonstrates the importance of having reliable bench players who can make an immediate impact when given the opportunity.
Delaware State University’s softball team encountered difficulties during the second day of competition at a multi-team invitational tournament, failing to record any wins in their scheduled games.
The Hornets struggled to find their rhythm throughout the day’s contests, unable to capitalize on scoring opportunities or maintain defensive consistency against their opponents.
The tournament results represent a setback for the Delaware State program as they continue working to build momentum in their season. The team will look to regroup and make adjustments before their next scheduled competition.
Delaware State’s coaching staff and players will have an opportunity to review game footage and address areas needing improvement as they prepare for upcoming matchups in their conference schedule.
ORLANDO, Fla. – The University of Delaware Blue Hens men’s swimming and diving squad earned a third-place standing at this year’s ASUN Swimming & Diving Championships.
The annual conference championship competition took place in Orlando, Florida, where Delaware’s male swimmers and divers competed against other ASUN member institutions.
The third-place result represents the final team standings for the Blue Hens in the 2026 conference meet, marking another competitive showing for the Delaware program at the championship level.
WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump revealed Saturday that he is collaborating with Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry on plans to deploy a hospital vessel to Greenland, the Danish territory Trump has expressed interest in purchasing.
The president made the announcement on social media just before welcoming Republican governors to a White House dinner, where he was seated alongside Landry.
“Working with the fantastic Governor of Louisiana, Jeff Landry, we are going to send a great hospital boat to Greenland to take care of the many people who are sick, and not being taken care of there. It’s on the way!!!” Trump said.
Officials from both the White House and Governor Landry’s office have not responded to inquiries regarding the social media post, including whether Denmark or Greenland requested the vessel or what specific medical needs require attention. The Department of War also declined immediate comment.
The announcement follows recent diplomatic activity, as Danish King Frederik made his second trip to Greenland within a year last week, signaling solidarity with the territory amid Trump’s acquisition efforts.
Representatives from Greenland, Denmark, and the United States conducted discussions late last month aimed at easing tensions that have developed within the NATO defense partnership over recent months.
Trump’s social media statement came just hours after Denmark’s Joint Arctic Command reported evacuating a crew member requiring emergency medical care from an American submarine positioned seven nautical miles from Nuuk, Greenland’s capital city.
The connection between Governor Landry and this medical mission remains unclear, as does any potential link between the evacuation incident and Trump’s announcement.
The U.S. Navy operates two hospital ships, the Mercy and the Comfort, though neither vessel is currently based in Louisiana waters.
A Royal Australian Navy vessel made its way through the contested Taiwan Strait over the weekend, according to government officials, with Chinese military forces closely monitoring the ship’s movement through the strategically important waterway.
The frigate Toowoomba, part of Australia’s Anzac-class fleet, completed what officials described as a standard passage through the strait on Friday and Saturday. This transit occurred as part of the vessel’s broader mission in the Indo-Pacific region, a government source confirmed on Sunday.
Beijing considers the narrow waterway between mainland China and Taiwan to be part of its territorial waters, along with asserting control over the democratically-run island of Taiwan itself. Chinese authorities have frequently reacted with hostility when foreign naval vessels navigate through these disputed waters.
According to the Australian source, “conducted a routine transit through the Taiwan Strait” during its “Regional Presence Deployment in the Indo-Pacific region.” The official added that “All interactions with foreign ships and aircraft were safe and professional.”
Chinese state media reported that military forces maintained constant surveillance of the Australian vessel throughout its passage. The Global Times, citing a Chinese military official, stated that “the Chinese People’s Liberation Army carried out full-process tracking, monitoring, and alert operations throughout the transit.”
American naval vessels regularly navigate through the strait several times each year, consistently drawing angry responses from Beijing. Other allied nations including France, Australia, Britain and Canada have also periodically sent ships through the waterway.
China has significantly increased its military activities in the waters and airspace surrounding Taiwan, most recently conducting military exercises near the island in late December.
Taiwan’s leadership continues to reject China’s territorial claims, maintaining that only the Taiwanese people have the authority to determine the island’s political future.
Pakistani military forces launched cross-border operations against militant positions within Afghanistan, according to officials in Karachi who attributed a wave of recent suicide attacks to fighters based in Afghan territory.
The military action represents a significant increase in hostilities between Pakistan and Afghanistan’s Taliban government, occurring just days after Kabul freed three Pakistani military personnel through Saudi Arabian mediation designed to reduce friction after months of border confrontations.
According to a February 21 government statement released Sunday morning, Pakistani officials possess “conclusive evidence” that the attacks were orchestrated by groups they refer to as Khwarij – their designation for the Pakistani Taliban – following orders from “their Afghanistan-based leadership and handlers.”
Pakistani forces conducted “intelligence-based selective targeting of seven terrorist camps and hideouts” operated by the Pakistani Taliban and Islamic State Khorasan Province near the Afghan border, the statement indicated.
Afghan Taliban officials were not immediately available for response to Reuters inquiries. Kabul has consistently rejected claims that militants use Afghan soil to launch operations against Pakistan.
According to government sources, recent attacks included an explosion at a Shiite mosque in Islamabad and violence in the northwestern border regions of Bajaur and Bannu. In Bannu, military officials reported Saturday that a suicide attacker targeted a security convoy, resulting in five militant deaths during fighting and two soldier fatalities when an explosive-filled vehicle struck a military truck.
The ongoing friction has repeatedly forced major border crossing points to close, hampering commerce and travel along the 2,600-kilometer frontier.
Violent confrontations in October resulted in dozens of casualties before both nations reached a tenuous ceasefire agreement. However, Pakistan maintains its accusations that Afghanistan’s Taliban leadership provides sanctuary to militants conducting attacks on Pakistani soil – allegations that Kabul continues to reject.
The Delaware State University Hornets faced a tough night on the court, falling to the Morgan State Bears by a final score of 82-68 in conference action.
The matchup saw the Bears pull away for a decisive 14-point victory over the Hornets, who struggled to keep pace throughout the contest.
This defeat adds to Delaware State’s ongoing challenges this season as the team continues to compete in conference play. The Hornets will look to regroup and bounce back in their upcoming games.
The loss drops Delaware State further in the conference standings as they work to find their rhythm in the latter portion of the season.
Recovery teams have successfully located the remains of all nine individuals who lost their lives in Tuesday’s devastating avalanche near California’s Lake Tahoe region, officials announced Saturday.
The tragic incident, which ranks among the most deadly avalanches in California’s recorded history, prompted an extensive search and recovery operation that faced significant challenges due to severe winter weather conditions.
Harsh storm systems moving through the area throughout the week created dangerous conditions that repeatedly forced rescue teams to suspend their efforts. A U.S. Army Blackhawk helicopter was deployed to assist in the recovery mission, flying into the treacherous Castle Peak area of Northern California.
The avalanche struck the group of skiers on Tuesday, triggering one of the largest search and recovery operations the region has seen. Weather-related delays meant families and loved ones had to wait days for closure as crews worked under extremely hazardous mountain conditions.
Authorities have not yet released the identities of the victims or provided additional details about what may have triggered the deadly snow slide.
Third-ranked Duke delivered a stunning blow to top-seeded Michigan, defeating the Wolverines 68-63 in Washington as Cameron Boozer poured in 18 points. The victory ended Michigan’s 11-game winning streak and marked another neutral-site setback for the storied program. Michigan had just claimed the number one ranking this week after Arizona’s previous hold on the top spot. The loss came on the same day that fourth-ranked Arizona defeated second-ranked Houston, marking the first time since February 8, 2025, that both the top two teams in the AP poll fell on the same day. The matchup served as a potential preview of Final Four action in the nation’s capital.
At the Winter Olympics in Milan, Norwegian cross-country skier Johannes Hoesflot Klaebo etched his name in the record books by completing an unprecedented clean sweep of men’s events. His victory in Saturday’s 50-kilometer mass start gave him his sixth gold medal of the games, surpassing Eric Heiden’s long-held Winter Olympics record of five golds in a single competition. Meanwhile, American speedskating sensation Jordan Stolz placed fourth in the men’s mass start event, finishing behind 40-year-old Dutch champion Jorrit Bergsma, who became the oldest male speedskater to claim Olympic gold. Team USA reached a Winter Games milestone with their 11th gold medal, achieved by Kaila Kuhn, Connor Curran, and Chris Lillis in the mixed aerials competition.
American women athletes are driving Team USA’s medal count to historic heights at the Milan Cortina Olympics. Through Saturday’s competition, female competitors have captured six gold medals and 17 total medals in women’s events alone, establishing new benchmarks for U.S. Winter Olympic performance. Including mixed competitions, the medal tally reaches 21. Over 40 American women will return home with Olympic hardware, with standout performances in women’s hockey against Canada, Alpine skiing, monobob, figure skating, and freestyle moguls. Team officials credit the success with inspiring future generations of female athletes.
The baseball world mourns the loss of Hall of Fame second baseman Bill Mazeroski, who died Friday at age 89. The Pittsburgh Pirates legend earned eight Gold Glove awards for his exceptional defensive play and captured the hearts of fans with his legendary walk-off home run in Game 7 of the 1960 World Series. Pirates owner Bob Nutting described Mazeroski, whose number 9 was retired by the team in 1987, as “one of a kind, a true Pirates legend.” The organization honored him with a statue on Bill Mazeroski Way in 2010.
New York Yankees superstar Aaron Judge made an impressive spring training debut in Tampa, launching two home runs in his first appearance. The three-time MVP connected for a pair of two-run blasts, one each in the third and fourth innings, finishing 2-for-3 with four RBIs. The 33-year-old slugger, coming off a season where he batted .331 with 53 homers and 114 RBIs, is preparing for next month’s World Baseball Classic. Judge will join a star-studded Team USA roster featuring Bryce Harper, Gunnar Henderson, Bobby Witt Jr., Cal Raleigh, and Kyle Schwarber.
The final day of Milan Cortina Olympics promises excitement with the men’s hockey gold medal showdown between the United States and Canada taking center stage. Eileen Gu will pursue her first gold of the 2026 Games in the rescheduled women’s Olympic freeski halfpipe final. Additional medals will be distributed in cross-country skiing, curling, and bobsled events before the closing ceremony concludes the competition.
Jacob Bridgeman has transformed the Genesis Invitational at Riviera into a commanding performance, building a six-stroke advantage over Rory McIlroy after Saturday’s third round. Starting the day tied for the lead, Bridgeman fired the day’s best score of 64, highlighted by three birdies in his opening four holes. His back nine surge included a spectacular birdie-eagle-birdie sequence that stretched his lead to six shots. McIlroy managed a 69 with seven consecutive pars to close his round, expressing satisfaction about playing in the final group to potentially pressure the leader.
The WNBA has presented a revised collective bargaining agreement proposal to the players’ union, maintaining housing payments for all players this season while offering limited changes to previous revenue-sharing terms. According to a source familiar with Friday’s negotiations, the league’s latest offer includes continued housing coverage for the current season, followed by housing payments for minimum salary players and first-year rookies in subsequent seasons. The source requested anonymity due to the sensitive nature of ongoing discussions.
Michigan secured the top overall seed in the NCAA Tournament selection committee’s preliminary rankings released Saturday. The Wolverines were joined by Duke, Arizona, and Iowa State as the four number one seeds in the early bracket preview shown on CBS. Iowa State claimed the final top seed ahead of UConn and Houston in the snapshot taken with less than a month remaining before Selection Sunday on March 15. The Final Four is scheduled for Indianapolis, with teams typically maintaining their seeding positions above the top-four regional seed cutline.
Moustapha Thiam exploded for a career-best 28 points to power Cincinnati’s shocking 84-68 victory over eighth-ranked Kansas in Lawrence. The 7-foot center dominated with 11-of-17 shooting and eight rebounds, leading Cincinnati to their second ranked opponent victory this season after defeating then-second-ranked Iowa State 79-70 on January 17. Baba Miller contributed 18 points, eight assists, and seven rebounds for the Bearcats. Kansas got 18 points and 12 rebounds from Flory Bidunga, while freshman standout Darryn Peterson added 17 points in 32 minutes after an early exit from their previous game against Oklahoma State.
WASHINGTON — A recent Supreme Court decision overturning President Donald Trump’s extensive tariff program has injected fresh complexity into US-China trade dynamics, as both nations work to prevent a full-scale economic conflict that could destabilize global markets while positioning themselves advantageously for upcoming negotiations.
While Friday’s judicial decision appears to give China leverage, experts believe Beijing will exercise restraint in capitalizing on this development, recognizing Trump retains alternative methods for imposing trade penalties. Both nations seek to preserve their delicate trade agreement and establish stability before Trump’s scheduled visit to Beijing.
“It will give China a moral boost in their negotiations with Trump’s team ahead of the summit, but they are prepared for the scenario that nothing actually changes in reality,” said Sun Yun, director of the China program at the Stimson Center, a Washington-based think tank.
Responding angrily to the setback, Trump announced plans for a temporary 10% worldwide tariff that would increase to 15%, while exploring other avenues for import taxes. He justified these measures by citing China’s challenge to American economic, technological and military supremacy.
“China had hundreds of billions of dollars in surpluses with the United States. They rebuilt China. They rebuilt the army. We built China’s army by allowing that to happen,” Trump told reporters Friday. “I have a great relationship with President Xi, but he respects our country now.”
The White House has announced Trump’s China visit will occur March 31 through April 2 for meetings with President Xi Jinping.
Xi will likely avoid aggressively leveraging the Supreme Court decision during Trump’s visit, instead focusing on building personal connections with the American president, according to Ali Wyne, a senior research and advocacy adviser on US-China policy at the International Crisis Group.
The stronger Xi’s relationship with Trump becomes, “the more likely it is that the fragile trade truce between the United States and China will take hold in earnest and that Trump will be amenable to security concessions that give China greater freedom of maneuver in Asia,” Wyne said.
When asked about the court ruling’s impact, Chinese Embassy spokesperson Liu Pengyu simply stated that tariffs and trade conflicts benefit neither nation. He urged Beijing and Washington to collaborate in “provide greater certainty and stability for China-U.S. economic and trade cooperation and the global economy.”
The judicial ruling has also generated uncertainty among other American trading partners across Asia and beyond, particularly those who negotiated agreements to address initial disruptions from Trump’s tariff policies.
“I would expect most Asian partners to proceed cautiously, with existing agreements largely holding as both sides work through the implications in the coming weeks,” said Dan Kritenbrink, a partner at The Asia Group who served as assistant secretary of state for East Asian and Pacific affairs in the Biden administration.
Kritenbrink noted he’ll monitor effects on Japan before Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s March Washington visit. Japan, a key US ally, has experienced worsening relations with Beijing recently.
Following Trump’s return to office last year, he utilized emergency powers legislation to implement 20% tariffs on Chinese products, citing Beijing’s inadequate efforts to control chemical exports used in fentanyl production.
Trump subsequently used identical emergency authority for broad reciprocal tariffs against numerous nations, including 34% on China. Beijing responded in kind, causing tariffs to temporarily reach triple-digit levels before both sides de-escalated.
Following multiple negotiation rounds and a Trump-Xi summit in South Korea last October, both countries established a one-year truce with 10% baseline tariffs. Trump reduced the fentanyl-related tariff to 10%, while Beijing renewed cooperation in limiting exports of substances used for opioid manufacturing.
Wendy Cutler, vice president of the Asia Society Policy Institute, suggested the Trump administration might quickly implement an alternative strategy. The Office of the US Trade Representative maintains an ongoing investigation into China’s adherence to previous trade agreements, potentially serving as the administration’s contingency plan, she explained. Trade law permits tariff implementation if China fails to meet agreement obligations.
Rep. Ro Khanna, the leading Democrat on the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party, called for the administration to develop a stronger approach that “holds China accountable for its unfair trade practices and leverages the collective power of our allies and partners.”
Gabriel Wildau, a managing director specializing in China political risk analysis at consultancy Teneo, observed that Trump has demonstrated readiness to employ alternative legal mechanisms for Chinese tariffs, as during his previous presidency. Beijing likely expects these tariffs could be sustained or recreated “with only modest difficulty.”
“But Beijing also holds out hope that they can persuade Trump to lower this tariff in exchange for purchase guarantees or other concessions,” Wildau said.
Two standout performers from Salisbury University’s track and field program took home the highest individual honors at this weekend’s Coast-to-Coast Indoor Conference Championships.
Anna Bodmer captured Female Track Athlete of the Meet recognition while Kai Smith earned Male Track Athlete of the Meet honors during Saturday’s competition at Christopher Newport University’s Freeman Center in Newport News, Virginia.
The Sea Gulls’ men’s squad delivered a strong performance to secure a runner-up finish in the team standings, while the women’s team claimed third place overall in the conference championships.
Both athletes’ outstanding performances helped propel Salisbury University to solid finishes in what marked another successful indoor track and field season for the Eastern Shore institution.
NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – Salisbury University’s men’s basketball squad endured a tough night on the road Saturday, suffering a lopsided 79-47 defeat to the 10th-ranked Christopher Newport University Captains at the Freeman Center.
The Sea Gulls found themselves outmatched against the highly-ranked Captains throughout the contest, unable to keep pace with their opponents’ offensive attack. The 32-point margin of victory highlighted the challenge Salisbury faced against one of the nation’s top Division III programs.
The loss adds to what has been a difficult stretch for the Sea Gulls as they continue their season against tough competition. Christopher Newport’s dominant performance showcased why they hold their top-10 national ranking in Division III basketball.
Governor Jenniffer González of Puerto Rico has enacted new legislation that legally defines unborn children as human beings within the territory’s criminal justice system. The Republican governor, who supports President Trump, explained that “the legislation aims to maintain consistency between civil and criminal provisions by recognizing the unborn child as a human being.”
This new provision has been incorporated into Puerto Rico’s Penal Code as part of the murder definition section. Officials state that this change works in conjunction with existing legislation that already treats the intentional killing of a pregnant woman – resulting in the death of her unborn child at any point during pregnancy – as a first-degree murder offense.
In other religious freedom news, former U.S. Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom Sam Brownback recently warned Congress about escalating global persecution of religious communities. During his testimony before a congressional panel this month, Brownback identified China as the driving force behind worldwide religious oppression, citing Beijing’s distribution of surveillance equipment to authoritarian leaders across Asia and Africa who deploy these tools to suppress religious practices.
“There’s an alliance of nations that sees religious freedom as the greatest internal threat to their dictatorial control,” Brownback stated. “The community of faith has become the target of this dark alliance and China is the puppet master behind all of it.”
A recent survey by the Public Religion Research Institute reveals varying levels of support among religious groups for legislation prohibiting gender transition procedures for minors. White Evangelical Protestants showed the strongest backing for such restrictions at 67 percent, while support decreased among other denominations: White Mainline Protestants at 51 percent, White Catholics at 50 percent, and Black Protestants at 44 percent.
Meanwhile, in Italy, a centuries-old religious artifact has found temporary new quarters after restoration. The Bearded Saint with Book, a 15th-century sculpture previously displayed at Milan’s famous Duomo cathedral, is now housed at FNM, an Italian transportation company. The relocation occurred through the cathedral’s “Adopt a Statue” initiative, established in 2020 by the historic organization responsible for the cathedral’s preservation. This program allows donors to fund statue restoration in exchange for loan agreements permitting occasional display away from the Duomo, typically starting with one-year terms that may be extended.
Student demonstrations continue across Iran’s universities despite the government’s harsh attempts to silence dissent, according to reports from Iran International and Tousi news outlets. At Tehran’s Amirkabir University of Technology, students organized a demonstration that shut down a nearby street.
Video footage from the protest captured students scattering while shouting “Don’t be afraid, we are all together,” the news sources reported. At Tehran’s Sharif University of Technology, another demonstration took place where participants reportedly called out “Death to Khamenei” and “Long live the King.” Students at Mashhad’s Medical University also gathered to protest, with demonstrators calling for “Freedom.”
The ongoing unrest has sparked a public disagreement between President Donald Trump and Iran’s top diplomat regarding the number of people killed during the government’s response. During a Friday press conference, Trump urged Iran to negotiate, stating: “Iran should make a deal. It’s a very sad situation. The Iranian people are better than their leaders. Thirty-two thousand people were killed in a short time.”
Trump further claimed: “They were going to hang 800, two weeks ago, hang some by a crane. They lift them up with a tall crane, and they play with them around the square.”
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi disputed these numbers in a social media post on X, writing: “We are fulfilling our commitment to full transparency with our people. The government has already published the complete list of 3,117 victims in the recent terror operation, including about 200 police officers.”
The conflicting casualty figures reflect broader uncertainty about the scope of the violence. Iran International previously estimated that up to 36,000 people may have died during the crackdown in late January, with countless others wounded and jailed. A U.S.-based human rights organization informed CBS that arrest numbers exceeded 50,000 people.
The University of Maryland Eastern Shore men’s basketball team saw their comeback bid come up empty in overtime against Coppin State, falling short despite a determined late-game push.
The Hawks battled back from a deficit to force overtime but were unable to capitalize on their momentum in the extra period. UMES showed resilience throughout the contest, refusing to fold when trailing and managing to extend the game beyond regulation.
The loss continues a challenging stretch for the Hawks as they work to build consistency on both ends of the court. Despite the disappointing result, the team’s ability to mount a comeback demonstrates the fighting spirit that has characterized their season.
UMES will look to bounce back from this tough overtime defeat as they continue their campaign. The Hawks showed they can compete when facing adversity, a positive sign as they move forward in their schedule.
Military experts are warning that the United States has positioned its most substantial force deployment in the Middle East since the 2003 Iraq invasion, indicating potential preparations for an extended military operation against Iran that could span multiple weeks.
Former British Army commander Col. Richard Kemp spoke with The Media Line about the unprecedented scale of American military assets now concentrated in the region. “As I understand it, this is the biggest military buildup in the Middle East since 2003,” Kemp stated. He emphasized that the current force level exceeds what was deployed during last June’s 12-day conflict in 2025, describing it as “very significant military power.”
Washington has been using the term “imminent” for weeks regarding potential action, though specific timelines remain undefined. The military positioning could lead to rapid developments or extend over a longer period, according to Kemp, who focused on the strategic implications rather than political rhetoric.
“I think it’s likely there will be a military strike, but I don’t think you’d say it’s inevitable,” he explained. “I think it’s very likely.”
The comparison to 2003 reflects more than mere emphasis, as the current military footprint has expanded dramatically in recent weeks. Four American carrier strike groups are now either stationed in or heading toward the broader Middle East region, fundamentally altering the strategic balance. Approximately twelve guided-missile destroyers are positioned throughout surrounding waters, with some near the Strait of Hormuz and others operating closer to the Red Sea.
The United States maintained a substantial regional presence even before this buildup, with over 40,000 personnel stationed at military installations and aboard naval vessels. The arrival of the latest carrier group adds several thousand additional service members to this total.
Aviation assets have also been repositioned significantly. Long-range B-52 bombers and B-2 stealth aircraft have been placed on heightened alert status. Additional fighter aircraft, including F-16s, F-22s, and F-35s, have been moved to forward positions. Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar has raised its alert levels, with these adjustments reflecting both offensive capabilities and defensive preparations for potential retaliation.
The concentration of forces makes it difficult to characterize the deployment as routine military positioning.
The June 2025 conflict, which commenced on June 13 and lasted 12 days, had clearly defined military objectives. Kemp described that engagement as primarily targeting Iran’s ballistic missile capabilities and nuclear infrastructure. Israel conducted most of that campaign, focusing on air defense systems and missile-related facilities, with American forces joining near the conclusion. While intense, the fighting remained limited in scope and was not designed to topple the Iranian government.
Kemp suggested that President Donald Trump would prefer achieving concessions from Tehran without engaging in full-scale warfare. “I think he would prefer Iran to buckle under the military pressure that’s been building up around them and make significant concessions, particularly on the nuclear program, but also on ballistic missiles and potentially on sponsoring terrorist proxies in the region as well,” he said. “He would like to be able to stand up and say, ‘I have resolved this through negotiations rather than through military force.’”
However, Kemp expressed skepticism about Iran’s willingness to offer genuine, lasting concessions. “Nothing that Iran agrees to or says can be trusted,” he stated. “They’ll just use it as a tactic to buy time for themselves.”
Should diplomatic efforts fail, the currently deployed forces suggest preparation for operations extending beyond limited strikes intended as warnings. Kemp outlined two distinct aspects of the military buildup: offensive capabilities and protection of American personnel and regional allies.
“One is what you need to actually damage Iran, bring down the regime, destroy the key components in Iran that are used offensively against other countries in the Middle East, of course, Israel particularly,” he explained. “The second element is defensive.”
American forces positioned throughout the Gulf region, including those in Qatar, would face exposure to Iranian missiles and allied militias during military operations. Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates would need to assess their own vulnerabilities. Israel would almost certainly become a primary target for retaliation. Kemp noted that protecting “such a wide range of targets” demands substantial resources, including aircraft, naval vessels, layered missile defense systems, and regional coordination.
Kemp also raised the possibility of preemptive or simultaneous action against Iranian proxy forces. While Hezbollah in Lebanon has been significantly weakened since last year, he said, the organization retains missile launch capabilities against Israel. Yemen’s Houthis continue to possess long-range attack capabilities. “They would have to be dealt with either before a US strike in Iran, or at the same time,” he said. “We’re talking about a much more intensive attack.”
The question of operational duration remains central to understanding potential scenarios. Would a new confrontation follow the compressed timeline of June 2025, or evolve into something more prolonged?
“I would say much longer than a couple of days,” Kemp predicted. “It could run into weeks. It could well be a fairly long, sustained bombing campaign against Iran.”
He stressed that military planners would continuously evaluate results throughout any campaign. While objectives would be established beforehand, the operation’s length would depend on whether those goals were being achieved. “They won’t probably know now how long it’s going to last,” he said. “It depends on the effect.”
Brig. Gen. Amir Avivi, founder of the Israel Defense and Security Forum, presented the situation in more dramatic terms when speaking with The Media Line, stating that strategic discussions have moved beyond targeting nuclear facilities.
“The objective of the 12-day war was to destroy their nuclear capability and stop the rapid buildup with ballistic missiles,” Avivi explained. “Now we are talking about taking down the regime. It is something completely different.”
According to Avivi, Tehran misinterpreted the aftermath of June 2025. Rather than reducing tensions, he said, Iran continued investing resources in missile development and maintaining its regional proxy network, despite domestic economic difficulties. “There is no way to stop this threat and the instability in the Middle East without dismantling this regime,” he argued.
Avivi suggested that under optimal conditions, including precise intelligence and rapid targeting of command structures, the regime could be overthrown within weeks. “I think in two weeks it could be done,” he said, while acknowledging that success would heavily depend on internal Iranian dynamics.
He argued that the crucial variable extends beyond military hardware to include the Iranian population itself. Iran faces economic pressures, he said, and public dissatisfaction persists. Should external military action coincide with renewed domestic unrest, the regime would confront simultaneous internal and external challenges.
Kemp, while more cautious, also indicated that leadership targets would likely be central if objectives extend to regime change. “If the objective is to topple the regime, then one of the primary targets has to be the IRGC [Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps],” he said.
He did not dismiss unconventional approaches. “I wouldn’t be surprised if we see troops on the ground,” Kemp said. “I don’t mean large scale. I’m talking about special forces commandos, maybe, to directly take out the Ayatollah and some of the other leadership. I don’t think we should exclude the possibility of that happening, as well as the air campaign.”
Avivi dismissed the notion that a regime-focused campaign would necessarily require substantial foreign ground forces. If there are “boots on the ground,” he said, they would not be American or Israeli troops.
“The boots on the ground are the Iranian people,” he stated.
In his assessment, sustained external military pressure could combine with growing internal frustration. Economic hardship, infrastructure shortages, and political repression have undermined confidence in the leadership, he argued. If the regime’s military foundation weakens, domestic unrest could complete the process.
“You need to eliminate the leadership,” he said. “You need to break their military capability completely.”
When asked about proxy escalation, Avivi said the probability is “very high” if Hezbollah, the Houthis, and other aligned groups view the confrontation as existential. He added that recent conversations with senior Israeli military leadership revealed a sense of preparedness and heightened alertness. “There is no 100%,” he said, acknowledging that ballistic missiles would likely strike Israel and create serious challenges.
The distinction from June 13, 2025, therefore involves not only the scale of American military equipment now visible in the region, but also the objectives being discussed by those analyzing the situation.
“The primary target,” Kemp said, “is going to be the leadership and the effort to try and bring the regime down.”
Whether this objective can be accomplished primarily through air operations, requires limited ground operations, or results in stability or prolonged chaos remains unclear. What appears more certain, in their analysis, is that the current military posture is not intended for symbolic purposes.
“It’s needed in order to sufficiently damage the regime,” Kemp concluded. “Not a token strike.”
US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee has found himself at the center of international controversy following statements made during a recent appearance on Tucker Carlson’s podcast program.
During the discussion, Huckabee addressed questions about biblical references to territory that encompasses portions of Egypt, Syria, and Iraq as belonging to Israel, though he emphasized that Jerusalem has no current plans for such expansion.
The diplomatic storm erupted when Carlson pressed the ambassador about Israel’s rights to what he described as “basically the entire Middle East.” When asked directly if Israel had legitimate claim to such vast territory, Huckabee initially deflected, saying “Not sure we’d go that far” and noting “It would be a big piece of land.”
However, when Carlson persisted with his questioning, Huckabee responded, “It would be fine if they took it all,” though he quickly clarified, “I don’t think that’s what we’re talking about here today.”
When specifically asked about Israel potentially taking control of Jordan, Huckabee defended Israel’s current position, stating “They’re not trying to take over Jordan. They’re not trying to take over Syria. They’re not trying to take over Iraq or anywhere else, but they do want to protect their people.”
The ambassador further explained, “I think you’re missing something because they’re not asking to go back to take all of that, but they are asking to at least take the land that they now occupy, they now live in, they now own legitimately, and it is a safe haven for them.”
Regional governments responded with swift condemnation on Saturday, characterizing Huckabee’s statements as violations of established diplomatic protocols and international legal standards.
Jordan’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Fuad al-Majali condemned what he termed “absurd and provocative statements,” declaring them “an assault on the sovereignty of the countries of the region and a flagrant breach of international law.”
Egypt’s Foreign Ministry similarly rejected the ambassador’s remarks, labeling them a “blatant violation” of diplomatic standards and arguing they contradicted President Donald Trump’s expressed goals for resolving the Gaza conflict.
Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit, representing the organization’s 22 member nations, criticized Huckabee’s position as conflicting with established US foreign policy stances. Palestinian leadership also responded, calling on the Trump administration to issue a “clear and explicit stance” addressing the controversial statements.
Neither the White House nor the State Department provided responses to media inquiries seeking comment on the matter.
NEWARK, Del. – The Blue Hens women’s tennis team will take the court earlier than expected today as their matchup with the Navy Midshipmen has been rescheduled due to weather concerns.
Officials have pushed up the start time to 12:30 p.m. at the Wilmington Country Club as forecasters predict deteriorating conditions later in the day.
The schedule change allows both teams to complete their match before any potential weather interruptions arrive in the area.
STARKVILLE, Miss. – The Blue Hens baseball program at the University of Delaware has made adjustments to their upcoming Sunday contest versus Mississippi State.
The modifications impact the scheduled matchup between Delaware and the Bulldogs that was set to take place on Sunday in Mississippi.
Delaware State University’s women’s wrestling program reached a historic milestone this weekend, as two Hornets earned their way to the NCAA National Championship for the first time in the school’s wrestling history.
The achievement came during competition at the NCAA Regional Championship held in Frank Springs, Georgia, where the DSU women’s wrestling squad put together an impressive performance that included the breakthrough individual qualifications and a solid team placement in the upper portion of the standings.
This marks a significant breakthrough for the Delaware State wrestling program, as no Hornets wrestlers had previously qualified for the prestigious national tournament. The two qualifying athletes will now represent DSU and the state of Delaware on wrestling’s biggest collegiate stage.
The strong regional showing demonstrates the continued growth and development of Delaware State’s women’s wrestling program, which has been building toward this type of breakthrough performance.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Salisbury University swimmers made their final push for national recognition at Saturday’s Battle of the Birds meet, held at Catholic University’s DuFour Center Pool.
The competition provided a crucial last opportunity for select members of both the Sea Gulls’ men’s and women’s swimming programs to enhance their positions on national performance rankings as the season winds down.
Libby Miyashita led the charge for Salisbury, breaking the 200-yard butterfly record during the Washington, D.C. competition. The meet attracted swimmers looking to make final adjustments to their times before postseason competition begins.
The Battle of the Birds event, hosted by Catholic University, drew participants focused on securing their spots among the nation’s top collegiate swimmers in their respective events.
GREENSBORO, N.C. – Salisbury University’s baseball team experienced both triumph and defeat during Saturday’s Division III Showcase at First National Bank Field, splitting a doubleheader against two highly-ranked opponents.
The Sea Gulls, currently ranked fifth nationally, started strong by defeating the third-ranked Denison Big Red 4-1 in their morning contest. However, their momentum shifted in the evening game as they suffered a decisive 12-1 loss to the sixth-ranked Lynchburg Hornets, with the contest ending after seven innings due to the mercy rule.
The showcase provided Salisbury with valuable experience against elite Division III competition as they continue their season preparation.
The 30th-ranked Goldey-Beacom Lightning baseball team dropped a close 8-7 decision to Kutztown University while competing in Cary, North Carolina.
The Lightning are currently on their second journey to the North Carolina city, where they faced off against Kutztown in what turned out to be a tightly contested matchup.
Despite the narrow margin of defeat, Goldey-Beacom was unable to secure the victory in the one-run game against their opponents.
The Delaware-based Lightning will look to bounce back from this setback as they continue their competition away from home.
New York Yankees slugger Aaron Judge delivered a spectacular performance Saturday, launching two home runs and driving in four runs as his team demolished the Detroit Tigers 20-3 in spring training action in Tampa, Florida.
The reigning American League MVP, who blasted 53 homers with 114 RBIs last season, connected for a pair of two-run shots in consecutive innings. Judge found the seats in both the third and fourth frames, helping fuel a Yankees offensive onslaught that produced 18 hits total.
The Bronx Bombers erupted for three runs in the fourth inning and added nine more in the eighth. Roderick Arias capped the scoring barrage with a grand slam during the eighth-inning rally, finishing 2-for-3 on the day. Paul Goldschmidt contributed two hits and two RBIs, while Jackson Castillo added a three-run blast in the eighth.
Detroit’s lone bright spot came from Corey Julks, who connected for a solo homer in the third inning.
In other spring training action, the Toronto Blue Jays blanked the Philadelphia Phillies 3-0 in Dunedin, Florida. Daulton Varsho went 2-for-2 with a solo home run to pace the defending AL champions, while Sean Keys added a two-run homer. The Blue Jays collected nine hits total, while Justin Crawford managed two hits in three at-bats for Philadelphia.
The Pittsburgh Pirates cruised past the Baltimore Orioles 8-2 in Sarasota, Florida, powered by a six-run fifth inning. Ryan O’Hearn’s three-run homer highlighted the big inning, with Endy Rodriguez contributing a two-run shot. Despite allowing just five hits, Baltimore committed two costly errors. Blaze Alexander and Leody Taveras each went 1-for-2 with a run scored for the Orioles.
Boston defeated Minnesota 7-2 in Fort Myers, Florida, with Mikey Romero leading the way with two hits and two RBIs. Andruw Monasterio connected for a solo homer and Allan Castro drove in two runs for the Red Sox. The Twins committed four errors but got two hits and two RBIs from Royce Lewis, including a solo home run.
The Atlanta Braves topped the Tampa Bay Rays 5-1 in Port Charlotte, Florida, behind Ben Gamel’s outstanding performance. Gamel homered, doubled, walked, scored twice and drove in three runs. Atlanta scored all five runs in the first three innings, including three in the third. Logan Davidson homered for Tampa Bay, which outhit Atlanta 9-7.
Miami edged the New York Mets 2-1 in Port St. Lucie, Florida, in a low-scoring affair where each team managed just two hits. Jakob Marsee scored both runs for the Marlins, crossing the plate with the winning run in the sixth on Christopher Morel’s sacrifice fly. Kevin Villavicencio and Austin Barnes had the Mets’ only hits.
A Washington split squad defeated Houston 2-1 in West Palm Beach, Florida, on Jorgelys Mota’s sixth-inning solo homer. Nationals starter Jake Eder allowed one run and two hits over two innings, with seven relievers combining to shut out the Astros thereafter. Nick Allen drove in Houston’s lone run with a second-inning single.
Washington’s other split squad topped St. Louis 6-2 in Jupiter, Florida, behind Maxwell Romero Jr.’s three-run homer during a four-run fifth inning. Trey Lipscomb added two hits and an RBI for the Nationals, who went 4-for-8 with runners in scoring position. Nathan Church homered for the Cardinals.
Salisbury officials have announced an emergency declaration that will take effect at 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, February 22, 2026, as the city braces for approaching winter weather conditions.
The emergency order will stay active until city leaders decide to lift it or until Maryland state officials make additional determinations regarding the weather situation.
Municipal operations will continue running while authorities keep a close watch on developing storm conditions.
Information about snow clearing operations and emergency route designations is available through the city’s official website.
City field operations crews will begin working to keep roadways passable once the storm arrives. Officials are asking people to remain indoors when possible and ensure emergency routes stay accessible for plowing equipment. Anyone living along a designated emergency route must relocate their vehicles from the roadway by 2:00 p.m. Sunday to facilitate snow clearing operations. Neighborhood streets will receive plowing services only if snow depths reach more than four inches, and crews will focus on major thoroughfares before moving to residential areas.
Building owners along city streets have 24 hours after the snowfall stops to clear their sidewalks, making a pathway no less than four feet in width for safe pedestrian passage. Those living near fire hydrants must maintain a cleared area of at least three feet around the equipment to ensure emergency responders can access it.
Officials warn against placing or shoveling snow back onto roadways, which creates additional challenges and safety risks for clearing crews.
Additional details about the city’s snow clearing procedures and ongoing storm updates are available at https://salisbury.md/ and through the city’s Facebook and Instagram social media accounts.
NEWARK, Del. – Bad weather moving into the area has forced the University of Delaware to call off Sunday’s men’s tennis competition against Rider University.
The Blue Hens were set to face Rider at 12:45 p.m. on February 22 at the Wilmington Country Club, but officials made the decision to postpone the match due to poor weather conditions expected in the region.
No makeup date has been announced for the rescheduled contest between the two teams.
Dallas has made their first major move of the offseason by securing the services of their top ground game performer.
The Cowboys announced Saturday that running back Javonte Williams has agreed to a three-year contract extension worth $24 million.
The 25-year-old Williams joined Dallas on a one-year, $3 million contract last offseason following four seasons with the Denver Broncos.
Williams justified the investment by posting career-high numbers with 1,201 rushing yards, ranking ninth across the NFL, along with 11 rushing touchdowns over 16 games. Those totals exceeded his combined production from the previous two seasons, when he accumulated 1,287 rushing yards and seven touchdowns across 33 contests.
Dallas ranked ninth in the league for ground attack efficiency, averaging 125.6 rushing yards per contest with a 4.6-yard average per attempt, largely due to Williams’ contributions.
Throughout his five-year professional career spanning 70 games with 45 starts, Williams has accumulated 3,595 rushing yards and 22 rushing touchdowns, while also contributing 1,103 receiving yards and seven receiving scores through the air.
Having secured Williams’ services, Dallas can now turn their attention to negotiations with star receiver George Pickens, whose current contract is set to expire.
Phoenix Suns All-Star guard Devin Booker faces at least another week on the sidelines after sustaining a right hip strain in Thursday’s matchup against San Antonio, occurring during the second quarter of play.
Team medical staff will conduct another evaluation of Booker’s condition after the one-week period to assess his recovery progress. Officials have not established a specific timeline for when the star player might return to the court.
The injury adds to Booker’s recent absence streak, as he was unable to play in Saturday’s home game against Orlando, marking his ninth missed game out of the last 12 contests. Earlier in this stretch, the five-time All-Star was sidelined for seven consecutive games due to a sprained right ankle.
The 29-year-old veteran is posting averages of 24.7 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 3.9 assists across 44 appearances this season. The 11-year NBA veteran is approaching a career milestone, needing just two more three-point shots to reach 1,500 for his career.
Additionally, the Suns announced that guard Haywood Highsmith, a recent team addition, will undergo re-evaluation in two to three weeks for a right knee issue.
A significant nursing strike affecting New York City hospitals has officially concluded after nurses at NewYork-Presbyterian approved their new employment agreement on Saturday, bringing an end to labor action that lasted more than a month.
The walkout began January 12th when over 4,000 nurses employed by the private NewYork-Presbyterian hospital network left their posts. These healthcare workers are scheduled to resume their duties in the upcoming week following the contract approval by the New York State Nurses Association, where 93% of union members voted in favor of the three-year agreement.
Earlier this month, nurses at two additional major private hospital networks – Montefiore and Mount Sinai – concluded their own labor disputes by reaching contract settlements with the identical union organization.
“We are so happy with the wins we achieved, and now the fight to enforce these contracts and hold our employers accountable begins,” union President Nancy Hagans said in a statement Saturday.
Hospital administrators at NewYork-Presbyterian expressed anticipation for their nursing staff’s return, stating the agreement “reflects our respect for our nurses and the critical role they play as part of our exceptional care teams.”
Representatives from both the union and hospital management announced Friday they had achieved a preliminary agreement. Union membership conducted voting on the proposal Friday and Saturday.
The approved contract contains enhanced staffing measures, wage increases exceeding 12% across the three-year term, and protective measures concerning artificial intelligence implementation, the union reported.
According to union officials, the initial strike encompassed approximately 15,000 nursing professionals across the Montefiore, Mount Sinai and NewYork-Presbyterian systems. The work stoppage impacted select facilities within these three networks and did not include any municipally-operated hospitals.
Throughout the strike period, all three hospital systems – Montefiore, Mount Sinai and NewYork-Presbyterian – hired thousands of replacement nursing staff, relocated certain patients to other facilities, and postponed non-essential medical procedures. Hospital leadership maintained they continued providing quality patient care, including complicated surgical operations. However, some patients requiring additional assistance and their family members reported delays in basic care tasks.
The striking nurses cited overwhelming patient loads and alleged the hospitals were attempting to reduce health insurance benefits. Hospital administrators disputed these accusations and characterized the union’s contract demands as unreasonable.
Nursing staff at certain Mount Sinai and Montefiore locations previously conducted a work stoppage in 2023, which concluded after three days.
SALISBURY, Md. – Salisbury University’s women’s basketball squad delivered a commanding 90-52 victory against Regent University during Saturday’s Senior Day festivities at Maggs Gymnasium.
The Sea Gulls celebrated two graduating players, Nadia Bullock and Kayla Nieberlein, as part of the afternoon’s special ceremony recognizing their contributions to the program.
The lopsided victory showcased the team’s strength as they overwhelmed their opponents by 38 points in front of home fans who gathered to honor the departing seniors.
A facility manufacturing Oreo cookies in eastern Ukraine sustained damage Saturday after being hit by a Russian missile, according to Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha in a social media post.
The attack on the Trostyanets facility resulted in damage to a production building, though no fatalities were reported, Sybiha stated. The plant is operated by Mondelez International, the global snack company.
Mondelez, headquartered in Chicago and known for producing Ritz crackers, Toblerone chocolate bars, and Trident chewing gum, had not provided a response to requests for comment as of Saturday evening. Russian officials also did not respond to requests for comment overnight.
“When Russian missiles hit such sites, they are not only targeting Ukraine,” Sybiha stated. “They are targeting American business interests in Europe.”
This marks the second time the facility has suffered damage since Russia launched its invasion in 2022. Following severe damage two years ago, the plant gradually resumed operations, first producing chocolate in 2023 before returning to Oreo cookie production in 2024.
The snack manufacturer has drawn scrutiny for maintaining its business presence in Russia throughout the ongoing conflict.
Australian government officials are disputing weekend news reports suggesting the country is making arrangements to bring home dozens of citizens currently held at a Syrian detention facility housing relatives of suspected Islamic State fighters.
The controversy centers around 34 women and children who were briefly freed from the northern Syrian camp on Monday, only to be sent back to the detention facility because of logistical complications. According to reports, the group was expected to travel through Damascus on their way back to Australia, though politicians from both major parties have voiced opposition to their return.
Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke directly challenged the Sunday Telegraph’s reporting during a television interview, denying that his government is orchestrating any homecoming efforts.
“In that report, it makes a claim that we are conducting a repatriation. We are not,” Burke stated during his appearance on Australian Broadcasting Corp television.
“It claims we have been meeting with the states for the purposes of a repatriation. We have not,” Burke continued.
Earlier in the week, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who heads Australia’s Labor Party administration, made clear his government would not assist in bringing the group back to Australian soil.
The debate over whether to allow family members of suspected IS fighters to return home has become a contentious political topic in Australia, particularly as the right-wing One Nation party, headed by Pauline Hanson, has gained traction with its anti-immigration platform.
Australian law treats Islamic State as a designated terrorist organization, with membership carrying potential prison sentences of up to 25 years. The country also maintains authority to revoke citizenship from dual nationals who join the Sunni Muslim extremist group.
Canada’s men’s curling squad transformed anger over cheating accusations into Olympic glory, according to team captain Brad Jacobs, who spoke defiantly after his crew claimed the gold medal in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy on Saturday.
The Canadian team defeated defending world champion Britain by a score of 9-6 in the championship match, securing the nation’s first men’s curling Olympic title since 2014. Their victory came amid significant controversy after Sweden leveled cheating allegations against them during preliminary competition.
Speaking forcefully at his post-victory news conference, Jacobs dismissed the accusations as completely unfounded.
“I’ll guarantee you that only motivated us further to go out and prove to everyone that we’re the best team, and now (we’re) at the top of the podium, I would say the best team in the world,” he stated.
“Canada and curling in Canada is special to us. It means a lot to us. Integrity means a lot to us. We wanted to go out there and prove everyone wrong and rise to the top of the podium.”
The scandal primarily involved teammate Marc Kennedy, who faced intense scrutiny after his heated reaction to the cheating claims. The 44-year-old athlete reported that his family endured online harassment and threatening messages throughout the ordeal.
Jacobs commended Kennedy’s resilience under pressure, stating: “Marc’s mind is sealed. Most athletes, if they had to go through what Marc Kennedy went through, what we went through as a team here, it would have crippled them and it would have crumbled most teams.
“But Marc’s done a lot of self-improvement and just surrounded himself with us and the support that we gave him, his family gave him this week, our coaches.
“He is one tough fella to be able to block out all the noise and just go out and curl and curl his absolute best. We’re just so proud of him for everything that he was able to do this week and how he handled the whole situation.”
Jacobs, who previously guided Canada to Olympic gold in Sochi eight years ago, delivered a sharp message to those who questioned his team’s integrity: “For anyone who called us cheaters … I hope that the image of us standing on top of the podium, embracing one another, smiling ear to ear with our gold medals is burned into your brain forever.”
Finland’s men’s Olympic hockey team transformed crushing disappointment into celebration, defeating Slovakia 6-1 on Saturday to capture the bronze medal just one day after a heartbreaking semi-final loss to Canada.
The defending Olympic champions from 2022 appeared headed for another gold medal showdown after building a two-goal advantage over Canada at Milan’s Santagiulia arena on Friday. However, Canada erased that lead, leaving Finland devastated and facing the prospect of going home without any hardware.
With less than 24 hours to recover emotionally, the Finnish squad returned to the same rink determined not to leave Italy empty-handed, facing a Slovak team that had exceeded expectations before falling to the United States in their semi-final.
Erik Haula, who netted two goals in Saturday’s victory, described the mental challenge of bouncing back from Friday’s crushing defeat.
“It was probably the biggest challenge of my life to get over that game. It was hard,” Haula explained. “Talking to the other guys, talking as a team about what a medal means and stuff like that, that powered us through I think.”
While bronze wasn’t the color Finland had envisioned, it provided a satisfying ending to what began as a difficult tournament for the title defenders.
Finland stumbled out of the gate, dropping their opening preliminary round match to Slovakia – the same team they dominated on Saturday. That early setback forced the squad to regroup before bouncing back with a crucial victory over Sweden in their second contest.
Joel Armia, who added an empty-net goal in the third period of Saturday’s decisive win, reflected on how the team learned from that initial stumble.
“First game, we kind of learned our lesson,” Armia said. “We didn’t just sit back and we had the courage to play with the puck and play confident.”
Slovakia’s Olympic hockey dreams came crashing down in Milan as the team suffered a devastating 6-1 loss to Finland in Saturday’s bronze medal game, leaving them without any hardware to show for their efforts.
The defeat was particularly crushing for star forward Juraj Slafkovsky, who helped Slovakia capture bronze at the previous Olympics four years ago in Beijing when he was just 17 years old and earned tournament MVP honors as the leading scorer.
Slovakia had appeared poised to duplicate their previous Olympic success after dominating Group B play with a convincing 4-1 victory over defending champion Finland. The team then advanced past Germany in quarterfinal action before falling to Team USA in the semifinals.
However, their rematch with Finland for the bronze medal turned into a nightmare, with Slovakia’s players leaving the ice well before the medal presentation ceremony concluded.
“I think being fourth and being last, it’s the same thing,” Slafkovsky said. “You don’t get the medal, so it sucks. The guys that are already home, they don’t have a medal as well, and we don’t have one either. So it’s still the same thing. In my opinion, right now, that’s how I feel, it sucks, losing sucks.”
The bronze medal contest started poorly for Slovakia as they trailed by two goals early, though they managed to cut the deficit to 2-1 entering the final period. That’s when everything unraveled, as Finland netted two goals within 60 seconds of each other in the third period, including one on the power play, effectively ending Slovakia’s comeback hopes.
“Going into the third, we’re right there, it’s a 2-1 game,” Slafkovsky said. “If we score the next one, then it’s 2-2. Who knows what would have happened, but yeah I can say whatever right now, it’s not going to change anything.”
The loss may have stung even more for defenseman Martin Fehervary, who missed the previous Olympics and was seeking his first Olympic medal.
“For myself, it’s definitely the worst loss in my hockey career, I’m really disappointed,” Fehervary said. “Everyone wants to win, right? And we don’t have any medal. I don’t have any medals, so it’s really disappointing.”
City officials in Lewes are issuing advance warnings to residents as meteorologists predict a significant winter weather event will impact the area beginning Sunday, February 22, 2026.
The coastal Delaware community is taking proactive steps to inform citizens about the approaching storm system, allowing time for residents and businesses to complete necessary preparations before conditions deteriorate.
Local authorities are monitoring weather forecasts closely and will continue providing updates as the storm approaches. Residents are encouraged to stay informed through official city communications and prepare for potential impacts from the winter weather system.
The city’s early alert comes as part of ongoing efforts to keep the community safe during severe weather events. Officials emphasize the importance of advance planning when winter storms threaten the region.
Pakistani military forces launched early morning strikes Sunday against militant strongholds positioned along the Afghanistan border, officials announced, following a deadly wave of terrorist attacks within Pakistan’s borders.
Government officials in Islamabad withheld specific location details of the military operations and did not elaborate on the scope of the strikes. Afghan authorities in Kabul have not yet responded to the reported attacks, while unverified social media posts indicate the operations took place within Afghan territory.
Information Minister Attaullah Tarar announced via social media platform X before sunrise Sunday that Pakistani forces executed what he termed “intelligence-based, selective operations” targeting seven facilities operated by the Pakistani Taliban, known as Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan or TTP, along with associated groups. Tarar noted that forces also struck a camp belonging to an Islamic State affiliate in the border region.
This marks the second time Pakistan has conducted such cross-border operations, with similar strikes launched deep into Afghanistan in October to eliminate militant positions.
“Pakistan has always strived to maintain peace and stability in the region,” Tarar stated, while emphasizing that protecting Pakistani citizens remains the government’s highest priority.
The military action follows a devastating suicide attack earlier this week when an explosive-laden vehicle, supported by armed militants, crashed into a security facility’s perimeter in Bajaur district within Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province near the Afghan border. The explosion brought down sections of the compound, resulting in the deaths of 11 military personnel and one child. Intelligence sources later identified the attacker as an Afghan citizen.
Just hours before Sunday’s border operations, another suicide bomber struck a security patrol in the neighboring Bannu district, killing two soldiers, including a lieutenant colonel. Following Saturday’s violence, Pakistan’s military leadership declared they would not “exercise any restraint” and promised continued operations against those responsible “irrespective of their location,” signaling escalating tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan.
According to Tarar, Pakistan possesses “conclusive evidence” linking recent terrorist incidents, including a mosque bombing in Islamabad that claimed 31 lives earlier this month, to militants operating under direction from “Afghanistan-based leadership and handlers.”
Pakistani officials say they have repeatedly called on Afghanistan’s Taliban government to take concrete, verifiable measures preventing militant organizations from using Afghan soil as a launching pad for attacks against Pakistan, but claim no meaningful action has resulted.
Tarar appealed to the global community to pressure Afghanistan’s Taliban leadership to honor their Doha agreement commitments prohibiting the use of their territory for attacks against neighboring nations.
Pakistan has experienced an escalation in militant violence over recent years, with much of the bloodshed attributed to the TTP and banned Baloch separatist organizations. The TTP operates independently from but maintains close ties with Afghanistan’s Taliban, who regained control in 2021. Pakistani authorities accuse the TTP of maintaining bases inside Afghanistan, allegations both the militant group and Kabul’s government reject.
Diplomatic relations between the two neighboring nations have deteriorated since October, when fatal border confrontations resulted in dozens of casualties among soldiers, civilians and suspected militants. The violence erupted following explosions in Kabul that Afghan officials attributed to Pakistani involvement.
While a Qatar-brokered ceasefire has generally held, diplomatic talks in Istanbul failed to produce a formal resolution, leaving relations between the countries strained.
Federal emergency assistance has been greenlit for Washington D.C. following a catastrophic sewage system failure that released more than 250 million gallons of untreated waste into the Potomac River.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency confirmed Saturday that President Donald Trump had authorized the emergency aid, enabling FEMA to deploy equipment and resources to address the crisis stemming from the January 19th pipeline break.
Washington D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser had sought federal assistance on Wednesday while simultaneously declaring a local emergency.
The president’s decision to grant disaster relief follows his public criticism of how the incident was being managed, with Trump pointing fingers at local Democratic officials and particularly targeting Maryland’s Democratic Governor Wes Moore.
In social media statements condemning the response efforts, Trump claimed local authorities had failed to request emergency support and indicated he would intervene personally.
Despite these claims, federal agencies were already participating in repair efforts and damage assessment through the Environmental Protection Agency.
The massive 72-inch pipeline, called the Potomac Interceptor, failed on January 19th, releasing 250 million gallons of raw sewage into the Potomac River north of the nation’s capital during the initial five-day period.
While the spill has been largely brought under control, complete restoration of the damaged pipeline may require several months. DC Water, the regional utility company, is collaborating with EPA officials to fix the breach and track environmental consequences to the waterway.
Authorities have assured residents that local drinking water remains uncontaminated, though they’re advising anyone who uses the Potomac River for recreational activities to avoid direct water contact.
The Goldey-Beacom Lightning watched a commanding second-half advantage slip away as Post University mounted a comeback to defeat the visiting team 99-92 in Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference play in Waterbury, Connecticut.
The Lightning appeared to be in control of the contest, building a substantial 17-point cushion during the second half of play. However, Post’s struggling offense found its rhythm when it mattered most, erasing the deficit and ultimately securing the victory over Goldey-Beacom.
The loss represents another challenging result for the Lightning as they continue their conference schedule on the road.
MILAN – American figure skater Ilia Malinin turned his closing gala performance at the Milano Cortina Games into a compelling statement about social media’s harmful impact and intense public scrutiny on Saturday.
The 21-year-old athlete used his exhibition skate to respond to criticism following his unexpected eighth-place result in men’s singles competition, an event many predicted he would win.
Performing to “Fear” by rapper NF – a song exploring mental health challenges and feelings of helplessness – Malinin wore casual attire including a grey sweatshirt and torn denim. His routine included movements that mimicked browsing on a smartphone.
During the performance, he reacted to pretend camera flashes and at one point crouched low while pulling his hood up for protection.
The double world champion joined American teammate Alysa Liu, who claimed the women’s title, as featured performers in the traditional celebration that honors the competition’s top athletes from the past two weeks.
Coming into Milan, Malinin was considered among the strongest gold medal contenders across all Olympic sports, having maintained an unbeaten streak spanning more than two seasons.
However, the pressure of Olympic competition proved overwhelming for the champion, whose free skate program collapsed dramatically with two major falls and successful completion of just three out of seven planned quadruple jumps.
Earlier this week, he acknowledged on Instagram that his high-pressure Olympic debut led to an “inevitable crash.”
During Saturday’s exhibition, he executed one quadruple jump before performing his signature backflip with a single-foot landing, earning thunderous applause that seemed to recognize both his athletic ability and the burden he had shouldered.
The routine concluded powerfully as he pretended to put on headphones, causing immediate silence throughout the arena.
Meanwhile, 20-year-old Liu captivated spectators with her lighthearted performance set to “Stateside” by PinkPantheress and Zara Larsson.
Liu’s Olympic experience contrasted sharply with Malinin’s, marked by renewed enthusiasm after taking a two-year break from competitive skating.
She described feeling at “peak happiness” while competing.
French ice dancing champions Laurence Fournier Beaudry and Guillaume Cizeron presented an artistic routine to the piano piece “Mad Rush,” while Japanese pairs winners Riku Miura and Ryuichi Kihara skated to Justin Timberlake’s “Can’t Stop the Feeling.”
Kazakhstan’s Mikhail Shaidorov, the surprising men’s singles victor, entertained the audience dressed as Kung Fu Panda and received a post-performance visit from martial arts star Jackie Chan.
Authorities in Libya discovered the remains of five migrants along a coastal area east of Tripoli on Saturday, according to local police officials.
The bodies, which included two women, were found on the shoreline at Emhamid Al-Sharif in the coastal community of Qasr al-Akhyar, located approximately 45 miles east of the capital city.
Hassan Al-Ghawil, who leads investigations at the local police station, reported that residents in the area also spotted a child’s body that had washed ashore, but strong waves carried it back out to sea. Officials have requested the coast guard to conduct a search for the missing child.
According to Al-Ghawil, local residents discovered the bodies and immediately contacted police. Photos circulating online, which Reuters has verified, show the deceased migrants on the beach, with some still wearing black inflatable life preservers.
“We reported to the Red Crescent to recover the bodies,” Al-Ghawil stated. “The bodies we found are still intact and we think there are more bodies to wash ashore.”
The North African nation has served as a major pathway for people fleeing violence and economic hardship, seeking passage to Europe via the Mediterranean Sea. This migration route became heavily trafficked following the 2011 overthrow of longtime ruler Muammar Gaddafi during a NATO-supported rebellion. Political divisions have fractured the country between competing eastern and western governments since 2014.
This tragedy follows another recent maritime disaster earlier this month when 53 migrants, including two infants, died or went missing after their rubber vessel capsized near Zuwara, a town west of Tripoli, according to the International Organization for Migration.
A recent United Nations assessment highlighted the severe dangers facing migrants in Libya, including young girls who face threats of murder, torture, sexual assault, and forced domestic servitude. The report recommended halting the return of migrant vessels to Libya until basic human rights protections can be guaranteed.
The Islamic State has announced what it calls an escalated campaign against Syrian government forces after claiming responsibility for dual attacks that left military personnel dead on Saturday.
According to the terror group’s Dabiq media outlet, militants used a handgun to target “an individual of the apostate Syrian regime” in Mayadin, located in Deir al-Zor province, while separately attacking two other government personnel with automatic weapons in the northern city of Raqqa.
Syria’s Defense Ministry confirmed in an official statement that one army soldier and one civilian lost their lives Saturday in attacks carried out by “unknown assailants.” A military source speaking to Reuters identified the fallen soldier as a member of the army’s 42nd Division.
These violent incidents occur as ISIS has dramatically increased attacks against Syria’s government led by President Ahmed al-Sharaa, who previously commanded al Qaeda forces before splitting from that organization in 2016 and ultimately spearheading the Islamist coalition that toppled President Bashar al-Assad in late 2024.
In a recorded message released Saturday evening, ISIS spokesman Abu Hudhayfa al-Ansari declared that Syria had “moved from Iranian occupation to Turkish-American occupation.”
The terrorist organization proclaimed it had launched a “new phase of operations” within Syria, labeling Sharaa as a “watchdog” of the international coalition and threatening that his destiny would mirror Assad’s downfall.
During his November visit to the United States, where he met with President Donald Trump, Sharaa formalized Syria’s participation in the global coalition fighting ISIS.
Saturday’s violence follows another ISIS attack just two days earlier in Deir al-Zor that claimed the life of an Interior Ministry internal security officer and left another wounded.
Pro-ISIS social media accounts and messaging channels have recently urged supporters to intensify attacks using motorcycles and small arms.
Since Assad’s government collapsed, ISIS has conducted six separate attacks against Syrian government forces.
A United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism report published last week revealed that ISIS has attempted to assassinate Sharaa and two top cabinet officials on five separate occasions, though all plots were unsuccessful.
The NBA has handed down a one-game suspension without pay to Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert following his seventh flagrant foul violation of the current season, the league announced on Saturday.
Gobert received the flagrant foul penalty during Friday evening’s matchup against Dallas at home in Minneapolis, where he struck Mavericks forward Marvin Bagley III in the head and neck area during the second quarter. The Timberwolves went on to defeat Dallas 122-111.
The suspension means Gobert will be sidelined for Sunday evening’s home matchup against the Philadelphia 76ers, unless Minnesota decides to challenge the league’s decision through an appeal process.
According to NBA policy, players face automatic one-game suspensions once they accumulate six flagrant fouls during a season, with additional games added for each subsequent violation. This marks Gobert’s second suspension this season for flagrant foul accumulation, with his previous ban occurring in January following his sixth flagrant during Minnesota’s victory over San Antonio on January 11th.
Despite the incident, Gobert had a strong performance against Dallas, contributing 22 points, 17 rebounds, and three blocked shots. For the season, he’s posting averages of 11.2 points and 11.3 rebounds per contest.
The University of Delaware Blue Hens baseball squad faced another setback during their road trip, falling to Mississippi State in the second contest of their three-game series.
The loss puts Delaware in a challenging position as they head into the final game of the series, needing a victory to avoid being swept by the Bulldogs.
The Blue Hens will look to regroup and salvage the series finale as they continue their season away from home. Details about the specific score and game highlights were not immediately available.
Delaware’s baseball program continues to face tough competition as they work to build momentum for the remainder of their schedule.
Delaware transportation officials have shut down a portion of Mendenhall Mill Road after electrical equipment fell into the roadway.
The closure spans the area between Millcreek Road and Westwood Boulevard, where a utility pole and associated power lines have blocked vehicle access.
DelDOT has not provided an estimated timeline for when the roadway will reopen to traffic. Motorists are advised to seek alternate routes while crews work to clear the obstruction.
The space agency’s ambitious return to lunar exploration hit another snag as technical difficulties threaten to push the Artemis II launch beyond its planned March timeframe.
Just one day after NASA officials indicated they were considering March 6 as a possible launch window, the agency revealed that fresh technical challenges could eliminate all March departure opportunities entirely.
The primary concern involves what NASA describes as disrupted helium flow within the rocket’s systems. This issue may force engineers to transport the massive rocket away from the Kennedy Space Center launch pad back to the Vehicle Assembly Building for comprehensive testing and repairs.
Should this rollback become necessary, NASA officials indicate the moon-bound mission would likely be postponed until April at the earliest.
The Artemis II mission represents a crucial step in America’s efforts to return astronauts to lunar orbit for the first time since the Apollo era, making any delays significant for the future of space exploration.
The Goldey-Beacom Lightning women’s basketball squad came up short during their conference road trip, falling to Post University by a score of 63-50 in Waterbury, Connecticut.
The Lightning made the journey north for the conference matchup but were unable to secure a victory away from home court. The 13-point margin represented a challenging outing for Goldey-Beacom as they faced their conference opponents on Post’s home turf.
The loss adds to the Lightning’s conference record as they continue their season schedule. The team will look to regroup following the road defeat as they prepare for upcoming games.
Contact: Brooke Thaler, Communications Department, 302-227-6181, ext. 522
Rehoboth Beach officials have activated emergency snow routes ahead of Sunday night’s winter storm that’s expected to bring accumulating snowfall to the coastal city.
City Manager authority has been used to designate specific streets as emergency corridors to ensure snow plows can operate effectively and emergency responders can navigate the city safely during the weather event.
Starting at 9pm this Sunday, February 22nd, motorists will be banned from parking on three key roadways until city crews finish their snow clearing work.
The parking prohibition takes effect at 9pm Sunday, Feb. 22 on Rehoboth Avenue, Bayard Avenue, and State Road. The ban stays in place until snow removal crews complete their work.
City officials have outlined several requirements while the emergency declaration remains active:
Should the Governor declare driving restrictions across Sussex County, residents can find complete information at: SnowDEDrivingRestrictions.pdf
Emergency situations require calling 911. Non-emergency matters should be directed to 302-227-2577.
The gaming world has evolved into an economic powerhouse, bringing in roughly $190 billion in annual revenue last year – a figure that exceeds what the music and movie industries earn together.
A fresh podcast series titled Hidden Levels is diving deep into this remarkable transformation, exploring how video games made the leap from simple arcade cabinets to becoming one of the world’s most profitable entertainment sectors.
The show examines the journey of an industry that started with basic coin-operated machines and has now become a dominant force in global entertainment, attracting billions of players and generating unprecedented revenue streams.
Georgia Senator Raphael Warnock recently shared his perspectives on civil rights leader Jesse Jackson’s lasting impact on American society and democratic values.
The senator reflected on Jackson’s decades-long commitment to expanding voting access and promoting equality across the United States. Warnock emphasized how Jackson’s activism has influenced generations of leaders in their pursuit of social justice.
During his remarks, Warnock highlighted Jackson’s role in challenging the nation to fulfill its founding promises of liberty and justice for all citizens. The senator’s comments underscore the ongoing relevance of Jackson’s message in today’s political climate.
Half a decade has passed since rioters breached the United States Capitol building in an attempt to halt the certification process for the presidential election results. NPR journalist Tom Dreisbach has been working to create a comprehensive digital collection that captures the timeline of events leading up to, occurring during, and following that unprecedented assault on the nation’s seat of government.
The initiative represents an effort to maintain historical documentation of these pivotal moments in American democracy for researchers, historians, and citizens in years to come.
Donald Trump announced Saturday that he is boosting worldwide import duties to 15%, just one day after the Supreme Court struck down his initial tariff strategy for exceeding presidential authority.
Writing on his Truth Social account, Trump declared he was “effective immediately, raising the 10% Worldwide Tariff on Countries, many of which have been ‘ripping’ the U.S. off for decades, without retribution (until I came along!), to the fully allowed, and legally tested, 15% level.” The president continued: “During the next short number of months, the Trump Administration will determine and issue the new and legally permissible Tariffs.”
This action comes after Friday’s 6-3 Supreme Court ruling that determined Trump had overreached his executive powers by invoking the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, legislation from 1977 designed for national crises, to establish tariffs across multiple nations. The legal challenge originated from affected businesses and twelve states, primarily led by Democratic leadership.
Following the Court’s decision, Trump quickly signed an executive order Friday establishing a temporary 10% import fee using Section 122 of the 1974 Trade Act, which permits presidential import limitations for a maximum of 150 days. White House officials characterized this as an interim solution while exploring other legal options.
Yale’s Budget Lab reports that the Supreme Court’s decision puts $142 billion in tariff collections at risk, with American businesses now pursuing refunds for previously paid duties. Administration representatives are now working to implement additional trade measures to sustain tariff levels.
Trump has directed new investigations into suspected unfair trading practices using Section 301 of the 1974 Trade Act. He also indicated plans to implement additional tariffs through Section 232 of the 1962 Trade Expansion Act, which permits import restrictions when national security concerns exist.
The president delivered harsh criticism of the Supreme Court after their ruling, describing the decision as “ridiculous, poorly written, and extraordinarily anti-American” on social media. Friday’s statement included his assertion that the justices should feel “ashamed” and specifically targeted Amy Coney Barrett and Neil Gorsuch, conservative justices he nominated who ruled against his position, labeling them “an embarrassment to their families.”
The Court’s decision represents a major obstacle to Trump’s economic policy objectives as his administration works to reinstate tariffs using different legal approaches.
Motorists traveling on southbound Interstate 495 are facing significant delays this morning due to a vehicle accident near Exit 5.
The Delaware Department of Transportation reports that two right lanes are currently blocked following the crash. Traffic is being forced into the remaining left lanes, creating a bottleneck for commuters heading through the Wilmington area.
DelDOT officials have not provided an estimated time for when the lanes will reopen. Drivers are encouraged to seek alternative routes or allow extra travel time if they must use this section of highway.
The cause of the accident and whether any injuries occurred have not been disclosed at this time.
Finland dominated the ice on Saturday, overwhelming Slovakia 6-1 to secure the bronze medal in men’s Olympic ice hockey at Milan’s Santagiulia arena.
The decisive victory adds another bronze to Finland’s impressive Olympic hockey collection, bringing their total to five bronze medals. This latest achievement marks the eighth Olympic ice hockey medal overall for the Nordic nation, which captured gold at the Beijing Olympics four years earlier.
The lopsided score reflected Finland’s control throughout the bronze medal match, as they outplayed their Slovak opponents in what became a one-sided affair on the final day of Olympic hockey competition.
A medical emergency aboard an American submarine in Arctic waters prompted an international rescue mission Saturday, according to Danish military officials.
The Danish Defence’s Joint Arctic Command coordinated the evacuation of a U.S. Navy crew member who needed immediate medical attention while the submarine operated in waters near Greenland, approximately seven nautical miles from the capital city of Nuuk.
Military officials used a Danish Defence Seahawk helicopter to transport the sailor from the submarine to medical facilities on shore. The rescued crew member was subsequently handed over to Greenland’s healthcare system and admitted to Nuuk’s hospital for treatment.
The Joint Arctic Command released details of the rescue operation in an official statement but did not provide information about the nature of the medical emergency or the current condition of the evacuated sailor.
SEOUL – Saturday marked the third day of North Korea’s Workers’ Party Ninth Congress, where leader Kim Jong Un delivered an extensive presentation evaluating his party’s performance and setting future directions, according to state media reports released Sunday.
The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported that Kim’s comprehensive address examined the party’s accomplishments during the previous five-year period while establishing fresh strategic objectives and priorities for upcoming years. The plan encompasses initiatives across multiple areas designed to strengthen socialist development throughout the nation.
Conference attendees indicated that Kim’s presentation provided both strategic and tactical guidance for what officials characterized as an emerging phase of national progress, while reinforcing optimism about the country’s prospects ahead, state media reported.
Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps officers have assumed direct command of Hezbollah’s military operations in Lebanon, according to intelligence sources cited by Saudi news outlet Al-Arabiya. The development coincides with Israeli military strikes over the weekend that eliminated three high-ranking Hezbollah commanders.
Al-Arabiya’s sources indicate that IRGC personnel, including officers who recently traveled from Iran to Lebanon, have taken charge of reconstructing Hezbollah’s military infrastructure. These Iranian commanders are conducting personal briefings with fighters across Lebanon and preparing the organization for potential conflicts with Israel and the United States.
The intelligence report revealed that IRGC officials were conducting meetings with Hezbollah’s missile division at a location in Lebanon’s Beqaa Valley when Israeli forces launched overnight strikes on the facility. These attacks were part of extensive aerial operations that left at least 50 people injured and resulted in 12 fatalities, including a high-ranking Hezbollah official.
Saudi television network Al-Hadath confirmed that Israeli Defense Forces operations resulted in the deaths of three Hezbollah commanders: Ali Zeid al-Mousawi, Muhammad Ibrahim al-Mousawi, and Hussein Yaghi. Lebanese publication An-Nahar identified Hussein Yaghi as the son of Muhammad Hassan Yaghi, a former Hezbollah parliamentary representative and founding member who previously served as an assistant to Hassan Nasrallah.
Lebanon’s Health Ministry reported that Israeli bombardments in Baalbek within the Beqaa Valley resulted in 10 deaths and 24 wounded, including three minors. Israeli military officials stated their forces targeted Hezbollah headquarters facilities in the region. Additional reports suggested that six of the casualties were Hezbollah operatives.
Israeli military spokespersons confirmed additional strikes targeted a Hamas command facility in southern Lebanon’s Ein al-Hilweh region, along with multiple Hezbollah command positions in Baalbek.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun criticized the Israeli military actions, stating that “the continuation of Israeli strikes undermines diplomatic efforts to stabilize the country.” He further declared that “the airstrikes reflect contempt for the will of the international community and UN resolutions regarding Resolution 1701.”
Aoun’s statements represent the first official response from Lebanon’s senior leadership following this latest series of Israeli military operations in Lebanese territory.
Delaware emergency officials are bracing for a powerful winter storm system that threatens to deliver multiple dangerous conditions across the First State beginning Sunday and continuing into Monday.
The Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA) announced it will activate the State Emergency Operations Center Sunday evening to coordinate response efforts as the storm approaches. Weather forecasters are warning residents to prepare for moderate to major impacts from the incoming system.
According to the National Weather Service, Delawareans should expect a combination of hazardous conditions including substantial snowfall accumulations, powerful wind gusts, and flooding along coastal areas. The storm is anticipated to create challenging travel conditions and potentially dangerous situations throughout the state.
Emergency management officials are closely tracking the storm’s development and urge residents to monitor weather updates and take necessary precautions ahead of the system’s arrival this weekend.
MURFREESBORO, TENN. – The University of Delaware Fighting Blue Hens suffered a disappointing 78-66 defeat against Middle Tennessee on Saturday during their Conference USA road matchup.
The loss brings Delaware’s record to 9-18 for the season and 5-11 within conference play. Meanwhile, Middle Tennessee boosted their standing to 13-14 overall with a 7-9 Conference USA record following the victory over the Blue Hens.
The game marked another challenging outing for Delaware as they continue their conference schedule away from home court advantage.
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Delaware’s women’s basketball program encountered a challenging road test on Saturday, falling to Missouri State by a final score of 83-57 at Great Southern Bank Arena.
The setback drops the Blue Hens to 12-15 overall and 6-9 in Conference USA competition. Meanwhile, Missouri State improved their season record to 16-11 and moved to 8-6 within the conference standings.
The loss represents another tough outing for Delaware as they continue their conference slate away from home. The Blue Hens will look to regroup as they work toward the remainder of their CUSA schedule.
In a heart-stopping finish, the Hawks pulled off a thrilling 66-64 victory over Coppin State on the road, thanks to a clutch basket by Lynch with less than a second left on the game clock.
With tension mounting and the score tied, Lynch drove to the basket and converted the go-ahead layup with just 0.8 seconds remaining, securing the dramatic two-point win for the Hawks.
The nail-biting contest showcased both teams’ determination, but it was the Hawks who managed to execute when it mattered most, capitalizing on their final possession to steal the victory away from home.
The thrilling finish highlighted the competitive nature of the matchup, with both squads battling until the final buzzer in what proved to be an unforgettable game for Hawks fans.
CORTINA D’AMPEZZO, Italy – German bobsledder Laura Nolte delivered a flawless performance on Saturday to claim her second consecutive Olympic gold medal in the Two-Woman bobsled competition, bouncing back from a heartbreaking loss just seven days earlier.
Nolte had suffered disappointment the previous week when she lost the Monobob championship by a razor-thin margin of four hundredths of a second after making an error on her final run. However, she showed no signs of that setback affecting her performance in Saturday’s Two-Woman event.
The podium featured another German athlete, as Nolte’s teammate Lisa Buckwitz secured the silver medal. Taking bronze was Kaillie Humphries, the veteran slider who previously captured Olympic gold in 2010 and 2014 while competing for Canada but now races under the American flag.
SALISBURY, Md. – Salisbury University’s men’s lacrosse squad kicked off their 2026 home season with authority Saturday, defeating the visiting Gettysburg Bullets 15-12 at Sea Gull Stadium.
The Sea Gulls, who enter the season ranked second nationally, managed to fend off a determined comeback attempt by the tenth-ranked Bullets during the afternoon matchup.
The victory marks a strong start to the home portion of Salisbury’s schedule, as the team looks to build momentum early in what promises to be a competitive season for the highly-ranked program.
Norwegian cross-country skier Johannes Hoesflot Klaebo has etched his name in Winter Olympics history books after achieving an unprecedented clean sweep at the Milan Cortina Games. The athlete claimed his sixth gold medal on Saturday by winning the men’s 50-kilometer mass start event, surpassing Eric Heiden’s decades-old record of five gold medals at a single Winter Olympics.
Meanwhile, American speedskating sensation Jordan Stolz placed fourth in the men’s mass start competition, trailing behind Netherlands veteran Jorrit Bergsma, who at 40 years old became the oldest male athlete to claim speedskating gold. Team USA reached a milestone of their own, earning their 11th gold medal of these Games – a new Winter Olympics record for the nation. The historic achievement came courtesy of Kaila Kuhn, Connor Curran, and Chris Lillis in the mixed aerials event.
Female athletes are driving much of America’s medal success at the Milan Cortina Olympics, establishing new benchmarks in the process. As of Saturday, with one day remaining in competition, American women have secured six gold medals and 17 total medals in women’s competitions – both new records for US Winter Games participation. Including mixed-gender events, that tally rises to 21 medals, with more than 40 American women earning at least one medal in Italy. Notable victories include the women’s hockey team’s triumph over Canada, along with wins in Alpine skiing, monobob, figure skating, and freestyle moguls. Athletes credit this success with inspiring future generations of competitors.
Sunday’s final day of competition features several marquee events, including the men’s hockey gold medal showdown between the United States and Canada. Eileen Gu will compete for her first gold of the 2026 Games in the rescheduled women’s freeski halfpipe final. Additional medals will be determined in cross-country skiing, curling, and bobsled before the closing ceremony concludes the Games.
In baseball news, Pittsburgh Pirates legend Bill Mazeroski passed away at age 89, the team announced Saturday. The Hall of Fame second baseman, who died Friday, earned eight Gold Glove awards for his defensive excellence and became a Pittsburgh icon after hitting the game-winning home run in Game 7 of the 1960 World Series. Pirates owner Bob Nutting called Mazeroski “one of a kind, a true Pirates legend.” The organization retired his number 9 in 1987 and installed a statue in his honor on Bill Mazeroski Way in 2010.
English Premier League action saw both Aston Villa and Chelsea stumble in their respective matches. Villa’s title hopes took a hit after managing only a 1-1 draw at home against relegation-threatened Leeds, with substitute Tammy Abraham scoring an 88th-minute equalizer to salvage a point for Unai Emery’s squad. The result could see Villa fall further behind leaders Arsenal and Manchester City, with City facing Newcastle later Saturday and Arsenal visiting Tottenham on Sunday. Chelsea also settled for a 1-1 draw against struggling Burnley.
College basketball’s NCAA Tournament picture became clearer as the selection committee revealed preliminary seedings. Michigan earned the top overall seed, joined by Duke, Arizona, and Iowa State as number one seeds in their respective regions. The Cyclones secured the final top seed ahead of UConn and Houston. This early ranking provides insight into tournament positioning with less than a month until Selection Sunday on March 15, leading to the Final Four in Indianapolis.
In upset fashion, Cincinnati stunned eighth-ranked Kansas 84-68 behind Moustapha Thiam’s career-best 28 points. The 7-foot center connected on 11 of 17 field goal attempts and grabbed eight rebounds, marking Cincinnati’s second victory over a ranked opponent this season after defeating then-number two Iowa State 79-70 on January 17. Baba Miller contributed 18 points, eight assists, and seven rebounds for the Bearcats. Kansas was led by Flory Bidunga’s 18 points and 12 rebounds, while freshman Darryn Peterson added 17 points.
Seventeenth-ranked St. John’s dominated Creighton 81-52 to extend their winning streak to 13 games – the program’s longest such run in 41 years. Bryce Hopkins recorded 15 points and 10 rebounds, while Dylan Darling scored 17 points off the bench and Zuby Ejiofor added 15 for the Red Storm. The team controlled the game from start to finish and limited Creighton to 32% shooting before 19,328 fans at Madison Square Garden. St. John’s last won 13 consecutive games during a 19-game streak in 1984-85 under Hall of Fame coach Lou Carnesecca.
Spring training is underway for the defending World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers, with superstar Shohei Ohtani scheduled to appear in select Cactus League games before joining Japan’s World Baseball Classic roster. Ohtani was set to lead off as designated hitter in the team’s spring opener against the Angels, expecting two or three at-bats. Reigning World Series MVP Yoshinobu Yamamoto was slated to start and pitch two innings.
Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami is preparing for another championship run just months after capturing their first MLS Cup title. The club has assembled what may be the strongest roster in Major League Soccer history as they begin a season that culminates with the World Cup hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Messi recently became the first player in MLS history to win back-to-back MVP awards, but he’s supported by an impressive supporting cast as Miami aims to repeat as champions.
TAMPA, Fla. — New York Yankees superstar Aaron Judge made quite the statement in his first spring training appearance, launching a pair of home runs as he gears up for the World Baseball Classic scheduled for next month.
The three-time MVP award winner connected for two separate two-run blasts against the Detroit Tigers, finding the seats once during the third inning and again in the fourth. Judge’s impressive debut resulted in a 2-for-3 performance at the plate with four runs batted in.
The 33-year-old baseball star has claimed MVP honors in three of the last four seasons, most recently in 2024 when he posted a .331 batting average alongside 53 home runs and 114 RBIs.
Following his strong showing, Judge expressed enthusiasm about the challenges ahead. “We’ve got the WBC coming up, which I’m excited about, and an exciting Yankees season,” Judge commented after his performance. “We’ve got a lot of unfinished business from last season, especially the way it ended for us. I’m just trying to put myself in the best position to help this team win a lot of ballgames.”
Judge is set to join what appears to be a star-studded Team USA roster for the World Baseball Classic. The position player lineup will also feature notable names including Bryce Harper, Gunnar Henderson, Bobby Witt Jr., Cal Raleigh and Kyle Schwarber.
The World Baseball Classic’s opening pool play rounds are scheduled to take place March 5-11 across four different locations: Tokyo, Houston, Miami and San Juan, Puerto Rico. The tournament will conclude with the championship game on March 17 in Miami.
The Islamic State terrorist organization has launched a verbal assault against Syria’s new interim leader, branding him a Western-controlled “puppet without a soul” and predicting he will meet the same downfall as former dictator Bashar Assad.
The extremist group’s spokesman, identifying himself as Abu Musab al-Furati, delivered the harsh criticism in an audio recording distributed Saturday evening. During the message, he encouraged ISIS supporters across the globe to launch strikes against Jewish and Western locations, echoing previous calls for violence.
Al-Furati conveyed messages from the organization’s current leader, Abu Hafs al-Hashemi al-Qurayshi, who assumed control of the group three years ago, to ISIS operatives worldwide.
This marks the terrorist organization’s first public statement in several months, emerging after ISIS was held responsible for multiple deadly incidents across Syria, Iraq, Pakistan, and other regions that killed and injured dozens of people.
Last December, the group orchestrated a deadly assault in Syria’s central region that claimed three American lives, prompting extensive U.S. military strikes against suspected ISIS strongholds throughout the nation.
Although ISIS suffered major defeats in Iraq during 2017 and Syria two years afterward, dormant terrorist cells continue executing fatal attacks in both nations where they previously established their so-called caliphate.
A United Nations report released this month revealed that Syria’s current president, along with the interior and foreign ministers, were targeted in five unsuccessful assassination plots during the previous year.
In December 2024, rebel forces under current interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa’s Hayat Tahrir al-Sham organization advanced into Damascus and toppled Assad’s government, significantly weakening Iran’s regional power in the conflict-ravaged nation. Assad represented the minority Alawite community in Syria’s Sunni Muslim-majority population.
Following these events, al-Sharaa, who previously commanded al-Qaida’s Syrian branch, has strengthened ties with Western nations and made history as the first Syrian leader to travel to Washington since the country gained independence in 1946.
Al-Furati declared that Iran and Assad’s administration had been “replaced with a regime that is subjected to American influence.”
“Syria today is ruled by the Crusaders after they placed a leader who is a puppet without a soul,” al-Furati stated. He promised renewed violence in the region, declaring that “Syria has entered a new era of defense and the convoys of jihad will eventually march in Syria.”
The recording, timed to coincide with the start of Ramadan, made no reference to the recent transfer of 5,704 suspected ISIS prisoners from northeastern Syrian detention facilities to Iraq over recent weeks. Al-Furati only mentioned that authorities fear these detainees, with American, Shiite, and Kurdish forces working to prevent any escapes.
The spokesman also avoided discussing al-Hol refugee camp, which previously sheltered over 24,000 individuals, primarily women and children connected to ISIS. The facility now sits nearly vacant after government troops seized control from the U.S.-supported, Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces last month.
Al-Furati admitted that ISIS has lost personnel over the past two years due to strikes by the U.S.-led anti-ISIS coalition. Syria’s government officially became part of this coalition in November.
NEW YORK – For the first time, JPMorgan Chase has officially confirmed that it terminated bank accounts belonging to Donald Trump and his business enterprises following the January 6, 2021 Capitol riots, marking a significant development in the ongoing legal battle over the practice known as “debanking.”
The banking giant’s admission emerged through court documents filed this week as part of Trump’s $5 billion legal action against JPMorgan and CEO Jamie Dimon. The former president claims his accounts were shuttered for political reasons, causing significant disruption to his business operations.
According to the court filing, Dan Wilkening, JPMorgan’s former chief administrative officer, stated: “In February 2021, JPMorgan informed Plaintiffs that certain accounts maintained with JPMorgan’s CB and PB would be closed.” The abbreviations refer to the bank’s commercial banking and private banking divisions.
This marks the first time JPMorgan has directly acknowledged closing Trump’s accounts, having previously only discussed account closure policies in general terms without confirming specific actions.
Bank representatives did not respond to requests for comment regarding the court filing.
Trump initiated the legal proceedings in Florida state court, where he currently maintains his primary residence. However, JPMorgan is seeking to transfer the case to New York, citing the location of the original accounts and Trump’s former business headquarters.
The lawsuit includes charges of trade libel against the bank and accusations that Dimon violated Florida’s Unfair and Deceptive Trade Practices Act.
According to the legal filing, Trump attempted to address the account closures directly with Dimon, who allegedly promised to investigate the situation but never followed through with updates.
Trump’s legal team further alleges that JPMorgan added the former president and his companies to a reputation-based “blacklist” used by multiple financial institutions to prevent future account openings.
JPMorgan has maintained its position that the lawsuit lacks merit.
The practice of debanking – where financial institutions close customer accounts or refuse services like loans – has evolved from a relatively unknown banking procedure to a politically contentious issue. Conservative leaders argue that banks have unfairly targeted them and their associated organizations.
Trump’s attorneys issued a statement saying: “In a devastating concession that proves President Trump’s entire claim, JPMorgan Chase admitted to unlawfully and intentionally de-banking President Trump, his family, and his businesses, causing overwhelming financial harm. President Trump is standing up for all those wrongly debanked by JPMorgan Chase and its cohorts, and will see this case to a just and proper conclusion.”
The debanking controversy first gained national attention when conservative groups accused the Obama administration of pressuring banks to cease services to gun retailers and payday lending companies through “Operation Choke Point.”
Trump and other conservative figures claim banks severed their relationships using “reputational risk” justifications after the January 6th Capitol incident. Since returning to office, Trump’s banking regulators have implemented measures to prevent banks from using reputational risk as grounds for service denial.
This legal action represents Trump’s second major lawsuit against a large financial institution over debanking allegations. The Trump Organization filed a similar case against Capital One in March 2025, which remains pending.
LIVIGNO, Italy — Team USA made Olympic history on Saturday by shattering its previous Winter Games gold medal record, claiming their 11th victory with the possibility of adding another when the men’s hockey squad faces Canada in Sunday’s championship match.
The record-setting achievement came courtesy of athletes Kaila Kuhn, Connor Curran, and Chris Lillis, who secured America’s second consecutive mixed aerials championship to push the country past its previous best performance.
Saturday’s triumph surpassed the previous benchmark of 10 gold medals established during the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympics, which marked a pivotal moment for America’s winter sports program after years of underwhelming results.
Officials believe this Games could represent another watershed moment, not merely due to medal totals but because of the diverse range of disciplines contributing to success. American athletes earned medals across 12 of the 17 winter sports categories featured in these Olympics.
“Our focus and our strategy has always been about breadth,” said Sarah Hirshland, the CEO of the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee. “We want to win in everything. We want to make every sport better. Some could argue there are countries that go a mile deep in certain sports and really dominate. Our goal has been to improve Winter sport across the board.”
Following the aerials victory and Mia Manganello’s bronze medal performance in speedskating later Saturday, the American delegation reached 31 total medals with competition still remaining.
Norway currently leads the overall standings with a record-breaking 18 golds among 40 total medals through Saturday evening. Nearly three-quarters of Norway’s gold medals originated from endurance disciplines including cross country skiing, biathlon, and Nordic combined events. America’s strongest gold medal performances came evenly distributed across Alpine skiing, freestyle skiing, figure skating, and speedskating, with two victories apiece representing 18% of the total haul.
The current Olympic program features 38 additional medal opportunities compared to the 2002 Games. Many new events center around snowpark competitions including halfpipe, slopestyle, and big air disciplines that previously favored American athletes but now see Japanese dominance, as evidenced by Japan’s nine snowboarding medals versus just two for the United States.
“We stated we wanted to be a podium nation,” Fin Kirwan, the USOPC’s chief of Olympic sport, said of the U.S. goal of being top-three on the medals table. “We said it will likely take 30 medals and we got after it. The athletes delivered on their potential and, by turn, we hit the record on gold-medal performance, which shows that our very best were able to execute.”
The American gold medal collection spans multiple inspiring stories: a halfpipe skier completing his Olympic medal set while maintaining his “Hotdog Hans” streaming persona, an athlete overcoming a knee injury on the same mountain where she claimed victory, a moguls specialist nicknamed “Lizard” continuing America’s tradition in the sport, a 20-year-old figure skater who rediscovered her passion after stepping away, a 41-year-old becoming the oldest Winter Olympic gold medalist at her sixth Games, skiing’s most decorated athlete finally capturing Olympic slalom gold, a speedskater joining Eric Heiden as only the second American man to win both 500 and 1,000-meter events, a figure skating team earning consecutive gold after navigating previous doping controversies, and a dramatic women’s hockey final featuring Hilary Knight’s late equalizer and Megan Keller’s overtime winner.
Spanish tennis sensation Carlos Alcaraz dominated the Qatar Open final on Saturday, defeating France’s Arthur Fils in straight sets with a commanding 6-2, 6-1 victory that keeps his 2026 season unblemished.
The world’s top-ranked player controlled every aspect of the 50-minute championship match, winning an impressive 89% of his first-serve points while never allowing Fils a single break point opportunity. This marks Alcaraz’s second tournament victory of the year, coming just three weeks after his historic Australian Open triumph that completed his career Grand Slam.
“I came this year hungry for more,” the Spanish champion said after his victory, reflecting on his improvement from last year’s quarter-final exit in Doha. “I think after every tournament, we just have to set new goals. I’m just really happy and proud of everything I have done with my team on and off the court.”
The Qatar Open championship brings Alcaraz’s 2026 record to an unblemished 12-0 and adds his ninth ATP 500 title to his collection. This achievement ties him with former world number one Andy Murray for fourth place in ATP 500 victories since the category was established, according to ATP records.
Team Canada claimed the men’s curling championship at the Winter Olympics on Saturday, defeating Britain with a final score of 9-6 in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy.
The Canadian squad’s victory secured the gold medal in what proved to be a competitive final match against the British team.
Earlier in the competition, Switzerland captured the bronze medal position following a commanding 9-1 triumph over Norway on Friday.
The curling competition concluded with Canada atop the podium, marking another successful Olympic campaign for the nation’s winter sports program.
Court documents made public Friday reveal that JPMorgan Chase terminated its banking relationships with Donald Trump and his hospitality company in February 2021, roughly one month following the January 6th Capitol riot.
The disclosure emerged from paperwork filed in connection with a $5 billion legal action Trump has brought against the financial giant and its chief executive, Jamie Dimon.
Following the January 6, 2021 Capitol incident involving Trump supporters, numerous organizations severed their business relationships with the former president. These included two legal firms that had provided representation to Trump and his company, as well as the PGA of America, which relocated the 2022 PGA Championship away from Trump’s Bedminster, New Jersey golf facility.
The February 19, 2021 correspondence from JPMorgan to Trump and the Trump Organization did not specify particular reasons for terminating the accounts. One communication stated that the institution may occasionally “determine that a client’s interests are no longer served by maintaining a relationship with J.P. Morgan Private Bank.”
JPMorgan representatives and their legal counsel at Jones Day did not provide immediate responses to requests for comment. The financial institution has previously characterized Trump’s legal action as without merit.
A representative from Trump’s legal team described the letter revelations as “a devastating concession that proves President Trump’s entire claim.”
The banking institution has “admitted to unlawfully and intentionally de-banking President Trump, his family, and his businesses, causing overwhelming financial harm,” according to the Trump legal team spokesperson.
In his lawsuit, Trump alleges that JPMorgan, America’s largest banking institution, violated its established procedures by targeting him specifically to follow the “political tide.”
Friday’s filing of the account termination correspondence was part of JPMorgan’s effort to transfer Trump’s legal case from Miami federal court to New York.
“The overwhelming connections this dispute has to New York reinforce this result,” the financial institution stated in its court motion.
MILAN – Veteran Dutch speed skater Jorrit Bergsma defied Father Time on Saturday, capturing Olympic gold in the men’s mass start at Milano Cortina 2026 at the remarkable age of 40. His victory marked his second Olympic championship and helped complete a dominant performance by the Netherlands in speed skating.
Bergsma’s teammate Marijke Groenewoud also claimed victory in the women’s mass start, giving the Dutch team a complete sweep of both final races as speed skating competition concluded at these Winter Games.
The Netherlands wrapped up the speed skating program with an impressive five gold medals, more than any other competing nation at Milano Cortina.
Denmark’s Viktor Hald Thorup earned silver in the men’s competition, delivering just the second Winter Olympic medal in his country’s history. Italy’s Andrea Giovannini thrilled the home crowd by capturing bronze.
In women’s competition, Canada’s Ivanie Blondin took silver – repeating her performance from Beijing 2022 – while American Mia Manganello rounded out the podium with bronze.
The men’s 16-lap race saw Bergsma and Thorup execute a bold breakaway on the third lap that caught competitors off guard. However, Bergsma saved his most decisive move for the closing laps, pulling away from Thorup with a powerful surge that sealed his victory.
As Bergsma entered the home stretch, television cameras captured him breaking into a smile and beginning his celebration before even crossing the finish line.
This latest triumph adds to Bergsma’s impressive Olympic collection, which includes 10,000-meter gold from Sochi 2014, silver from Pyeongchang 2018, and bronze medals in the 5,000m at Sochi and 10,000m at these current Games.
“That was crazy, mind-blowing,” Bergsma said. “I was expecting a really hard final, but nobody wanted to do the first attack. I did it. I had a gap together with Viktor and that was it.”
“We had a gap in no time, and then I knew, ‘okay, I have a big, big chance right now’. I just wanted to keep the gap with the peloton and keep the speed in it a bit. I had to keep my cool and finish it.”
The race proved disappointing for defending champion Bart Swings of Belgium. The 35-year-old, who made history by winning his nation’s first Winter Olympic gold in 74 years at Beijing 2022, could only manage a ninth-place finish.
American Jordan Stolz, fresh off winning Olympic titles in both the 500m and 1,000m events, placed fourth in the mass start.
Groenewoud’s victory came after the retirement of Dutch legend Irene Schouten, who had previously defended the women’s mass start title. The 27-year-old Groenewoud perfectly timed her final sprint to claim her first Olympic gold medal.
“Maybe it (Bergsma’s race) brought some more pressure on my shoulders, but there was also a lot of energy I got out of it. It’s nice to see your teammate win. Then you have to do it yourself, too,” Groenewoud said.
“I stood up and thought, ‘this mass start is my mass start and I did it’. It’s a dream come true. As a child I dreamed of Olympic gold and now I got it.”
Groenewoud’s perfect day became even more memorable when her boyfriend proposed to her moments after her victory celebration concluded.
“I got a gold medal and a silver ring,” Groenewoud said. “Really happy with it. I didn’t expect it. It’s a perfect day.”
The United Arab Emirates successfully prevented a series of coordinated cyber attacks aimed at the nation’s digital systems and critical sectors, according to an announcement from the country’s state news agency on Saturday, February 21.
Officials reported that the cyber offensive “included attempts to infiltrate networks, deploy ransomware and conduct systematic phishing campaigns targeting national platforms.” The attackers reportedly utilized artificial intelligence technology to create sophisticated offensive cyber tools.
The state news agency did not identify which group or nation was responsible for orchestrating these digital attacks against UAE infrastructure.
A major healthcare network in Mississippi has been forced to temporarily close all of its medical facilities across the state following a cybersecurity breach that occurred Thursday.
The University of Mississippi Medical Center announced the closure of its entire network of 35 clinics after falling victim to a ransomware attack. Hospital administrators made the decision to shut down operations as a protective measure in response to the digital assault.
The cyberattack represents a significant disruption to healthcare services throughout Mississippi, affecting dozens of medical facilities that serve communities across the state. Officials have not yet announced when normal operations will resume.
This incident highlights the growing threat that ransomware poses to critical healthcare infrastructure nationwide, with medical systems increasingly becoming targets for cybercriminals seeking to exploit sensitive patient data and essential services.
A major winter weather system is taking aim at New York City and much of the Eastern Seaboard, with forecasters warning of potentially dangerous blizzard conditions ahead.
The approaching storm system threatens to unleash up to two feet of snowfall across the Big Apple, accompanied by powerful winds that could create whiteout conditions and make travel extremely hazardous.
Weather experts are closely monitoring the storm’s path as it moves toward the densely populated Northeast corridor. The combination of heavy snow accumulation and strong wind gusts could lead to widespread power outages and transportation disruptions throughout the region.
Residents in affected areas are being urged to prepare for the severe weather event and avoid unnecessary travel once conditions begin to deteriorate.
Following the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn emergency trade measures, President Donald Trump announced his administration will implement replacement tariffs using different legal frameworks, beginning with a new 10% baseline tariff set to take effect Tuesday.
The president indicated that his team will utilize multiple statutory authorities to recreate the economic impact of the emergency tariffs that were recently invalidated by the nation’s highest court.
Celebrated salsa musician Willie Colón passed away Saturday at the age of 75, according to a statement from his family.
His relatives shared their grief on Colón’s social media page, writing: “While we grieve his absence, we also rejoice in the timeless gift of his music and the cherished memories he created that will live on forever.”
The family has not revealed what caused his death.
Colón, who was born in the Bronx to parents from Puerto Rico, created numerous albums throughout his career, including notable releases like “La Gran Fuga” (The Big Break) from 1970 and “El Juicio” from 1972, as documented by Fania Records, a label known for promoting salsa artists.
The musician began his professional journey early, joining Fania Records when he was just 15 years old. By 1967, at age 17, he had released his debut album “El Malo,” which went on to sell over 300,000 copies, according to information from the LA Philharmonic’s website.
His musical style was distinctive for blending jazz, rock, and salsa elements while drawing from traditional sounds of Cuba, Puerto Rico, Brazil, and Africa, his official biography notes.
According to the LA Philharmonic, Colón’s work carried deep cultural meaning: “A significant overarching theme in Colón’s music—which draws from many cultures and several different styles—is an exploration of the competing associations that Puerto Ricans have with their home and with the United States.”
The biography further explained: “He uses his songs to depict and investigate the problems of living in the U.S. as a Puerto Rican and also to imply the cultural contributions that Puerto Ricans have to offer.”
In recognition of his contributions to Latin music, Colón received a lifetime achievement award in 2004 from the Latin Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences.
Beyond music, Colón was deeply committed to social causes, serving with organizations including the Latino Commission on AIDS and the United Nations Immigrant Foundation, while also holding a board position at the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute.
Two of the world’s largest developing economies have forged a new partnership centered on critical minerals and rare earth elements, as both nations work to expand their global trade relationships beyond traditional powers.
During a state visit to India on Saturday, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Indian officials finalized a memorandum of understanding that creates a cooperation framework between the nations. The agreement covers mutual investment opportunities, resource exploration, mining operations, and artificial intelligence development.
Brazil holds the planet’s second-largest deposits of rare earth minerals, which are essential components in smartphones, electric cars, solar energy systems, and aircraft engines.
“Increasing investments and cooperation in matters of renewable energy and critical minerals is at the core of a pioneering agreement that we have signed today,” Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva told journalists.
The countries also established legal frameworks covering entrepreneurship, healthcare, scientific research, and educational initiatives.
Lula’s diplomatic mission to India began Wednesday and continues through Sunday, marking an effort to strengthen relationships with India, which like Brazil belongs to the BRICS+ alliance of developing countries. The Brazilian leader also took part in an artificial intelligence conference during his visit.
This follows Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Brazil in July of the previous year, making Lula’s current trip his second state visit to India.
Eleven Brazilian ministers joined Lula’s delegation, including the heads of foreign affairs, finance, health, and agriculture departments, along with numerous business executives. Lula described it Saturday as potentially his largest overseas delegation to date, demonstrating his dedication to the India relationship.
According to Oliver Stuenkel, who teaches international relations at the Getulio Vargas Foundation think tank, this rare earths agreement represents part of a larger plan by both India and Brazil to gain strategic independence from China and the United States through partnership diversification.
Stuenkel noted that Brazil has pursued this approach for several years, enabling Lula to resist pressure from President Donald Trump when the U.S. imposed a 50% tariff on Brazilian goods following legal proceedings against former President Jair Bolsonaro, Trump’s political ally.
“The reading is that, given how turbulent and unpredictable things have become, the more partners, the better,” Stuenkel said.
The United States subsequently lifted most Brazilian tariffs and sanctions against the judge handling the case.
Roberto Goulart Menezes, who teaches international relations at the University of Brasilia, explained that Brazil’s confrontation with the U.S. sparked the concept of leveraging rare earths and critical minerals in diplomatic negotiations.
“Brazil began to reposition its understanding of the importance of these elements beyond their commercial dimension, recognizing their geopolitical relevance,” said Goulart.
Lula plans to meet with his American counterpart in Washington D.C. in the coming months. “For Brazil, this agreement represents a kind of pilot before negotiating with a country with which Brazil has an asymmetrical relationship,” Goulart said.
TRUCKEE, Calif. — Recovery teams deployed a Black Hawk helicopter Saturday morning into California’s Sierra Nevada mountains, where rescue workers are battling dangerous conditions to retrieve the remains of eight people killed in this week’s devastating avalanche.
The military aircraft departed from Truckee’s airport around 10 a.m. with four crew members dressed in brown cargo uniforms aboard. Tracking data revealed the helicopter spent approximately 90 minutes circling the Frog Lake area near Castle Peak, where rescue teams discovered the eight victims on Tuesday. A ninth person remains unaccounted for and is also believed to have perished.
Severe weather conditions combined with the ongoing threat of additional avalanches have prevented recovery teams from safely accessing the site where the victims remain trapped. The deadly slide, which covered an area comparable to a football field, occurred Tuesday in the mountainous terrain.
Aviation authorities have extended a no-fly zone over the disaster site until 5 p.m. Sunday, prohibiting drones and unauthorized aircraft from entering the airspace during recovery operations.
On Friday, officials revealed they are employing water cannons to break apart unstable snow formations as part of avalanche prevention measures. This controlled technique aims to trigger potential snow slides before rescue personnel enter the hazardous zone.
Multiple agencies are coordinating the complex rescue operation, including California Highway Patrol aviation units, Nevada County Sheriff’s search and rescue teams, Tahoe Nordic search and rescue, Pacific Gas & Electric crews, and the Sierra avalanche center.
Nevada County Sheriff’s officials confirmed Saturday morning that recovery operations are still underway, with a news briefing scheduled for 1 p.m.
NEW YORK — Defense attorneys representing convicted British socialite Ghislaine Maxwell are mounting a legal challenge to prevent the public disclosure of approximately 90,000 pages of documents tied to the late Jeffrey Epstein scandal, arguing that federal legislation requiring their release is unconstitutional.
The legal team submitted court filings on Friday evening in Manhattan federal court, seeking to prevent the unsealing of materials from a civil defamation case that Virginia Giuffre, an Epstein victim who has since died, filed against Maxwell ten years ago. Federal prosecutors recently petitioned a judge to remove confidentiality protections from these files.
According to Maxwell’s defense team, federal investigators improperly acquired these materials—which were previously protected under court secrecy orders—while conducting their criminal investigation of Maxwell. The attorneys stated that the documentation contains deposition transcripts from more than 30 individuals, along with private financial and intimate details concerning Maxwell and other parties.
Certain materials from the year-long discovery process in the civil litigation have already been made available to the public following a federal appellate court directive.
Maxwell’s legal representatives contend that the Epstein Files Transparency Act, which Congress enacted in December to mandate the release of millions of Epstein-connected documents, breaches the Constitution’s separation of powers principle.
Attorneys Laura Menninger and Jeffrey Pagliuca stated in their filing: “Congress cannot, by statute, strip this Court of the power or relieve it of the responsibility to protect its files from misuse. To do so violates the separation of powers.”
The lawyers further argued: “Under the Constitution’s separation of powers, neither Congress nor the Executive Branch may intrude on the judicial power. That power includes the power to definitively and finally resolve cases and disputes.”
The ongoing release of Epstein-connected materials from criminal investigations, which commenced several weeks ago, has produced fresh details about Epstein’s systematic sexual exploitation of women and minors spanning multiple decades. Several survivors have expressed frustration that their identities and personal details were exposed in the documents while the names of perpetrators remained redacted.
Congressional representatives have criticized that approximately half of available documents, many heavily redacted, have been disclosed publicly, despite Justice Department assertions that all releasable materials have been provided, with some files awaiting judicial approval for publication.
Giuffre alleged that Epstein forced her into sexual encounters with other men, including former Prince Andrew, now called Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor. She initiated legal action against Mountbatten-Windsor in 2021, alleging sexual contact when she was 17 years old.
Mountbatten-Windsor disputed her allegations, and both parties reached a settlement agreement in 2022. Recently, he was detained for nearly 11 hours on allegations of improperly sharing confidential business information with Epstein.
In posthumously published memoirs following her suicide last year, Giuffre revealed that prosecutors informed her they excluded her from Maxwell’s sex trafficking case to prevent her accusations from diverting jury attention.
Maxwell, age 64, received a guilty verdict in December 2021 and was sentenced to two decades in federal prison. Epstein died by suicide in federal detention in August 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges. Maxwell was transferred from a Florida federal facility to a minimum-security prison facility in Texas last summer following two days of interviews with Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche.
Two weeks prior, she refused to respond to questions from House Oversight Committee members during a video deposition from her prison facility, though her attorney indicated she was “prepared to speak fully and honestly” if granted executive clemency.
The Justice Department has not yet provided a response to requests for comment regarding the matter.
At 40 years old, most athletes have long since hung up their competitive gear, but Dutch speed skater Jorrit Bergsma proved age is just a number when he captured Olympic gold in Milan on Saturday.
The veteran competitor shocked the field during the men’s mass start competition, executing a bold strategy alongside Denmark’s Viktor Hald Thorup with a surprise attack during the third lap of the 16-lap event.
“I do not know yet if I will be back in four years, but now I guess I have to defend my title, right?” Bergsma said after his stunning victory.
The pair quickly established a substantial advantage over their competitors – at times leading by more than half a lap – while the remaining skaters failed to mount an immediate response. With just a few laps remaining, Bergsma made his decisive move, pulling away from Thorup to secure the win.
“I do not think I realise just yet what I have done. I even had to pinch myself when I was standing on the podium,” the champion reflected.
Looking ahead to the 2030 Winter Olympics, when he would be 44, Bergsma acknowledged the challenges but remained optimistic about his future in the sport.
“Four years is going to be really tough, especially with the young guys coming up on the single distances. I will see year by year, but I am not done yet,” he stated.
This latest achievement enhances Bergsma’s already impressive Olympic collection, which features his 10,000m championship from Sochi 2014, a silver medal from Pyeongchang 2018, and bronze medals in the 5,000m at Sochi and 10,000m at Milano Cortina.
“I had already won bronze, so my Olympic Games were already complete, but to be standing here with a gold medal as a 40-year-old guy is a privilege, even more so that I managed to do it in the mass start. I did not expect this at all,” Bergsma explained.
The number 13 played a special role in Bergsma’s success story. He competed wearing helmet number 13, having previously earned his 10,000m bronze medal on February 13.
“It has been my lucky number already. In the Netherlands, I am skating marathons with leg number 13. One week ago I won a bronze medal on Friday the 13th. And today I win with number 13. It is like magic for me,” he revealed.
In a remarkable coincidence, Bergsma’s February 1st birthday would align perfectly with the opening ceremony of the 2030 Winter Olympics, should he decide to extend his career for another Olympic cycle.
The St. Louis Cardinals have added veteran utility player Ramon Urias to their roster, announcing the signing of the free agent infielder to a one-year contract on Saturday.
While the team did not reveal specific contract details, The Athletic reported the agreement is worth $2 million for the 2026 season, with an additional $1.5 million guaranteed and a $500,000 buyout clause for a mutual option in 2027. The contract also features performance incentives that could reach up to $2 million based on plate appearances.
The 31-year-old Urias brings defensive versatility and experience to St. Louis after playing for both the Baltimore Orioles and Houston Astros during the 2025 campaign. Over 112 games last season, he posted a .241 batting average while contributing 11 home runs and 44 runs batted in.
Throughout his major league career spanning from 2020 to 2025, Urias has maintained a .257 batting average across 541 games, accumulating 50 home runs and 215 RBIs between his time with Baltimore and Houston. His defensive prowess earned him a Gold Glove Award at third base in 2022, and he has demonstrated flexibility by playing multiple infield positions including second base, shortstop, and first base.
To accommodate Urias on their 40-man roster, the Cardinals placed 27-year-old right-handed pitcher Zak Kent on waivers. Kent compiled a 1-0 record with a 4.58 earned run average during the 2025 season.
Minnesota Twins All-Star pitcher Joe Ryan was pulled from Saturday afternoon’s matchup against the Boston Red Sox moments before game time after experiencing lower back tightness.
The last-minute roster change adds to the team’s pitching concerns, coming just 24 hours after officials announced that pitcher Pablo Lopez will need Tommy John surgery next week, sidelining him for all of the 2026 season.
Right-handed pitcher Eston Stull stepped in to take Ryan’s place as the Twins kicked off their Grapefruit League season against Boston.
The 29-year-old Ryan had a solid 2025 campaign, finishing with 13 wins and 10 losses while achieving a personal-best 3.42 ERA across 31 games, including 30 starts. Last summer marked a career milestone for the reliable pitcher when he earned his first All-Star Game selection.
Swedish cross-country skiing champion Frida Karlsson has withdrawn from Sunday’s women’s 50km mass start classic event at the Milano Cortina Olympics after becoming sick, according to a Swedish team official speaking from Tesero, Italy on February 21.
The absence of Karlsson, who many experts believed had a strong chance of earning another medal, comes after her impressive Olympic performance that included gold medals in both the 20km skiathlon and 10km freestyle events. Her victories helped establish Sweden’s women’s cross-country team as the dominant force at these Winter Games.
Karlsson joins a growing list of elite athletes who have been sidelined by sickness during this Olympic week. Italy’s Federico Pellegrino and Team USA’s Ben Ogden were also unable to compete in Saturday’s men’s 50km classic event after falling ill.
More than 1,550 applications have been submitted under Venezuela’s newly enacted amnesty legislation, according to National Assembly President Jorge Rodriguez during a Saturday broadcast on government television.
Rodriguez announced that hundreds of detainees are currently being freed through this law, which the ruling party-dominated legislature approved on Thursday. However, human rights advocates argue the legislation doesn’t provide adequate assistance for the numerous political detainees held throughout the nation.
Since assuming office last month following the U.S.-backed removal of President Nicolas Maduro, Interim President Delcy Rodriguez has complied with Trump administration requirements regarding petroleum exports and freed hundreds of individuals whom human rights organizations classify as political detainees. Venezuelan officials reject claims of holding political prisoners, maintaining that incarcerated individuals have been convicted of criminal offenses.
Juan Pablo Guanipa, an opposition figure and close associate of Nobel Peace Prize recipient Maria Corina Machado, had his home detention order revoked, according to his brother, legislator Tomas Guanipa, who spoke with Reuters on Thursday evening.
Delaware coastal residents are being advised to prepare for potential flooding conditions as meteorologists have issued an official coastal flood warning for the area.
The National Weather Service office in Mount Holly, New Jersey announced the warning on February 21st at 2:45 PM Eastern Standard Time. The alert will remain active until 5:00 AM on February 23rd.
Residents living in low-lying coastal areas should monitor conditions closely and be prepared to take necessary precautions during the warning period.
A group of Vietnam War veterans has taken legal action against the Trump administration’s proposal to construct a towering memorial structure adjacent to Arlington National Cemetery.
The veterans are challenging the president’s plan for what’s being called the ‘Independence Arch,’ which would stand 250 feet tall and be positioned at Memorial Circle near the Memorial Bridge in Washington.
The proposed monument has sparked controversy among veteran groups who argue the massive structure would interfere with the solemn nature of the area surrounding the nation’s most hallowed burial ground.
Memorial Circle, located near the Memorial Bridge, has been identified as the potential construction site for the controversial arch project.
The legal challenge represents the latest opposition to the Trump administration’s memorial plans, with veterans expressing concerns about the appropriateness of such a large-scale structure in proximity to Arlington’s sacred grounds.
Weather officials have issued a blizzard warning for Delaware and surrounding areas, alerting residents to prepare for severe winter storm conditions.
The National Weather Service office in Mount Holly, New Jersey announced the warning on February 21st at 1:54 PM, with the dangerous weather pattern expected to continue until 6:00 PM on February 23rd.
Delaware residents should take immediate precautions as blizzard conditions can create life-threatening travel situations and power outages throughout the region.
The warning covers the entire Delmarva Peninsula, with meteorologists urging people to avoid unnecessary travel during the storm period.
Local emergency management officials recommend stocking up on essential supplies including food, water, medications, and battery-powered equipment before conditions deteriorate.
President Donald Trump has announced his intention to increase global tariffs to 15 percent, marking an escalation from his earlier proposal of 10 percent worldwide tariffs.
The decision comes after the United States Supreme Court overturned the President’s previous tariff policies, forcing the administration to reconsider its trade strategy.
Trump had initially outlined plans to impose 10 percent tariffs on imports from around the world as part of his broader economic agenda.
TORONTO – Canadian hockey fans will be able to grab a cold beer with their morning coffee this Sunday as provinces across the country permit bars to serve alcohol hours ahead of schedule for the Olympic men’s hockey championship game against the United States.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford authorized licensed venues in Canada’s largest province to start pouring drinks at 6 AM Eastern Time on Sunday, more than two hours before the championship match begins at Milan’s Santagiulia arena. The game features rosters filled with National Hockey League stars from both countries.
“The entire country will be watching on Sunday morning as our men’s hockey team plays for Olympic gold,” Ford posted on social media when he announced the early alcohol sales decision. “Let’s all come together, support local businesses and cheer on Team Canada!”
British Columbia Premier David Eby has implemented similar measures on the west coast, allowing establishments there to serve drinks to eager hockey supporters before typical morning hours.
The championship contest will be the first Olympic men’s hockey final between these neighboring countries since the 2010 Vancouver Winter Games.
Canada claimed victory in that 2010 championship on Sidney Crosby’s overtime goal and went on to repeat as champions at the 2014 Sochi Olympics, which was the most recent Winter Games to include NHL talent.
Sunday’s final gives Canada an opportunity to solidify their dominance and capture their 10th Olympic men’s hockey gold medal in a nation where hockey holds cultural significance that transcends typical sports fandom and approaches spiritual devotion.
GLENDALE, Ariz. — Two-way sensation Shohei Ohtani will make limited appearances in spring training for the Los Angeles Dodgers before departing Arizona to represent Japan in the upcoming World Baseball Classic.
The superstar took his position as leadoff designated hitter in Saturday’s spring opener against the Angels at Tempe Diablo Stadium, with plans for two to three plate appearances.
“Sometimes he takes two and he feels good or he wants that third at-bat,” manager Dave Roberts said.
Roberts remained coy about Ohtani’s exact departure timeline, smiling when pressed about travel arrangements and saying, “I promised I’d try.”
The 31-year-old dual-threat player is slated to take the mound against live batters on Sunday, with Roberts already expressing confidence that Ohtani deserves Cy Young Award consideration this season.
“I know that it’s going to be soon. He’s going to play in a couple Cactus League games, but I’m not exactly sure when his plane ticket is. He hasn’t said,” Roberts said. “So I don’t know what day he’s going to join Team Japan.”
Meanwhile, World Series MVP Yoshinobu Yamamoto made his spring debut as the starting pitcher, throwing approximately 35 pitches across two innings in his only Dodgers appearance before also departing for WBC duty.
“Obviously him going and pitching for Team Japan, he’s going to be kind of trying to ramp it up and get prepared so I think it’s just more of what he does strike one, use his secondaries and be efficient and get some outs,” Roberts said.
Upon Yamamoto’s return to the Dodgers’ facility, the right-hander will initially be limited to roughly four innings and 60 pitches, according to Roberts.
The 27-year-old hurler, who inked a massive $325 million, 12-year deal in December 2023, dominated in Los Angeles’ championship run with a perfect 3-0 record and 1.09 ERA across seven World Series contests against Toronto, making his workload management a priority following that exceptional postseason performance.
“I think it’s up to all of us to be mindful of workloads and short term, long term and all of that stuff, which we are,” Roberts said.
Yamamoto’s World Series excellence included 15 strikeouts against just two walks over 17 2/3 innings, surrendering only two runs on 10 hits. He joined Randy Johnson as the sole pitchers since 1969 to capture three victories in a single World Series.
“I think I’m confident because there’s no exact science on ramping up early and success,” Roberts said. “Or being methodical and not participating to result in success during the season. There’s just no exact science. I think for me and for all of us you’re just believing in the player, knowing that he knows what it takes to get ready for a season and he takes care of himself. So I think for me it’s an easy way to kind of think and wrap my head around just kind of believing in him, trusting him.”
