Former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is pushing for Britain and European partners to immediately station non-combat military personnel in Ukraine as a demonstration to Russian President Vladimir Putin that Western countries remain genuinely dedicated to Ukraine’s sovereignty.
In remarks made before the fourth anniversary of Russia’s comprehensive assault on Ukraine, Johnson spoke with the BBC about positioning troops in stable areas for non-combat duties. Johnson, who served as one of Ukraine’s most vocal advocates during his tenure as Britain’s leader when the conflict began, shared these views in interview segments scheduled to air Sunday.
Should this recommendation be implemented, it would represent a significant departure from current UK and allied policy. Although the “coalition of the willing” is developing plans for troop deployment to Ukraine, such forces would only be sent following a peace agreement and would serve to monitor any ceasefire.
“If we are willing to do it in the context of a ceasefire, which of course puts all the initiative, all the power, in Putin’s hands, why not do it now?” Johnson said. “There is no logical reason that I can see why we shouldn’t send peaceful ground forces there to show our support, our constitutional support for a free, independent Ukraine.”
Western defense strategists have refrained from publicly addressing such deployment options due to fears that Russia would interpret this as conflict escalation.
Putin dismissed Western peacekeeping proposals for Ukraine in September, declaring that any military personnel sent to the country would become “legitimate targets.”
However, Johnson maintained that Putin should not be permitted to set conditions for Ukraine and its supporters.
“It’s about whether Ukraine is a free country or not,” he said. “If it’s a vassal state of Russia, which is what Putin wants, then obviously it’s up to Putin to decide who comes to his country. If it’s not, then it’s up to the Ukrainians.”
Responding to Johnson’s statements, Britain’s Ministry of Defense confirmed the government continues collaborating with the coalition of willing nations to prepare for post-ceasefire troop deployment to Ukraine.
“The multinational force Ukraine under UK leadership will secure peace for the long term, with the Prime Minister being clear that we will put British troops on the ground following the end of hostilities,” the ministry said in a statement.
Johnson attributed the Ukrainian conflict to Western inaction following Russia’s 2014 Crimea invasion, along with the failure to hold Bashar al-Assad accountable for chemical weapon attacks on Syrian civilians and the chaotic US Afghanistan withdrawal.
“I think Putin was emboldened by a Western failure in Syria to punish Assad for using chemical weapons,” he said.
“I think Putin was further emboldened in February 2022 by what he’d seen in Afghanistan, and a sort of general sense that the West was on the back foot. He’d seen those appalling pictures of Americans being forced to flee Afghanistan and the UK pulling out as well, and that really did embolden him.”
A powerful late-winter storm heading toward the East Coast on Sunday has prompted meteorologists to issue blizzard warnings for coastal Delaware communities, along with New York City, New Jersey, and southern Connecticut.
Weather forecasters have upgraded their predictions for what they initially expected to be a less severe storm just days ago. The National Weather Service now anticipates snowfall totals of 1 to 2 feet across much of the warning area, which encompasses New York City, Long Island, southern Connecticut, and coastal areas of New Jersey and Delaware. Forecasters also warn that flooding could occur in portions of New York and New Jersey.
“While we do get plenty of these nor’easters that produce heavy snow and strong impacts, it’s been several years since we saw one of this magnitude across this large of a region in this very populated part of the country,” said Cody Snell, a meteorologist at the service’s Weather Prediction Center.
According to Snell, the storm system will begin impacting the Washington, D.C. area Sunday morning before moving through Philadelphia and New York City, eventually reaching Boston by late Monday evening.
Meteorologists expect the storm to start as rain in some locations before conditions deteriorate. The most intense snowfall is forecast for Sunday night, with accumulation rates potentially reaching 2 inches per hour in certain areas before conditions improve by Monday afternoon.
The weather service cautioned that sustained winds between 25 and 35 mph accompanying the storm will “make travel dangerous, if not impossible. Scattered downed tree limbs and power outages possible due to snow load and strong winds.”
This storm system arrives as communities are still recovering from ice and snow left behind by another winter storm that hit the region several weeks ago.
Atlantic City, New Jersey officials issued warnings Saturday, advising residents and casino patrons to avoid traveling during the storm, particularly in flood-prone, low-elevation areas.
“I could go on and on probably with a good two dozen streets where we know we will get water and there will be snow on top of that,” said Scott Evans, the city’s fire chief and emergency management coordinator. “So you won’t be able to see it until it’s too late, so therefore please stay at home.”
Texas Rangers utility infielder Cody Freeman faces an extended absence after suffering a fractured lower back, with team manager Skip Schumaker revealing Saturday that the injury will keep him out of action for four to six weeks.
The recovery period creates significant uncertainty about Freeman’s availability for the season opener, as only five weeks remain before Texas takes on the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on March 26.
The 25-year-old Freeman had been competing for a versatile bench role heading into the 2025 campaign.
“Obviously, he wasn’t thrilled with the news,” Schumaker told reporters, according to the Dallas Morning News. “He’s going to be out a little bit. But he’s the type of kid that he will get something out of this rehab. I know it’s tough for him, but it’s not like he’s not part of the plan moving forward. He’s going to help us at some point during the season.”
During the 2024 season, Freeman appeared in 36 contests for Texas, posting a .228 batting average while contributing three home runs and 15 runs batted in.
Campus demonstrations erupted at multiple Iranian universities Saturday as students returned for the start of their new academic semester, with some encounters turning violent between protesters and government supporters, according to local media reports and social media documentation.
The university unrest took place during traditional memorial services held 40 days after deaths, honoring victims killed by government security personnel during January’s widespread anti-regime demonstrations. Those protests represented the most significant domestic upheaval Iran has experienced since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, resulting in thousands of casualties.
Footage allegedly captured demonstrators at Tehran’s Sharif University of Technology marching in formation while denouncing Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei as a “murderous leader” and advocating for Reza Pahlavi, the former shah’s exiled heir, to assume leadership as monarch.
Government-aligned news outlets including SNN broadcast footage showing confrontations where demonstrators reportedly injured volunteer student Basij militia members by hurling stones at the prestigious engineering institution. These pro-government Basij forces frequently support security personnel during protest suppression efforts.
Additional demonstrations occurred at Beheshti and Amir Kabir universities in Tehran, as well as Mashhad University in northeastern Iran, based on footage released by rights organization HAALVSH, though Reuters was unable to independently confirm these reports.
In Abdanan, a western community that has been a focal point for demonstrations, protesters shouted “Death to Khamenei” and “Death to the dictator” following the detention of an activist educator, as documented by rights group Hengaw and social media accounts.
Weather authorities issued blizzard alerts Saturday for New York City and surrounding areas in New Jersey and Connecticut as a powerful winter storm system approaches the Eastern Seaboard.
The National Weather Service has activated snow and storm alerts spanning from the Mid-Atlantic through the Northeast regions, with forecasters predicting intense snowfall and powerful winds beginning Sunday and continuing through Monday.
Officials expect the New York metropolitan area, including Long Island, to receive as much as 1.5 feet of snow accumulation. This marks the first time New York City has been placed under a blizzard warning since 2017.
The storm system will particularly impact areas from New Jersey extending northeast to southeastern New England, where the combination of heavy snow and fierce winds will create dangerous conditions.
Weather forecasters predict wind speeds between 25 and 35 mph throughout the event, with stronger gusts reaching 45 to 55 mph expected Sunday evening. Coastal regions will experience the most severe conditions from the storm system.
The National Weather Service warns that the powerful winds will likely cause electrical outages across the affected region. Additionally, coastal communities face the possibility of minor to extensive flooding.
Meanwhile, the Washington D.C. and Baltimore metropolitan areas remain under winter storm watch as the system continues its eastward trajectory.
The International Olympic Committee announced Saturday that FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s participation in President Donald Trump’s Board of Peace launch event did not breach Olympic political neutrality standards.
Infantino, who holds dual roles as head of world soccer’s governing organization and IOC member, joined Thursday’s inaugural Board of Peace session in Milan. The gathering brought together Trump and various world leaders to discuss Gaza reconstruction initiatives, with the goal of rebuilding the region following Hamas disarmament.
An IOC representative confirmed the organization had communicated with FIFA regarding the matter. “We understand that FIFA is supporting, through football, a comprehensive sport recovery investment programme in Gaza, Palestine, by providing sporting infrastructure, education and elite development proposals,” the spokesperson stated.
The spokesperson added: “This is entirely in keeping with the role of an International sport federation. The IOC, through Olympic Solidarity, which is our development vehicle, has been and continues to support sport development in the region.”
Olympic Charter regulations require members to operate free from commercial and political influences. The document also prohibits members from accepting “from governments, organisations, or other parties, any mandate or instructions liable to interfere with the freedom of their action and vote.”
Trump’s Board of Peace initiative has drawn criticism for including Israeli representation while excluding Palestinian voices. Concerns have emerged that Trump’s plans to expand the Board’s scope beyond Gaza could potentially diminish the United Nations’ primary role in international diplomacy and conflict mediation.
During the event, Infantino shared the stage with multiple heads of state and wore a red cap featuring “USA” and the numbers 45-47, representing Trump’s two separate presidential terms.
The FIFA leader presented a collaboration agreement with the Board of Peace outlining ambitious Gaza sports development plans. The initiative includes constructing 50 smaller playing fields near educational facilities and neighborhoods, five regulation-size pitches throughout different districts, an advanced FIFA training academy, and a new 20,000-capacity national stadium.
Trump and Infantino have met on multiple occasions, particularly relevant as the United States prepares to co-host this summer’s World Cup alongside Mexico and Canada.
In December, FIFA presented Trump with its first-ever peace award, recognizing his work promoting communication and tension reduction in global conflict zones.
Newly elected IOC President Kirsty Coventry, who took office in 2025, has not yet had a meeting with Trump. Los Angeles is scheduled to host the 2028 Summer Olympics.
A teenage soccer prodigy has achieved a historic milestone with Major League Soccer’s Houston Dynamo, becoming the youngest athlete ever awarded a first-team contract by the organization.
Matthew Arana, just 15 years old, secured his professional deal on Saturday through the league’s Homegrown Player program. The midfielder, who hails from Houston, agreed to terms that will keep him with the club through the 2027-28 season, with additional options extending potentially through 2029-30.
Pat Onstad, the team’s president of soccer operations, expressed his enthusiasm about the landmark signing.
“I am very proud to announce the signing of Matthew Arana,” Onstad stated. “He made the most of his opportunities since joining the Dynamo Academy in 2021, advancing quickly through our pathway and making an impact at the first team level this preseason. He has a bright future ahead of him.”
Onstad also acknowledged the support system behind the young player’s success.
“We want to thank Matthew’s parents, Bibiana and Miguel, RISE SC and everyone who supported him on his journey to today, and we look forward to his continued development with his hometown club,” he added.
The teenager has already gained professional experience, appearing for Houston’s MLS NEXT Pro squad in 2025. During his time with Dynamo 2, Arana recorded one assist across five appearances, including one as a starter.
Houston will kick off their 2026 MLS campaign with a home match against Chicago Fire this Saturday evening.
President Trump announced plans to increase his recently established global tariff rate to 15%, just one day after putting the original 10% rate into effect.
The president signed the initial proclamation on Monday to establish the 10% worldwide tariff, which was designed to restore certain trade duties that had been overturned by a Supreme Court ruling. However, Trump quickly decided to boost that rate by an additional 5 percentage points.
The tariff adjustment represents a significant shift in trade policy that could impact import costs for businesses and consumers across the country, including here in Delaware.
CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) — Venezuelan officials announced that 379 individuals imprisoned on political grounds will walk free this weekend following the implementation of a newly passed amnesty law.
The legislation, which became official on Thursday, is designed to help opposition figures, political activists, human rights advocates, journalists and others who have spent months or years behind bars.
This development represents a significant policy change for Venezuelan leadership, which has historically rejected claims of detaining political prisoners. The move comes after last month’s dramatic U.S. military operation in Caracas that resulted in the capture of former President Nicolás Maduro.
Jorge Arreaza, who heads the special committee managing the amnesty process, announced Friday evening on government television that officials had processed 379 applications for release, with prisoners expected to be freed between Friday and Saturday. He indicated additional releases could occur over the next two weeks.
Gonzalo Himiob from the Venezuelan prisoners’ rights organization Foro Penal confirmed to The Associated Press on Saturday that some individuals had already been freed in Barinas state in the country’s southwest region, though verification of all releases was still underway.
The amnesty legislation specifically excludes individuals convicted of murder, narcotics trafficking, severe human rights abuses and military insurrection.
Human rights advocates are pushing for broader application of the law to cover all politically motivated detentions, regardless of current eligibility restrictions.
“It is discriminatory and unconstitutional to exclude imprisoned military personnel and persecuted political figures,” Foro Penal president Alfredo Romero posted on X Saturday. He argued that without broader inclusion, “there can be no talk of national coexistence.”
Acting President Delcy Rodríguez, who has led Venezuela since January 5, described the law’s signing as evidence that the nation’s leadership was “letting go of a little intolerance and opening new avenues for politics in Venezuela.”
The amnesty covers “crimes or offenses committed” during designated time periods beginning in 1999 when Venezuela experienced politically motivated conflicts, including violence related to the disputed 2024 presidential election. Post-election demonstrations resulted in more than 2,000 arrests, including minors.
Following Maduro’s January 3 arrest, Rodríguez’s administration promised to free substantial numbers of prisoners. However, family members and human rights monitors have expressed frustration with the gradual pace of releases and strict conditions imposed on those who have been freed.
The Venezuelan nonprofit Justice, Encounter and Forgiveness documented 459 releases of political detainees between January 8 and February 20.
A deadly vehicle bombing in northwest Pakistan claimed the lives of two Pakistani military personnel on Saturday when an attacker drove an explosive-packed car into a security patrol, according to Pakistani military officials.
The assault occurred in Bannu, located within Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province near the Afghan border, where government forces have engaged in ongoing battles with insurgent groups for many years.
Military officials stated that Pakistan will not “exercise any restraint” and vowed that military operations targeting those behind such violence will persist “irrespective of their location,” words that suggest growing friction between Pakistan and Afghanistan.
While no organization has taken credit for the bombing, investigators will likely focus on the Pakistani Taliban, who have been linked to similar previous incidents. Afghan government representatives have not yet issued any response.
This deadly incident follows Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry calling in a high-ranking Afghan official just two days earlier to formally protest another fatal assault on a security outpost that resulted in the deaths of 11 Pakistani troops and one young girl in the Bajaur area along the Afghan frontier.
According to local law enforcement, the individual who conducted the Bajaur attack was identified as an Afghan citizen.
Both Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif issued individual statements denouncing the bombing while honoring the fallen servicemen, Lt. Col. Shehzad Gul and Sepoy Karamat Shah, for their ultimate sacrifice.
Pakistan has experienced an increase in extremist attacks in recent times, with many incidents attributed to Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and banned Baloch organizations. The TTP operates independently from but maintains close ties with Afghanistan’s Taliban rulers, who regained control in 2021. Pakistani officials claim the TTP conducts operations from Afghan territory, an allegation that both the militant group and Kabul reject.
Diplomatic ties between the two nations have deteriorated since October, when fatal border confrontations resulted in casualties among troops, civilians and alleged militants. These clashes followed bombing incidents in Kabul that Afghan authorities attributed to Pakistan. While a Qatar-brokered truce has mostly prevented further violence, subsequent negotiations in Istanbul have not yielded a formal peace accord, leaving relationships strained.
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump announced Saturday he’s increasing his proposed worldwide tariff rate to 15%, just one day after declaring a 10% rate following a Supreme Court setback.
In a social media statement, Trump explained his decision came after conducting what he called a comprehensive analysis of what he described as a “ridiculous, poorly written, and extraordinarily anti-American decision on Tariffs issued yesterday” by the nation’s highest court.
The Supreme Court ruled in a 6-3 decision that Trump lacked emergency authority to implement broad tariff measures, leading the president to sign an executive order Friday evening that circumvents Congress to establish a 10% import tax worldwide. However, these tariffs face a 150-day time limit without legislative extension.
Trump’s announcement to further increase the global import tax represents another indication that despite judicial constraints, the Republican leader remains determined to unpredictably employ his preferred economic and diplomatic pressure tool. His pattern of announcing tariff adjustments with minimal warning throughout the past year has disrupted financial markets and concerned international partners.
Saturday’s declaration appears to signal Trump’s intention to leverage the temporary global tariffs as a show of strength.
“During the next short number of months, the Trump Administration will determine and issue the new and legally permissible Tariffs, which will continue our extraordinarily successful process of Making America Great Again,” Trump posted on his Truth Social platform.
The executive order Trump executed Friday evening set February 24 as the implementation date for the 10% tariff. The White House has not yet responded to inquiries about when an updated order reflecting the 15% rate would be signed.
Beyond the temporary tariffs Trump now wants set at 15%, the president indicated Friday he’s also pursuing additional tariffs using different federal statutes that mandate Commerce Department investigations.
Trump launched an unusually direct criticism of the Supreme Court justices who voted against him in the 6-3 ruling, including two he nominated during his previous presidency, Justices Neil Gorsuch and Amy Coney Barrett. During Friday’s news conference, Trump stated about the two justices: “I think it’s an embarrassment to their families.”
His frustration continued Friday evening with social media posts targeting Gorsuch, Coney Barrett, and Chief Justice John Roberts, who sided with the majority and authored the main opinion. Saturday morning brought another post where Trump named Justice Brett Kavanaugh his “new hero” for writing a 63-page dissenting opinion. He also commended Justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito for their minority positions, saying of the three dissenting justices: “There is no doubt in anyone’s mind that they want to, MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!”
Persistent snowfall has forced Olympic organizers to postpone the women’s freestyle skiing halfpipe finals by 24 hours in Livigno, Italy, marking another weather-related disruption at the Milano Cortina Games.
The competition, originally scheduled for Saturday evening, has been rescheduled to Sunday as the final event taking place in the northern Italian Alpine community.
Heavy snow continued falling throughout Saturday’s men’s ski cross finals, creating poor visibility conditions and making the slopes more challenging for competitors. The mountain town sits in northern Italy close to the Swiss border.
When competition resumes, China’s Eileen Gu will attempt to retain her Olympic title in the halfpipe discipline. Britain’s Zoe Atkin, who topped the qualifying rounds, and China’s Li Fanghui are among the leading challengers expected to compete for medals.
Adverse weather conditions have disrupted the Olympic schedule multiple times throughout the Milano Cortina Games, which are scheduled to wrap up with Sunday evening’s Closing Ceremony.
The men’s halfpipe competition also faced scheduling changes earlier in the week, with organizers consolidating qualifying rounds and finals into a single day on Friday rather than spreading them across separate days as initially planned.
DUBAI – American tennis professional Jessica Pegula delivered a commanding performance Saturday, defeating Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina 6-2, 6-4 to claim the Dubai Tennis Championships title.
The world’s fifth-ranked player established early control, racing to a 3-0 advantage in the opening set by forcing Svitolina to play deep court positions. Pegula secured her initial service break with a precise backhand cross-court winner, then maintained her serve advantage with an expertly executed backhand slice.
When Svitolina attempted to mount a comeback, the former U.S. Open finalist successfully defended two break point opportunities to extend her lead to 5-1. Svitolina’s frustration showed as she sent a forehand into the net, allowing Pegula to close out the opening set.
The 31-year-old American, who celebrates her 32nd birthday this Tuesday, maintained her composure throughout the second set. She captured the crucial service break in the fifth game, which proved sufficient to secure her tenth professional tour championship while snapping a streak of three consecutive losses in WTA 1000 championship matches.
Seven-time Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton is declaring himself ready for redemption after acknowledging he lost his way during a challenging debut season with Ferrari.
The 41-year-old British racing legend took to Instagram with a determined message, revealing he’s found his motivation again following what proved to be a lackluster first year with the legendary Italian racing team.
“I love this job so much and I love working with my team and driving for the fans,” Hamilton stated. The driver, who made the high-profile switch from Mercedes to Ferrari last year, expressed gratitude for his position in the sport.
“I’m incredibly lucky to be able to do what I do, and I’m excited for the season ahead,” he continued.
Hamilton didn’t hold back in his candid reflection on his recent struggles: “I’m re-set and refreshed. I’m not going anywhere, so stick with me. For a moment, I forgot who I was, but thanks to you and your support you’re not going to see that mindset again. I know what needs to be done. This is going to be one hell of a season.”
The racing icon, widely regarded as the most accomplished driver in Formula One’s history, endured his career’s most challenging season in 2024. He went without a single podium finish across 24 races and appeared increasingly frustrated as the year progressed.
Ferrari’s performance matched Hamilton’s struggles, as the team failed to secure a victory throughout the 2024 campaign. However, recent testing sessions in Bahrain have shown promising signs, with Hamilton’s teammate Charles Leclerc posting the quickest time in this week’s final practice session before teams head to Australia for the season opener on March 8.
McLaren team principal Andrea Stella shared his assessment of the competitive landscape on Friday, identifying Mercedes and Ferrari as the teams with the strongest early-season potential.
“McLaren and Red Bull probably very similar, Ferrari and Mercedes a step ahead,” Stella told reporters.
WASHINGTON – Following a Supreme Court decision that invalidated his earlier tariff program, President Donald Trump announced Saturday that he will boost temporary import duties on nearly all foreign goods entering the United States from 10% to 15%, reaching the highest rate permitted by law.
The Supreme Court’s ruling on Friday determined that Trump had overstepped his presidential powers when he implemented various higher tariff rates using an economic emergency statute. Trump quickly responded by establishing the 10% universal tariff rate immediately after the court’s decision.
The updated import duties operate under different legislation called Section 122, which permits tariffs as high as 15% but mandates that Congress must approve any extension beyond a 150-day period.
Trump announced via social media Saturday that he plans to utilize this timeframe to develop additional tariff measures that are “legally permissible.” His administration plans to invoke two additional laws that authorize import taxes on particular products or nations following investigations into national security concerns or unfair trading practices.
“I, as President of the United States of America, will be, 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,” Trump declared in his Truth Social statement.
Since the Supreme Court’s 6-3 ruling, Trump has demonstrated no indication of retreating from his international trade confrontation, criticizing specific justices personally while maintaining his authority to implement tariffs according to his judgment.
Team Canada faces significant injury challenges heading into Sunday’s Olympic gold medal hockey matchup against the United States at the Milan Cortina Olympics, with defenseman Josh Morrissey officially ruled out and captain Sidney Crosby’s participation still in question.
The 30-year-old Morrissey sustained an injury during the opening period of Canada’s initial group stage victory against Czechia and has been unable to compete in Olympic action since that incident.
Meanwhile, Crosby appeared to injure his right leg during Wednesday’s thrilling 4-3 overtime quarterfinal victory over the Czech Republic.
Following Saturday’s practice session, Canadian head coach Jon Cooper confirmed to media that Morrissey would be unavailable for the championship game. This marks the second major tournament Morrissey has missed due to health issues, having also sat out last year’s 4 Nations Face-Off title game in Boston because of illness.
“We want Josh in this game, he helps us with puck moving and everything he does, but in the end if you’re not physically able to do it,” Cooper explained. “The one selfless thing about this team, and the way I’ve watched these players … when it comes to the flag, no one is getting in the way of it. If they’re incapable of giving what they think is optimal effort, they don’t want to put the country in harm, they understand what we have here.”
The stakes are particularly high as Canada seeks its first Olympic gold medal since capturing the title at the 2014 Sochi Games, which was the most recent Olympics to include NHL talent. The Americans haven’t claimed Olympic hockey gold since their legendary “Miracle on Ice” triumph in Lake Placid, New York back in 1980.
The 38-year-old Crosby did participate in Saturday’s practice session, though his game-time decision remains pending.
“We’ll see. I watched him skate today,” Cooper said regarding Crosby’s condition. “I haven’t spoken to him yet. We’re going to meet tonight and have a determination of what’s going to happen tomorrow. He won’t put himself in harm’s way. He’s not going to put the team in harm’s way.”
“Obviously we’d love to have him, but that determination will be made tonight,” the coach added.
Throughout these Olympic Games, Crosby has contributed six points across four contests, recording two goals and four assists for the Canadian squad.
CORTINA D’AMPEZZO, Italy – Team Canada’s women’s curling squad secured the Olympic bronze medal Saturday, defeating the United States 10-7 in a thrilling match at the Milano Cortina Games.
The victory sparked celebrations as Canadian team captain Rachel Homan raised her fist in triumph and hugged teammate Tracy Fleury following the decisive moment when American skip Tabitha Peterson surrendered the match with one stone left to play.
The bronze medal represents Canada’s return to the podium in women’s curling after a decade-long drought. The team’s last medal in this event came during the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics, where Jennifer Jones led her squad to gold.
The women’s curling competition will conclude Sunday with the championship match, featuring Sweden’s team led by Anna Hasselborg against Switzerland’s squad captained by Silvana Tirinzoni competing for the gold medal.
Hockey legend Jaromir Jagr has indicated his remarkable 38-season professional career could be drawing to a close, according to comments he made in a recent interview.
The Czech superstar, who celebrated his 54th birthday last Sunday, currently suits up for the Kladno Knights in his home country’s professional league.
During a Friday Instagram interview, Jagr cast doubt on whether supporters will witness him competing on ice in the future.
“Probably not,” Jagr responded when asked about continuing to play. “It would have to be a miracle. God would have to come, enter me and make me 15 years younger.”
This season with Kladno, Jagr has tallied just one assist across six contests, with his most recent appearance coming on December 21.
By continuing to compete actively, Jagr has postponed his Hockey Hall of Fame induction, which cannot occur until at least 2029 due to the mandatory three-year waiting period following retirement.
The Pittsburgh Penguins legend captured two Stanley Cup championships and holds the second-highest point total in NHL history with 1,921 points, while ranking fourth all-time in both goals scored (766) and games played (1,733).
Throughout his 24 NHL seasons spanning from 1990 to 2017, the eight-time All-Star and 1998-99 Hart Trophy recipient competed for nine different franchises, spending 11 of those years with Pittsburgh.
Following his final NHL appearance with the Calgary Flames on New Year’s Eve 2017, Jagr made his way back to Kladno to continue his playing career in the Czech Republic.
The Delaware State University Hornets baseball squad endured a difficult outing on Friday, suffering a lopsided 13-4 defeat against La Salle during an away matchup.
The Hornets were unable to contain La Salle’s offensive attack throughout the contest, as the home team built a commanding lead that proved insurmountable for Delaware State.
This setback adds to the challenges facing the Hornets as they work to find their rhythm in the current season. The team will need to regroup and refocus as they prepare for upcoming games.
Delaware State will look to bounce back from this tough loss when they return to action in their next scheduled contest.
Delaware State Police are working to determine what caused a deadly head-on collision that claimed the life of a Newark teenager Friday evening on Interstate 95 in Wilmington.
The fatal accident happened around 8:55 p.m. on February 20, 2026, when a Chrysler 200 heading north on I-95 near Harvey Road suddenly veered across the grassy median strip. The vehicle slammed into an oncoming Volvo tractor-trailer that was hauling three vehicles on a car carrier trailer in the southbound lanes.
A 19-year-old woman from Newark who was driving the Chrysler was thrown from the vehicle because she wasn’t wearing a seatbelt, according to police. Emergency responders rushed her to a local hospital, but she succumbed to her injuries. Authorities are holding off on releasing her identity while they notify family members.
The 34-year-old truck driver from New York also required hospital treatment but is expected to recover from his injuries, which police described as not life-threatening.
The major highway remained shut down for about six hours as investigators documented the scene and crews worked to clear the wreckage.
Detectives with the Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit are still piecing together what led to the tragic crash. Anyone who saw what happened or has information about the incident should reach out to Corporal K. Oakes at (302) 365-8483. Tips can also be submitted through the Delaware State Police Facebook page or by calling Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-847-3333.
Families affected by sudden deaths or traumatic incidents can access support services around the clock through the Delaware State Police Victim Services Unit and Delaware Victim Center by calling 1-800-VICTIM-1 (1-800-842-8461) or emailing [email protected].
FRANKLIN SPRINGS, Georgia – Delaware State University’s women’s wrestling program is creating history during its first season of competition. Following the opening day of the NCAA Regional Championship, three Hornet athletes have secured their positions in the semifinal rounds.
The achievement marks a significant milestone for the newly established program at the Dover-based university. These three wrestlers will have the opportunity to further their historic run as they compete for spots in the championship finals.
The tournament continues with the Hornets looking to build on their impressive debut season performance at the regional level.
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — A fresh technical complication has struck NASA’s ambitious moon mission, casting doubt on the scheduled March launch that would carry astronauts on humanity’s first lunar journey in more than five decades, space agency officials announced Saturday.
The space agency disclosed this newest obstacle just 24 hours after setting March 6 as the target date for the historic Artemis II mission. During the night, engineers discovered that helium circulation to the rocket’s upper section had been disrupted — a critical component that must function properly for any launch attempt to proceed.
Space agency officials stated they are analyzing all available information and making preparations to potentially move the Space Launch System rocket back to its repair facility at Kennedy Space Center in Florida. However, they noted that maintenance work might be completed directly at the launch site, with engineering teams preparing contingency plans for either scenario.
“This will almost assuredly impact the March launch window,” NASA said in a statement.
The Artemis II lunar flyby mission had previously been pushed back by one month due to hydrogen fuel leak issues. Engineers conducted a second fuel loading test Thursday that showed minimal leakage problems, which had given mission leaders enough confidence to set the early March launch target.
SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — Trade officials in South Korea held emergency weekend discussions to evaluate how a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision striking down certain Trump-era tariffs will affect their economy, while governments and businesses worldwide analyzed potential consequences from Washington’s latest trade policy shifts.
The urgent session called by Seoul’s Trade Ministry occurred as representatives from South Korea to South America recognized that duties will continue on particular U.S.-bound exports, including cars and steel products, which remain unaffected by the Supreme Court’s recent ruling.
The development represents another dramatic shift in America’s tariff approach since President Donald Trump resumed office 13 months ago, disrupting numerous trade partnerships with the world’s largest economy.
Speaking at an agricultural exhibition in Paris, French President Emmanuel Macron celebrated America’s system of checks and balances, commending the “rule of law” during his appearance. “It’s a good thing to have powers and counter-powers in democracies. We should welcome that.”
However, Macron warned against celebrating too early.
Government representatives examined the specific wording of recent bilateral and multilateral agreements with the United States while preparing for additional policy changes. Trump announced Friday his intention to implement new 10% worldwide tariffs under different regulations.
“I note that President Trump, a few hours ago, said he had reworked some measures to introduce new tariffs, more limited ones, but applying to everyone,” Macron stated. “So we’ll look closely at the exact consequences, what can be done, and we will adapt.”
Referencing Trump’s latest 10% tariff proposal, Sergio Bermúdez, who leads an industrial parks company in Ciudad Juárez, Mexico, near the Texas border, commented that Trump “says a lot of things, and many of them aren’t true. All of the businesses I know are analyzing, trying to figure out how it’s going to affect them.”
Ciudad Juárez could face particularly significant consequences since much of its economic activity relies on manufacturing facilities that produce goods for American consumers, built through decades of free trade between the United States and Mexico.
The repeated policy reversals from the United States over the past year have created widespread caution among international business executives, who find it difficult to make predictions and have seen investments suffer as a result.
Mexican Economy Secretary Marcelo Ebrard said Friday that his country was monitoring the tariff situation with a “cool head,” pointing out that 85% of Mexican exports remain tariff-free, primarily due to the United States-Mexico-Canada agreement. He has scheduled meetings with U.S. economic officials for next week.
Alan Russell, CEO of Tecma, which assists American companies in establishing Mexican operations, has watched his responsibilities become increasingly complex over the past year — his organization’s workload has increased up to four times as it handles new import regulations. He fears recent U.S. actions will create additional complications.
“We wake up every day with new challenges. That word ‘uncertainty’ has been the greatest enemy,” Russell, who is American, explained. “The difficult part has been not being clear what the rules are today or what they’re going to be tomorrow.”
Some American importers who may have paid excessive tariffs are exploring potential refunds — likely through a very complicated procedure — and some international companies may also seek compensation.
Bernd Lange, who chairs the European Parliament’s trade committee, stated on Deutschland radio that excessive tariffs “must be refunded.” He calculates that German businesses or their American importers alone overpaid more than 100 billion euros ($118 billion).
Swissmem, a leading technology industry group in Switzerland, praised the Supreme Court’s “good decision” on X, noting that Swiss exports to America dropped 18% in the fourth quarter alone — during a time when Switzerland faced significantly higher U.S. tariffs than most other European nations.
“The high tariffs have severely damaged the tech industry,” Swissmem President Martin Hirzel wrote on X, while recognizing the situation remains unsettled. “However, today’s ruling doesn’t win anything yet.”
TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — Regional tensions escalated Saturday as Arab and Muslim countries strongly criticized remarks made by Mike Huckabee, the United States ambassador to Israel, regarding Israeli territorial claims across much of the Middle East.
During a Friday broadcast interview with conservative host Tucker Carlson, Huckabee addressed biblical references to land promised to Abraham’s descendants, which Carlson described as encompassing virtually the entire Middle East region. When questioned about Israel’s entitlement to this territory, Huckabee stated: “It would be fine if they took it all.” The ambassador qualified his statement by noting that Israel isn’t seeking territorial expansion and deserves security within its current legitimate boundaries.
The controversial statements immediately drew fierce opposition from Egypt, Jordan, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and the League of Arab States, all issuing separate condemnations describing the remarks as radical, inflammatory, and inconsistent with official U.S. policy.
Egyptian foreign ministry officials characterized Huckabee’s position as a “blatant violation” of international law, emphasizing that “Israel has no sovereignty over the occupied Palestinian territory or other Arab lands.”
The League of Arab States declared: “Statements of this nature — extremist and lacking any sound basis — serve only to inflame sentiments and stir religious and national emotions.”
Neither Israeli nor American officials provided immediate responses to the growing diplomatic backlash.
Israel’s borders have remained undefined since the nation’s founding in 1948, with boundaries changing through military conflicts, territorial annexations, ceasefire agreements, and peace treaties with neighboring countries.
The 1967 Six-Day War marked a significant territorial shift when Israeli forces seized the West Bank and eastern Jerusalem from Jordan, captured Gaza and the Sinai Peninsula from Egypt, and took control of Syria’s Golan Heights. Israel later returned the Sinai Peninsula through peace negotiations with Egypt after the 1973 conflict and voluntarily left Gaza in 2005.
Recent months have seen Israel intensify its control over the occupied West Bank through expanded Jewish settlement construction, legitimizing unauthorized outposts, and implementing major administrative policy changes. President Donald Trump has publicly stated his opposition to Israeli annexation of the West Bank, providing strong guarantees to prevent such actions.
For generations, Palestinians have advocated for an independent nation encompassing the West Bank and Gaza, with eastern Jerusalem serving as their capital — a position supported by most of the international community.
Huckabee has consistently rejected the concept of a two-state solution between Israelis and Palestinians. During a previous interview, he expressed disagreement with using the term “Palestinians” to describe Arab descendants of those who lived in British-administered Palestine.
In the recent discussion, Carlson questioned Huckabee about biblical passages from Genesis, where he claimed God promised Abraham and his offspring territory stretching from the Nile River to the Euphrates.
“That would be the Levant, so that would be Israel, Jordan, Syria, Lebanon. It would also be big parts of Saudi Arabia and Iraq,” Carlson explained.
Huckabee responded: “Not sure we’d go that far. I mean, it would be a big piece of land.”
Israel has expanded its territorial presence since beginning its military campaign against Hamas in Gaza.
The current ceasefire agreement requires Israeli forces to pull back to a designated buffer zone, though they maintain control over more than half of Gaza’s territory. While the ceasefire mandates further Israeli withdrawal, no specific timeline has been established.
Following the late 2024 overthrow of Syrian President Bashar Assad, Israeli military forces took control of a demilitarized buffer zone in Syria established under a 1974 ceasefire agreement. Israeli officials described the occupation as temporary and necessary for border security.
Additionally, Israel continues to occupy five strategic hilltop positions within Lebanese territory following its brief 2024 conflict with Hezbollah.
CORTINA D’AMPEZZO, Italy — Following Team USA’s women’s hockey gold medal victory, seasoned player Kendall Coyne Schofield captured the excitement with a simple declaration.
“We did it!” she shouted.
That celebration echoed throughout the American women’s team at the Milan Cortina Games, where female athletes achieved unprecedented success at a Winter Olympics.
In terms of medal achievements, they absolutely delivered – breaking records along the way.
Female competitors from the United States – excluding mixed-gender competitions – entered Saturday’s penultimate day with six gold medals and 15 total medals. The prior Winter Olympics records for American women stood at five golds (achieved in 1992, 2002, and 2018) and 13 medals (reached in 2014 and 2022).
“Our team is so strong,” said Mikaela Shiffrin, who claimed gold in women’s slalom and is considered an Alpine skiing legend. “We have so many incredible athletes and teammates and friends, and everybody just showed up with so much courage and heart here. And I’m so proud to be part of this American team.”
Including mixed competitions, American women earned 19 medals at Milan Cortina. Over 40 female athletes from the United States will return home with at least one medal – establishing another winter milestone for the country. These figures could continue climbing, as additional medal opportunities remained before the Olympic flame is extinguished.
“Team USA is crushing it and it’s friggin’ sweet,” declared Kaillie Humphries Armbruster, an American bobsledder who earned bronze in monobob and was competing for another medal in Saturday evening’s two-woman event. “Women’s hockey got gold, hell yeah. It’s all definitely motivating.”
Inspiration surrounded US women competitors at every turn.
Shiffrin and downhill champion Breezy Johnson claimed Alpine skiing golds, while Elana Meyers Taylor triumphed in monobob. Alysa Liu secured the figure skating women’s singles title (plus another gold in the team competition for both genders), Elizabeth Lemley captured the Olympic crown in freestyle moguls, and the women’s hockey squad mounted a late comeback to force overtime before defeating Canada for their championship. Kaila Kuhn contributed to a gold medal victory in mixed team aerials – marking Team USA’s 11th gold at these Games, the highest total by Americans in Winter Olympics history.
Male competitors from the US have also performed admirably in Italy.
However, American women have been truly record-breaking.
“It’s iconic. It’s legendary,” stated US bobsledder Kaysha Love. “At the end of the day, I think that’s why we do this.”
To be fair, Olympic competition has expanded over the years, providing more opportunities for women to become Olympians. Milan Cortina featured 41 women’s events (not including mixed competitions), compared to 37 at Turin in 2006 and just 12 at Lake Placid in 1980.
Nevertheless, records remain records. This US Olympic women’s delegation, as a collective unit, established a new benchmark.
The 15 medals earned by Americans in women’s competition at Milan Cortina, rising to 19 with mixed events included, would surpass the total medals won by all US athletes – male, female, and mixed – in every Winter Games from 1924 through 1998.
Freestyle skiing contributed four of the 15 women’s medals for Americans at these Games, with Jaelin Kauf earning two of those – both silver medals in moguls.
“There’s an incredibly strong women’s team and moguls program in the US, (which is) exactly why it’s so good,” Kauf explained. “We have become extremely dominant in the last handful of years, continuing to be the best women’s team in the world for four or five years now.”
Obviously, achievement generates more achievement. Just consider Cory Thiesse’s example.
She made history as the first American woman to earn an Olympic curling medal. Thiesse claimed silver in mixed doubles alongside Korey Dropkin, reaching that milestone partly through inspiration from previous champions – whether in curling or other sports.
“I know how important it was for me to have girls to look up to when I was growing up, not only in my own sport but other sports out there winning medals and seeing that on TV and dreaming big because of it,” Thiesse shared on Friday, the day before she and the US women fell to Canada in the bronze-medal contest. “So, I just think it’s great for future generations.”
US men’s hockey coach Mike Sullivan believes the American women who succeeded this year are also laying groundwork for 2030, 2034, and future Olympics.
“What a terrific hockey team and they’ll be an inspiration for the next generation of girls growing up in the United States,” Sullivan commented following the US women’s victory over Canada for hockey gold. “It’s crazy how far women’s hockey has come in the United States, and a lot of it is due to the teams like this and the girls that play on these teams. They inspire the next generation.”
The space agency announced Saturday it may need to move the Artemis II rocket and Orion capsule away from the launch pad following the discovery of helium flow problems essential for takeoff.
NASA detected disrupted helium circulation, a critical component required for the spacecraft’s launch sequence, prompting officials to consider returning the vehicle to its assembly building for repairs.
“This will almost assuredly impact the March launch window,” NASA said.
The Artemis II mission represents NASA’s ambitious plan to return astronauts to lunar orbit for the first time since the Apollo era, marking a significant milestone in the agency’s goal to establish a sustainable presence on the Moon.
Ukrainian military forces launched a successful attack against a Russian missile manufacturing facility located deep inside Russian territory, according to statements from Ukraine’s General Staff released Saturday.
The targeted facility in Votkinsk produces ballistic missiles for Russia’s military, including short-range Iskander missiles and intercontinental Topol-M weapons systems. The plant sits approximately 800 miles from Ukraine’s border, positioned east of Moscow in Russia’s remote Udmurtia region.
Ukrainian officials reported their military used domestically manufactured Flamingo cruise missiles launched from the ground to carry out the operation. The strike resulted in fires breaking out at the targeted location, according to Ukrainian military sources.
Regional Governor Alexander Brechalov confirmed that an overnight drone attack had occurred in the Udmurtia area, though he described the assault differently than Ukrainian reports.
“There has been damage and injuries as a result,” Brechalov stated in a video message shared through the Telegram platform, though he declined to provide additional specifics about the incident.
Flight operations were temporarily halted at the airport serving Izhevsk, Udmurtia’s primary city, along with airports in surrounding regions, according to Russia’s civil aviation authority Rosaviatsiya.
Local residents in Votkinsk reported hearing multiple explosions and drone activity during the overnight hours, according to the Russian Telegram channel SHOT, which frequently cites security service contacts.
Russian forces have been deploying these ballistic weapons alongside drone swarms to target Ukraine’s power grid and energy facilities, leaving millions of civilians without electricity and heating during winter months.
Ukrainian strategy has increasingly focused on striking military production sites and energy infrastructure located far inside Russian borders. Ukrainian leadership maintains that attacking weapons manufacturers and the energy systems supporting Russia’s war effort represents their most effective approach to gaining strategic advantage against their larger adversary as the conflict approaches its fifth year.
Ukrainian forces also reported striking a natural gas processing facility in Russia’s Samara region, though Russian regional authorities have not confirmed any such attack occurred.
Indonesia’s leader expressed readiness Saturday to handle whatever comes next following the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to strike down President Donald Trump’s worldwide tariff initiative.
President Prabowo Subianto traveled to Washington D.C. this week alongside his cabinet members for Trump’s inaugural Board of Peace gathering and a one-on-one meeting with the American president. During that visit, the two nations finalized a trade agreement reducing tariffs on goods from Indonesia from 32% down to 19%.
“We are prepared for all possibilities. We respect the domestic politics of the United States, and we will monitor the developments,” Prabowo stated to media in a recorded message.
Meanwhile, Airlangga Hartarto, who leads Indonesia’s negotiations on U.S. tariffs, announced Saturday that his nation has asked America to preserve existing tariff waivers for key Indonesian products including palm oil, coffee and cocoa.
Hartarto emphasized that Friday’s trade agreement between the two countries remains valid regardless of recent Supreme Court actions, noting that nations with signed trade deals will receive different consideration from Washington.
Baseball Hall of Famer Bill Mazeroski, the second baseman who delivered one of the most memorable moments in World Series history, has passed away at 89 years old.
The Pittsburgh Pirates confirmed Mazeroski’s death on Saturday, though the team did not disclose the cause. He died on Friday after spending all 17 seasons of his major league career with Pittsburgh.
“It is with a heavy heart that we relay the news of the passing of legendary Pirates and National Baseball Hall of Famer, Bill Mazeroski,” the organization stated, describing his famous 1960 home run as “the greatest home run in baseball history.”
“He was a beloved member of the Pirates family and he will be deeply missed.”
Old black-and-white footage from October 13, 1960, captures Mazeroski connecting with a Ralph Terry pitch and sending it sailing over the left field wall during the ninth inning at Pittsburgh’s Forbes Field. The dramatic blast secured a 10-9 victory for the Pirates in the decisive seventh game against the New York Yankees, as ecstatic fans swarmed the field while he rounded the bases.
During a 2015 Pirates broadcast, Mazeroski shared his memories of that historic moment: “I don’t know it’s out. I don’t know it’s a home run. But I know I’m going to end up on third if he misplays that ball off the wall. So I’m busting my tail getting around there, and by the time I hit second base, I looked down the line and the fans went crazy. From second base, I didn’t touch the ground all the way in.”
That dramatic home run stands as the only walk-off blast in a seventh game of World Series competition.
Throughout his career, Mazeroski earned recognition as one of baseball’s premier defensive players, capturing eight Gold Glove honors and earning 10 All-Star selections. He celebrated two championship victories with Pittsburgh, including the 1960 triumph and another in 1971 when the Pirates defeated Baltimore in seven games.
The West Virginia-born player compiled a .260 batting average during his career, accumulating 138 home runs, 2,016 hits, and 853 RBIs across 2,163 games.
His defensive prowess was reflected in a career .983 fielding percentage, with his peak performance coming in 1966 when he committed only eight errors in 957 chances over 162 games, achieving a remarkable .992 fielding rate.
In 2001, the Veterans Committee recognized his contributions by inducting him into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York.
“I think defense belongs in the Hall of Fame,” Mazeroski stated during his induction speech. “Defense deserves as much credit as pitching and hitting, and I’m proud and honored to be going into the Hall of Fame on the defensive side and mostly for my defensive abilities.”
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced Saturday his belief that his nation’s economy will experience reduced trade pressures following a U.S. Supreme Court decision that eliminated significant portions of President Donald Trump’s trade policies.
During an interview with Germany’s ARD television network, Merz indicated that discussions with Washington officials must occur before German businesses can recover billions in losses. He emphasized that European Union member nations plan to present a unified approach during his planned visit to the United States.
“We will have a very clear European position on this, because tariff policy is a matter for the European Union, not individual member states, and I will go to Washington with a coordinated European position,” Merz stated.
Defense and Energy Department officials have successfully transported a compact nuclear reactor via military aircraft from California to Utah, showcasing what they describe as America’s ability to rapidly position nuclear power technology for both military operations and civilian applications.
The microreactor, manufactured by Valar Atomics, was moved without nuclear fuel aboard a C-17 transport plane from March Air Reserve Base in California to Hill Air Force Base in Utah on Sunday, February 15, 2026.
This transportation demonstration comes as the Trump administration advocates for accelerated deployment of nuclear power technology across the United States.
Officials from both the Pentagon and Energy Department characterized the airlift as proof of concept for quickly moving nuclear power capabilities to locations where they might be needed for various purposes.
MILAN — The late Johnny Gaudreau had been striving to earn a spot on Team USA’s roster for the 2026 Winter Olympics. Both he and his brother Matthew had grown up watching Olympic hockey, dreaming of one day competing on that stage themselves.
“It was their dream,” their mother Jane Gaudreau shared about her sons.
The Gaudreau brothers tragically lost their lives on August 29, 2024, after being hit by an SUV while cycling near their New Jersey home. The accident occurred just one day before their sister Katie’s wedding. The hockey world was devastated by their deaths, and tributes have poured in ever since, including retired jersey numbers and a memorial 5K race.
Johnny, an accomplished NHL veteran with a decade of professional experience and Team USA’s all-time top scorer in international competition, was expected to secure a place on the Milan Olympic roster. The tournament concludes Sunday with the Americans facing Canada for the gold medal. His father Guy Gaudreau revealed that USA Hockey officials had graciously informed the family that their eldest son was projected to make the team.
“He wanted to be on this team,” Guy Gaudreau expressed during Friday night’s U.S. semifinal victory. “And it would’ve been nice if he’d been here.”
Team USA is paying homage to both brothers with a special memorial display in their Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena locker room. A blue jersey bearing Johnny’s number 13 serves as a constant reminder of the player affectionately called “Johnny Hockey,” who was cherished by teammates and fans alike.
“It means everything — we all know he should be here with us,” expressed Dylan Larkin, who competed alongside Gaudreau in several world championships. “He should be with us. We love him, and I like that we continue to think about him and I wouldn’t imagine it any other way.”
Jane and Guy Gaudreau, accompanied by Johnny’s wife Meredith and their two eldest children, arrived in Milan on Friday. The parents had originally planned a Las Vegas vacation and were initially uncertain about accepting USA Hockey’s invitation to attend the Olympics.
“Our two daughters, for 24 hours, they just kept at us: ‘You have to go. The boys would want you to do this. This would mean so much to John,’” Jane explained. “It just means so much to our family, and we’re so excited to remember what our boys meant to hockey.”
The family’s ties to current roster members span from Boston College to the NHL. Beyond his world championship appearances, Johnny had been teammates with Noah Hanifin during their time with the Calgary Flames and with Zach Werenski on the Columbus Blue Jackets.
“Johnny was close to a lot of guys in that room,” Hanifin noted. “We know he’d be here with us, so we’ve been thinking about him and carrying him with us.”
Following the team’s advancement to the championship game, Werenski mentioned that Meredith had contacted his wife several days prior to inform them of the family’s travel plans.
“It’s great having them here, and it’s super special,” Werenski commented. “We’re happy that we made it to the gold-medal game so they can watch that and be a part of it. It’s on us to make them proud.”
Coach Mike Sullivan confirmed what team management had already told the Gaudreau family: Johnny would have definitely earned a roster spot if he were still alive, given his impressive track record and outstanding performances in Team USA colors.
“He was one of America’s very best,” Sullivan stated. “He’s just a good person on the ice and off the ice, and I think he’s an inspiration to our players to this very day.”
Players continue to share memories of Gaudreau, with “all the stories are funny,” according to Charlie McAvoy, who played with him at world championships.
“Just an amazing person, just an infectious personality,” McAvoy reflected. “The detail, really, with our staff and our equipment staff especially to make sure that he’s always with us, little reminders of him in the room, and they just go a long way. You always see them. They’re gentle. They’re right there. But we know that he’s always with us.”
Displayed alongside Johnny’s number 13 jersey is Matthew’s number 21 on the locker room wall. This tribute mirrors what USA Hockey implemented at last year’s 4 Nations Face-Off, where Guy Gaudreau participated in practice as an honorary coach.
This Olympics would have marked Johnny Gaudreau’s first Olympic opportunity, as NHL players were absent from the 2018 and 2022 Games. However, his jersey’s presence in the U.S. locker room may become a lasting tradition for future competitions.
ASSISI, Italy (AP) — For the first time in history, the skeletal remains of St. Francis of Assisi are being exhibited publicly, drawing massive crowds to the medieval Italian town that bears his name. The unprecedented display marks 800 years since the beloved friar’s passing and has already attracted nearly 400,000 registered visitors.
The month-long exhibition presents both opportunities and challenges for Assisi’s Mayor Valter Stoppini, local residents, and the Franciscan brothers overseeing the event. Officials predict visitor numbers could reach half a million before the sacred remains return to their resting place on March 22.
City officials have mobilized 400 volunteers to guide the massive crowds through Assisi’s narrow cobblestone pathways to the lower Basilica of St. Francis, where the bones rest within a bulletproof glass enclosure.
The prolonged event will strain the historic city center’s infrastructure, with its cramped souvenir-lined alleys and basic amenities. Local residents, accustomed to periodic pilgrim surges lasting only days, face a month-long test of endurance.
“We’re used to this kind of event, but that lasts for one, two or three days,” Stoppini said. “This is something prolonged, for a month, so I’m a bit worried, but calm.”
Perched on an Umbrian hillside, Assisi already ranks among Christianity’s premier pilgrimage sites worldwide. The town’s distinctive pink limestone construction creates a magical luminescence, particularly during evening hours.
Each year, millions journey here to visit St. Francis’ burial site and the magnificent basilica above it, adorned with Giotto’s masterful frescoes depicting the saint’s remarkable life story.
Born into prosperity in 1182, St. Francis abandoned his family’s wealth to embrace poverty as a wandering monk, following what he described as a divine calling to restore and reform the Catholic Church.
His enduring legacy centers on messages of peace, environmental stewardship, and compassion for society’s most vulnerable members — principles that profoundly influenced Pope Francis, who became the first pontiff to adopt the saint’s name.
Though Franciscan monks have periodically examined St. Francis’ remains for preservation purposes throughout history, this marks their inaugural public presentation.
Religious leaders explain the decision to remove the remains from their crypt and welcome pilgrims serves to perpetuate his spiritual teachings while offering believers an intimate prayer experience.
Mayor Stoppini indicated that one month represents the maximum duration his community could reasonably accommodate, given the city already experienced substantial pilgrim increases during 2025.
While St. Francis remains Assisi’s primary draw, a newly canonized saint is attracting younger generations of faithful visitors: Carlo Acutis, whom Pope Leo XIV declared the Catholic Church’s first millennial saint following his canonization last year.
Acutis, who succumbed to leukemia at just 15 years old, lies buried in a separate Assisi basilica. His extraordinary appeal among young Latin American Catholics has transformed the town into a major destination for Catholic youth organizations touring Italy.
“When we go out onto the piazza, we find many people who ask us ‘Where’s Carlo? Where’s Carlo?’” said Brother Marco Moroni, the custodian of the convent of St. Francis.
Pilgrim numbers jumped 30% last year alone, likely reflecting both Acutis’ canonization and the Holy Year celebration that brought 33 million visitors to Rome, many continuing their journey to Assisi.
“The beautiful thing is that saints don’t go to war against one another, thanks be to God,” he added.
“Many who come to the basilica go to see Carlo, and many who go to Carlo Acutis come to the basilica, creating an osmosis and a growing movement that does though create some problems for the city.”
Local souvenir vendors, whose livelihoods depend on religious tourism and pilgrim traffic to the scenic community, welcome the extended event duration.
“Other people will see what we see every day,” with Francis’ spirit imbuing the town, said shopkeeper Arianna Catarinelli, who works in a souvenir shop in the main drag of town leading to the basilica.
Her store stocks Assisi-branded clothing, pens featuring Acutis’ photograph, St. Francis-themed coffee cups, and brightly colored rosaries.
“For residents, finding parking isn’t easy. But for businesses, I think it’s positive that there are so many people,” she said.
To manage the visitor surge, municipal authorities established additional parking facilities beyond the city center and implemented shuttle transportation into town.
Local resident Riccardo Bacconi, employed at a neighborhood bank branch, expressed hope that the temporary parking additions will become permanent fixtures that continue benefiting residents long-term.
Following his Saturday morning exercise routine, Bacconi recognized that tourism drives the town’s economy and anyone choosing to live there must accept the accompanying challenges.
“I don’t judge it negatively, economically it’s important,” he said. “There are more advantages than disadvantages.”
A Delaware-area woman who was rescued from an Iranian orphanage by a US Air Force veteran in the 1970s now faces the terrifying possibility of being sent back to Iran – a nation where her Christian faith could mean imprisonment or death.
The woman, whose identity is being protected due to her precarious legal status, represents one of thousands of international adoptees who fell through cracks in America’s adoption and immigration systems and never received citizenship.
Earlier this month, the Department of Homeland Security sent her a notice to appear before an immigration judge in California for deportation proceedings. Her alleged crime? Overstaying her visa in March 1974 – when she was just 4 years old. She has no criminal history.
“I never imagined it would get to where it is today,” the woman explained, expressing her fear that being sent to Iran as a Christian and daughter of an American military officer could result in her death. “I always told myself that there is no way that this country could possibly send someone to their death in a country they left as an orphan. How could the United States do that?”
Her fears have intensified as the Trump administration has deployed significant military assets to the Middle East, raising the possibility of armed conflict with Iran over nuclear negotiations.
The Associated Press had previously featured this woman’s story in 2024, highlighting how numerous foreign adoptees remained without citizenship because their American parents failed to complete naturalization procedures. She has spent years attempting to resolve her legal status, meaning DHS has known about her case since at least 2008. She estimates government files on her situation span thousands of pages, though she cannot explain why deportation proceedings began now.
While the Trump administration emphasizes removing dangerous criminals through mass deportations, many individuals without criminal backgrounds have been caught up in enforcement actions. This woman’s only law enforcement encounter was a traffic stop two decades ago for phone use while driving. She maintains employment in corporate healthcare, pays taxes regularly, and owns property in California.
“When the media refuses to give names, it makes it impossible to provide details on specific cases or even verify any of this even happened or that the people even exist. If you can’t do your job, we can’t do ours,” DHS responded in a statement. The AP provided detailed information about her deportation letter, including specific reasons cited and her March 4 court date, without revealing her identity.
An immigration judge postponed her hearing until later next month and granted her attorney Emily Howe’s request that the woman not appear in person – providing relief since they worried immigration agents might arrest her at the courthouse.
Her adoptive father endured capture by German forces during World War II in 1943, remaining a prisoner until the war ended. After retiring from Air Force service, he worked as a government contractor in Iran, where he and his wife discovered her at an orphanage in 1972 and adopted her at age 2.
The family returned to America in 1973, with local newspapers running a full-page feature about their new daughter. Her adoption finalized in 1975, but parents were required to separately naturalize adopted children through federal immigration agencies at that time. Both adoptive parents have since passed away.
She discovered her lack of citizenship only when applying for a passport at 38. The reason for this oversight remains unclear. Among her father’s documents, she found a 1975 letter from an attorney stating he was coordinating with immigration officials, noting “it appears this matter is concluded,” and billing her father for services rendered.
Rather than hiding her situation, she has spent years seeking assistance from various sources: the State Department, immigration authorities, and senators. She has reached out to her congresswoman, Republican Rep. Young Kim of California, without success. Kim’s office recently responded to her deportation concerns by stating they were “not able to advise or interfere.”
“It just baffles me that it’s OK to send me to a foreign country that I could potentially die or I could get imprisoned because of a clerical error,” she stated.
Contemporary adoptees avoid this legal uncertainty thanks to legislation Congress passed in 2000, automatically granting citizenship to all legally adopted foreign children. However, lawmakers did not apply this retroactively, and it only covered those under 18 when enacted, excluding everyone born before February 27, 1983.
A diverse coalition spanning from the Southern Baptist Convention to progressive immigration organizations has lobbied Congress continuously to pass additional legislation helping older adoptees excluded from the original law, but Congress has not taken action. These advocates say the current deportation threat represents exactly the scenario they worked to prevent.
“I’m horrified. It’s rare for me to feel shocked by a story these days. But this is an absolutely unbelievable situation,” said Hannah Daniel, former director of public policy for the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission, the Southern Baptist Convention’s lobbying division, who spent years urging legislators to address this issue.
International adoption has traditionally received bipartisan support from lawmakers. Many Christian denominations promote international adoption as a religious obligation, reflecting God’s acceptance of believers into a spiritual family.
Daniel, who recently joined World Relief, a Christian humanitarian organization, believes threatening to deport a Christian adoptee to Iran creates a conflict between two causes she and fellow Christians strongly support: international adoption and protecting persecuted Christians worldwide.
“That is what is most troubling to me about this: We are a nation that prides itself on fighting for religious freedom both here and abroad,” Daniel explained. “And it feels so antithetical to that to then say we’re going to send this person who, for me, is a sister in Christ to face a death sentence.”
She described the situation as “un-American and unconscionable.”
Ryan Brown, chief executive of Open Doors, a nonprofit supporting persecuted Christians globally, explained that while some Iranians are born Christian and face widespread discrimination, those considered converts from Islam to Christianity face much worse treatment. He expects a deported adoptee would be classified as a convert.
“It is assumed that you are an enemy of the state. It is assumed that if you are a Christian, that you are aligned to the West and you desire to see that the regime toppled,” he explained. “There is no benefit of the doubt extended.”
Converted Christians face routine arrests, with some receiving death sentences.
“Their prisons are world renowned for their deplorable conditions,” Brown noted.
Iranian facilities lack proper sanitation, with limited food, water, and medical care. These prisons are “notoriously more evil for women,” he said, with female inmates regularly reporting sexual assault by guards and forced marriages.
Brown, himself an adoptive parent, found it difficult to imagine what a Christian woman accustomed to American freedoms might endure arriving in Iran. She speaks no Persian and knows nothing about Iranian customs, having lived an entirely American life.
“I cannot even fathom that,” Brown said. “My prayers are with her.”
The woman believes Iran would view her with additional suspicion given her father’s military background and work as a US government contractor.
She grew up hearing her father’s wartime experiences and reading his prison camp journal, documenting the cold and hunger he endured. She felt proud of his sacrifices and service to the country she believed had rescued her.
During difficult moments now, she looks at her favorite photograph of him in military dress uniform, medals displayed on his left shoulder, wearing a subtle, confident smile.
“I’m proud of my father’s legacy. I’m part of his legacy. And what’s happening to me is wrong,” she said. “And I know that he was here, it would break his heart to know that I’m on this path.”
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian declared Saturday that his nation will resist yielding to international pressure during ongoing nuclear discussions with the United States.
During a televised address broadcast live on state television, Pezeshkian stated: “World powers are lining up to force us to bow our heads… but we will not bow our heads despite all the problems that they are creating for us.”
The Iranian leader’s remarks come as diplomatic efforts continue between Tehran and Washington regarding nuclear negotiations.
After completing three years of his initial NFL contract, Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba has become eligible for a new deal.
The 2025 AP Offensive Player of the Year isn’t rushing contract negotiations, but he believes his performance warrants becoming the league’s top-paid wide receiver.
“I’m really not too pressed right now to get it done,” Smith-Njigba shared with WFAA-TV. “I know my time is coming, and when we get it done it’s gonna be a great deal. God’s timing is perfect timing, so whenever that may come, we’ll be ready for it. I think I deserve to be the highest-paid at my position, just what I give to the game and the community, I give it my all. And I think that’s worth a lot, lot more.”
The receiver, who celebrated his 24th birthday last Saturday, has one year left on his original four-year, $14.4 million rookie agreement.
“I would play this game for free, I love this game so much, but you don’t have to,” he explained. “I’m learning to be a good businessman, and we need that check at the end of the day.”
Smith-Njigba earned the right to seek a major contract after topping the NFL with 1,793 receiving yards during the 2025 regular season. His impressive campaign included 119 catches and 10 touchdowns, earning him his second consecutive Pro Bowl selection.
His excellence continued into the playoffs, where he accumulated 199 yards and two touchdowns across three postseason contests, helping Seattle claim the organization’s second Super Bowl championship.
Throughout his career spanning 51 games with 36 starts, Smith-Njigba has recorded 282 receptions for 3,551 yards and 20 touchdowns since Seattle drafted him 20th overall from Ohio State in 2023.
Currently, Cincinnati Bengals receiver Ja’Marr Chase, age 25, holds the title of highest-paid wide receiver with an annual salary of $40.25 million from the four-year, $161 million extension he signed last March.
BORMIO, Italy – World champions Emily Harrop and Thibault Anselmet of France captured the first-ever Olympic ski mountaineering mixed relay championship on Saturday, maintaining their front position throughout the entire competition.
The French team completed the demanding 1.41-kilometer course in 26 minutes and 57.44 seconds. Both athletes had already earned Olympic hardware earlier this week during Thursday’s sprint competitions, with Harrop securing silver in the women’s division and Anselmet claiming bronze in the men’s category.
Swiss competitors Marianne Fatton and Jon Kistler earned the silver medal, finishing 11.86 seconds behind the winners, while Spain’s Ana Alonso Rodriguez and Oriol Cardona Coll secured the bronze medal position.
The high-stakes finale featured all 12 competing teams launching simultaneously in one of the Winter Games’ concluding events.
Each nation fielded a two-person squad consisting of one male and one female athlete, with every competitor completing two individual circuits while building upon their teammate’s positioning.
Female athletes initiated the competition at the starting line, tackling a total elevation gain and loss of 135 meters each.
The relay circuits proved more demanding than the sprint version, requiring approximately seven minutes per lap compared to three minutes in sprint competition, with athletes alternating between segments.
Athletes must navigate uphill sections on skis equipped with specialized grip “skins,” scale a staircase while carrying their skis on their backs, and navigate downhill through a compact slalom course, with seamless transitions being essential for competitive times.
The Spanish team, despite being the sole medal-earning squad that didn’t maintain consistent positioning throughout, received a three-second time penalty, likely for improper “skin” storage procedures, though this didn’t impact their final medal standing.
American competitors Anna Gibson and Cam Smith achieved a respectable fourth-place finish, while Italian husband-and-wife team Alba de Silvestro and Michele Boscacci, who received the most enthusiastic crowd support, placed fifth overall.
Germany’s governing political party has approved new restrictions that would block children under 14 from using social media platforms, marking a significant step toward implementing youth digital protections in Europe.
During a party gathering in Stuttgart on Saturday, Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s Christian Democratic Union endorsed the proposal, which would also require stricter age verification processes for teenagers. The plan includes financial penalties for online platforms that don’t comply with these restrictions and calls for unified age standards across the European Union.
Multiple European countries are exploring comparable social media limitations or access restrictions for platforms such as TikTok and Instagram, including Spain, Greece, France, and Britain. These efforts mirror Australia’s groundbreaking approach, as that nation became the first to mandate that platforms block access for young users last year.
European governments are increasingly pressuring social media companies, potentially creating tension with the United States. President Donald Trump has warned of possible tariffs and sanctions if EU nations implement new technology taxes or online rules that impact American companies.
The approved motion stated: “We call on the federal government to introduce a legal age limit of 14 for the use of social networks and to address the special need for protection in the digital sphere up to the age of 16.”
Merz’s coalition partners, the Social Democrats, have also supported social media restrictions for children. With both coalition parties backing these measures, federal government action on restrictions appears increasingly probable.
Germany’s federal structure means media oversight falls under state jurisdiction, requiring individual states to coordinate and establish uniform national guidelines.
Students at Cardinal Frings Gymnasium in Bonn offered mixed reactions to the potential restrictions. Thirteen-year-old Moritz, who primarily uses YouTube, shared his perspective: “I think it’s fair, but I think it should be up to the parents to decide whether to forbid it, not the state. For children under 12 it should be forbidden, but from age 12 onwards I think children can already distinguish between what is fake news and what is not.”
Emma, also 13, mainly uses Snapchat with parental time limits on her device. She described how a ban would feel “kind of unusual, because you get used to sending your snap in the morning before school, or what my friends do, like just scrolling through Instagram or TikTok for a bit.”
Twelve-year-old Ella, who uses social media multiple times daily, acknowledged the addictive nature of these platforms. “So I have TikTok and Instagram myself, but I understand that it’s all addictive, and the more you scroll, the more you want to see,” she explained.
Teacher Till Franke predicted that while the restrictions “would be a shock at first, because of this daily use of social media,” students would eventually adapt “because they would find other niches where they could communicate with each other.”
A significant winter weather event is heading toward Ocean City, Maryland, prompting meteorologists to issue a Winter Storm Watch effective from Sunday morning and continuing through Monday evening.
Weather forecasters from the National Weather Service office in Wakefield, Virginia have issued warnings for dangerous conditions expected to impact the popular coastal destination. The approaching storm system is forecast to deliver substantial snowfall totals ranging from 6 to 9 inches across the area.
In addition to the heavy snow accumulation, residents and visitors should prepare for potentially hazardous wind conditions, with gusts expected to reach speeds of up to 45 miles per hour during the storm’s peak intensity.
MILAN (AP) — Team Canada’s coaching staff remains undecided about whether their injured captain Sidney Crosby will take the ice for Sunday’s Olympic gold medal showdown against the United States, head coach Jon Cooper announced Saturday.
The 38-year-old center participated in Saturday’s practice session, though media access was restricted to keep Crosby’s condition under wraps. The veteran player brings impressive credentials to the team, including two previous Olympic gold medals and three Stanley Cup championships, making his potential absence significant.
“Obviously we’d love to have him,” Cooper stated. “He won’t put himself in harm’s way, and he’s not going to put the team in harm’s way.”
Crosby exited Wednesday evening’s quarterfinal match against Czechia after suffering what appeared to be a right knee injury and remained sidelined during Friday’s semifinal victory over Finland. In his absence, Connor McDavid assumed captaincy duties and recorded an assist on Nathan MacKinnon’s game-winning goal with just 35.2 seconds left on the clock.
While Olympic regulations permit teams to suit up 13 forwards compared to the NHL’s limit of 12, Cooper dismissed the idea of having Crosby dress simply for ceremonial purposes.
“No. No, it’s too important,” Cooper explained. “We don’t want to have somebody in there as an inspiration when we could have a player that could be capable of helping. You never know if guys are going to get hurt in the game. He wouldn’t want to do that, either.”
Cooper referenced Tampa Bay Lightning teammates Brayden Point and Anthony Cirelli, both selected for the Olympic roster but who remained home due to health concerns that would have limited their effectiveness. Defenseman Josh Morrissey has already been declared unavailable due to injury.
“When it comes to the flag, nobody’s getting in the way,” Cooper said. “If they’re not capable of giving what they think is optimal effort, they don’t want to put the country at harm. They understand what we have here.”
Team Canada mounted a comeback from a two-goal disadvantage against Finland, driven partly by their desire to secure Crosby another opportunity to compete in what might be his final Olympic appearance.
“We’ve done that, and we’ll see,” McDavid commented. “He’s been around a lot. Obviously, he’s been extremely positive: still contributing, even though he didn’t play last game, but still being the leader he is.”
Nick Suzuki, who stepped into the lineup between Mitch Marner and Mark Stone, appears positioned to retain that role in the championship game should Crosby remain unavailable. Suzuki observed that Crosby “looked really good out there on the ice” during practice and expressed hope that the respected captain will be cleared to play.
“It’d mean a lot to him and probably us,” Suzuki said. “He’s such a big leader, big voice. Everyone looks up to him. It’d be awesome if he could play.”
Bill Mazeroski, the legendary second baseman who captured baseball immortality with his championship-clinching home run in the 1960 World Series, passed away Friday at 89 years old.
The Pittsburgh Pirates announced Mazeroski’s death without providing details about the cause.
Pirates chairman Bob Nutting remembered the player affectionately known as “Maz,” saying “Maz was one of a kind, a true Pirates legend … His name will always be tied to the biggest home run in baseball history and the 1960 World Series championship, but I will remember him most for the person he was: humble, gracious and proud to be a pirate.”
Though the Veterans Committee inducted him into the Hall of Fame in 2001, Mazeroski’s statistics might surprise some fans. Among Cooperstown’s second basemen, he posted the weakest batting average, lowest on-base percentage, and fewest stolen bases. His career numbers included a .260 batting average, 138 home runs, and just 27 stolen bases across 17 seasons, with a .299 on-base percentage. He never reached the .300 batting mark or came close to 100 RBIs or runs scored, earning just one top-10 MVP finish.
However, his defensive excellence set him apart from his peers. The Hall of Fame honored him as a “defensive wizard” with “hard-nosed hustle” and a “quiet work ethic.” During his career as a 10-time All-Star, he established a major league record with 1,706 double plays, earning the nickname “No Hands” for his lightning-quick fielding and throws. He topped the National League in assists nine times at his position, with baseball statistician Bill James ranking him as the greatest defensive second baseman in history.
“I think defense belongs in the Hall of Fame,” Mazeroski stated during his induction ceremony. “Defense deserves as much credit as pitching and I’m proud to be going in as a defensive player.”
Yet his most memorable moment occurred at the plate, when the square-jawed West Virginia coal miner’s son fulfilled every young ballplayer’s fantasy.
The Pirates hadn’t appeared in a World Series since their 1927 sweep by the New York Yankees, and they faced those same Yankees again in 1960. While New York boasted stars like Mickey Mantle and Roger Maris, Pittsburgh’s roster featured few household names beyond emerging talent Roberto Clemente. The team depended on players like shortstop Dick Groat, outfielder Bob Skinner, and pitchers Vernon Law and Bob Friend. Mazeroski, who celebrated his 24th birthday that September, finished the regular season batting .273 while typically hitting eighth in the lineup.
The World Series presented a tale of two narratives. The Yankees dominated statistically, outscoring Pittsburgh 55-27 and winning their three victories by a combined 38-3 margin. New York’s Bobby Richardson set a record with 12 RBIs and earned Series MVP honors despite playing for the losing team, while Whitey Ford blanked the Pirates twice en route to a then-record 33⅔ consecutive scoreless World Series innings.
Pittsburgh’s three victories were less overwhelming but equally valuable, with Mazeroski contributing significantly. He launched a two-run homer off Jim Coates in Game 1’s fourth inning during a 6-4 Pirates win, then delivered a two-run double against Art Ditmar in the second inning of Game 5’s 5-2 victory. Game 7 would provide his crowning achievement.
Approximately 36,000 spectators packed Forbes Field, with countless more following on radio and television, as they witnessed one of baseball’s most dramatic conclusions. The lead changed hands repeatedly after Pittsburgh grabbed a 4-0 advantage, only to trail 7-4 when New York rallied in the middle innings. The Pirates reclaimed the lead with five eighth-inning runs, aided by a potential double-play grounder that took an errant bounce and struck Yankees shortstop Tony Kubek in the throat. New York answered immediately, tying the contest 9-9 in the ninth inning’s top half.
The bottom of the ninth inning has become legendary for both franchises and generations of fans. Ralph Terry, a right-handed pitcher whom manager Casey Stengel had inserted the previous inning despite acknowledging his tired arm, faced the right-handed Mazeroski, who had grounded into a double play in his last at-bat.
Terry opened with a high fastball for ball one. After a brief conference with catcher Johnny Blanchard, who advised keeping pitches low, Terry delivered what Mazeroski later described as a slider that failed to break. Mazeroski connected solidly, sending the ball soaring toward left field as it cleared the towering, ivy-covered brick wall while Yankees left fielder Yogi Berra circled beneath it before turning away in disappointment. The entire city seemed to celebrate as if everyone had swung alongside him, representing every underdog’s dream of defeating the mighty Yankees. Mazeroski sprinted around the bases, smiling and waving his cap, joined by fans who had rushed onto the field and followed him to home plate for his teammates’ embrace.
“I was just looking to get on base,” he explained to The New York Times in 1985. “Nothing fancy, just looking for a fastball until he got a strike on me. I thought it would be off the wall, and I wanted to make third if the ball ricocheted away from Berra. But when I got around first and was digging for second, I saw the umpire waving circles above his head and I knew it was over.”
ESPN has labeled it baseball’s greatest home run. The blast marked the first World Series to conclude with a homer, creating lasting joy and heartbreak. Pirates supporters memorized the date—Saturday, October 13, 1960—and the exact time of 3:36 p.m. When Forbes Field was demolished in the 1970s, fans began gathering each October 13 at the remaining center field wall to listen to the original broadcast.
The defeat devastated the Yankees. Mantle wept during the flight home, insisting the superior team had lost. Ford remained angry with Stengel—fired five days later—for using him in Games 3 and 6, preventing a potential third start. Even Pirates co-owner Bing Crosby, fearing he might jinx his team, listened to the game from Paris with friends.
“We were in this beautiful apartment, listening on shortwave, and when it got close Bing opened a bottle of Scotch and was tapping it against the mantel,” his widow, Kathryn Crosby, told the Times in 2010. “When Mazeroski hit the home run, he tapped it hard; the Scotch flew into the fireplace and started a conflagration.”
Mazeroski remained loyal to Pittsburgh throughout his career and maintained team connections off the field. He married Milene Nicholson, a front office worker he met through manager Danny Murtaugh, in 1958. They raised two sons together until her death in 2024.
William Stanley Mazeroski was born in Wheeling, West Virginia, during the Great Depression, spent his childhood in eastern Ohio, and lived temporarily in a single-room house lacking electricity and indoor plumbing. His father, Louis Mazeroski, had harbored his own baseball dreams and nurtured his son’s athletic interests, even practicing by having Bill field tennis balls bounced off a brick wall.
Despite excelling in basketball and football, he preferred baseball and impressed scouts enough for the Pirates to draft him at 17 in 1954. Originally a shortstop competing with numerous prospects at that position, he switched to second base by his 1956 rookie season. Even as a part-time player late in his career, he provided leadership and stability for the 1971 championship team featuring Clemente and Willie Stargell that defeated the Baltimore Orioles.
Following his 1972 retirement, Mazeroski briefly coached for the Pirates and Seattle Mariners while serving as Pittsburgh’s spring training infield instructor. The Pirates retired his number 9 in 1987. The 50th anniversary of his World Series heroics was commemorated in 2010 with the unveiling of a 14-foot, 2,000-pound statue on Bill Mazeroski Way, depicting one of Pittsburgh’s greatest everyman heroes rounding the bases at his moment of triumph.
WASHINGTON — What’s normally a peaceful opportunity for state leaders from across party lines to gather and enjoy a relaxed evening with the president turned into another contentious affair during President Donald Trump’s second administration. Saturday’s traditional White House dinner for governors capped off a week filled with unprecedented drama and political tensions.
Prior to this week’s National Governors Association meeting, Trump publicly criticized the organization’s bipartisan leadership team, which includes Oklahoma Republican Gov. Kevin Stitt and Maryland Democratic Gov. Wes Moore. Initially, the president excluded Moore and Colorado’s Gov. Jared Polis from Friday’s working session at the White House before changing his mind at the eleventh hour.
The Friday meeting was abruptly shortened when Trump received news about the Supreme Court’s ruling against his comprehensive tariff plan, creating frustration among attendees from both parties.
“It was unfortunate that the Supreme Court came out with a bad ruling at that time,” Louisiana Republican Gov. Jeff Landry, a strong Trump supporter, commented.
Multiple Democratic governors had warned they would skip Saturday’s dinner entirely if their colleagues remained barred from Friday’s session. Despite Moore’s eventual inclusion, several still chose to stay away from the dinner.
“President Trump has made this whole thing a farce,” Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey declared when announcing her decision to avoid the dinner.
Despite all the surrounding chaos, some Democratic leaders found value in Friday’s discussions. Moore described it as a “chance for us to be able to share our thoughts and our perspectives and our ideas.”
New York’s Gov. Kathy Hochul revealed that state leaders questioned Trump about insights gained from his administration’s intensive immigration operations in Minnesota, where two American citizens died within a short timeframe.
“The President said, ‘We’ll only go where we’re wanted,’” Hochul reported with apparent satisfaction.
Veterans of previous White House dinners emphasized their importance as unique opportunities for state executives to build relationships with the president and Cabinet members outside the pressures of routine governance. Many also valued the chance to network with governors from opposing parties they rarely encounter otherwise.
Former Arkansas Republican Gov. Asa Hutchinson, who mounted a brief presidential challenge against Trump in 2024, remembered being seated with then-Rhode Island Gov. Gina Raimondo one year and building a personal connection with her family.
“It’s a glowing evening in the White House,” said Hutchinson, who previously led the National Governors Association.
Native protesters have taken control of a major grain export facility owned by American company Cargill in Brazil’s Para state, forcing a complete shutdown of operations at the river port terminal, the company announced Saturday.
Workers at the private terminal were forced to leave the facility Friday night after demonstrators occupied the site, according to Cargill officials. The company stated it is working with local law enforcement to have the protesters removed “in an orderly and safe manner.”
The Santarem terminal plays a crucial role in Brazil’s agricultural exports, handling over 5.5 million metric tons of soybeans and corn in the previous year based on port industry records. That shipment volume, primarily sourced from Brazil’s Center West farming region, accounted for more than 70% of all grain moved through Santarem.
Company officials report “strong evidence of vandalism and damage to assets” has occurred at the facility during the takeover.
The dramatic escalation stems from an ongoing dispute between indigenous groups and the grain company regarding proposed river dredging projects along waterways like the Tapajos, which serve as transportation routes for agricultural products heading to international markets.
Cargill maintains it has no authority over the river dredging proposals.
The protesters had been preventing truck access to the terminal since January 22, though this caused minimal disruption to operations since most grain arrives via barge before being loaded onto export vessels.
Following their occupation of the facility, the demonstrators issued a letter calling on Brazil’s federal government to reverse a decree they claim would allow widespread dredging of Amazon waterways.
“Rivers are not export channels: they are a source of life, sustenance, memory, and identity for thousands of families,” the protesters wrote, explaining that dredging operations would harm water quality and destroy the fishing resources their communities depend on for survival.
Brazilian government officials have not yet responded to requests for comment on the occupation. Previously, authorities have defended dredging as standard practice needed to maintain river navigation during periods of low water levels.
Ukrainian forces launched a long-range strike against a Russian missile production facility deep within Russian territory, according to officials in Kyiv on Saturday.
The Ukrainian General Staff reported that their domestically-manufactured Flamingo missiles successfully targeted the facility during overnight operations in Votkinsk, a city situated in Russia’s distant Udmurtia region approximately 800 miles from the Ukrainian border.
According to military officials, the targeted facility manufactures both intercontinental ballistic missiles and short-range ballistic missiles for Russian forces. Ukrainian forces also conducted a separate strike against a gas processing facility located in Russia’s Samara region during the same operation.
The attacks represent some of the deepest strikes Ukrainian forces have conducted into Russian territory since the conflict began.
Spanish golf star Jon Rahm’s ability to compete in next year’s Ryder Cup in Ireland has been thrown into jeopardy after the DP World Tour excluded him from a group of eight LIV Golf players who received special permission to participate in both tours.
The former world number one and two-time major champion was notably missing from Saturday’s announcement listing players authorized to compete in LIV tournaments while maintaining their DP World Tour standing.
The exclusion stems from Rahm’s refusal to settle substantial penalties for participating in LIV events without proper authorization. Sources indicate these fines total approximately 2.5 million pounds, equivalent to $3.37 million.
Under current rules, European golfers who lose their DP World Tour membership become ineligible for Ryder Cup team selection.
The eight players who secured conditional approval include Laurie Canter, Thomas Detry, Tyrrell Hatton, Tom McKibbin, Adrian Meronk, Victor Perez, David Puig and Elvis Smylie.
These approved players must meet stringent requirements to avoid disciplinary measures, including settling all outstanding penalties and dropping existing appeals.
Additionally, they must commit to participating in designated DP World Tour events and associated media obligations.
The DP World Tour issued a statement explaining the arrangement: “Provided each member satisfies the conditions of their individual releases, no disciplinary action under the regulations will be taken against them for playing in conflicting tournaments on LIV Golf in 2026 and they will retain their membership status.”
The organization emphasized that these exemptions are limited in scope, stating: “The releases apply for the 2026 season only and they are not precedent-setting.”
Rahm played a crucial role for Team Europe during last year’s Ryder Cup victory, helping secure a 15-13 triumph over the United States at Bethpage Black.
Recently, Rahm joined fellow golfers Cam Smith and Bryson DeChambeau in declining an opportunity to rejoin the PGA Tour, instead choosing to remain with the Saudi-funded LIV circuit despite meeting requirements for the “Returning Member Program.”
The 2027 Ryder Cup is scheduled to take place at Adare Manor from September 17-19.
A Norwegian cross-country skier has made Olympic history by achieving the most gold medals ever won by an individual athlete at a single Winter Olympics. Johannes Klaebo secured his sixth gold medal at the Milano Cortina Games on Saturday, setting a new benchmark for Winter Olympic excellence.
This remarkable feat surpasses the previous record held by American speed skater Eric Heiden, who claimed five gold medals during the 1980 Winter Olympics. Klaebo’s extraordinary performance places him at the top of an elite group of Winter Olympic champions.
The complete ranking of athletes with the most gold medals at a single Winter Games now shows Klaebo leading with six victories in cross-country skiing at the 2026 Olympics. Following him is Heiden with five speed skating golds from 1980.
Three athletes share the record for four gold medals at one Winter Olympics: Johannes Thinges Boe of Norway earned four biathlon golds in 2022, Soviet speed skater Lidiya Skoblikova captured four golds in 1964, and Norwegian biathlete Ole Einar Bjoerndalen achieved four victories in 2002.
LIVIGNO, Italy – A Canadian freestyle skiing star’s quest for a third Olympic medal came to an abrupt end after a devastating crash left her unable to compete in Saturday’s women’s halfpipe championship round at the Milano Cortina Games.
Cassie Sharpe, 33, was positioned well for the finals after an impressive first qualifying run on Thursday that placed her in third position. But disaster struck during her second attempt down the halfpipe in Livigno, where she took a hard fall and required stretcher assistance to leave the course.
Canadian Olympic officials confirmed Sharpe spent a short time in a local hospital as a precautionary measure before returning to where athletes are staying. Team Canada has not released specific information about the nature or severity of her injuries.
“She has unfortunately not been cleared by (the Canadian Olympic Committee) and Freestyle Canada medical staff to participate in finals tonight,” a Team Canada statement said.
“We are sending Cassie and her family well wishes and she is grateful for all of the support.”
The veteran athlete previously captured Olympic gold in 2018 and earned silver four years later in 2022, making this setback particularly disappointing as she sought to add another medal to her collection.
A federal appeals court has removed legal obstacles preventing Louisiana from implementing a controversial education law that mandates public schools display the Ten Commandments in their classrooms.
The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals issued a ruling that allows the Louisiana legislation to move forward, eliminating previous court challenges that had blocked the measure from taking effect.
The Louisiana statute requires public school districts throughout the state to post displays of the biblical Ten Commandments in classroom settings, a move that has generated significant debate over the separation of church and state in public education.
This appeals court decision represents a significant development in the ongoing legal battle over religious displays in government-funded educational institutions.
Cities throughout the United States are facing a challenging real estate paradox: an abundance of vacant office buildings alongside a critical shortage of residential housing.
Property developers are beginning to address this imbalance by transforming underutilized commercial office spaces into residential living units, including apartments and condominiums. However, industry experts note that this conversion process is moving at a gradual pace.
The transformation represents a significant shift in urban development, as spaces once filled with desks and conference rooms are being redesigned to accommodate bedrooms and living areas. This trend reflects broader changes in how Americans work and live, particularly following shifts in office occupancy patterns.
Two office buildings located near Washington D.C.’s Dupont Circle area serve as an example of this conversion trend, with developers planning to create more than 500 residential units from the previously commercial spaces.
While the concept shows promise for addressing housing shortages in urban areas, the conversion process faces various logistical and financial challenges that are slowing widespread adoption of these projects.
PRAGUE — Hockey legend Jaromir Jagr appears to be nearing the end of his extraordinary 38-year professional career.
The 54-year-old hockey icon, who is currently playing his 38th season with the Kladno Knights in his native Czech Republic, hinted strongly that his time on the ice may be over.
“Probably not,” Jagr responded when asked about continuing his career in a recent Instagram interview posted Friday evening. “It would have to be a miracle. God would have to come, enter me and make me 15 years younger.”
Whether Jagr will take the ice again this season remains uncertain. The veteran forward, who celebrated his 54th birthday on February 15, has appeared in only six games for Kladno this season, with his most recent appearance coming on December 21.
The five-time Olympian, who helped lead the Czech Republic to Olympic gold in Nagano in 1998, revealed he has been spending his recent days following the Milan Cortina Olympics from home.
“I do nothing else but eat and watch TV,” he explained. With NHL players participating in the Olympics for the first time in twelve years, Jagr expressed his enthusiasm for the competition.
“It’s the best tournament in the last 10-15 years, certainly because of the presence of NHL players,” he noted. “The games are great.”
Beyond watching hockey, short-track speed skating, and figure skating, Jagr acknowledged he’s working to maintain his fitness after recently putting on 4-5 kilograms (9-11 pounds).
“It’s really about discipline,” Jagr explained. “The worst thing is when you don’t have to. Sometimes, it’s better when you have to. When you don’t have to, forcing yourself is the hardest thing.”
“I keep myself going. I try, I don’t train to be ready to play, but I try to go skating every day if I have time.”
Jagr first joined Kladno as a 16-year-old and returned to the club in 2018 after the Calgary Flames released him. He holds the distinction of being second on the NHL’s all-time scoring list, trailing only Wayne Gretzky. During his NHL career, he captured two Stanley Cup championships with the Pittsburgh Penguins in his first two seasons.
Through early last year, Jagr balanced dual responsibilities as both a player and owner of Kladno, juggling administrative tasks and sponsor recruitment alongside his playing duties.
He divested his majority ownership in Kladno last January during what he had previously indicated would be his final season, though he ultimately continued playing.
If he does return to action this season, Kladno would have an opportunity to reach the playoffs for the first time with Jagr on the roster.
Experts are drawing parallels between excessive social media use and addictive substances like gambling, drugs, and tobacco products.
Although mental health professionals continue debating where normal usage ends and problematic behavior begins, there’s widespread agreement that countless individuals feel trapped by platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat.
These tech companies have financial motivations to maximize user engagement, generating billions through targeted advertising. Fighting against endless feeds, dopamine-triggering short videos, and the validation from likes and comments can feel overwhelming. Some users also find themselves drawn to controversial content, negative news cycles, and online arguments.
While much attention has centered on young people’s social media habits, adults face similar risks when platform usage begins disrupting their daily routines.
Stanford University School of Medicine’s Dr. Anna Lembke, who serves as medical director of addiction medicine, describes addiction as “the continued compulsive use of a substance or behavior despite harm to self or others.”
During testimony at a significant social media litigation case in Los Angeles, Lembke explained that these platforms become addictive due to the “24/7, really limitless, frictionless access” users maintain.
However, some researchers challenge using “addiction” to describe heavy social media consumption, insisting true addiction requires identifiable symptoms like intense cravings and withdrawal effects.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders doesn’t officially recognize social media addiction, partly because professionals lack consensus on defining it and understanding how existing mental health conditions contribute to excessive use.
Despite this diagnostic uncertainty, many experts believe problematic social media consumption can still cause real harm.
“For me, the biggest signpost is how does the person feel about the ‘amount,’ and how viewing it makes them feel,” explained Dr. Laurel Williams, a psychiatry and behavioral sciences professor at Baylor College of Medicine. “If what they discover is they view it so much that they are missing out on other things they may enjoy or things that they need to attend to, this is problematic use. Additionally, if you leave feeling overwhelmed, drained, sad, anxious, angry regularly, this use is not good for you.”
Key warning signs include neglecting responsibilities, hobbies, or relationships in favor of scrolling, unsuccessful attempts to reduce usage, and negative feelings about your social media habits.
University of Melbourne professor Ofir Turel, who researches social media behavior, acknowledged there’s “no agreement” on defining social media addiction and doesn’t “expect agreement soon.”
“It’s obvious that we have an issue,” Turel noted. “You don’t have to call it an addiction, but there is an issue and we need, as a society, to start thinking about it.”
Williams recommends understanding how social media algorithms and advertising target users before attempting to limit usage.
“Think of social media as a company trying to get you to stay with them and buy something — have the mindset that this is information that I don’t need to act on and may not be true,” she advised. “Get alternate sources of information. Always understand the more you see something, anyone can start to believe it is true.”
California Institute of Technology postdoctoral scholar Ian A. Anderson suggests starting with minor adjustments to prevent automatic app opening. Relocating apps on your phone or disabling notifications are “light touch interventions,” while more comprehensive approaches might include keeping phones out of bedrooms or other frequent-use areas.
Built-in technology features can help manage screen time on both iPhone and Android devices.
iPhone users can access Screen Time controls through their settings menu, allowing them to establish Downtime periods that disable phone functions during chosen hours.
These controls enable users to restrict entire app categories like social media, games, or entertainment, or target specific applications with time limits.
However, these restrictions are relatively easy to bypass, functioning more as gentle reminders than absolute barriers. When attempting to open restricted apps, users receive options for additional minutes, delayed reminders, or complete override.
When gentle approaches prove insufficient, more aggressive strategies may be necessary. Some users report success switching their phones to grayscale mode, making screens less appealing to dopamine-seeking brains. iPhone users can adjust color filters in settings, while Android users can activate Bedtime Mode or modify color correction settings. Switching to basic flip phones represents another option for curbing social media impulses.
Several startups offer physical barriers between users and their apps. Unpluq provides a yellow tag that must be held against phones to access blocked applications. Brick and Blok function similarly, requiring users to tap or scan square plastic devices to unlock apps.
For more extreme measures, various phone lockboxes and cases are available, including products originally designed for parents managing teenagers’ device usage.
Yondr, known for phone-locking pouches used at concerts and schools, also manufactures home phone storage boxes.
When technological solutions fail, examining underlying causes for social media dependency might be beneficial. Excessive usage could indicate deeper issues like anxiety, stress, isolation, depression, or confidence problems. In such cases, therapy options are becoming increasingly accessible.
“For people struggling to stay away — see if you can get a friend group to collaborate with you on it. Make it a group effort. Just don’t post about it! The more spaces become phone free, the more we may see a lessened desire to be ‘on,’” Williams concluded.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement has targeted over 20 communities with large warehouse facilities as part of a massive $45 billion detention center expansion program. Many local governments are expressing frustration that federal officials are keeping them uninformed about property acquisitions until transactions are finalized. Several warehouse owners have withdrawn from potential sales agreements.
Here’s what’s happening in various locations across the country:
Arizona state’s chief prosecutor Kris Mayes wrote to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem explaining that local authorities received no advance notice before ICE acquired a 418,000-square-foot warehouse facility in Surprise, a Phoenix-area community, for $70 million.
Federal documents later revealed by ICE indicate the Department of Homeland Security projects spending $150 million to transform the building into a processing center with 1,500 beds.
A television journalist in Orlando observed private contractors and federal representatives touring a 439,945-square-foot industrial facility last month. When questioned by a WFTV correspondent, ICE senior adviser David Venturella described the visit as “exploratory.”
Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer issued a statement saying the city received no communication from federal authorities and lacks legal authority to prevent a potential ICE operation.
ICE acquired a large warehouse facility in Social Circle for $128.6 million. City documents from DHS reveal plans for two additional buildings as well. The three structures combined would encompass 2.3 million square feet.
Plans are also underway to transform a warehouse in Oakwood into an ICE processing center, according to a statement from Republican U.S. Rep. Andrew Clyde, though no property deed has been recorded. City Manager B.R. White said his first indication of an impending transaction came when a warehouse supervisor informed a city inspector he’d received orders to evacuate the work site for new owners — the federal government.
Following concerns raised by Merrillville officials about ICE representatives touring a new 275,000-square-foot warehouse, property owner Opus Holding LLC issued a letter stating it is not in negotiations with federal authorities regarding the facility. The correspondence noted Opus was restricted in what information it could disclose due to legal matters.
ICE acquired a warehouse located approximately 60 miles northwest of Baltimore for $102.4 million, according to a deed executed last month. The document was discovered by Project Salt Box, a Maryland ICE monitoring organization.
Washington County officials announced via Facebook that DHS had notified them in advance about considering the warehouse purchase for use as a “new ICE Baltimore Processing Facility.” County commissioners subsequently approved a resolution supporting ICE operations.
ICE revealed its acquisition of a facility in Romulus only after completing the purchase. City officials responded through a Facebook post expressing concern about the “lack of prior notification.”
Warehouse owners in the Minneapolis-area communities of Woodbury and Shakopee withdrew from potential ICE agreements following public opposition, according to local authorities.
Republican U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker announced that Noem agreed to seek alternative locations after local elected officials and zoning authorities opposed a potential detention facility in Byhalia.
Following weeks of community pressure, development company Platform Ventures declared it would not proceed with selling a large warehouse in Kansas City.
Republican Gov. Kelly Ayotte engaged in disputes with federal officials after ICE revealed plans to spend $158 million converting a Merrimack warehouse into a 500-bed processing facility.
The conflict escalated when interim ICE Director Todd Lyons testified that DHS “has worked with Gov. Ayotte” and provided her with an economic impact analysis.
Ayotte responded that the claim was “simply not true.” She stated the analysis arrived hours after Lyons’ testimony. The document incorrectly referenced the “ripple effects to the Oklahoma economy” and revenue from state sales and income taxes, neither of which New Hampshire imposes.
Roxbury announced Friday that ICE had completed the warehouse purchase despite the municipality offering tax incentives to the owner to prevent the sale.
Property transaction documents showing the purchase price were not yet accessible online. The announcement occurred just two days after ICE acknowledged it had made a “mistake” in previously announcing the acquisition.
“Let us be clear: Roxbury Township will not passively accept this outcome,” the mayor and city council stated in a press release.
ICE said Tuesday it erred when it announced acquiring a vacant warehouse in Chester. New York state Assemblyman Brian Maher reported Friday that ICE is no longer evaluating the facility.
Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt announced last month that property owners had notified him they are no longer in discussions with DHS regarding a potential warehouse acquisition or lease.
DHS bought a warehouse in Tremont Township for $119.5 million and another in Upper Bern Township for $87.4 million. Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro has stated his administration will oppose DHS plans to convert the warehouses in rural eastern Pennsylvania areas into immigrant detention and processing facilities.
In Socorro, an El Paso-area community, ICE spent $122.8 million for three warehouses totaling 826,780 square feet. ICE also paid $66.1 million for a 639,595-square-foot warehouse in San Antonio. Both cities’ mayors oppose the facilities.
However, another Texas deal was cancelled due to community resistance. In Hutchins, a Dallas suburb, a real estate firm confirmed it was approached about one of its properties but would not sell or lease any buildings to DHS for detention purposes. California-based Majestic Realty Co. offered no explanation in its statement.
Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall expressed appreciation in her State of the City address that warehouse owners ICE was considering for a detention facility had decided not to sell or lease the property to federal authorities.
Jim Pattison Developments stated last month that it learned of the intended warehouse use in Richmond, Virginia suburbs after agreeing to sell to a U.S. government contractor. Following boycott threats, the Vancouver-based company announced the transaction “will not be proceeding.”
SOCORRO, Texas — Federal immigration authorities have been conducting a stealth campaign to acquire enormous warehouse facilities nationwide for detention purposes, frequently bypassing local government notification entirely.
The Department of Homeland Security completed a $122.8 million purchase of three massive warehouses totaling 826,000 square feet in Socorro, Texas, near the Mexican border. Local officials discovered the transaction only after the deed appeared in public records.
“Nobody from the federal government bothered to pick up the phone or even send us any type of correspondence letting us know what’s about to take place,” stated Rudy Cruz Jr., mayor of the 40,000-resident community located outside El Paso.
Socorro represents one of approximately 20 locations nationwide where Immigration and Customs Enforcement has targeted large warehouse properties as part of a $45-billion detention facility expansion program.
With declining public approval for the agency’s operations and the current administration’s immigration enforcement policies, numerous communities are voicing opposition to mass detention facilities. Local leaders express concerns about potential strain on water systems and municipal services, along with reduced property tax collections. Many mayors, county officials, governors and congressional representatives have learned about ICE’s acquisition plans only after purchases were finalized, creating surprise and anger even in regions that previously supported the administration.
“I just feel,” Cruz commented, whose spouse was born in Mexico, “that they do these things in silence so that they don’t get opposition.”
ICE, operating under DHS oversight, has acquired no fewer than seven warehouse properties across Arizona, Georgia, Maryland, Pennsylvania and Texas, according to filed deeds. Additional transactions have been announced but remain incomplete, while buyers have canceled eight other planned purchases.
DHS rejected characterizing these properties as warehouses, emphasizing in an official statement that they would become “very well structured detention facilities meeting our regular detention standards.”
The acquisition process has experienced significant confusion. ICE acknowledged this past week making an “error” regarding announced warehouse purchases in Chester, New York, and Roxbury, New Jersey. Roxbury subsequently confirmed Friday that their sale had been completed.
DHS has verified its search for additional detention space but has not revealed specific locations prior to acquisitions. Some municipalities learned of ICE warehouse scouting through media reports. Others received information from an online spreadsheet circulated by activists with unknown origins.
The warehouse project’s full extent became clear February 13th when New Hampshire’s governor’s office, responding to opposition against a planned 500-bed processing facility, released ICE documentation showing the agency’s plan to spend $38.3 billion expanding detention capacity to 92,000 beds.
Since the current administration began, ICE detention population has grown from 40,000 to 75,000 individuals housed across more than 225 locations.
ICE could utilize these warehouses for consolidation and capacity expansion. The documentation outlines a project including eight large-scale detention facilities housing 7,000 to 10,000 detainees each, plus 16 smaller regional processing centers. The document also mentions acquiring 10 existing “turnkey” facilities.
Funding comes from the comprehensive tax and spending legislation passed by Congress last year that nearly doubled DHS’s budget. The administration is utilizing military contracts for detention center construction.
These contracts permit considerable secrecy and enable DHS to proceed rapidly without standard processes and protections, according to Charles Tiefer, professor emeritus of law at the University of Baltimore Law School.
In Socorro, the ICE-purchased warehouses are so expansive that four and a half Walmart Supercenters could fit inside, contrasting sharply with the remaining Spanish colonial and mission architecture characterizing the community.
During a recent City Council session, public testimony continued for hours. “I think a lot of innocent people are getting caught up in their dragnet,” said Jorge Mendoza, an El Paso County retiree whose grandparents immigrated from Mexico.
Multiple speakers referenced concerns about three recent fatalities at an ICE detention facility at nearby Fort Bliss Army base.
Even communities that supported the administration in 2024 have been surprised by ICE’s plans and expressed concerns.
In rural Pennsylvania’s Berks County, commissioner Christian Leinbach contacted the district attorney, sheriff, jail warden and county emergency services director upon hearing ICE might purchase a warehouse in Upper Bern Township, located 3 miles from his residence.
None had any information.
Days later, a local land records official informed him that ICE had purchased the building — marketed by developers as a “state-of-the art logistics center” — for $87.4 million.
“There was absolutely no warning,” Leinbach stated during a meeting where he expressed concerns that converting the warehouse into a federal facility would eliminate over $800,000 in local tax revenue.
ICE has promoted the income taxes its employees would generate, though the facilities themselves will be property tax-exempt.
In Social Circle, Georgia, which also strongly backed the administration in 2024, officials were shocked by ICE’s plans for a facility potentially housing 7,500 to 10,000 individuals after learning about it through a reporter.
The city, with just 5,000 residents and concerns about infrastructure requirements for such a detention center, only heard from DHS after the $128.6 million sale of a 1 million-square-foot warehouse was completed. Like Socorro and Berks County, Social Circle questioned whether water and sewage systems could handle the demand.
ICE has stated it conducted proper analysis to ensure sites wouldn’t overwhelm municipal utilities. However, Social Circle said the agency’s assessment depended on a not-yet-constructed sewer treatment plant.
“To be clear, the City has repeatedly communicated that it does not have the capacity or resources to accommodate this demand, and no proposal presented to date has demonstrated otherwise,” the city stated.
In the Phoenix suburb of Surprise, officials sent a harsh letter to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem after ICE purchased a large warehouse in a residential neighborhood approximately one mile from a high school without advance notice. Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes, a Democrat, suggested potential legal action to have the location declared a public nuisance.
Back in Socorro, residents waiting to oppose the ICE facility filled the City Council chambers and spilled into hallways, some standing near murals honoring the World War II-era Braceros Program that permitted Mexican agricultural workers to serve as guest workers in the U.S. The program boosted Socorro’s economy and population before President Dwight D. Eisenhower’s administration began mass deportations in the 1950s targeting individuals who had crossed the border illegally.
Eduardo Castillo, formerly an attorney for the U.S. Department of Justice, told city officials that challenging the federal government is intimidating but “not impossible.”
“If you don’t at least try,” he stated, “you will end up with another inhumane detention facility built in your jurisdiction and under your watch.”
EDGEWOOD, N.M. — During the 1970s, thousands of Native American women underwent sterilization procedures through the Indian Health Service without receiving proper informed consent, robbing them of their ability to have children or expand their families.
Now, after decades of silence, New Mexico officials are preparing to examine this dark chapter in medical history and its enduring consequences.
State lawmakers this week authorized the Indian Affairs Department and Commission on the Status of Women to conduct a comprehensive review of forced and coerced sterilizations performed on women of color by the Indian Health Service and other medical providers. Officials expect to deliver their conclusions to the governor before 2027 ends.
State Sen. Linda Lopez, who sponsored the legislation, emphasized the significance of the investigation. “It’s important for New Mexico to understand the atrocities that took place within the borders of our state,” Lopez stated.
New Mexico joins other states addressing similar historical wrongs. Vermont established a truth and reconciliation commission in 2023 to examine forced sterilizations of marginalized populations, including Native Americans. California started providing compensation in 2024 to individuals sterilized without consent in state facilities.
The New Mexico Legislature also established groundwork for creating a healing commission and formal recognition of this lesser-known historical trauma affecting Native families.
University of Kansas School of Law professor Sarah Deer believes this action comes far too late. “The women in these communities carry these stories,” Deer explained.
Beyond a 1976 Government Accountability Office report, federal authorities have never officially recognized what Deer describes as “systemic” sterilization campaigns targeting Native American communities.
Neither the Indian Health Service nor its parent organization, the Department of Health and Human Services, responded to requests for comment regarding New Mexico’s investigation.
Jean Whitehorse’s experience illustrates the trauma many women endured. In 1972, the 22-year-old new mother was rushed to an Indian Health Service facility in Gallup with a ruptured appendix. Whitehorse recalls suffering “extreme pain” while medical staff presented numerous consent documents before emergency surgery.
“The nurse held the pen in my hand. I just signed on the line,” recalled Whitehorse, who belongs to the Navajo Nation.
Years later, while trying to conceive another child, Whitehorse discovered she had received a tubal ligation during that emergency procedure. This revelation devastated her, damaged her relationship, and led to struggles with alcohol addiction.
Advocacy groups were already raising concerns about women like Whitehorse who visited IHS facilities for childbirth or medical procedures only to later discover their inability to conceive. The activist organization Women of All Red Nations, connected to the American Indian Movement, formed partly to expose these practices.
In 1974, Dr. Connie Redbird Uri, a physician of Choctaw and Cherokee heritage, examined IHS records and claimed the federal agency had sterilized up to 25% of women in their reproductive years. Some women Uri interviewed were unaware of their sterilizations, while others reported being pressured into consent or told the procedures could be reversed.
Uri’s findings led to the GAO investigation, which documented 3,406 sterilizations performed by the Indian Health Service across four of its 12 regions between 1973 and 1976, including the Albuquerque area. Investigators found many patients were under 21, and most signed documents that failed to meet federal standards for informed consent.
GAO investigators decided against interviewing sterilized women, claiming such conversations “would not be productive” based on a single study of heart surgery patients in New York who had difficulty remembering doctor conversations. Due to this limited approach and narrow scope, advocates argue the complete extent and impact remains unknown.
Whitehorse kept her experience secret for nearly four decades before first telling her daughter, then other relatives. “Each time I tell my story, it relieves the shame, the guilt,” Whitehorse shared. “Now I think, why should I be ashamed? It’s the government that should be ashamed of what they did to us.”
Today, Whitehorse publicly advocates for forced sterilization survivors. She testified before the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues in 2025, urging the United States to issue a formal apology.
While Whitehorse supports New Mexico’s investigation as a platform for survivor stories, advocates like Rachael Lorenzo warn about potential re-traumatization. Lorenzo leads Indigenous Women Rising, an Albuquerque reproductive health organization.
“It’s such a taboo topic. There’s a lot of support that needs to happen when we tell these traumatic stories,” Lorenzo noted.
During recent New Mexico legislative hearings, retired Indian Health Service physician Dr. Donald Clark testified about treating patients in their twenties and thirties who “seeking contraception but not trusting that they will not be irreversibly sterilized” due to family stories passed down through generations.
“It’s still an issue that is affecting women’s choice of birth control today,” Clark testified.
The 1927 Supreme Court case Buck v. Bell authorized states to sterilize individuals deemed “unfit” for reproduction, enabling forced sterilizations of immigrants, racial minorities, disabled individuals, and other marginalized groups throughout the 1900s.
According to Lorenzo and Deer, Native American women’s sterilizations represent part of broader federal policies designed to undermine Indigenous reproductive rights, including systematic removal of Native children to boarding schools and non-Native foster care, plus the 1976 Hyde Amendment preventing federally-funded tribal medical facilities from providing most abortion services.
Canadian doctors faced sanctions as recently as 2023 for sterilizing Indigenous women without consent.
Deer believes New Mexico’s investigation could establish precedent for accountability, though she warns that federal government cooperation will be essential for effective fact-finding.
BORMIO, Italy – Two American athletes are making their mark in ski mountaineering at the Milano Cortina Olympics, challenging the long-standing European supremacy in this winter sport ahead of Saturday’s mixed relay competition.
Anna Gibson and Cam Smith have already carved out a place in sporting history after delivering the United States its inaugural World Cup victory in ski mountaineering this past December, earning their Olympic berths in the process.
The discipline, which traces its origins to alpine military exercises, has traditionally been the domain of European competitors in World Cup events. However, the sport’s new Olympic status has sparked increased international participation, with American athletes leading the charge from non-European nations.
Smith brings years of experience in the sport to the Games, though December marked her debut World Cup appearance, and the Olympic sprint represented just her fourth official competition. Gibson’s journey is even more remarkable – she transitioned from trail running to join the US national team only last September.
Austrian competitor Johanna Hiemer remarked in December about Gibson’s rapid emergence in the ski mountaineering world: “Within one summer everything changed, and we always said it wouldn’t happen overnight but it proved the opposite.”
Sarah Cookler, who leads USA SkiMo as Head of Sport, expressed optimism in December about the Olympic inclusion boosting the sport’s profile domestically. “It’s really only a matter of time before we can attract the strongest athletes for this and be really competitive,” Cookler stated.
Both American competitors advanced to the semifinals in Thursday’s Olympic sprint events as “lucky losers” from their initial heats, with Gibson finishing ninth overall and Smith placing 11th.
“Hopefully the U.S. can kind of continue to improve and climb and be on par with the Europeans in the near future,” Cookler said in December. She brought on Italian coach Oscar Angeloni in 2024, partly to adopt training methods similar to those used by European squads.
Gibson noted the unique experience of competing in Bormio, where ski mountaineering enjoys widespread recognition and understanding among locals and spectators alike.
“You can feel that SkiMo is just part of the culture. It’s very normal. It’s very understood here,” Gibson explained. “To not have to explain what it is to people here and just know that there are fans who have been supporters of the sport for a long time is really special.”
Regardless of their Saturday finish, both Smith and Gibson express satisfaction with their Olympic showing thus far.
“The sprint is definitely not my best event, so I’m just taking it as a really positive sign for Saturday and the mixed relay. It’s a great sign for Anna and I that we’ve made it as far as we did in the sprint,” Smith commented Friday.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva have strengthened economic ties between their nations by formalizing a mining cooperation agreement during Saturday’s diplomatic meetings in New Delhi.
The mining partnership was established as India works to secure additional raw materials for its growing steel industry while Brazil leverages its position as a leading global iron ore producer. Lula concluded a three-day diplomatic visit to India’s capital this week.
According to Indian government officials, the collaboration will enhance India’s ability to obtain essential steelmaking materials and advanced technologies necessary for sustained industrial growth. Brazil possesses extensive iron ore deposits and substantial reserves of other minerals crucial for steel production.
The partnership will concentrate on drawing investment into mineral exploration, mining operations, and steel industry infrastructure development, government representatives stated.
India currently maintains steel production capabilities of 218 million metric tons, with companies working to increase output to satisfy growing domestic needs fueled by infrastructure projects and industrial expansion.
During discussions with the Brazilian delegation headed by Lula, Modi outlined their focus on strengthening economic cooperation between the two nations.
“We are committed to taking bilateral trade much beyond $20 billion in the next five years,” Modi stated.
Current trade volume between the countries reaches approximately $15 billion annually.
“Our nations will also work closely in areas such as technology, innovation, digital public infrastructure, AI, semiconductors and more,” Modi added.
The two countries have maintained strategic partnership status since 2006, collaborating across multiple sectors including trade, defense, energy, agriculture, healthcare, critical minerals, technology, and digital infrastructure.
Brazil serves as India’s primary trading partner throughout the Latin America and Caribbean region, with both nations coordinating efforts on international matters including United Nations reform, climate change initiatives, and counter-terrorism measures.
During Thursday’s discussions, Lula proposed that Brazil and India should conduct trade using their respective national currencies instead of relying on U.S. dollar transactions. However, he rejected suggestions that BRICS member nations, which include both countries, would establish a shared currency system.
Italian athletes delivered a spectacular one-two finish in men’s ski cross competition at the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics on Saturday, with Simone Deromedis securing gold and Federico Tomasoni earning silver on their nation’s slopes.
The dynamic duo crossed the finish line in Livigno to thunderous applause from the home crowd, immediately collapsing onto their backs in the snow to recover from the intense race. Switzerland’s Alex Fiva rounded out the podium with a bronze medal, adding to his silver from the previous Olympic Games four years earlier.
Harsh weather conditions made the competition particularly demanding, as heavy snowfall persisted throughout the day’s events. The poor visibility and accumulating snow created additional obstacles for athletes navigating the challenging mountain course.
The medal presentation became an emotional celebration as Deromedis leaped onto the winner’s platform with a beaming smile, embracing his fellow medalist. Tomasoni showed his appreciation by kissing his silver medal and gazing upward while Italian supporters enthusiastically displayed their nation’s tricolor flag. The ceremony concluded with both athletes and spectators joining together for their national anthem.
This high-octane winter sport involves four competitors racing simultaneously down a 1.5-kilometer track packed with obstacles including bumps, aerial sections, and sharp curves. The discipline has earned a reputation for its unpredictable nature, frequently featuring collisions and spectacular falls among participants.
The previous Olympic champion, Switzerland’s Rya Regez, saw his title defense end prematurely when officials disqualified him during semifinal competition for impeding Japan’s Satoshi Furuno.
Germany’s Daniela Maier had claimed victory in the women’s ski cross event the previous day.
TESERO, Italy – Norwegian cross-country skiing champion Johannes Klaebo has made Winter Olympic history by capturing his 11th career gold medal during competition at the Milano Cortina Games this Saturday.
Klaebo’s latest triumph places him at the pinnacle of Winter Olympic achievement, surpassing a group of elite athletes who previously shared top honors with eight gold medals each. Those former record holders include fellow Norwegian cross-country skier Marit Bjoergen (competing from 2002-2018), Norwegian biathlon legend Ole Einar Bjoerndalen (1998-2014), and another Norwegian cross-country champion Bjorn Daehlie (1992-1998).
Currently active German luge teammates Tobias Arlt and Tobias Wendl each hold seven gold medals from their careers spanning 2014 to the present games. Multiple athletes share the six-gold medal mark, including Dutch speed skater Ireen Wust (2006-2022), cross-country skier Lyubov Yegorova representing the Unified Team and Russia (1992-1994), short-track speed skating star Viktor Ahn who competed for both South Korea and Russia (2006-2014), French biathlon champion Martin Fourcade (2010-2018), German luge competitor Natalie Geisenberger (2010-2022), and Soviet Union speed skating pioneer Lidiya Skoblikova (1960-1964).
Klaebo’s record-setting performance continues Norway’s remarkable legacy of Winter Olympic excellence, with the Nordic nation producing many of the sport’s greatest champions across multiple disciplines.
Norwegian cross-country skiing sensation Johannes Klaebo made Winter Olympics history Saturday, capturing his sixth gold medal at the Milano Cortina Games and setting a new record for most titles won in a single Winter Olympics competition.
The 29-year-old athlete, affectionately known as “King Klaebo” by his supporters, dominated the men’s 50-kilometer classic race in Tesero, Italy, surpassing American speed skater Eric Heiden’s longstanding record of five gold medals earned at the 1980 Lake Placid Games.
This latest victory brings Klaebo’s career Olympic gold medal count to 11, placing him second only to American swimmer Michael Phelps, who holds 23 Olympic titles.
The race featured a commanding Norwegian performance, with the country’s athletes claiming all three medal positions. Klaebo was initially part of a three-man Norwegian breakaway group, with Martin Loewstroem Nyenget setting an aggressive pace early in the competition.
However, Klaebo pulled away from his compatriots during the race’s final uphill section, using the same climbing strategy that had proven successful in his other victories throughout these Games.
Nyenget claimed the silver medal, crossing the finish line 8.9 seconds after Klaebo, while Emil Iversen earned bronze, finishing 30.7 seconds behind the winner. France’s Theo Schely placed fourth, nearly three minutes behind the Norwegian champion.
Despite his commanding victory, Klaebo showed rare signs of physical strain, collapsing at the finish line in an unusual display of exhaustion for the skier who has swept all six men’s cross-country events at these Olympics.
Several notable competitors withdrew from the race due to health issues. Norway’s Harald Oestberg Amundsen and Finland’s Iivo Niskanen, both considered medal contenders, dropped out around the 37-minute mark after completing approximately 15 kilometers.
Niskanen had been battling illness throughout the week, while Amundsen cited pre-Games sickness as affecting his performance.
“When I noticed I’m not going skiing for medals today, I figured it’s time to come to my senses so that I don’t kill myself out there,” Niskanen explained after withdrawing from competition.
Olympic medalists Federico Pellegrino of Italy and Ben Ogden of the United States were also absent from the race due to illness.
America’s cattle industry is experiencing a crisis not witnessed in more than seven decades, with livestock numbers falling to their lowest levels since 1951.
The dramatic decline in cattle populations nationwide has created unprecedented challenges for ranching families, prompting discussions about the future of beef production in the United States.
NPR’s Scott Simon recently conducted an interview with Oklahoma ranchers Zach and Kacie Scherler-Abney to explore the mounting difficulties confronting cattle operations across the country.
The conversation with the Scherler-Abney family sheds light on the complex issues plaguing the livestock industry, as ranchers struggle to navigate economic pressures and changing market conditions.
This significant reduction in cattle numbers represents a concerning trend for both producers and consumers, potentially impacting beef availability and pricing in markets nationwide.
RAYAK, Lebanon — Eight Hezbollah militants died in Israeli military strikes in eastern Lebanon late Friday, according to two officials from the militant organization who spoke anonymously to The Associated Press.
Lebanon’s Health Ministry reported a higher casualty count of 10 deaths and 24 injuries, though their figures did not separate combatants from civilians.
The strikes targeted an area close to Rayak village in northeastern Lebanon, where Associated Press journalists observed significant damage to a three-story structure, with the upper level completely destroyed.
Israeli military officials confirmed Saturday that they had “eliminated” multiple Hezbollah missile unit personnel across three separate command facilities in the Baalbek region.
According to the Israeli army, those killed were “operating to accelerate readiness and force build-up processes, while planning fire attacks toward Israel.”
A Hezbollah source identified three of the deceased as regional commanders: Ali al-Moussawi, Mohammed al-Moussawi and Hussein Yaghi.
Hussein Yaghi was the son of Mohammed Yaghi, a founding member and prominent Hezbollah figure who passed away in 2023. The elder Yaghi had served as a trusted associate of former Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, who was killed in an Israeli strike in September 2024.
Ali Abdullah, who heads Rayak Hospital, confirmed to AP that his facility treated 10 fatalities and 21 wounded from the post-sunset attack. Among the dead were two foreign nationals — one Syrian man and one Ethiopian woman. The injured included five Syrians and three Ethiopians.
The current conflict traces back to the Hamas-led October 7, 2023 assault on Israel that sparked the Gaza war. Hezbollah subsequently launched rocket attacks from Lebanon into Israel, expressing solidarity with Hamas and Palestinian forces.
Israel retaliated with aerial bombardments and artillery fire. This limited engagement expanded into comprehensive warfare in September 2024, which was later curtailed by a U.S.-mediated truce agreement two months afterward.
Following the ceasefire, Israel has maintained that Hezbollah continues reconstruction efforts, prompting almost daily Israeli strikes on Lebanese territory targeting what it describes as Hezbollah operatives and installations. Hezbollah has acknowledged conducting one attack on Israel since the ceasefire took effect.
Friday’s casualty numbers represent an unusually severe toll and occur amid heightened regional tensions, as the United States has warned of potential military action against Iran — which supports both Hezbollah and Hamas — should diplomatic efforts regarding Tehran’s nuclear activities fail to achieve results.
BUDAPEST, Hungary — Hungarian officials announced they will prevent a massive $106 billion European Union aid package from reaching Ukraine unless Russian oil deliveries through a critical pipeline are restored.
Oil shipments to Hungary and Slovakia came to a halt on January 27th when Ukrainian authorities reported that a Russian drone strike had damaged the Druzhba pipeline. This key energy artery transports Russian crude oil across Ukrainian soil into Central European nations.
Both Hungary and Slovakia have temporary waivers allowing them to continue importing Russian oil despite broader EU restrictions. These countries now claim, without offering proof, that Ukraine is intentionally preventing the restoration of oil supplies.
Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó released a social media video Friday night, claiming Ukraine was engaging in “blackmail” by not restarting the oil flow. He announced his nation would obstruct the interest-free loan that EU leaders approved in December to support Ukraine’s military and economic requirements over the coming two years.
“We will not give in to this blackmail. We do not support Ukraine’s war, we will not pay for it,” Szijjártó said. “As long as Ukraine blocks the resumption of oil supplies to Hungary, Hungary will block European Union decisions that are important and favorable for Ukraine.”
This financial blockade follows Hungary’s decision earlier this week to halt diesel shipments to Ukraine until Druzhba pipeline operations restart. The escalation comes just days before the fourth anniversary of Russia’s large-scale military assault on Ukraine.
While virtually all European nations have dramatically cut or completely eliminated Russian energy purchases since Moscow began its war on February 24, 2022, Hungary continues as both an EU and NATO member to maintain and expand its Russian oil and gas imports.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, known for his nationalist policies, has consistently maintained that Russian energy sources are essential for his country’s economic stability. He argues that transitioning to alternative energy suppliers would trigger immediate economic disaster, though several experts challenge this assessment.
Orbán is widely regarded as Moscow’s strongest supporter within the European Union and has repeatedly resisted the bloc’s sanctions against Russia following the invasion. He has also criticized measures targeting Russian energy profits that help fund the military campaign, and his administration has regularly threatened to veto EU assistance to Ukraine.
The $106 billion loan package did not receive unanimous support from all 27 EU member nations. Hungary, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic initially opposed the proposal, but an agreement was eventually reached where these countries agreed not to block the funding in exchange for guarantees protecting them from potential financial consequences.
KYIV, Ukraine — Ukrainian forces launched a long-range drone assault on Saturday targeting a Russian defense manufacturing facility located deep within Russian territory, according to reports from Russian officials and media outlets.
The drone operation hit a facility in Russia’s Udmurt Republic, resulting in injuries to 11 individuals, with three requiring hospital treatment, local health minister Sergei Bagin reported via Telegram.
Regional leader Alexander Brechalov confirmed in a Telegram message that “One of the republic’s facilities was attacked by drones” launched by Ukrainian forces. Brechalov noted the assault resulted in both casualties and property damage, though he declined to identify the specific location or provide additional information.
The unofficial Russian Telegram news outlet Astra identified the target as the Votkinsk Machine Building Plant, a significant state-run defense contractor. Astra based this assessment on video evidence obtained from local residents.
Ukrainian officials have not yet responded to requests for comment regarding the operation.
Located more than 1,400 kilometers (870 miles) from Ukraine’s borders, the Votkinsk facility manufactures Iskander ballistic missiles frequently deployed in Russian attacks on Ukraine, along with nuclear-capable intercontinental ballistic missiles.
Russian media outlets shared video footage and photographs allegedly taken by Votkinsk residents, displaying dark smoke billowing from an industrial complex and shattered windows on nearby structures.
SHOT, another unofficial Russian Telegram channel known for citing security service sources, reported that Votkinsk residents heard no fewer than three explosions overnight, accompanied by sounds they believed were drone engines.
HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah — In a groundbreaking demonstration, federal officials completed the nation’s first aerial transport of a compact nuclear reactor, flying the device nearly 700 miles from California to Utah over the weekend.
The historic mission involved moving a 5-megawatt microreactor aboard a military C-17 aircraft, showcasing America’s capabilities for rapid nuclear power deployment in both military and civilian settings. The reactor, roughly the size of a minivan, was transported without nuclear fuel as part of the test.
Energy Secretary Chris Wright and Defense Undersecretary Michael Duffey accompanied the February 15th flight, calling it a major milestone in efforts to fast-track commercial approval for these compact power systems. The initiative aligns with the Trump administration’s broader strategy to transform the nation’s energy sector.
“Today is history. A multi-megawatt, next-generation nuclear power plant is loaded in the C-17 behind us,” Wright declared before the two-hour journey from March Air Reserve Base to Hill Air Force Base.
The transport represents part of President Trump’s commitment to nuclear energy expansion, viewing it as a carbon-free electricity source that provides reliable power. This comes as the administration simultaneously promotes fossil fuels while showing skepticism toward renewable energy sources.
Wright announced that this reactor joins at least two others expected to achieve “criticality” — the point where nuclear reactions become self-sustaining — by July 4th, fulfilling Trump’s timeline promise.
“That’s speed, that’s innovation, that’s the start of a nuclear renaissance,” Wright stated.
The United States currently operates 94 nuclear reactors generating approximately 19% of national electricity, according to Energy Information Administration data. This represents a decline from 104 reactors in 2013, though it includes two recently completed commercial reactors in Georgia — the first large-scale reactors built from the ground up in decades.
Given the lengthy timelines associated with traditional reactor construction, industry leaders and government officials have shifted focus toward more efficient designs, including small modular reactors being developed by the Tennessee Valley Authority.
These portable microreactors can “accelerate the delivery of resilient power to where it’s needed,” Duffey explained. Military officials envision these mobile units eventually providing energy independence for bases without relying on civilian power grids.
“The demonstration flight gets us closer to deploy nuclear power when and where it is needed to give our nation’s warfighters the tools to win in battle,” Duffey said.
Isaiah Taylor, CEO of California startup Valar Atomics which manufactured the reactor, said the unit can produce enough electricity for 5,000 homes. The company plans to begin test power sales next year and achieve full commercial operation by 2028.
However, critics question the technology’s viability and safety. Edwin Lyman from the Union of Concerned Scientists dismissed the transport demonstration as “a dog-and-pony show” that simply proved the military’s ability to move heavy equipment.
The flight “doesn’t answer any questions about whether the project is feasible, economic, workable or safe — for the military and the public,” Lyman said.
Lyman argued that the Trump administration “hasn’t made the safety case” for securely transporting fuel-loaded microreactors to data centers or military installations. Additionally, officials haven’t resolved nuclear waste disposal issues, though Wright indicated the Energy Department is discussing potential reprocessing or permanent storage sites with Utah and other states.
The transported microreactor will undergo testing and evaluation at Utah’s San Rafael Energy Lab, with fuel supplied by Nevada’s National Security site, according to officials.
“The answer to energy is always more,” Wright concluded. Following what he characterized as four years of energy restrictions under the Biden administration, he said, “now we’re trying to set everything free. And nuclear will be flying soon.”
WASHINGTON — Congressional Republicans experienced a brief moment of respite Friday from one of their biggest disagreements with the Trump administration, but that relief quickly evaporated.
The nation’s highest court overturned a major part of President Donald Trump’s worldwide tariff program, determining that Congress holds constitutional authority over tax imposition. Republican lawmakers initially responded to Friday morning’s ruling with cautious statements, with some offering praise, while GOP leadership indicated willingness to collaborate with Trump on future tariff policies.
However, by afternoon, Trump declared his intention to bypass Congress entirely, announcing a new worldwide 10% import tax. He’s implementing this under legislation that limits such tariffs to 150 days and has never been utilized in this manner previously. This choice could significantly impact the global economy while forcing Republicans to continue defending Trump’s tariff policies through the approaching midterm elections.
“I have the right to do tariffs, and I’ve always had the right to do tariffs,” Trump declared during a press conference, emphasizing his independence from congressional approval.
Trade tariffs represent one of the rare policy areas where Republican-led Congress has challenged Trump. Both chambers have previously approved measures criticizing tariffs imposed on trading allies like Canada. This issue also stands out as one where GOP legislators, raised in a traditionally free-trade party, have openly criticized Trump’s economic approach.
“The empty merits of sweeping trade wars with America’s friends were evident long before today’s decision,” former longtime Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell stated, noting that tariffs increase housing costs and harm industries crucial to Kentucky.
Democrats, seeking congressional control, plan to adopt McConnell’s argument. During Friday’s press conference, Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer stated Trump’s new tariffs “will still raise people’s costs and they will hurt the American people as much as his old tariffs did.”
Schumer urged Republicans to prevent Trump from implementing the 10% global tariff. Democrats also demanded refunds for consumers affected by the Supreme Court-overturned tariffs.
“The American people paid for these tariffs and the American people should get their money back,” Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., posted on social media.
This situation reinforces Democrats’ key midterm message: Trump has failed to reduce living costs and has increased prices through tariffs.
Medium-sized American companies have absorbed import taxes by raising customer prices, reducing workforce, or accepting decreased profits, according to JPMorganChase Institute research.
Friday’s Supreme Court ruling clearly established that most justices believe Congress exclusively holds constitutional tariff authority. Nevertheless, Trump immediately issued an executive order referencing the Trade Act of 1974, which allows presidential temporary import taxes during “large and serious United States balance-of-payments deficits” or similar international payment issues. This authority remains unused and legally untested.
Republicans have occasionally cautioned Trump about potential economic consequences of his tariff proposals. However, before Trump’s “Liberation Day” global tariffs last April, Republican leadership avoided directly opposing the president.
Some GOP lawmakers supported the new tariff approach, revealing generational divisions among Republicans, with younger members strongly backing Trump’s strategy. Instead of following traditional free trade principles, they advocate “America First” protectionism, hoping to revitalize American manufacturing.
Ohio freshman Republican Sen. Bernie Moreno criticized Friday’s Supreme Court decision and urged GOP colleagues to “codify the tariffs that had made our country the hottest country on earth!”
Meanwhile, some Republican tariff opponents celebrated the Supreme Court’s ruling. Rep. Don Bacon, an administration critic not seeking reelection, posted on social media that “Congress must stand on its own two feet, take tough votes and defend its authorities.”
Bacon anticipated increased Republican resistance. He and several other GOP members recently forced a House vote on Trump’s Canada tariffs. Following that measure’s passage, Trump threatened political retaliation against Republicans opposing his tariff plans.
CORTINA D’AMPEZZO, Italy – A Swiss men’s curling squad turned their multilingual background into Olympic success, capturing bronze after defeating Norway 9-1 on Friday at the Winter Olympics.
Led by Yannick Schwaller, the Swiss team secured third place after falling short of gold despite completing an undefeated round-robin performance. Their unique approach to on-ice communication became both a spectacle for viewers and a strategic advantage against competitors.
Team members hail from different Swiss regions and naturally speak different languages, creating what they describe as multilingual chaos during matches.
“(When we began) we promised ourselves to speak French on the ice,” explained Pablo Lachat-Couchepin, the team’s lead player from French-speaking Lausanne.
“I think the calls are being made in French, but everything else is a word salad. It’s fun, I think it’s very enjoyable to look at on TV. A lot of French, some English and some German — so everyone can understand a bit,” he shared with media.
Switzerland recognizes four official languages across its territory: German, French, Italian and Romansh, reflecting the country’s position in central Europe.
“Also for the opponents, sometimes it’s not easy to understand. So we like that we can switch to German whenever we play an English team, and we can switch to French whenever we play a Swiss-German team,” Lachat-Couchepin noted.
The squad, currently ranked second globally and silver medalists at last year’s world championships, formed their partnership in 2022.
“It’s been a lot of work. When we created the team, we met at the Zurich train station, because we all come from different parts of Switzerland,” Lachat-Couchepin recalled.
“That was the easiest way. We said the first objective of the team is to have fun, to play good curling … I think what we showcased this week is pretty much what we wanted to do the whole four years.
“We’ve had a ton of fun on tour. We’ve become more than teammates. We’re real friends … It was a rollercoaster, but a very positive rollercoaster. We’re happy. We don’t know what the future will bring, but I think we have reasons to want to continue that way.”
LIVIGNO, Italy – Team USA successfully defended their Olympic championship in freestyle skiing mixed team aerials on Saturday, claiming gold for the second consecutive Games while Switzerland earned silver and China settled for bronze.
The American squad bounced back impressively after being shut out of medal contention in both the individual women’s and men’s competitions earlier this week, where Chinese athletes Wang Xindi and Xu Mengtao, a married couple, captured those respective gold medals.
Leading the victorious U.S. effort was Kaila Kuhn, who claimed gold at the 2025 world championships in both women’s and mixed team aerials events, despite placing fifth in Wednesday’s Olympic women’s individual competition.
Joining Kuhn on the winning team were Christopher Lillis and Connor Curran, who had finished eighth and 12th respectively in Friday’s men’s individual final.
Team USA posted a winning score of 325.35 points out of a maximum possible 450. The Swiss squad, featuring men’s individual silver medalist Noe Roth, accumulated 296.91 points, while China finished with 279.68 points.
Competition at the alpine venue took place under challenging overcast skies with falling snow that reduced visibility, creating additional obstacles for the competing athletes.
China’s hopes for a third gold medal were derailed by costly errors from Wang and Li Tianma, the men’s individual bronze medalist, as both athletes failed their landings following high-difficulty aerial maneuvers.
The aerial skiing discipline showcases gravity-defying athleticism and has been featured in Winter Olympic competition since 1994 for individual events, with mixed team competition added in 2022.
Competitors launch themselves from nearly vertical ramps, soaring through the air while executing intricate acrobatic routines at speeds exceeding 65 kilometers per hour.
Scoring is based on factors including height achieved, distance traveled, artistic style, routine difficulty, and landing execution, with each jump receiving a maximum possible score of 150 points.
Mixed team competition features both male and female athletes representing each nation, with three competitors per country contributing their individual scores toward a combined team total.
The annual State of the Union address has transformed dramatically from its humble beginnings into today’s prime-time political theater, where partisan battles and memorable confrontations often overshadow policy discussions.
When President George Washington delivered the nation’s first such address in 1790, it was a concise 1,089-word presentation that could be completed faster than modern presidents spend on their opening remarks. The event has since evolved into what political observers describe as a “pressure chamber” reflecting America’s deep political divisions.
President Donald Trump is scheduled to address Congress at 9 p.m. ET on Tuesday, continuing a tradition that has seen significant changes over more than two centuries.
The format itself has undergone major shifts throughout history. In 1801, Thomas Jefferson opted to send written remarks instead of speaking directly to lawmakers, establishing a practice that lasted over 100 years. President Woodrow Wilson revived in-person delivery in 1913.
Television fundamentally changed the address when President Harry Truman gave the first televised version in 1947. The shift to prime-time occurred in 1965 under President Lyndon Johnson, who moved the speech to evening hours to capture maximum viewership.
As political polarization has intensified, these evening presentations have become increasingly contentious, with supporters of the president frequently standing to applaud while opposition members conspicuously remain seated.
This year’s address carries additional drama, as some Democratic lawmakers plan to skip Trump’s speech entirely, organizing an outdoor demonstration against his policies instead. Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger, a Democrat, will provide the traditional opposition response following the president’s remarks.
Adding to the tension, Trump will address Supreme Court justices just four days after a 6-3 court majority, including two of his own appointees, overturned his signature tariffs as exceeding presidential powers.
SPEECHES GROW LONGER OVER TIME
Modern addresses have expanded far beyond Washington’s brief original. President Bill Clinton established a duration record in 2000 with a speech lasting 1 hour, 28 minutes and 49 seconds. Trump’s 2025 address exceeded even that length, running 1 hour, 39 minutes and 32 seconds, according to American Presidency Project data.
Last year’s Trump speech occurred too early in his return to office to qualify as an official State of the Union, receiving the designation of a joint congressional address instead.
The tradition of featuring special guests began in 1982 when President Ronald Reagan introduced Lenny Skutnik, a Congressional Budget Office worker who had heroically saved a plane crash victim from the Potomac River.
These guest appearances have sometimes sparked controversy, particularly in 2020 when Trump presented the Presidential Medal of Freedom to controversial radio personality Rush Limbaugh during the address.
MEMORABLE CONFRONTATIONS
Recent years have produced several viral moments of open conflict during presidential addresses:
During a 2009 healthcare speech, Republican Representative Joe Wilson interrupted President Barack Obama by shouting “You lie!” Wilson was protesting Obama’s assertion that proposed healthcare legislation wouldn’t cover undocumented immigrants. Wilson subsequently apologized amid bipartisan condemnation of the protocol breach.
In 2010, Obama’s criticism of the Supreme Court’s Citizens United decision, which he claimed would “open the floodgates” to unlimited corporate and foreign election spending, prompted Justice Samuel Alito to visibly shake his head and apparently mouth “not true” – an unusual display of emotion from typically stoic justices.
The 2020 address featured a dramatic confrontation between Trump and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. Trump declined to shake Pelosi’s extended hand when delivering his speech copy, while Pelosi omitted the traditional “high privilege and distinct honor” phrase when introducing him. At the speech’s conclusion, Pelosi tore up her copy of Trump’s remarks before television cameras. She later told reporters it was “the courteous thing to do, considering the alternative.”
President Joe Biden engaged in heated exchanges with Republican lawmakers during his 2023 address after interruptions and booing. Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene called Biden a “liar” when he claimed some Republicans wanted Medicare and Social Security to “sunset.” Representative Andy Ogles of Tennessee shouted “it’s your fault” at Biden regarding the fentanyl crisis.
Biden’s 2024 speech featured sharp attacks on Trump without naming him directly, accusing his Republican opponent of threatening democracy, appeasing Russia, and obstructing immigration reform. When Republicans booed his claims about tax cuts for wealthy Americans, Biden improvised a response: “Oh, no? You guys don’t want another $2 trillion tax cut? I kind of thought that’s what your plan was.”
POLICY-CHANGING MOMENTS
Some State of the Union addresses have announced major policy shifts that reshaped American governance.
President Franklin Roosevelt’s 1941 “Four Freedoms” speech, delivered 11 months before America entered World War II, outlined universal human rights: freedom of speech, worship, want, and fear.
In 1964, Johnson proclaimed an “unconditional War on Poverty,” launching extensive social programs that transformed federal spending and government’s role in addressing economic inequality.
President Bill Clinton declared in 1996 that “the era of big government is over,” signaling his administration’s shift toward bipartisan cooperation with Republicans.
Following the September 11, 2001 attacks, President George W. Bush used his 2002 address to label Iraq, Iran, and North Korea an “axis of evil,” marking America’s turn toward more aggressive foreign policy.
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Supreme Court delivered a major setback to President Donald Trump on Friday, rejecting his sweeping global tariff plan and demonstrating the judicial branch’s willingness to limit executive power.
Following a year where the nation’s highest court supported Trump in approximately two dozen cases – enabling rapid changes to immigration policy, military regulations, and federal employment rules – the justices drew a clear line with this decision.
Friday’s landmark 6-3 ruling dismantled one of Trump’s key second-term objectives, determining that his comprehensive tariff strategy against nearly all U.S. trade partners violated federal law.
Conservative Chief Justice John Roberts authored the decisive opinion, which left no room for ambiguity in completely invalidating the tariffs without addressing potential impacts on refunds, trade agreements, or political consequences.
The decision has renewed the Supreme Court’s position as a constitutional check on presidential authority, addressing growing concerns from critics and legal experts about the court’s independence.
“The court has shown it will not necessarily provide legal cover for every plank of Trump’s platform,” explained Peter Shane, a constitutional law expert at New York University School of Law.
The majority opinion rejected Trump’s interpretation of the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), ruling that no previous president had attempted to use this statute for tariff implementation.
Roberts directly challenged Trump’s legal reasoning in the written decision: “Our task today is to decide only whether the power to ‘regulate … importation,’ as granted to the president in IEEPA, embraces the power to impose tariffs. It does not.”
William & Mary Law School professor Jonathan Adler emphasized the ruling’s broader significance: “The decision shows that the Supreme Court is serious about policing the scope of power delegated to the president by Congress.”
“The president cannot just pour new wine out of old bottles,” Adler continued. “If there are problems current statutes do not address, the president must ask Congress for a newer vintage.”
The verdict crossed traditional ideological boundaries within the court’s 6-3 conservative majority. Roberts joined with fellow conservative justices Neil Gorsuch and Amy Coney Barrett – both Trump appointees from his first presidency – alongside the three liberal justices to overturn the tariff policy. Three remaining conservative justices opposed the decision.
Trump responded with harsh criticism, targeting the Republican-appointed justices who voted against him with personal attacks, labeling them “fools” and “lapdogs” for Democrats.
“They’re very unpatriotic and disloyal to our Constitution,” Trump declared to reporters, adding his belief that “the court has been swayed by foreign interests.”
Throughout 2025, the Supreme Court had consistently backed Trump’s emergency appeals to suspend lower court injunctions blocking his most aggressive policies while legal challenges proceeded.
These emergency decisions – part of the court’s “shadow docket” – typically receive expedited handling without comprehensive briefing or oral arguments, contrasting with regular cases that undergo months of review. The tariff case received full argument proceedings in November.
In 28 emergency cases during Trump’s current term, the court ruled favorably for the administration in 24 instances, with one case dismissed as moot. These victories permitted Trump to dismiss federal workers, assume control of independent agencies, exclude transgender individuals from military service, and deport migrants to nations with which they have no connection.
These successes built upon a significant 2024 Roberts-authored ruling granting Trump extensive immunity from criminal prosecution related to 2020 election interference allegations. The combination of that decision and subsequent wins raised questions about the Supreme Court’s independence and commitment to challenging presidential overreach.
Trump previously demanded impeachment of a judge who ruled against his deportation policies, calling the jurist a “Radical Left Lunatic” – prompting public criticism from Chief Justice Roberts.
Concerns have also emerged about potential Trump administration defiance of adverse federal court orders, which could trigger a constitutional crisis.
The pattern of pro-Trump decisions frustrated the court’s liberal wing, with Justice Ketanja Brown Jackson noting in one opinion that “this administration always wins.”
However, some legal experts counseled patience, suggesting the court’s recent accommodation of Trump might shift when examining major policies through thorough deliberation – which occurred Friday.
“The shadow docket decisions were never evidence of the court being particularly sympathetic to or solicitous of the Trump administration,” Adler observed. “This case, on the other hand, is the first time the court has considered one of the Trump administration’s policy initiatives on the merits.”
The court will examine another controversial Trump policy on April 1, hearing arguments about his directive limiting birthright citizenship in the United States.
During Trump’s initial presidency, the Supreme Court handed him notable defeats in crucial cases, including rejection of his census citizenship question proposal and his attempt to terminate deportation protections for “Dreamers” – immigrants who entered the country illegally as children.
University of California, Berkeley law professor John Yoo highlighted the bipartisan nature of Friday’s tariff ruling, noting participation from justices appointed by both Republican and Democratic presidents.
“The decision belies the attacks from the left that the Supreme Court – particularly its conservative majority – simply rubber-stamps the Trump administration’s policies,” said Yoo, a former clerk to conservative Justice Clarence Thomas.
Shane observed that the tariff case avoided requiring the court to evaluate Trump’s policy wisdom or judgment quality, potentially preserving presidential power in other areas.
“The ruling does suggest that, on pure questions of law that do not put the court in the position of smacking down Trump’s motives or second-guessing his judgment, there is a majority that will not rubber-stamp his action,” Shane concluded.
CARACAS – Cuban security personnel and medical staff are withdrawing from Venezuela as the nation’s interim leadership confronts escalating demands from Washington to dissolve one of Latin America’s most significant leftist partnerships, according to eleven sources with knowledge of the situation.
Interim President Delcy Rodriguez has shifted to Venezuelan bodyguards for her personal security, four sources confirm, breaking from the pattern established by ousted leader Nicolas Maduro and his predecessor Hugo Chavez, who both depended on elite Cuban protection forces.
The January 3 U.S. military operation that resulted in Maduro’s capture claimed the lives of 32 Cubans, the Cuban government reported. These personnel were integral to an extensive security partnership between Caracas and Havana that took shape in the late 2000s, with Cuban intelligence operatives integrated into Venezuela’s military structure and the powerful DGCIM counterintelligence agency, which played a crucial role in suppressing internal opposition.
Alejandro Velasco, a New York University history professor specializing in Venezuelan affairs, emphasized the significance of this relationship: “The Cuban influence was absolutely essential” to the survival of the Chavista government.
Within DGCIM, certain Cuban advisers have been dismissed from their positions, a former Venezuelan intelligence official revealed. Multiple sources indicated that Cuban medical personnel and security consultants have departed Venezuela for Cuba on recent flights.
A source connected to Venezuela’s governing party indicated the Cubans are leaving under Rodriguez’s directive due to American pressure. Other sources remained uncertain whether the departures resulted from Venezuelan leadership demands, voluntary Cuban decisions, or recall orders from Havana.
This move to exclude Cubans from presidential protection and counterintelligence operations has not been publicly disclosed before.
TRUMP SEEKS TO END VENEZUELA-CUBA ALLIANCE
Before the operation removing Maduro, thousands of Cuban healthcare workers, nurses, and athletic instructors served in Venezuela through social programs initiated under Chavez. Venezuela reciprocated by supplying Cuba with essential oil resources.
After the U.S. intervention, President Donald Trump pledged to terminate the security partnership between Venezuela and Cuba. On January 11, he posted on Truth Social: “Cuba lived, for many years, on large amounts of OIL and MONEY from Venezuela. In return, Cuba provided ‘Security Services’ for the last two Venezuelan dictators, BUT NOT ANYMORE!”
When asked about U.S. pressure on Venezuela to sever Cuban ties, a White House representative stated the U.S. maintains “a very good relationship with the leaders of Venezuela” and believes Rodriguez’s “own self-interest aligns with advancing our key objectives.”
Breaking Venezuela’s Cuban connection forms part of Washington’s comprehensive approach to undermining Havana’s communist administration. Since mid-December, Washington has prevented Venezuela from delivering oil to Cuba, creating severe economic hardship for the island nation.
The U.S. government is “talking to Cuba, whose leaders should make a deal,” the official stated.
Cuban leadership has expressed willingness for dialogue on equal footing while denouncing the oil embargo and pledging to resist American interference.
Both Cuban and Venezuelan governments declined to respond to comment requests. The nations have publicly reaffirmed their ongoing partnership.
Rodriguez, whose father was a former Marxist revolutionary, has maintained long-standing ties with Maduro and membership in Venezuela’s ruling Socialist Party. She also maintains personal connections with Cuban leadership, ten U.S. and Venezuelan sources confirmed.
On January 8, Rodriguez joined Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez at a flower-covered memorial ceremony in Caracas honoring victims of the U.S. operation.
Bruno Rodriguez declared at the gathering: “To the brave Venezuelan people, we express Cuba’s deepest solidarity,” before invoking the famous words of Cuban revolutionary Ernesto “Che” Guevara: “Hasta la victoria siempre.”
Later that month, Delcy Rodriguez conducted a phone conversation with Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel, afterward stating the nations remained “united.” Following the same call, Diaz-Canel expressed Cuba’s commitment to “continue strengthening the historic relations of brotherhood and cooperation.”
Addressing the bilateral relationship, the White House official commented: “President Trump understands that they have to make certain statements for domestic political reasons.”
RETURN FLIGHTS TO CUBA
A source knowledgeable about Cuban government perspectives revealed that some military personnel wounded in the U.S. operation have returned to Cuba, while others continue serving in Venezuela. The source also noted that numerous Cuban physicians remain active in Venezuelan healthcare.
Cuban state media reported in early January that suspended commercial flights and closed Venezuelan airspace created delays preventing Cuba from repatriating doctors from leave or completing their Venezuelan assignments. These flights restarted the week following the January 3 U.S. operation, according to those reports.
A U.S. source familiar with developments indicated that while Cuban presence is decreasing, some covert intelligence operatives likely remain to monitor the evolving political landscape.
Frank Mora, who served as U.S. ambassador to the Organization of American States during the Biden presidency, observed that “Rodriguez is treading very carefully.”
“She wants to keep the Cubans at a distance until this situation calms down, until her hold on power is clear, but not entirely throw them under the bus, either,” Mora explained.
At least some Cuban military consultants continue operating in Venezuela, four informed sources confirmed. Cuban educators also maintain their teaching roles at UNES, the state university for police and security personnel, according to a former police officer.
John Polga-Hecimovich, a U.S. Naval Academy professor in Maryland who has researched Cuban security advisers’ role in Venezuela, noted that the impact of Cuban counterintelligence efforts remains visible in Caracas, where Maduro’s key supporters retain power.
Polga-Hecimovich observed: “The Cubans didn’t manage to protect Maduro, but they played a key role in keeping the Chavista government in power. The coup-proofing worked brilliantly.”
President Trump delivered sharp criticism against Supreme Court justices following their decision to block his authority to use emergency powers for imposing international trade tariffs.
The legal dispute originated from an executive order the president issued on his first day back in office, which would have granted him broad authority to establish tariffs against almost all nations that trade with the United States.
The Supreme Court’s ruling represents a significant legal setback for the administration’s trade policy agenda, which had sought to leverage emergency declarations to bypass traditional legislative processes for tariff implementation.
President Trump continues to deliberate on whether to launch military strikes against Iran as American forces have substantially increased their presence throughout the Middle East region over recent weeks.
The commander-in-chief has not yet made a final determination regarding potential attacks on Iranian targets, according to recent statements. However, the past month has seen a significant expansion of U.S. military assets positioned strategically across the region.
This military positioning provides the Trump administration with extensive operational capabilities as officials evaluate various response scenarios. The buildup represents one of the most substantial American force deployments in the area in recent memory.
The escalating tensions have prompted increased speculation about potential military action, though Trump has emphasized that no final decisions have been reached regarding strikes against Iranian interests.
ANTERSELVA, ITALY – Sweden’s biathlon squad reached their breaking point Friday after another disappointing Winter Olympics showing, pointing fingers at their ski preparation crew following a disastrous men’s mass start competition.
The Swedish team, typically considered medal contenders in biathlon competitions, endured a crushing final men’s race at the Games. Sebastian Samuelsson crossed the finish line in 18th place, while Martin Ponsiluoma landed in 21st and Jesper Nelin finished 26th out of the 30 competitors.
“The skis were the worst I ever had. They were crap,” Samuelsson angrily declared to Swedish television following the competition. “Today the glide from the skis was very bad … I’m here to fight for medals, but today I go without.”
Proper ski waxing represents a crucial aspect of competition preparation for both biathletes and cross-country racers. When technicians select the correct wax mixture for specific snow conditions, temperature, and elevation, athletes can glide effortlessly around the course. However, an incorrect choice can make skiing feel like moving through thick syrup.
Wax selection varies based on whether snow conditions are wet or dry. While many wax types perform best in sub-freezing temperatures, they can become soft and sticky when temperatures climb unexpectedly before or during competition, significantly hampering athlete performance.
Norway’s waxing crew demonstrated perfect preparation as Johannes Dale Skjevdal captured gold after hitting all 20 targets for the first time in his career, while teammate Sturla Holm Laegreid earned silver. France continued their streak of excellent ski preparation, with Quentin Fillon Maillet claiming bronze.
Swedish celebrations were nowhere to be found, as their waxing technicians approached the athletes at the finish area to immediately offer apologies for their error in judgment.
Despite their disappointment, the three Swedish competitors showed understanding toward their support staff.
“You just have to laugh at it,” Ponsiluoma remarked with dry humor.
“When you feel like you don’t have the materials, you feel it would have taken 25 hits to beat Dale-Skjevdal today.”
Since only 20 shooting targets were available, Ponsiluoma’s mathematical frustration highlighted the equipment disadvantage. Meanwhile, Nelin’s 26th-place result, though far from his expectations, at least spared him from a peculiar final sprint to avoid finishing last.
“This kind of thing (with waxing) happens to all nations at some point and we have a very good waxing team, it’s just not going well right now,” Nelin explained.
French President Emmanuel Macron has announced he will convene ministerial meetings next week to examine violent political organizations, following the death of a far-right university student who succumbed to injuries sustained during a brutal attack in Lyon. The incident has intensified political divisions as France approaches its upcoming presidential election.
While addressing attendees at the Paris agriculture fair, Macron urged citizens to “remain calm” before Saturday’s memorial events planned by far-right organizations to honor Quentin Deranque, the 23-year-old victim who died from severe head trauma at a local hospital. Authorities will maintain heightened security during these gatherings.
“This is a moment of remembrance and respect for this young compatriot who was killed, for his family and loved ones. That must come first. And then it is a moment of firmness and responsibility,” Macron stated.
Prosecutors have filed preliminary charges against seven individuals. Lyon’s public prosecutor sought intentional homicide, aggravated violence, and criminal conspiracy charges for all suspects. Six defendants received charges on all three counts, while the seventh faces complicity in intentional homicide along with aggravated violence and criminal conspiracy charges.
The fatal assault occurred when violence broke out between far-left and far-right supporters on the sidelines of a student gathering featuring far-left legislator Rima Hassan as the main speaker.
The French president indicated his administration will conduct a thorough examination of all violent activist organizations connected to political parties, suggesting some groups may face dissolution.
“In the Republic, no violence is legitimate,” he declared. “There is no place for militias, wherever they come from. We must be absolutely uncompromising.”
Lyon was set to host the primary memorial service for Deranque on Saturday, in a city where confrontations between far-right activists and far-left organizations have become commonplace. Intelligence agencies consider Lyon the birthplace of far-right activism in France, with newer far-left militant organizations forming in response to established far-right groups that have operated for decades.
Deranque’s family has also appealed for peaceful conduct and will not participate in the tribute, which French officials have chosen not to prohibit.
The young man’s death has sparked intense political finger-pointing, with much criticism directed at France Unbowed and its leader Jean-Luc Mélenchon. Among those charged is a parliamentary assistant to France Unbowed legislator Raphaël Arnault, who established the anti-fascist organization The Young Guard.
Political adversaries accuse France Unbowed of encouraging violence and unrest through its aggressive far-left positions. Mélenchon has denounced the violence while maintaining his party bears no responsibility for the tragic outcome.
Mélenchon previously sought the presidency in 2012, 2017, and 2022, failing each time to reach the final runoff stage. He is positioning himself for another anticipated campaign next year when Macron’s second and final term concludes.
With municipal elections approaching next month, right-wing political forces have seized upon this incident to attack France Unbowed. National Rally leader Jordan Bardella has advocated for a unified opposition against Mélenchon’s party, while criticism has also emerged from notable left-wing figures.
A senior European Central Bank official issued a warning Saturday about substantial inflation risks facing the eurozone, highlighting the growing influence of inexpensive Chinese goods on price trends.
Speaking at a financial conference in Venice, Italy, ECB Governing Council member Fabio Panetta noted that inflation declined more rapidly than economists predicted in early 2026, and upcoming economic forecasts from ECB staff in March will help shape future monetary policy decisions.
“Both upside and downside inflationary risks are significant,” stated Panetta, who serves as head of Italy’s central bank, during his remarks at the Assiom-Forex financial conference.
“Monetary policy must keep a flexible approach, anchored to the medium-term outlook and based on a comprehensive assessment of the data and their implications for inflation and growth,” he continued.
The eurozone experienced inflation dropping to 1.7% in January, marking a 16-month low that falls beneath the ECB’s 2% goal. This decline has prompted concerns among some policymakers that price increases could decelerate excessively.
According to Panetta, while the inflation decrease doesn’t “significantly alter the medium-term assessment, but highlights a number of aspects to be monitored.”
“The main one is the trend in imports from China,” he noted.
Data shows Chinese imports into the eurozone have increased 27% by volume since early 2024, while their prices have decreased by 8%. This trend is pushing down costs for products that compete with Chinese goods, Panetta explained.
“The disinflationary impact remains limited for the time being, but is already visible – with the prices of the goods most exposed to Chinese competition decelerating faster than the rest – and could become more pronounced in the coming months.”
Additional downward pressure on inflation could emerge from potential euro strengthening or corrections in financial markets, where corporate stocks and bonds might not properly reflect economic uncertainties.
“On the other hand, energy markets remain exposed to geopolitical tensions,” Panetta observed, noting that inflation risks could stem from rising commodity costs or increased supply chain disruptions that elevate production expenses.
Two decorated Olympic cross-country skiers have been forced to skip Saturday’s 50-kilometer classic race at the Milano Cortina Games after becoming sick with flu-like symptoms.
Italy’s Federico Pellegrino, 35, announced his withdrawal through a message posted on the Italian ski federation’s website. “The wrist tendinitis was ‘under control’, but since Friday morning I have been in bed with flu-like symptoms, and I am enormously sorry to tell you that today I will not be at the start of the 50 km,” Pellegrino shared with supporters.
The Italian skier has had an impressive career, capturing gold in the individual sprint at the 2017 world championships and earning two silver medals during the Beijing and Pyeongchang Olympics. During the current Milano Cortina Games, he has already secured two bronze medals in both the men’s relay and men’s team sprint events.
Expressing his disappointment, Pellegrino continued: “Not being able to experience those emotions that only the final kilometers of an exhausting race—cheered on by fans and by my whole family—at the biggest sporting event at home, emotions I had hoped to experience, is heartbreaking.”
American skier Ben Ogden, 26, has also been ruled out of the competition. The U.S. athlete has claimed two silver medals at these Games in the men’s classic sprint and men’s team sprint competitions.
A representative for the U.S. men’s cross-country team explained Ogden’s absence: “Ben Ogden woke up sick and will not compete in today’s 50k to rest and recover before the last four weeks of World Cup racing.”
Finland’s Ristomatti Hakola has similarly been scratched from the race due to influenza.
MILAN, Feb 21 – As the Winter Olympics conclude and temporary ice facilities face removal, Milan officials have revealed ambitious plans to construct a lasting ice arena that will preserve the Games’ impact and provide a home base for professional hockey.
Responding to demands from both athletes and local residents, city leaders this week announced their proposal for a new facility featuring 5,000 seats and a regulation 30×60-meter rink. The arena will be constructed within an exhibition center complex on Milan’s periphery over the next three years.
“This is what we had been asking for a long time, and I believe it would truly complete these Olympics, which have been extraordinary,” Andrea Gios, president of the Italian Ice Sports Federation, told Reuters.
During the Olympics, Milan successfully hosted competitions in figure skating, speed skating, short track, and hockey events across three different locations. These venues, including the recently constructed Santagiulia arena that served as the hockey venue, will now be converted for concerts and alternative sporting events.
Officials plan to establish a temporary ice facility by October before transitioning to a permanent structure, with hopes of attracting a professional hockey franchise to compete in the Ice Hockey League against teams from Austria, Slovenia, and Italy.
The unexpected announcement followed widespread criticism from Italian competitors and Milan citizens who expressed disappointment about losing access to permanent ice sports facilities after the Olympics concluded.
Gios revealed conversations with North American investors who have expressed interest in funding a professional Milan hockey team, which would require approximately 5 million euros ($5.9 million) annually to operate.
The proposed facility would also accommodate major figure skating and short-track competitions while serving as a training center for developing athletes.
Italian speed skaters achieved remarkable success at these Games, with Francesca Lollobrigida capturing gold in both the 3,000 and 5,000-meter events and the men’s team pursuit squad also claiming victory. However, these athletes will lose access to domestic indoor training facilities once the Olympics conclude.
While constructing a speed skating facility with a full 400-meter track would be extremely costly and financially uncertain compared to a multipurpose venue, Gios indicated that officials would explore options with private investors who have previously shown interest.
Until permanent facilities are established, Italy’s elite speed skaters will continue training partially overseas at venues like the indoor track in Inzell, Germany.
“I know it’s not easy to keep a facility like ours open, but of course it’s disappointing,” Lollobrigida commented regarding the Olympic venue. “If our results don’t speak for us, there’s nothing more we can do.”
PARIS – French President Emmanuel Macron is urging citizens to remain peaceful as memorial demonstrations are set to take place Saturday honoring a far-right activist who was fatally beaten last week.
The French leader announced plans to convene with his prime minister and cabinet members next week to address concerns about violent extremist organizations.
Speaking at Saturday’s opening ceremony of the nation’s annual agricultural exhibition, Macron declared: “In the Republic, no violence is legitimate. In the Republic, only Republican forces can act because they protect the Republican order. There is no place for militias.” He emphasized that his administration remains vigilant to ensure the day’s demonstrations proceed without incident.
The memorial events honor 23-year-old Quentin Deranque, who died after being brutally attacked in an altercation that was recorded on video, sending shockwaves throughout France. Law enforcement officials worry the gatherings could escalate into violent confrontations between rival political factions.
The primary demonstration is scheduled for 3 p.m. in Lyon, where Deranque lost his life and where significant numbers of both far-right supporters and anti-fascist activists are present. French interior ministry officials project attendance between 2,000 and 3,000 participants. Additional smaller memorial marches are organized across various French municipalities.
Pakistani military officials reported Saturday that seven people died during armed conflict in the northwestern city of Bannu, located in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.
The deadly encounter claimed the lives of two Pakistani soldiers and five insurgent fighters, according to army statements released over the weekend.
Bannu sits in the southern portion of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, a region that has experienced ongoing security challenges along Pakistan’s border areas.
Good morning, Delmarva! We’re starting your Saturday with partly sunny skies and a pleasant high of 49 degrees. It’s a great day to get outside and enjoy some February sunshine, though you’ll want to keep a light jacket handy with northwest winds running 5 to 10 mph.
Tonight’s where things get interesting – clouds will increase and we’ll see our first chance of light rain moving in. Temperatures will drop to around 33 degrees, so we’re right on that rain-snow line.
Sunday brings a significant weather change as a winter system moves through our area. Expect rain and snow with highs only reaching 37 degrees. The bigger concern comes Sunday night when temperatures plummet to 29 degrees and we could see areas of blowing snow, which may create hazardous travel conditions.
If you have Sunday plans, especially any travel, keep a close eye on conditions and consider adjusting your schedule. This is definitely a weekend to have the winter gear ready!
Stay warm and safe out there, Delmarva. I’ll have updates throughout the weekend on TV Delmarva!
A retired senior military commander has spoken out against the Pentagon’s ongoing dismissal of transgender service members, describing the policy as a damaging error that weakens military capabilities.
The Pentagon is currently discharging thousands of transgender personnel as part of broader efforts to eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion programs within the armed forces. This action is taking place during a period of heightened international tensions around the world.
The former general’s criticism highlights concerns about how emphasis on gender identity issues may be diverting attention from core military preparedness and operational effectiveness. Military experts are questioning whether these policy changes could impact the armed forces’ ability to maintain readiness while facing multiple global challenges.
The dismissals represent a significant shift in military personnel policy, affecting service members who had been serving openly under previous guidelines. The policy change has sparked debate about balancing social policies with military effectiveness during uncertain times internationally.
KYIV, Ukraine — In a rehearsal room one day before their debut performance, Ukrainian military veterans joined drama students in a circle, practicing lines from a script with centuries of history behind it.
Director Olha Semioshkina guided the group through her version of “Eneida” by Ivan Kotliarevskyi — an 18th-century Ukrainian retelling of Virgil’s ancient “Aeneid.” However, this theatrical work carries a contemporary message about perseverance amid the ongoing conflict approaching its fourth year since Russia launched its full-scale assault on Ukraine.
The cast members, ranging from their twenties to sixties, included Ukrainian military veterans who had come back from combat zones with missing limbs, serious burn injuries, and vision loss. Others had experienced the war from civilian perspectives. Most had no previous acting experience before joining this production.
The show was developed by Theater of Veterans, a group established by Ukraine’s Territorial Defense Forces members that offers acting instruction and performance opportunities to help former military personnel with their transition back to civilian life and healing process.
Preparation for Thursday’s opening night at Kyiv’s National Academic Molodyy Theatre required over a year of work.
“We understood these individuals had recently returned from medical treatment, so we needed to begin at square one,” Semioshkina explained.
“We dedicated approximately four months just learning basic communication, how to fall safely, form groups, roll, and work together,” she continued. “After that, we focused on physical development, removing prosthetic devices and learning to function without them.”
The 51-year-old director’s vision was straightforward: “Every male performer represents Aeneas. Every female performer embodies Dido.”
In Virgil’s ancient tale, Aeneas roams following Troy’s destruction, seeking a new home. Kotliarevskyi’s comedic version transforms the Trojan warrior into a Cossack character, rough and down-to-earth.
On this Kyiv stage, Aeneas displays artificial limbs and battle wounds from the conflict that started with Russia’s February 24, 2022, attack on Ukraine.
“Aeneas represents a warrior who endures tremendous hardship while seeking his homeland,” Semioshkina noted. “He maintains his sense of humor and passion, experiences setbacks and terrors, celebrates and mourns. But he remains human with a mission — to discover his place and protect his loved ones.”
She connects the combat veterans who survived warfare with the role they portray. “Aeneas is someone who went to battle. True, he came back damaged and wounded,” she said, but the performers bringing this version to life “are discovering how to live” once more.
During practice, Yehor Babenko, a Ukraine Border Service veteran who sustained serious burns early in Russia’s invasion, spoke a line with a smile: “Feeling burned out at work? We have a lot in common.”
Later in the performance, his solo speech struck a personal note as he discussed fire destroying his hands, ears and nose. “I won’t be able to show children a trick with a missing finger,” he says. “Maybe the one when all 10 fingers disappear.”
The chance to act on stage, Babenko explained, has provided therapeutic benefits.
“For me, theater serves as both mental and physical therapy. I’ve observed that I’m more aware of my body, feel more comfortable around people, and communicate my ideas more clearly.”
For Babenko, Aeneas’s journey connects with current reality. “It’s about finding your homeland,” he said. “And for our nation, that’s extremely meaningful right now.”
The performance’s closing section moved away from classical poetry entirely as the performers came forward to share their personal experiences — discussing combat wounds, fallen comrades, forced relocation, and existence under enemy control.
One veteran described losing his leg in a drone attack and using a machine gun as support to reach safety. A female performer told of surviving Russian occupation with her two daughters.
Another participant, who served as a volunteer medic starting in 2014 when Russia illegally seized Crimea and pro-Russian fighters took control of parts of Ukraine’s Donetsk and Luhansk areas, and again following the 2022 Russian invasion, discussed returning to war in her sixties.
Andrii Onopriienko, who became blind from a Russian artillery attack near Avdiivka in the Donetsk area in 2023, provided narration throughout much of the show with his powerful, rich voice. During one moment he performed: “Let our enemies dig up holes, install crosses, and lie down on their own,” while other cast members sang along.
Onopriienko originally declined to participate in the project. “I couldn’t comprehend what I would contribute on stage without sight,” he said. He was eventually convinced that a meaningful role existed for him.
“It brings positivity, joy, and encouragement,” he said about rehearsals. “Regardless of your mood when you arrive, you depart with a broad grin. Here you escape from current reality. You step into a different realm.”
During the performance, artificial legs and arms were taken off and reattached as elements of the production’s visual storytelling. Extended metal poles served multiple purposes as weapons, rowing oars, and walking aids — functioning both as artistic props and practical support tools for performers with amputations.
The ongoing conflict interrupted even before Thursday’s curtain call. An announcement requested the audience follow standard theater etiquette and turn off their phones — then cautioned that during air raid warnings, they should proceed to the basement shelter. If electrical power failed, it noted, the performance would halt while backup generators activated.
As Babenko presented his monologue moments before the show concluded, the electricity indeed failed.
Semioshkina walked onto the stage carrying a flashlight, with others following with their own lights. Babenko continued his lines illuminated by the makeshift spotlight. The audience, some quietly crying, others laughing through tears, remained seated.
When the final speech ended and the curtain dropped and lifted again, the performers received a standing ovation. As they took a second bow, power returned, and the applause grew louder.
For Semioshkina, the significance of veterans performing extends beyond classical literature and theater boundaries.
“I want to communicate to all veterans who are staying home: Come out,” she said. “Come out. You have capabilities. Live. Don’t isolate yourself. Live every single moment.”
Four years after fleeing her homeland, Maryna Bondarenko keeps three packed suitcases in her Polish apartment, ready for the day she can return to Ukraine.
The 51-year-old journalist escaped Kyiv alongside her son and mother when Russia began its invasion on February 24, 2022. Initially, she expected their exile would last just a month or two.
Today, Bondarenko remains in Poland, employed at a Ukrainian-language media outlet serving over 1.5 million Ukrainians now residing in the country.
“There were so many moments when we thought: ‘This is it, we’re finally going back.’ We went to the post office several times, packed our belongings into boxes, absolutely certain that we were going back,” she said.
The Russian invasion has created Europe’s most significant refugee emergency since World War Two, displacing more than 5 million Ukrainians throughout the continent, particularly in Central and Eastern European nations, according to United Nations data.
Women and children comprise approximately three-quarters of these refugees, as Ukraine’s martial law prevents military-age men from departing the country.
Bondarenko yearns to reunite with her spouse, Andrij Dudko, a 44-year-old former television cameraman now operating drones at the front lines. However, continuous Russian bombardments that have left thousands without electricity in Kyiv during harsh winter conditions have persuaded her to remain abroad.
“We get ready to leave, and then there’s another massive attack. We get ready again, and then cold winter comes and there is no heating, no power, no water. And I just can’t bring my child there, under the rockets.”
Major Polish cities like Warsaw and Krakow now host substantial Ukrainian populations, occasionally creating friction with locals who express concerns about newcomers accessing social services and employment opportunities.
“I want to go home, I really do. I know it won’t be easy,” said Bondarenko, acknowledging that her homeland will be dramatically transformed upon her return.
While Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s administration anticipates 70% of overseas Ukrainians will return post-war, polling indicates a decreasing percentage express desire to go back as time passes.
Many younger Ukrainians abroad, including Bondarenko’s 11-year-old son Danylo, have limited recollection of their birth country.
Despite encountering some anti-Ukrainian sentiment at school, Danylo enjoys life in Poland.
“I don’t really remember anyone from Ukraine. I remember I had one friend, but I do not really remember him and I’ve lost contact with him,” he said. “I don’t think that I will return to Ukraine.”
Meanwhile, childhood friends Iryna Kushnir and Olga Yermolenko from Kharkiv have reconnected in Istanbul, joining the smaller Ukrainian refugee community in Turkey.
“I thought the war would end quickly, so I didn’t plan to stay in Istanbul for long,” explained 42-year-old Kushnir, who left her 19-year-old daughter Sofia in Ukraine to continue her studies.
Four years later, Kushnir has wed a Turkish citizen and secured a teaching position in Istanbul University’s Ukrainian program.
“Like all Ukrainians, I planned to return home, but life turned out differently,” said Kushnir, expressing pride that her daughter chose to stay in Ukraine.
Her companion Yermolenko, 43, provides remote financial services to Ukrainian clients from Istanbul while maintaining constant communication with her 73-year-old mother Tetyana in Kharkiv.
“I cannot say I am involved 100% in Turkish life. It is a bit strange feeling to be caught between your previous life and a possible future life,” said Yermolenko, who has begun studying Turkish while closely monitoring Ukrainian developments.
“I open the news — there’s a Telegram channel that reports what’s happening in Kharkiv in real time — and I see a missile flying toward my home,” she said. “In that moment, the feeling is terrifying. I’m very scared. And of course, I immediately call my mom to make sure she’s okay.”
European wine producers, chemical companies, and distillers are grappling with unexpected complications following the US Supreme Court’s landmark decision to overturn major portions of tariffs imposed during the Trump administration, according to industry representatives across the continent.
The nation’s highest court ruled 6-3 on Friday that the former president lacked authority to use the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act as justification for implementing tariffs without Congressional approval, citing national emergency provisions inappropriately.
While many businesses initially celebrated the outcome after years of legal challenges, European trade associations, corporations, and market analysts now express concern that the decision could make commercial relationships between the two economic regions even more unpredictable, especially after last year’s hard-fought trade agreements.
Paolo Castelletti, who serves as secretary general for Italy’s wine association UIV, warned of potential negative consequences. “This decision risks creating a boomerang effect, generating more uncertainty and freezing orders, while operators wait for a clearer regulatory framework,” Castelletti stated.
Italian wine exports to America represent a crucial market segment, generating approximately 1.9 billion euros in 2024 sales – nearly 25% of Italy’s total global wine shipments.
Industry experts believe Donald Trump will likely pursue alternative methods to implement comparable tariffs, potentially reigniting tensions between America and its key trading partners. Additionally, companies face challenges in securing refunds for previously paid tariffs.
Trump has already announced plans for a new global 10% surcharge through executive order, set to take effect “almost immediately” for an initial 150-day period. The former president also indicated uncertainty about whether refunds would occur and their potential timeline.
French President Emmanuel Macron announced Saturday that France would evaluate the impact of Trump’s new measures, while emphasizing the importance of democratic checks and balances following the Supreme Court’s decision.
Steve Ovara, who leads the Trade Practice Group at King & Spalding law firm, noted that his clients – ranging from major American manufacturers to consumer goods and technology companies – expect any tariff relief to be temporary.
“The main challenge everyone will face, at least in the short term, is additional uncertainty,” Ovara explained.
Wolfgang Grosse Entrup, director of VCI, a German lobbying organization representing chemical and pharmaceutical companies including BASF, Bayer, and Evonik, shares similar concerns.
“For our companies, this isn’t the beginning of a stable phase, but a new period of uncertainty. Those who think this means the end of tariff conflicts are mistaken,” Grosse Entrup said. “New tariffs based on different legal foundations can be imposed at any time,” he added.
Peter Sand, chief analyst at freight pricing platform Xeneta, warned that political risks remain for export-focused companies due to “irreversible” supply chain trends.
“The damage caused to many carriers’ supply chains is largely irreversible,” Sand emphasized.
France’s cosmetics association FEBEA, whose membership includes companies like L’Oréal, expressed caution about the ruling and indicated they would monitor the American administration’s response, particularly regarding potential new tariff implementations.
“We’re all accustomed to twists and turns on tariff matters,” said Emmanuel Guichard, FEBEA’s secretary general.
Massimiliano Giansanti, president of Italian farmers’ federation Confagricoltura, acknowledged that the Supreme Court decision “eliminated the entire legal basis” for Trump’s tariffs, but cautioned it complicates exporters’ situations just as they were adapting to American tariff structures.
“All of this creates profound instability at a time when we need certainties and when we’ve begun processes with our American importers,” Giansanti stated.
In Ireland, whisky exporters are taking a wait-and-see approach before making business decisions, according to Eoin Ó Catháin, director of the Irish Whiskey Association, who believes political discussions and de-escalation offer better solutions to tariff-related problems.
“This isn’t a miracle solution for eliminating tariffs,” Ó Catháin said. “It’s just an additional complication, another twist in this story,” he concluded.
The Netherlands emerged as the dominant force in short track speed skating at the Winter Olympics, while Italy celebrated as hometown hero Arianna Fontana carved her name into Olympic history with a record-breaking medal collection.
Throughout the two-week competition, athletic achievements were woven together with compelling personal narratives, featuring competitors who overcame serious injuries and newcomers to the Olympic stage whose championship aspirations sometimes fell short of expectations.
The 35-year-old Fontana advanced to championship rounds in every single competition, capturing gold for Italy in the mixed relay event and earning silver medals in both the 500-meter race and women’s relay.
With Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni watching from the stands, Fontana’s women’s relay silver medal brought her career total to 14 Olympic medals, breaking the previous Italian record of 13 held by fencer Edoardo Mangiarotti from 1936-60, establishing her as Italy’s most successful Olympian ever.
While the Netherlands has long been considered a dominant nation in traditional speed skating, these Games marked their strongest showing in the more recent short track discipline.
Following an early setback when they failed to qualify for the mixed relay championship race, the Dutch squad gained momentum throughout the competition, ultimately securing seven medals with five of them being gold.
Jens van ‘t Wout captured three gold medals and one bronze, representing a triumphant comeback for the 24-year-old athlete who bears a facial scar from a 2019 skating mishap that nearly ended his competitive career. He announced plans to commemorate his success with an Olympic rings tattoo featuring his medal colors.
His sibling Melle earned an unexpected silver in the 500 meters on his 26th birthday, overcoming a severe knee injury that had hindered his performance in recent seasons.
Fellow Dutch competitor Xandra Velzeboer dominated the women’s events, claiming victory in both the 500 meters after establishing a world record during the semifinal, and the 1,000 meters.
Olympic newcomer Kim Gil-li, age 21, spearheaded South Korea’s effort, earning two gold medals and one bronze as the short track powerhouse nation collected seven total medals — an improvement of two compared to their performance at Beijing 2022.
Canada’s Courtney Sarault returned home with reason for celebration after earning medals in four out of five events she competed in — two silver and two bronze — while teammate Steven Dubois secured his first individual Olympic gold medal in the 500 meters.
However, the Games ended on a disappointing note for Canadian William Dandjinou, the 24-year-old world number one and first-time Olympian recognized for his signature “eagle” celebration, who departed without an individual medal despite qualifying for all three final races.
“I didn’t even know it was possible to finish fourth that many times in one Games,” he said. “You will see me in four years.”
ISTANBUL – Turkish regulators announced Friday they are conducting an official investigation into how six major social media companies collect and manage personal information from children who use their platforms.
The Personal Data Protection Authority released a statement explaining that this investigation focuses on safeguarding young people from dangers they may encounter in online spaces. Officials will scrutinize the data collection methods and protective protocols implemented by TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, X, and Discord.
The regulatory review represents Turkey’s effort to ensure these popular digital platforms maintain appropriate standards when processing information belonging to minors.
Major League Soccer’s most valuable franchises will square off Saturday night when Inter Miami, led by superstar Lionel Messi, travels to face Son Heung-Min and Los Angeles FC to kick off the season for both clubs.
Both teams appear ready to field their strongest lineups for the highly anticipated matchup, which has been relocated to the larger Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum due to expected high demand.
Messi, who claimed last season’s Golden Boot award and his second consecutive MVP honor, has resumed practice with Miami following a minor hamstring strain that forced the cancellation of their final exhibition match in Puerto Rico.
Speaking in Spanish, Miami manager Javier Mascherano expressed disappointment about the missed opportunity. “It was unfortunate, of course, that we weren’t able to go,” Mascherano said. “Not only because it would’ve given us the opportunity to visit a country we haven’t had the chance to visit in recent years, but also because it would’ve been valuable preparation to face an opponent like Independiente del Valle.”
The defending MLS Cup champions received additional good news this week when newly signed forward German Berterame obtained his work visa and became eligible to play.
Had Berterame remained unavailable, Miami might have inserted 39-year-old Luis Suarez back into the starting lineup after he served as a substitute during last year’s championship run. Alternatively, they could have positioned Messi as the primary striker in a 4-3-3 formation, similar to their playoff configuration.
On the LAFC side, Son missed all preseason games while recovering from an undisclosed minor lower-body ailment. However, the Korean international dispelled any lingering health concerns with an outstanding display in LAFC’s CONCACAF Champions Cup match Tuesday evening.
The 33-year-old forward started the contest, found the net once, and provided three assists during his 61-minute appearance in a dominant 6-1 victory over Real Espana of Honduras in the first leg of their opening round series.
Denis Bouanga capitalized on Son’s playmaking, netting three goals to put LAFC in commanding position ahead of next week’s second leg. This comfortable advantage should allow first-year head coach Marc Dos Santos to give his key players extended playing time against Miami.
Bouanga celebrated his performance after the match, saying: “The feeling is very good. I’m very happy to score three. My team, my teammates helped me for this hat trick. I say thank you for the five (goal lead), and thank you to my team for that.”
The National Weather Service office in Mount Holly, New Jersey has put Delaware’s coastal regions under a flood watch starting Thursday morning and continuing through Saturday’s early hours.
Weather forecasters activated the coastal flood watch at 4:36 AM on February 21st, with the advisory set to remain active until 5:00 AM on February 23rd.
The watch indicates that conditions may develop that could cause minor flooding along Delaware’s coastline during the specified timeframe.
Residents and visitors in coastal Delaware areas should monitor weather conditions and be prepared for potential flooding impacts during the watch period.
Delaware transportation authorities have implemented a temporary speed reduction on Interstate 495, lowering the limit to 55 miles per hour as dense fog creates dangerous driving conditions across the area.
The speed restriction has been put in place as a safety precaution while thick fog reduces visibility for motorists traveling on the busy highway corridor.
Drivers are urged to exercise extra caution and maintain safe following distances while the foggy weather persists. The temporary speed limit will remain in effect until visibility conditions improve and normal driving conditions return to the interstate.
HONG KONG (AP) — Authorities in Hong Kong announced Saturday a comprehensive resettlement strategy for thousands of residents forced from their homes following last November’s catastrophic fire, the region’s most fatal in decades. The plan centers on purchasing property ownership rights directly from those affected by the tragedy.
Nearly three months have passed since the devastating fire consumed seven residential towers at Wang Fuk Court, leaving former residents in limbo about their housing future. These displaced families continue adapting to temporary living situations spread throughout different neighborhoods, supported by government rental assistance to help property owners cover interim housing costs.
During Saturday’s press briefing, authorities outlined how property owners from the affected buildings can transfer their ownership rights to the government for monetary compensation, allowing them to secure new housing of their choosing or purchase units through designated government programs. Those preferring to avoid large cash transactions can opt for direct apartment exchanges through the same policy framework.
Administrative officials calculate the buyback program for approximately 1,700 residential units will require roughly 6.8 billion Hong Kong dollars ($870 million), with public funding covering about 4 billion Hong Kong dollars ($512 million) and relief contributions making up the remainder.
Deputy Financial Secretary Michael Wong indicated the administration favors tearing down all seven structures, with no plans to rebuild residential housing at the location. The site could instead become green space or community amenities, he noted.
Wong explained that restoring the fire-damaged structures would neither be practical nor economically feasible, and without government action, property owners would struggle to find market buyers for their units.
“In other words, the funds they have invested in these units over the years could turn to nothing,” he said.
The timeline calls for reaching out to property owners in March, with compensation payments targeted for the third quarter of this year, Wong stated.
These proposals emerged following surveys of affected residents regarding their preferences. Wong reported that 74% of survey participants expressed willingness to consider transferring their ownership rights to the government. Meanwhile, approximately 9% of respondents indicated they would only accept on-site redevelopment, a process the government estimates would require roughly ten years to complete.
The November 26, 2025 fire claimed 168 lives and devastated a tight-knit community in Tai Po’s suburban area. Officials determined that inferior scaffold netting and foam materials used during maintenance work caused the flames to spread rapidly. While several arrests have occurred, an independent panel continues examining the incident’s underlying causes.
French President Emmanuel Macron weighed in Saturday on a recent United States Supreme Court decision involving former President Donald Trump’s trade policies, praising the judicial system’s role as a check on executive authority.
Speaking at Paris’s annual agricultural exhibition, Macron responded to questions about Friday’s Supreme Court decision that declared certain Trump-era tariffs unconstitutional, saying the ruling demonstrates the value of judicial oversight in democratic nations.
“It is not bad to have a Supreme Court and, therefore, the rule of law,” Macron stated during the agricultural event. “It is good to have power and counterweights to power in democracies.”
The French leader’s comments came after the high court determined that tariffs Trump had implemented using emergency economic powers violated federal law.
Macron also addressed how France plans to respond to Trump’s proposed 10% universal tariff, stating his country will evaluate the impact and adjust accordingly while continuing to promote French exports across multiple sectors, including farm products, luxury items, fashion, and aerospace manufacturing.
The president emphasized the need for measured responses and advocated for “reciprocity” as the most equitable approach, rather than accepting “unilateral decisions” from other nations.
England’s Football Association announced Saturday that Manchester United owner Jim Ratcliffe will not face punishment following his controversial statements about immigration in Britain.
The British billionaire had issued an apology last week for his word choice after stating that Britain had been “colonised” by immigrants. His original remarks prompted criticism from Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
The FA released a short statement explaining their decision: “As background guidance, we have issued Sir Jim Ratcliffe with a reminder of his responsibilities as a Participant in English football when taking part in media interviews. We won’t be taking any further action.”
During a February 11th television interview, Ratcliffe, who founded the chemical company INEOS, argued that high immigration levels and welfare recipients were harming Britain’s economy.
“You can’t have an economy with 9 million people on benefits and huge levels of immigrants coming in. I mean, the UK has been colonised – it’s costing too much money,” Ratcliffe stated during his appearance with the broadcaster. “The UK has been colonised by immigrants, really, hasn’t it?”
Manchester United manager Michael Carrick chose not to address the controversy directly on Friday, instead highlighting the team’s commitment to inclusivity and its worldwide fanbase.
“Equality, diversity and respect for each other is something we look to carry through every day,” Carrick said to reporters before their upcoming Premier League match against Everton.
Currently sitting fourth in the Premier League standings with 45 points from 26 matches, Manchester United will take on eighth-place Everton on Monday as they work to secure a top-four position and qualify for Champions League play.
HONG KONG – Government officials in Hong Kong announced Saturday they will allocate approximately $512 million (HK$4 billion) to purchase apartments from residents of a tower complex where a catastrophic fire claimed more than 160 lives last November.
During a press conference, authorities detailed compensation rates of HK$8,000 per square foot for units without land premium requirements, while properties subject to land premium payments will receive HK$10,500 per square foot.
“We believe the proposed price is sufficient for the affected residents to relocate and secure long-term housing,” said Wong Wai-lun, Hong Kong’s deputy financial secretary.
Beyond the buyout program, government representatives announced an apartment swap initiative targeting the 4,600 displaced residents who occupied nearly 2,000 units within the Wang Fuk Court complex.
While the complete financial commitment reaches an estimated HK$6.8 billion, officials explained that a relief fund contribution will reduce costs by HK$2.8 billion, with additional savings expected once insurance settlements are processed.
The National Weather Service has replaced the Winter Storm Watch that was in effect for New Castle and Kent counties in northern Delaware early Saturday morning. The watch, which was issued for a developing winter weather situation, expired at 3:43 AM and has been superseded by updated information from NWS Mount Holly.
Residents in the affected areas should check the latest forecasts and any new warnings that may have been issued as weather conditions continue to evolve. The original watch covered New Castle County, home to Wilmington and Newark, as well as Kent County, which includes Dover.
Despite the watch being replaced, weather officials continue to urge caution for anyone who must travel during winter weather conditions. Drivers should keep emergency supplies in their vehicles, including an extra flashlight, food, and water. For the most current road conditions throughout Delaware, residents can dial 511.
TV Delmarva will continue monitoring the latest updates from the National Weather Service Mount Holly office and will provide immediate coverage of any new winter weather alerts affecting the Delmarva Peninsula. Stay tuned to TV Delmarva for the most up-to-date weather information.
A significant winter storm is bearing down on Delaware, prompting the National Weather Service to issue a Winter Storm Warning for New Castle and Kent Counties from Sunday morning through Monday evening.
The storm is expected to bring heavy snowfall totaling 8 to 14 inches, with some areas potentially seeing even higher amounts. Snow could fall at rates exceeding 2 inches per hour at times, accompanied by wind gusts up to 40 mph that will create dangerous blowing and drifting conditions.
The storm begins Sunday at 10 AM and continues until 6 PM Monday, threatening to make both Monday morning and evening commutes extremely hazardous. Whiteout conditions are possible, and gusty winds could down tree branches across the region.
“Travel could be very difficult to impossible,” warns the National Weather Service Mount Holly office, which issued the warning early Saturday morning.
Residents are urged to avoid unnecessary travel during the storm. If you must venture out, keep emergency supplies in your vehicle including extra food, water, and a flashlight. For the latest road conditions, dial 511.
The Winter Storm Warning remains in effect until 6 PM Monday. Stay with TV Delmarva for continuing coverage of this developing weather situation.
Weather officials have updated their winter weather alert for the Delmarva region, with the National Weather Service Mount Holly issuing new information that supersedes the earlier Winter Storm Watch.
The change in weather advisories comes as meteorologists continue monitoring a developing winter weather system that could impact Delaware and surrounding areas.
Residents are encouraged to stay informed about the evolving weather situation by checking the latest forecasts and any additional advisories that may be issued as conditions develop.
The National Weather Service Mount Holly continues to track this weather system and will provide updates as new information becomes available.
The National Weather Service has upgraded its Winter Storm Watch for inland Sussex County and Delaware’s beaches, signaling that severe winter weather conditions are now being observed across the region.
The watch, which was issued early Friday morning, has been replaced with more urgent advisories as the storm system moves through the area. Residents in affected areas should monitor the latest updates from the National Weather Service Mount Holly office for current conditions and warnings.
Officials are urging residents to restrict travel to emergency situations only. Those who must venture out should carry a winter survival kit and remain with their vehicle if they become stranded.
“The conditions are deteriorating rapidly,” said local emergency management officials. “We’re asking everyone to stay off the roads unless absolutely necessary.”
For the most current road conditions, drivers can dial 511 from any phone. The upgraded alert remains in effect until 3:43 AM Friday.
TV Delmarva will continue monitoring this developing weather situation and provide updates as conditions change. Residents are encouraged to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel until conditions improve.
The National Weather Service office in Mount Holly, New Jersey has updated its winter weather forecast for the region, issuing new guidance that replaces an earlier Winter Storm Watch.
Weather officials are monitoring a developing winter weather system that could impact the Delmarva Peninsula and surrounding areas. The updated forecast provides the most current information available as meteorologists continue to track the storm’s path and intensity.
Residents across Delaware and the Eastern Shore are encouraged to stay informed about changing weather conditions and make necessary preparations for potential winter weather impacts. The National Weather Service will continue providing updates as the situation develops.
Local authorities recommend checking current road conditions before traveling and ensuring emergency supplies are readily available during winter weather events.
The National Weather Service has issued a Blizzard Warning for Delaware’s beaches and inland Sussex County, effective from 1 PM Sunday through 6 PM Monday evening.
Meteorologists are forecasting dangerous blizzard conditions with total snow accumulations between 6 and 12 inches, accompanied by wind gusts reaching up to 55 mph. The storm could produce snowfall rates exceeding 2 inches per hour, with locally higher amounts and significant snow drifting possible.
The severe weather will create extremely hazardous travel conditions, with areas of blowing snow significantly reducing visibility. Both Monday morning and evening commutes are expected to be severely impacted, and strong winds could cause tree damage throughout the region.
Authorities are urging residents to restrict travel to emergencies only during the warning period. If you must travel, pack a winter survival kit and stay with your vehicle if you become stranded. For the latest road conditions, dial 511.
The Blizzard Warning remains in effect until 6 PM Monday evening. TV Delmarva will continue monitoring this developing storm and provide updates as conditions change. Stay indoors, stay safe, and keep your emergency supplies ready.
The National Weather Service office in Mount Holly, New Jersey has issued a blizzard warning for the Delmarva Peninsula that took effect at 3:27 AM on Saturday, February 21st.
The warning will remain active until 6:00 PM on Monday, February 23rd, with dangerous winter weather conditions across Delaware and the Eastern Shore.
Residents throughout the region should prepare for severe winter weather that could include heavy snowfall, strong winds, and reduced visibility that characterizes blizzard conditions.
The extended duration of this weather alert suggests that hazardous travel and outdoor conditions are expected across the Delmarva Peninsula.
