Atlanta United announced Wednesday they have acquired experienced striker Sergio Santos as a free agent for the upcoming 2026 Major League Soccer campaign.
The Brazilian forward, age 31, has agreed to terms that include a club option extending through December 2027.
Throughout his MLS career beginning in 2019, Santos has netted 28 goals while providing 13 assists across 156 regular season appearances with three different clubs.
Chief soccer officer and sporting director Chris Henderson praised the acquisition, stating: “Sergio has been a productive forward in our league for the past seven seasons and will add competition to our group of attackers. He’s going to bring MLS experience, quality and a winning mindset to our team, and we look forward to welcoming him to the club.”
The veteran attacker’s MLS journey includes stints with Philadelphia Union from 2019 through 2022, FC Cincinnati spanning 2022 to 2025, and most recently Houston Dynamo during the 2025 campaign.
Atlanta United will kick off their 2026 regular season schedule with a road match against FC Cincinnati this Saturday.
A new study published Wednesday in a medical journal shows that approximately 3 million Americans enrolled in Medicare Advantage programs were compelled to seek new healthcare coverage, representing roughly 10% of all participants in these privately-operated plans.
The research, published in JAMA, revealed that residents in rural communities faced plan cancellations at twice the frequency of their urban counterparts. This disruption creates significant concerns about maintaining access to healthcare providers, specialized medical care, and ongoing treatments, according to Hannah James, a policy researcher with the RAND Corporation think tank, who authored an editorial alongside the study.
Seven states saw more than 40% of their Medicare Advantage participants affected by plan exits, with Vermont experiencing the most severe impact at 92% of enrollees. The remaining states included Idaho, Wyoming, North Dakota, South Dakota, Maryland, and New Hampshire.
Medicare serves approximately 60 million Americans who are either 65 or older or have qualifying disabilities. Roughly half choose Medicare Advantage plans operated by major insurance companies, while the remainder receive coverage through the traditional government-administered Medicare program.
During 2025, insurance companies reported financial losses after experiencing increased costs and reduced government payments, prompting announcements of market exits and shifts for 2026.
The study determined that enrollees with smaller insurance providers represented half of all those experiencing coverage disruptions.
UnitedHealthcare, owned by UnitedHealth Group, was responsible for nearly 14% of the disruptions. CVS Health’s Aetna division followed at 8.65%, while Elevance accounted for approximately 8% of the affected enrollees.
Research findings indicated that plans offering consumers broader provider networks were most commonly discontinued.
James explained in her editorial that the existing system, where the government compensates insurers through pre-arranged payments, creates incentives for companies to target more profitable patients.
“Policymakers should consider whether the current program design adequately aligns plan incentives with beneficiary needs,” James stated.
According to health policy organization KFF, UnitedHealthcare controlled nearly one-third of all Medicare Advantage plans in 2025. Humana held 17% of plans, followed by CVS Health at 12%, and Elevance at 7%.
The Israel Defense Forces announced Wednesday that a young paratrooper lost his life in a tragic case of mistaken identity during overnight combat operations in southern Gaza.
Staff Sgt. Ofri Yafe, age 21, died from wounds sustained when fellow Israeli forces accidentally fired upon his unit near Khan Yunis, military officials confirmed. Yafe served as a reconnaissance fighter with the Paratroopers Brigade and hailed from HaYogev, a farming community in Israel’s Jezreel Valley. Israeli media reports indicate he was raised in Kibbutz Megiddo in the country’s northern region.
Initial military findings reveal the fatal shooting happened around 2 a.m. during standard operations to dismantle Hamas military installations close to the Yellow Line boundary in the Khan Yunis sector. Two separate Israeli military teams were working simultaneously in the vicinity when the confusion occurred.
One team erroneously determined the other group posed a threat and began shooting, military sources explained. Emergency responders airlifted the severely injured Yafe by helicopter toward medical treatment, but he succumbed to his injuries while being transported, the IDF stated.
Military leadership emphasized that investigators continue examining the exact circumstances of the incident and have informed Yafe’s relatives of his death.
The fallen soldier leaves behind his mother and father, Hadas and Yiftach, along with three siblings named Noy, Tzuf, and Itamar. His grieving family released a public message expressing their devastation. “We are shocked by the tragedy and cannot digest the loss of Ofri, our beloved son. This is incomprehensible,” the family wrote.
Regional officials from northern Israel also paid tribute to Yafe’s service. The Jezreel Valley Regional Council honored him, saying he “set out to defend the State of Israel and all of us, and fell in battle.”
Military statistics show that 472 Israeli service members have perished during ground combat operations in Gaza against Hamas forces, with 80 of those deaths resulting from accidental shootings by their own troops or other mishaps.
Security forces across Turkey conducted sweeping arrests Tuesday, taking 88 people into custody on suspicions of belonging to the organization blamed for the country’s failed 2016 military coup.
The arrests occurred through two independent operations targeting suspected followers of the Gulen movement, which Turkish officials hold responsible for the deadly uprising attempt.
In the larger operation, prosecutors from Kayseri province in central Turkey issued warrants for 70 suspects after conducting an eight-month investigation. Police teams launched coordinated strikes across four provinces – Kayseri, Istanbul, Adana, and Mersin.
The massive operation involved 144 police units with 676 officers, including specialized tactical teams, according to authorities. During property searches, investigators seized hidden recording devices, cameras, illegal firearms and bullets, plus documents and electronic files allegedly connected to the organization.
A second investigation led by Istanbul’s Chief Public Prosecutor resulted in 18 more arrests spanning eight provinces. Sixteen of those detained held government positions, prosecutors revealed.
Istanbul officials stated that two suspects allegedly occupied leadership roles in the organization, while others faced membership accusations. Authorities withheld the identities of those arrested and declined to specify which government agencies employed them.
Officials confirmed both investigations proceeded independently, without indicating whether additional arrests might follow. No details were released about upcoming court hearings or formal criminal charges.
Turkey’s leadership blames the Gulen movement for masterminding the July 2016 coup attempt, when military factions tried to topple the government. Official casualty figures show at least 250 deaths and roughly 2,200 injuries from the violence.
The Turkish government points to Fethullah Gulen, a religious leader who lived in exile in the United States from 1999 until his 2024 death, as the architect of the coup plot. Turkey has officially classified the Gulen movement as a terrorist organization.
Turkish law enforcement and prosecutors have maintained an aggressive campaign against suspected movement supporters since 2016. Tuesday’s detentions represent the most recent phase of this continuing crackdown, officials confirmed.
JERUSALEM — President Donald Trump’s newly established Board of Peace will convene for its inaugural session Thursday in Washington, marking an initial challenge for one of his signature foreign policy programs as it attempts to strengthen the fragile Gaza ceasefire agreement.
The president’s expansive vision for this board ranges from overseeing Gaza’s reconstruction into a modern metropolis to competing with the United Nations Security Council in international conflict resolution. However, these grand plans may face harsh realities given the limited headway made in achieving even basic ceasefire objectives in Gaza.
Deadly incidents continue almost daily, with Israel conducting strikes it claims target militants who pose threats to or attack Israeli troops, resulting in Palestinian casualties including non-combatants. The militant group Hamas remains armed, international peacekeeping forces have yet to arrive, and a Palestinian administrative committee intended to replace Hamas leadership remains stranded in Egypt.
“If this meeting does not result in fast, tangible improvements on the ground — and particularly on the humanitarian front — its credibility will quickly crumble,” said Max Rodenbeck, Israel-Palestine Project Director at the International Crisis Group, a global think tank.
Over two dozen countries have joined as charter members of the board.
The membership roster features Israel and other regional powers involved in ceasefire discussions, along with nations from beyond the Middle East whose leadership either backs Trump or seeks his approval. Notable U.S. partners including France, Norway and Sweden have chosen not to participate.
Israeli officials express concern about Qatar and Turkey’s participation, given their established relationships with Hamas. Palestinian leaders oppose the arrangement because no Palestinian representatives received invitations to join the board, despite its authority over territory housing approximately 2 million Palestinians.
Trump, who has designated himself as the board’s chairman, announced earlier this week that member nations had promised $5 billion for Gaza reconstruction and would provide thousands of personnel for peacekeeping and law enforcement duties. Neither financial commitments nor this week’s meeting agenda have been disclosed publicly.
“We want to make it successful. I think it has the chance to be the most consequential board ever assembled of any kind,” Trump told reporters on Monday. He repeated his disapproval of the U.N.’s track record in settling international conflicts.
Trump — working alongside son-in-law Jared Kushner and envoy Steve Witkoff — has outlined bold reconstruction plans for Gaza using international investment.
During a Davos presentation last month, Kushner proposed completing reconstruction within three years, despite U.N. projections indicating that debris removal and mine clearance alone could require significantly more time.
Kushner’s presentation depicted a rebuilt Gaza featuring beachfront tourism areas, manufacturing districts and technology centers. He acknowledged that reconstruction would only start in weapons-free zones and that security would be crucial for attracting investors.
Current joint calculations by the U.N., European Union and World Bank estimate reconstruction costs at approximately $70 billion.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has declared that reconstruction cannot proceed until Hamas surrenders its weapons, creating uncertainty for Palestinians amid widespread destruction.
The ceasefire agreement has stopped large-scale military campaigns, secured the release of remaining hostages held by Hamas and increased humanitarian aid shipments to Gaza. However, a permanent end to the conflict that began with Hamas’ October 7, 2023 assault on Israel remains uncertain.
The agreement envisions Hamas surrendering its arsenal and Israeli forces leaving Gaza while international troops arrive. It left certain questions unresolved and established no timeline, essentially postponing difficult decisions to avoid immediate confrontation.
Israel and the U.S. consider Hamas’ weapon surrender essential for progress in other areas. Arab and Muslim Board of Peace members have criticized Israel for weakening the ceasefire through daily military actions and want the U.S. to restrain its ally. While they have urged Hamas to disarm, they emphasize that Israeli withdrawal is equally crucial.
Israel’s definition of demilitarization encompasses everything from heavy weaponry like rocket launchers down to standard rifles. Netanyahu stated Sunday that Hamas must surrender approximately 60,000 automatic weapons.
Although Hamas accepted the ceasefire terms, the group has only made unclear or conditional promises regarding disarmament as part of a process toward Palestinian statehood. Senior Hamas leaders have indicated their security personnel must keep some weapons to maintain order during the transition period.
Potential solutions being considered include Hamas “securing” weapons in monitored storage facilities under external oversight or surrendering heavy arms while retaining some handguns for police work, according to two regional officials familiar with the talks. One official noted that disarmament represents a complex process potentially lasting months. The officials spoke anonymously due to the sensitive nature of negotiations.
Whether Israel or the United States would accept such arrangements remains highly uncertain.
The ceasefire terms also establish a temporary International Stabilization Force composed of troops from Arab and Muslim-majority nations to screen, train and assist a new Palestinian police organization. While its specific duties aren’t fully detailed, responsibilities would include protecting aid deliveries and preventing arms trafficking.
Nations asked to contribute troops demand that any deployment be characterized as peacekeeping. They have rejected involvement in Hamas disarmament, viewing it as potentially dangerous work. Another worry involves the presence of Israeli-allied armed groups.
Indonesia has started preparing up to 8,000 soldiers for the force, though its foreign minister stated last week they would not participate in disarmament operations.
According to the ceasefire terms, Hamas must transfer authority to a transitional committee of politically neutral Palestinian officials. The U.S. has selected a 15-person committee and appointed former U.N. envoy Nickolay Mladenov to supervise them as the board’s Gaza representative.
The committee, headed by former Palestinian Authority deputy minister Ali Shaath, has not yet received Israeli authorization to enter Gaza from Egypt. Israeli officials have not addressed the situation.
Mladenov stated last week that the committee cannot function unless Hamas relinquishes control and ceasefire violations end.
“We’re only embarrassing the committee and ultimately making it ineffective,” he said at the Munich Security Conference. “All of this needs to move very fast.”
LIMA, Peru — Congressional representatives in Peru are preparing to select the nation’s eighth president in ten years on Wednesday, following the recent removal of José Jerí from office. Four legislative candidates, mostly unfamiliar to the general public, are competing for the position.
The winner of Wednesday’s vote will govern Peru until July 28, at which point they will hand over authority to whoever wins the general election set for April.
This constant turnover in Peru’s highest office demonstrates the ongoing political turmoil caused by presidents lacking strong legislative support. Congressional members have repeatedly relied on expansive readings of a constitutional provision concerning “permanent moral incapacity” to dismiss sitting leaders.
On Tuesday, legislative members voted to dismiss Jerí following a four-month tenure. His removal came after information surfaced about secret meetings he held with Chinese business leaders, including someone with government contracts. Jerí maintained he was simply organizing a Peruvian-Chinese cultural celebration.
Prosecutors have opened two preliminary inquiries into Jerí concerning accusations of unlawfully promoting private business interests and using his influence inappropriately against state interests.
Legislative officials announced Tuesday that four individuals had formally entered Wednesday evening’s selection process. Support levels for each remain uncertain.
The leading contender appears to be María del Carmen Alva, a 58-year-old attorney put forward by the conservative Popular Action party. Alva, who formerly held the congressional speaker position, belongs to a family with substantial investments in agricultural exports, particularly companies shipping asparagus to global markets including the United States.
Also running is Héctor Acuña, a 68-year-old engineer from the conservative Honor and Democracy faction. While he brings extensive private sector background, many consider him less experienced in traditional politics compared to other contenders. He is the sibling of César Acuña, a wealthy former regional leader and presidential hopeful for the April 12 election under the Alliance for Progress party. This party previously backed former presidents Dina Boluarte and Jerí.
The remaining contenders include José Balcázar, an 83-year-old retired judge from the leftist Perú Libre party, and Edgard Reymundo, a 73-year-old sociologist representing the leftist Bloque Democrático.
Whoever replaces Jerí will face escalating violence and extortion threatening small business operators and working families. Along with security challenges, various political factions are pushing for strong assurances of fair elections that will also choose a two-chamber legislature with 130 parliamentary representatives and 60 senators.
TORONTO (AP) — A third Conservative Party member of Canada’s Parliament has switched allegiances to join Prime Minister Mark Carney’s Liberal government.
Prime Minister Carney revealed through social media Wednesday that Alberta MP Matt Jeneroux has abandoned the Conservative Party to become part of the Liberal caucus. This marks the third time in recent months that a Conservative legislator has made such a political switch.
Jeneroux’s party change brings the Liberal government one step closer to achieving majority control, which would allow them to advance legislation without needing support from opposition parties.
Three upcoming parliamentary by-elections could potentially secure the Liberals’ path to majority rule.
This latest defection deals another setback to Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre, who suffered defeat in April’s election and temporarily lost his parliamentary seat before returning to the House of Commons.
While Poilievre successfully navigated a party leadership review last month, he continues facing challenges maintaining unity within his caucus.
Jeneroux had initially revealed his intention to resign back in November, coming just days after another Conservative MP departed to join the Liberal ranks. At that time, Poilievre indicated Jeneroux would be stepping down from Parliament entirely come spring.
However, Jeneroux explained in a Wednesday social media post that family discussions led him to reconsider, stating that current circumstances require “steady leadership” for the nation.
Since taking over from Justin Trudeau as prime minister in 2025 and securing electoral victory, Carney has positioned the Liberal Party toward the political center.
During last month’s World Economic Forum in Davos, Carney spoke out against economic pressure tactics used by major powers against smaller nations. His comments at the international gathering earned significant praise and media attention, overshadowing U.S. President Donald Trump’s presence at the event.
TRENTON, N.J. — The Catholic Diocese of Camden has reached a massive $180 million agreement to settle clergy sexual abuse allegations, marking one of the larger such settlements nationwide while remaining smaller than some record-breaking cases.
In a letter released Tuesday, Bishop Joseph Williams of the Camden Diocese, which serves southern New Jersey and surrounding Philadelphia suburbs, revealed the settlement details.
“For the survivors of South Jersey, this day is long overdue and represents a milestone in their journey toward restored justice and the healing and recognition they have long sought and deserve,” Williams stated.
Attorney Greg Gianforcaro, who represents victims in lawsuits against the diocese, praised the determination of abuse survivors in securing this agreement.
“It’s been an extremely long and arduous battle,” Gianforcaro told reporters during a phone interview.
This settlement adds to a series of agreements stemming from a scandal that first gained widespread attention over twenty years ago when the extent of abuse and institutional cover-ups emerged in Boston. While the Camden agreement surpasses settlements of approximately $80 million in Boston and Philadelphia, it falls short of some California cases, including the Los Angeles Archdiocese’s $880 million agreement reached in 2024.
The Camden settlement follows the diocese’s decision last year to drop its opposition to New Jersey’s grand jury probe into decades of alleged child sexual abuse by religious officials. The state Supreme Court subsequently authorized the investigation to proceed.
Like numerous dioceses across the country, Camden filed for bankruptcy protection as it faced a flood of lawsuits following changes to statute of limitations laws.
In 2022, the diocese had already agreed to an $87.5 million settlement addressing clergy abuse allegations from approximately 300 accusers, representing one of the nation’s largest Catholic church cash settlements at that time. According to victims’ lawyers, the current $180 million announcement incorporates those previous funds.
The Camden diocese oversees six southern New Jersey counties located outside Philadelphia. The settlement requires bankruptcy court approval before taking effect.
CORTINA D’AMPEZZO, Italy – The British men’s curling team, led by Bruce Mouat, ended their losing streak in spectacular fashion Wednesday, delivering a commanding 9-2 victory over the United States to stay in contention for Olympic medal rounds.
The world champions had endured three consecutive losses over recent days, putting their semifinal aspirations in jeopardy. However, they returned to form against Danny Casper’s American squad, securing the victory with four ends remaining in the match.
“It felt like we were close a lot of the week. We just had a few one or two shots maybe in a game that were going the wrong way for us, and this time we felt like we were getting breaks,” Mouat explained after the match.
“Which we probably hadn’t really felt like we had most of the week. We put in a really good performance.”
The 2022 Olympic silver medalists and current world number-one ranked team now sit in third place with a 5-4 record after completing all their round-robin matches. Norway and Italy are tied for fourth place, each with four victories, and both nations have one game remaining.
“You want to be in control of your own destiny, but now seeing all these other teams trying to still get into the playoffs, it’s hard,” Mouat noted.
“Obviously you want everyone to play well, but you’re supporting their opposition at times.”
In other Wednesday action, Switzerland’s Yannick Schwaller and Canada’s Brad Jacobs both secured wins, having already clinched semifinal berths.
The Swiss team maintained their perfect record with a 10-4 triumph over Norway, collecting their eighth victory without a loss. Meanwhile, Canada overcame an early 3-0 deficit to defeat host nation Italy 8-3.
“We’re just enjoying ourselves a lot here. I wanted to get to this stage for my whole career and all my teammates had the same idea,” Schwaller commented.
“It’s all an experience. We want to enjoy ourselves and that we do, and it translates, I think, to the ice.”
The Czech Republic, captained by Lukas Klima, earned their second competition victory by defeating China 10-5 in a matchup between teams in the lower portion of the standings.
The round-robin phase concludes Thursday morning after nine games per team, with the top four advancing to evening semifinals.
A powerful coalition of investors delivered a stern message to Starbucks on Wednesday, demanding shareholders reject the reelection of two board members due to what they call ongoing failures in handling worker relations.
The investor group is targeting lead independent director Jorgen Vig Knudstorp and Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee chair Beth Ford as the coffee giant continues struggling to negotiate a contract with its unionized employees.
The company made headlines last year when over 3,800 baristas walked off the job in what became Starbucks’ most extended work stoppage ever. The Starbucks Workers United union organized the strike to demand improved staffing levels, more reliable work schedules, and increased wages following stalled contract negotiations.
The labor conflict presents a significant challenge for CEO Brian Niccol as he attempts to boost declining sales figures.
“We are concerned that, without a constructive relationship between Starbucks and its unionized workforce, sustaining the turnaround may prove difficult,” the investors stated in their letter released before the company’s March 25 annual shareholder meeting.
The coalition includes several major institutional investors: New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli, New York City Comptroller Mark Levine, Trillium ESG Global Equity Mutual Fund, SOC Investment Group, Merseyside Pension Fund, and the Shareholder Association for Research and Education.
Starbucks defended its employment practices in response, stating: “We offer the best job in retail with hourly partners earning an average of $30 an hour and world-class benefits… all for those who only work 20 hours a week on average.”
The investor coalition had previously contacted both directors in January, expressing concerns about the board’s unexplained decision to eliminate its Environmental, Partner, and Community Impact Committee.
According to Starbucks, the dissolved committee’s duties have been redistributed among existing committees, with the full board now taking primary oversight of labor-related matters.
Two major American oil refiners are working to establish direct purchasing agreements with Venezuela’s state-owned oil company, cutting out middleman traders to boost their profit margins, industry sources reveal.
Phillips 66 and Citgo Petroleum want to begin buying heavy crude oil straight from PDVSA starting in April, according to people familiar with the companies’ plans. Currently, these refiners purchase Venezuelan oil through trading companies and Chevron.
The push for direct deals follows recent changes in U.S. policy toward Venezuelan oil. Trading firms Trafigura and Vitol obtained the first American licenses in January to export Venezuelan crude as part of a $2 billion agreement between Caracas and Washington. Chevron has maintained authorization to operate in Venezuela and transport crude since last year.
The Trump administration expanded these opportunities last month by issuing broader licensing for Venezuelan oil exports. White House officials project this could increase trade to $5 billion in the coming months.
Phillips 66, among America’s largest refiners, is currently working through compliance procedures and seeking internal approval to purchase directly from PDVSA, three sources confirmed. The company intends to charter its own tankers to collect crude at Venezuelan terminals once clearance is obtained.
While declining to discuss specific commercial activities, a Phillips 66 representative acknowledged that access to heavy crude represents a valuable opportunity for their Gulf Coast operations, which can handle various crude oil types. The company previously purchased Venezuelan oil from Vitol last month at approximately $9 below Brent crude prices.
White House spokeswoman Taylor Rogers said Friday that the administration is managing significant interest from energy companies. “The president’s team is working around the clock to field requests from oil and gas companies,” Rogers stated.
Venezuela-owned refiner Citgo Petroleum is also pursuing direct crude purchases but faces logistical challenges. The company wants Venezuelan oil delivered to Gulf Coast facilities, which proves difficult given PDVSA’s limited shipping capacity, according to another source.
In an email statement, Citgo confirmed plans to utilize opportunities under the general license for direct Venezuelan crude purchases, aiming to process this oil at Gulf Coast refineries in upcoming months. The company made its first Venezuelan crude purchase since 2019 in January, buying 500,000 barrels through Trafigura for February delivery.
Valero, America’s second-largest refiner and a major buyer of Venezuelan oil through Chevron, plans to establish direct PDVSA purchases later this year after evaluating Venezuela’s loading infrastructure conditions. The company is significantly increasing Venezuelan oil imports, with up to 6.5 million barrels heading to Gulf Coast refineries in March, primarily through Chevron arrangements.
However, these expansion plans may encounter obstacles as Washington continues refining regulations for Venezuelan business dealings. The South American nation remains under economic sanctions, creating ongoing compliance challenges.
PDVSA has informed potential buyers they require individual licenses or specific Treasury Department clearance to collect cargoes at Venezuelan ports, sources indicated. Additionally, many American banks remain hesitant to finance Venezuelan oil transactions.
The increased Venezuelan oil flow to American markets has affected pricing. Venezuelan Merey crude is now being offered at $10 below Brent prices, down from $6-$7.50 below Brent last month, as more oil shifts from Chinese to American buyers.
Initial Venezuelan crude purchases by Vitol and Trafigura were negotiated at approximately $15 below Brent prices, generating $500 million in sales last month, according to Energy Secretary Chris Wright. These trading companies earned profits of up to $4 per barrel after covering transportation and storage costs.
CORTINA D’AMPEZZO, Italy – A young Swiss curler is carrying on his family’s Olympic tradition at the Milano Cortina Winter Games, leading his team to an undefeated record in men’s curling competition.
Yannick Schwaller, now 30, was only six when he watched his father Christof and uncle Andreas capture bronze for Switzerland at the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympics. Today, he serves as skip for the Swiss squad that swept all eight matches in round-robin play to advance to the semifinals.
Speaking Wednesday from the same venue where his father competed in the 2010 World Championships, Schwaller reflected on the family connection.
“It’s awesome. In 2002, there was a bus going to get them at Zurich Airport when they came back, and I remember vaguely a public viewing,” Schwaller recalled. “That maybe sparked some inspiration early. I wasn’t really coached by my father, but it was always a bit of mentoring, when I had questions. Now it feels like a circle is closing. 24 years later, I’m playing on this stage as well.”
“He even played the World Championships here (Cortina Curling Olympic Stadium) in 2010, I think. So yeah, it’s just an awesome feeling to follow his footsteps,” he added.
The path to curling wasn’t immediate for Schwaller, who initially resisted the sport that made his family famous.
“I didn’t want to be a curler at first until I was 13 or 14. I only had football in mind and I played football a lot, we grew up next to a pitch,” Schwaller explained. “But then it (curling) grabbed me somehow, and I never looked back. My dad, he was so cool about it. He never said ‘you have to do this or do that now, you have to practice’. He really let me do my own thing.”
The curling tradition may continue into another generation, as Schwaller brought his one-and-a-half-year-old son River to the Olympics. The toddler gained internet fame as the ‘Curling Baby’ after cameras caught him playing with a curling broom nearly twice his size.
When asked about his son’s potential curling future, Schwaller responded with a smile: “He can choose for himself, I guess, but the way he’s attracted to brooms, he might be!”
Charlotte FC has locked up one of their rising stars, extending forward Idan Toklomati’s contract through the 2028-29 season with a club option for 2029-30, the Major League Soccer team revealed on Wednesday.
The Israeli international, just 21 years old, made quite an impact during his debut campaign, finding the back of the net 13 times while contributing four assists over 36 matches in all competitions for Charlotte.
“Idan is a top talent that we were able to sign at 19 and has blossomed into one of Major League Soccer’s brightest talents,” stated Charlotte general manager Zoran Krneta.
The promising striker, who fills a U22 Initiative roster position, made his way to Charlotte from Israeli club Maccabi Petah Tikva in 2024.
“He is a player who believed in our development pathway for him, and during his first full season with the first team, he scored double-digit goals,” Krneta explained. “Our aim, as well as Idan’s, is to win trophies for the Carolinas, and this extension is an important piece of our long-term roster-building strategy.”
Charlotte FC is set to kick off their 2026 regular season campaign this Saturday with a road match against St. Louis City SC.
American farmers are facing significant financial hardships, but new federal legislation could offer relief. House Agriculture Committee Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson has unveiled the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026, also known as Farm Bill 2.0, designed to address the agricultural sector’s current economic struggles.
“There’s a lot of pain right now in American agriculture financially, and they need a bridge,” Thompson stated when announcing the proposed legislation.
The comprehensive bill would establish a five-year framework of support for farmers through updated farm safety net programs, offering much-needed predictability during uncertain economic times. Thompson emphasized that the agricultural community requires immediate certainty to navigate ongoing financial challenges.
Farmers and travelers throughout the Midwest are dealing with dangerous winter conditions as heavy snow and strong winds batter agricultural regions from North Dakota and northeastern South Dakota through the upper Great Lakes area. The severe weather is creating hazardous driving conditions and putting additional strain on farm animals.
Northern sections of Lower Michigan are experiencing freezing rain, adding to the challenging conditions, while light rain showers are moving through eastern farming areas of the Corn Belt. The contrast is stark compared to much of the rest of the nation, which continues to see temperatures well above normal for this time of year.
Transportation officials are urging caution in affected areas as the combination of snow, wind, and icy conditions makes travel treacherous. Livestock producers are taking extra precautions to protect their animals from the harsh weather conditions.
Drivers using Clay Road should expect delays this afternoon as construction crews have shut down the left lane in both directions between Wescoats Road and Marsh Road.
According to DelDOT traffic officials, the lane closure is necessary for ongoing construction activities in the area. The restriction is expected to be lifted by 3 PM today.
Motorists are advised to allow extra travel time and use caution when navigating through the work zone. Traffic may be reduced to single-lane conditions during peak construction periods.
A major artificial intelligence company is grappling with the ethical challenges of creating increasingly sophisticated chatbot technology, according to a recent investigation.
Anthropic, recognized as one of the leading AI development companies globally, has been working to enhance the ethical standards of their chatbot system known as Claude. The company’s efforts highlight the growing concerns within the tech industry about responsible AI development.
New Yorker journalist Gideon Lewis-Kraus examined the company’s approach to addressing moral and safety considerations in AI technology. His reporting delves into the broader questions surrounding artificial intelligence as these systems become more prevalent in everyday use.
The investigation raises important questions about whether AI developers fully comprehend the potential impact of the technology they’re creating, particularly as these systems become more integrated into society.
Two standout players from Salisbury University’s highly-ranked baseball program have earned national recognition for their exceptional early-season performances.
Pitcher Aidan Brinsfield and third baseman Jackson Inman from the fifth-ranked Sea Gulls were named to D3baseball.com’s inaugural National Team of the Week for 2026, the organization announced Wednesday morning.
The prestigious weekly honor recognizes the top Division III baseball performers across the country, putting both Salisbury athletes in the national spotlight for their outstanding contributions to the team’s strong start to the season.
Both players helped elevate their already impressive programs to national attention, with their stellar performances earning them spots among the nation’s elite Division III baseball talent for the week.
A teenage snowboarder from Japan made Olympic history Wednesday, claiming the women’s slopestyle championship at the Winter Games in Livigno, Italy.
Mari Fukada, just 19 years old, secured her first-ever Olympic medal by earning a score of 87.83 on her third and final run down the course. The victory marked Japan’s dominance in the event, with teammate Kokomo Murase capturing the bronze medal.
New Zealand’s Zoi Sadowski Synnott, who defended her 2022 Olympic title, claimed silver with a dramatic final performance. The 24-year-old veteran found herself in fourth position before taking her last trip down the mountain as the competition’s final competitor. Her clutch performance earned her 87.48 points and extended her Olympic medal collection to five total.
Murase had initially led the competition following the opening round of runs. The Japanese athlete, who already earned gold in big air competition on February 9, was eventually surpassed by her countryman Fukada during the second round.
The slopestyle discipline challenges athletes to navigate various rails and obstacles while executing aerial maneuvers that judges evaluate based on technical difficulty and creativity. Competitors receive three opportunities to post their best score.
Australia’s Ally Hickman, competing at age 16, experienced a frightening crash during her second attempt when she missed a landing and tumbled forward onto the frozen course. The young athlete remained on the ground for several minutes before getting up and leaving the competition area under her own power. She returned for another run but fell again during a jump sequence.
The women’s competition took place on the same day that China’s Su Yiming celebrated his birthday by winning men’s slopestyle gold.
Competition officials had pushed back the slopestyle finals by 24 hours due to severe winter weather conditions in the Alpine region.
Corn producers throughout the United States faced significant difficulties with southern rust disease during the 2025 growing season. Agricultural specialist Kevin Rothzen from Channel, based in Illinois, emphasizes that growers need to develop comprehensive disease prevention plans as they prepare for the upcoming 2026 planting season.
In his Managing for Profit segment, Rothzen highlights the importance of proactive disease management strategies to help farmers avoid similar challenges in the coming year.
Multiple weather systems are making their way across the United States this week, with one potentially affecting the East Coast by the weekend.
Meteorologists report that a weather disturbance currently positioned over the upper Midwest is expected to lose strength and remain stationary in the coming days. Meanwhile, another system moving through the Intermountain West is forecast to advance toward the Great Lakes area by Friday.
A third storm system originating from the Pacific Ocean is projected to make landfall in California on Thursday. This weather pattern is then anticipated to move quickly eastward, potentially reaching either the mid-Atlantic or southern Atlantic coastal regions by Saturday.
DALLAS — Dallas Mavericks star guard Kyrie Irving will sit out the remainder of the current season while continuing his rehabilitation from a knee injury that occurred nearly 12 months ago.
The announcement came Wednesday from Irving and the franchise, just 48 hours before Dallas returns to action following the All-Star break. The Mavericks are currently enduring their worst stretch in nearly three decades with nine consecutive losses and have been eliminated from playoff consideration.
“This decision wasn’t easy, but it’s the right one,” Irving said in a statement released by the team. “I am grateful for the Mavericks organization, my teammates and our fans for their continued support throughout the process. I am looking forward to coming back stronger next season. The belief and drive I have inside only grows.”
Irving suffered an ACL tear in his left knee on March 3rd. At age 33, this represents the first complete season the veteran has missed during his decade-and-a-half professional career.
The devastating injury occurred just one month following Dallas’s controversial decision to ship young superstar Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for veteran center Anthony Davis and additional assets. The trade came less than a year after Irving and Doncic had guided the Mavericks to an NBA Finals appearance.
The Irving-Davis partnership proved short-lived, lasting only 2½ quarters of game action. Davis suffered an abdominal injury during his first game in a Dallas uniform and never returned to the court before Irving’s season-ending injury in a 122-98 home defeat to Sacramento.
Dallas struck gold in the draft lottery despite holding just a 1.8% chance, selecting former Duke star Cooper Flagg with the top overall pick. However, the trio of Irving, Davis, and Flagg never shared the court together.
Prior to the trade deadline, the Mavericks shipped Davis to Washington, effectively acknowledging the failed Doncic trade less than three months after dismissing general manager Nico Harrison partly due to that controversial deal.
Moving forward, Dallas appears committed to constructing their roster around Flagg while utilizing Irving as a veteran presence, hoping the two former Duke standouts can form a successful partnership.
“Kyrie has the ultimate respect for Cooper,” said co-interim general manager Michael Finley, who was a two-time All-Star with the Mavericks a quarter-century ago. “He loves the kid’s work ethic. He loves the kid’s love for the game. And I think Kyrie’s embracing the role as a mentor to Cooper.”
The organization confirmed Irving will stay “actively engaged” with the team throughout the season’s conclusion. Dallas faces its second consecutive playoff absence since their five-game NBA Finals defeat to Boston.
“And I wanted to send a huge shoutout to ALL of my brothers and sisters out there who’ve torn their ACL or gotten injured doing what they love to do every day,” Irving said in the team’s statement. “THANK YOU for the inspiration. No fear!”
Prior to his injury, Irving had flourished during his two seasons in Dallas following his departure from Brooklyn, where he endured more than three turbulent years. His tenure in Boston was similarly marked by controversy. Originally selected first overall by Cleveland in 2011, Irving captured an NBA championship alongside LeBron James in 2016.
Throughout his career, Irving has maintained averages of 23.7 points and 5.6 assists across 779 games while converting nearly 40% of his three-point attempts and 89% from the free-throw line.
WARSAW, Poland — Criminal proceedings began Wednesday against a Catholic bishop in Poland who stands accused of failing to promptly notify law enforcement about child sexual abuse allegations involving two priests under his supervision.
This criminal case represents a historic first in Poland, as no bishop has previously faced trial for alleged mishandling of abuse reports concerning clergy within their jurisdiction.
The Roman Catholic Church has historically held tremendous moral influence in Poland, serving as a beacon of hope throughout periods of foreign occupation and lending crucial support to the Solidarity movement that challenged communist rule during the 1980s.
However, ongoing revelations about clerical misconduct and systematic concealment by church leadership over many decades have severely undermined public trust in the religious hierarchy, which gave the world the beloved Pope St. John Paul II.
Church officials have been criticized for dismissing criminal behavior or relocating problematic clergy to different parishes after scandals became public knowledge. Data released by the Polish Episcopal Conference in 2019 revealed that 382 sexual abuse allegations against priests were submitted to church authorities during the period from 1990 to 2018.
Catholic Church canon law does not mandate that bishops contact law enforcement when they learn of suspected abuse by clergy members, and for generations they handled such matters internally, prioritizing institutional reputation over victim welfare.
Criminal charges against bishops for failing to report abuse to civil authorities remain extremely rare, even in nations that have extensively addressed clerical misconduct. France saw Lyon Cardinal Philippe Barbarin convicted in 2019 for concealing an abusive priest’s crimes, though an appeals court later reversed that decision in 2021.
Polish prosecutors contended in court Wednesday that Bishop Andrzej Jeż should have contacted authorities immediately after receiving reliable information regarding alleged child abuse by priests within his diocese, according to the Polish Press Agency.
While the Catholic Church did launch internal inquiries into both priests under Jeż’s authority and eventually notified law enforcement, prosecutors maintain that legal requirements demand immediate reporting without delay.
If found guilty, Jeż could receive up to three years imprisonment. The bishop maintains his innocence, asserting he contacted authorities once the church had verified the allegations and after he understood his legal reporting obligations.
Jeż has led the Tarnow diocese in southern Poland since his appointment in 2012.
“I express my regret and apologies to all those who were harmed and to other people who suffered because of this, often including families,” Jeż stated Wednesday.
LONDON — Law enforcement agencies throughout the United Kingdom have established a collaborative task force to examine potential criminal conduct detailed in millions of pages of Jeffrey Epstein documents recently made public by U.S. federal investigators.
The National Police Chiefs’ Council announced Wednesday that they have created a specialized coordination team to assist regional police departments investigating matters stemming from the massive document release containing more than 3 million pages of evidence from late last month.
“It may take some time due to the volume of material and the complexity of international jurisdictions, but policing and its law enforcement partners are taking this matter extremely seriously, and will assess all information thoroughly,” the council stated in their announcement.
Though the council declined to identify which specific departments are participating, at least eight regional police forces have confirmed they are examining information contained within the files. Their investigations span multiple concerns, from potential use of Epstein’s aircraft for human trafficking purposes to claims that former Prince Andrew shared classified intelligence with the convicted financier during his tenure as Britain’s trade representative.
Surrey Police, serving the region directly south of London, revealed Wednesday that the documents contain accusations of sex trafficking activities in Virginia Water village spanning from 1994 to 1996. Officials withheld specific information regarding suspected perpetrators or victims involved.
The department urged individuals with knowledge of the alleged criminal activity to reach out to authorities.
“Where relevant, and via the national coordination group, we will engage with law enforcement agencies to obtain access to further information which may support our enquiries,” Surrey Police officials stated.
Essex Police announced Tuesday they are examining details about private aircraft operations at Stansted Airport based on information discovered in the recent document disclosure.
The Epstein controversy has created significant turmoil within Britain’s royal family and political establishment due to connections between the disgraced financier and Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the former prince, along with Peter Mandelson, Britain’s previous ambassador to the United States.
King Charles III removed his brother’s royal designations in October, including his princely title, as an attempt to shield the monarchy from ongoing disclosures about Andrew’s association with Epstein.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer faced criticism over his decision-making and encountered leadership challenges after the documents exposed that Mandelson maintained closer ties to Epstein than he had previously disclosed when Starmer appointed him to the Washington diplomatic post.
NEW YORK (TV Delmarva) — The United Nations Security Council has moved up its scheduled discussion on the Gaza ceasefire agreement to Wednesday, one day earlier than planned, to accommodate diplomatic travel before President Donald Trump’s inaugural Board of Peace gathering.
The timing adjustment came after Trump announced his board would convene Thursday, creating scheduling conflicts for international diplomats hoping to participate in both events. The overlap signals possible competing approaches between the established UN framework and Trump’s newly created peace initiative, which aims to mediate global conflicts.
Palestinian UN Ambassador Riyad Mansour expressed his expectations for both gatherings, telling reporters: “We expect from the international community to stop Israel and end their illegal effort against annexation, whether in Washington or in New York.”
Wednesday’s Security Council session will bring together foreign ministers from Britain, Israel, Jordan, Egypt, and Indonesia, among other nations. The 15-member council agreed to the emergency session after multiple Arab and Islamic nations requested urgent discussions about Gaza and Israel’s controversial West Bank activities.
Trump’s Board of Peace, which he will chair personally, initially focused on his comprehensive 20-point Gaza reconstruction plan. However, the Republican president has expanded the board’s mission to address conflicts worldwide, drawing skepticism from key allies.
More than 20 nations have agreed to join Trump’s peace initiative, though notable US partners like France and Germany have declined participation while reaffirming their commitment to UN processes currently undergoing significant reforms and budget reductions.
US Ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz defended the board’s membership during a Monday radio interview with Hugh Hewitt, emphasizing that crucial players including Qatar and Egypt, who maintain communication channels with Hamas leadership, have joined the effort.
“All of those countries are on the Board of Peace, singing the same tune as the United States,” Waltz stated.
The Security Council meeting follows Tuesday’s dramatic scene where 14 of the 15 council members, excluding only the United States, stood with Palestinian Ambassador Mansour as he delivered a statement from 80 countries condemning Israel’s West Bank actions and demanding immediate policy reversals.
Israel has initiated a controversial land regulation process that will strengthen its authority over the occupied West Bank territory. Israeli Energy Minister Eli Cohen described these measures as establishing “de facto sovereignty” that would prevent Palestinian statehood.
Palestinian officials, Arab governments, and human rights organizations have denounced these actions as illegal annexation of land where approximately 3.4 million Palestinians live and hope to establish their future nation.
Wednesday’s UN session will also examine the US-mediated ceasefire that began October 10, ending more than two years of warfare between Israel and Hamas. Britain, currently leading the Security Council, announced the meeting will feature briefings from UN political affairs chief Rosemary DiCarlo and Israeli and Palestinian civilian representatives speaking for the first time since the October 7 attacks.
Several ceasefire provisions have been implemented successfully, including Hamas releasing all hostages in its custody and increased humanitarian supplies reaching Gaza, though UN officials say aid levels remain inadequate. A newly formed administrative committee now oversees Gaza’s daily operations.
The most difficult challenges remain ahead, including establishing an international security presence, dismantling Hamas’s military capabilities, and reconstructing Gaza’s infrastructure.
Trump announced this week that Board of Peace members have committed $5 billion for Gaza reconstruction and will provide thousands of personnel for international stabilization and police operations in the territory, though he provided no specific details. Indonesia’s military has indicated up to 8,000 troops could be prepared by late June for possible Gaza deployment as part of humanitarian and peacekeeping efforts.
Foreign policy experts are expressing alarm after President Donald Trump revealed he’s consulting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping about potential weapons sales to Taiwan, a move that could undermine longstanding diplomatic principles.
During a Monday press briefing, Trump made the surprising disclosure when reporters questioned him about Xi’s opposition to the arms deals. “I’ve talked to him about it. We had a good conversation, and we’ll make a determination pretty soon,” Trump stated, emphasizing his “very good relationship with President Xi.”
The revelation has sparked intense debate about whether America’s approach to Taiwan might be shifting before Trump’s scheduled April visit to China.
According to William Yang, a senior Northeast Asia analyst with the International Crisis Group, Trump’s consultation with Xi could breach the Six Assurances – a collection of policy guidelines established in 1982 during Ronald Reagan’s presidency that have shaped U.S.-Taiwan relations.
The second principle explicitly declares that America “did not agree to consult with the People’s Republic of China on arms sales to Taiwan.”
“That basically has been executed by several U.S. presidents after Ronald Reagan to justify and continue the arms sales to Taiwan without actually discussing the topic with China over the past few decades,” Yang explained.
Yang warned that Trump might be establishing a “dangerous precedent” that could enable Beijing to influence future American weapons sales to Taiwan.
Taiwan’s leadership has remained silent on Trump’s remarks as the island observes its weeklong Lunar New Year celebration.
The controversy stems from China’s territorial ambitions regarding Taiwan, with Beijing insisting the island must be reunified with the mainland, using military force if needed. China prevents nations with which it maintains diplomatic ties from establishing formal relationships with Taipei and routinely deploys naval vessels and aircraft near the island.
Although lacking official diplomatic connections with Taiwan, America serves as the island’s primary unofficial ally and weapons provider. Federal law requires the U.S. to supply Taiwan with adequate military equipment to prevent mainland attacks.
Last December, the Trump administration approved a historic $11 billion arms package for Taiwan.
China strongly objected to the agreement, with Xi cautioning Trump during a recent phone call that “the U.S. must handle the issue of arms sales to Taiwan with prudence.”
Xi emphasized that “the Taiwan question is the most important issue in China-U.S. relations,” according to China’s foreign ministry summary of their conversation.
Lev Nachman, a political science professor at National Taiwan University, outlined the three foundations of U.S. policy toward Taiwan in the absence of formal diplomatic recognition.
The Taiwan Relations Act, passed by Congress in 1979 when America recognized China and ended Taiwan ties, legally obligates the U.S. to help Taiwan defend itself while treating any threats to the island as security concerns.
The Three Communiques represent joint statements from the 1970s and 1980s between American and Chinese officials covering various Taiwan-related issues. These documents allow the U.S. to acknowledge one China without accepting Beijing’s control over Taiwan, creating strategic flexibility for America to assist Taiwan while maintaining Chinese diplomatic relations.
The Six Assurances were designed to guarantee continued American support for Taiwan and have reportedly been honored by every president since Reagan.
Hoo Tiang Boon, an associate professor of international relations at Singapore’s Nanyang Technological University, expressed concern that Trump’s statements suggest China might influence the volume of American arms sales to Taiwan.
“Even if eventually the U.S. will approve whatever arms sales packages to Taiwan, it is a disturbing development, particularly from the perspective of Taiwan because it sounds like it would be an issue that would be bargained away,” Hoo noted.
Taiwan is expected to be a major topic during Trump’s April China visit, alongside trade disputes and technology access issues.
Yang suggested that uncertainty about Trump’s approach to Taiwan arms sales during his visit could increase doubts on the island about American willingness to defend against a potential Chinese invasion.
“This further surge of skepticism, anxiety about the United States within Taiwan is exactly what China would be aiming for,” he added.
Taiwan’s independence-supporting administration under President Lai Ching-te already faces challenges funding existing American arms purchases, with the budget stalled in parliament.
Opposition legislators announced Monday they would examine a $40 billion special defense budget when parliament reconvenes February 23rd following the holiday break.
PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Federal officials are challenging a court ruling that mandated the return of a historical display about nine enslaved individuals who lived at George Washington’s former residence in Philadelphia’s Independence Mall.
The Justice Department maintains that federal authorities have exclusive control over the narratives presented at National Park Service locations. Last month, park officials suddenly took down displays at the Philadelphia location, leading the city and exhibit supporters to file legal action.
On Monday, U.S. Senior Judge Cynthia M. Rufe issued a temporary restraining order requiring the materials to be put back in place during ongoing litigation and preventing Trump administration officials from developing new historical interpretations for the site. The following day, the administration submitted an appeal notice to the 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Philadelphia.
Judge Rufe, who was nominated by Republican President George W. Bush, drew parallels between President Donald Trump’s administration and the authoritarian government depicted in George Orwell’s dystopian work “1984,” which altered historical documentation to support its agenda.
“As if the Ministry of Truth in George Orwell’s 1984 now existed, with its motto ‘Ignorance is Strength,’ this Court is now asked to determine whether the federal government has the power it claims — to dissemble and disassemble historical truths when it has some domain over historical facts,” Rufe wrote. “It does not.”
Philadelphia, recognized as the birthplace of America, anticipates hosting millions of visitors this year as the nation marks the 250th anniversary of its establishment in 1776.
This location is part of a broader pattern where the current administration has discretely eliminated educational materials addressing the experiences of enslaved individuals, LGBTQ+ communities, and Native American populations at various historical sites.
Delaware area seniors looking to better understand their Medicare options can attend free virtual workshops being offered by Virginia Farm Bureau Health Insurance over the coming months.
The educational sessions will cover Medicare qualification requirements, when to enroll, and the various coverage plans available to beneficiaries. Six different workshop times are scheduled to give participants flexibility in choosing when to attend:
April 15 at 10 a.m.
May 27 at 6 p.m.
June 4 at 2 p.m.
July 15 at 10 a.m.
Aug. 20 at 6 p.m.
Sept. 10 at 10 a.m.
Those interested can sign up for their preferred session through the organization’s website. The workshops are free and open to everyone, with participants able to join using a computer, smartphone, tablet, or by calling in on a regular phone. For those who need it, closed captioning will be provided during the presentations.
American companies concluded 2025 with robust equipment purchases, as December orders for key manufactured capital goods exceeded forecasts and shipments jumped significantly, according to new federal data released Wednesday.
The Commerce Department’s latest figures show that orders for core capital goods – which exclude defense items and aircraft – climbed 0.6% in December, surpassing economist predictions of a 0.4% increase. This follows a revised 0.8% gain in November.
The year-end surge in business investment, largely fueled by artificial intelligence technology expansion, has analysts predicting sustained economic momentum heading into 2026.
“After the AI boom sustained the business spending category of GDP in the first three quarters of the year, firms outside of the tech space began to re-engage late last year, setting the stage for a noticeable pickup in investment outlays in 2026,” explained Stephen Stanley, chief U.S. economist at Santander U.S. Capital Markets.
Stanley added: “This has been and continues to be my main justification for expecting an above-consensus economic performance in 2026.”
The artificial intelligence revolution continues driving rapid expansion in data center construction, though import tariffs have dampened manufacturing activity in sectors not connected to AI technology. Economic experts anticipate broader manufacturing recovery this year as tariff uncertainties diminish and tax reductions take hold.
December saw particularly strong performance across multiple sectors. Computer and electronic product orders jumped 3.0%, while fabricated metal products surged 0.9%. Electrical equipment and components rose 0.6%, machinery orders increased 0.3%, and primary metals orders shot up 1.7%.
Core capital goods shipments experienced an even more dramatic rise, jumping 0.9% after November’s modest 0.2% gain. The report’s release was postponed due to last year’s federal government shutdown and arrives ahead of Friday’s preliminary fourth-quarter GDP estimates.
Economists project business equipment spending achieved its fourth consecutive quarter of expansion. The overall economy likely maintained a 3.0% annualized growth rate during the final quarter of 2025, following the July-September period’s robust 4.4% pace.
However, broader durable goods orders – covering everything from household appliances to aircraft designed to last three years or longer – dropped 1.4% in December after November’s strong 5.4% surge.
This decrease stemmed primarily from a 24.9% plunge in non-defense aircraft and parts orders. Boeing’s website indicates the company secured 175 aircraft orders in December, mostly less expensive models, compared to 164 orders in November.
Transportation equipment orders fell 5.3% after rebounding 15.2% the previous month, though motor vehicle orders recovered with a 1.2% increase. Overall durable goods shipments grew 1.0% following the prior month’s 0.3% decline.
Financial markets showed little reaction to the equipment spending data as investors focused on upcoming Federal Reserve meeting minutes from the January 27-28 policy session.
Housing sector developments presented a mixed picture. Single-family housing construction starts, representing the majority of homebuilding activity, increased 4.1% to reach a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 981,000 units in December.
Import tariffs affecting building materials like lumber and bathroom vanities have elevated construction costs, while labor shortages amid immigration enforcement have further constrained building activity.
Multi-family housing starts experienced a dramatic 10.1% surge to 402,000 units annually. Combined housing starts jumped 6.2% to 1.404 million units, marking the highest level since July.
Future single-family construction permits declined 1.7% to 881,000 units in December. Homebuilder confidence continued deteriorating in February, according to National Association of Home Builders survey data released Tuesday, with builders citing expensive land, high construction costs, and elevated home prices relative to household incomes.
The current administration has introduced various housing affordability measures, including mortgage-backed securities purchases and restrictions on institutional investors buying single-family properties. Despite some mortgage rate relief, progress has stalled as federal debt concerns keep Treasury yields elevated.
Since mortgage rates follow 10-year Treasury yields, economists and real estate professionals emphasize that increasing housing supply remains essential for affordability improvements. The delayed fourth-quarter GDP report is expected to show residential investment declining for the fourth straight quarter.
ANTERSELVA, ITALY – France captured gold in the women’s 4x6km biathlon relay at the Milano Cortina Olympics on Wednesday, with Julia Simon completing a commanding performance on the anchor leg for her third gold medal of the Games.
Simon had an easy final lap after teammate Oceane Michelon delivered an outstanding third leg that put France in control of the race. Sweden finished second for the silver medal, trailing by 51.3 seconds, while Norway earned the bronze.
The relay format required each athlete to complete three laps on the 2-kilometer course with two shooting sessions – one lying down and one standing. Competitors could use up to three extra shots to hit their targets before being forced to ski a penalty lap.
Early in the race, top contenders France, Norway, Sweden and Germany all struggled with their marksmanship, using their extra shots frequently and allowing the lead to shift back and forth multiple times.
This opened opportunities for underdogs like Bulgaria, Latvia and Czech Republic to briefly take the lead, but the favored nations eventually found their rhythm and pulled ahead by the third leg.
France’s fortunes changed dramatically when Michelon stepped up for the third leg, delivering flawless prone shooting by quickly hitting all five targets to give her team a commanding advantage.
With a comfortable lead in hand, Simon skied the final leg without pressure, looking relaxed as if she were simply training. She capped off her dominant performance with impressive rapid-fire shooting, hitting all five targets before embarking on what became a victory celebration lap.
The battle for second place came down to Sweden’s Hanna Oeberg and Norway’s Maren Kirkeeide on the final leg, with Oeberg maintaining her composure to secure the silver medal for Sweden.
A 19-year-old Alpine skier competing for Albania expressed optimism about her future performance after securing a 10th-place finish in Wednesday’s Olympic women’s slalom event in Cortina d’Ampezzo.
Lara Colturi recorded a time of 1:41.78 in the slalom race, placing her just behind Germany’s Emma Aicher and America’s Paula Moltzan. Despite her Italian birth in Turin, Colturi represents Albania through her mother Daniela Ceccarelli, who became the Albanian Ski Federation’s technical director in 2021. Ceccarelli previously won Olympic gold in super-G at the 2002 Winter Games.
“I try to do my best, and I’m really proud of it even though it wasn’t enough. I know I can do a lot, and ski a lot better, so I will just stay focused on that, and the season is not over,” Colturi stated following her race.
The young athlete, who primarily focuses on slalom events, indicated she might expand into speed disciplines despite recovering from an ACL injury sustained in 2023. She’s contemplating participation in upcoming super-G competition.
“Speed has always been somewhere in my mind. Unfortunately, after the injury it was difficult to train (in the speed disciplines). I was considering doing the next super-G in Italy, in San Pellegrino, but it depends on how I’m feeling. We’ll see, why not?” she explained.
The San Pellegrino venue will host women’s World Cup Alpine skiing competitions in early March.
Colturi’s training arrangement mirrors that of super-G and giant slalom champion Federica Brignone, with family members handling coaching duties. Her mother serves as her coach while her father works as her athletic trainer.
“It’s not easy being coached by your parents – we’re all growing, all three of us, and we’re learning a lot,” she noted. “Having my mum and dad always by my side, here as well, is truly wonderful; they are my rock. I definitely wouldn’t be here without them.”
The skier made World Cup history in 2022 when she debuted at age 15, becoming the circuit’s youngest female competitor in more than four decades. At these Olympics, she carried Albania’s flag during opening ceremonies.
“I haven’t spent much time in Cortina and I had never raced here. I didn’t know the course very well. But it was just amazing, especially when I crossed the finish line on the first run today. I’m really happy to be here,” she shared.
When questioned about potentially switching to compete for Italy in future events, Colturi remained noncommittal. “This is an individual sport, so I am here with my parents and that is the most important thing. As for the future, who knows – we’ll see,” she responded.
JOHANNESBURG – Four men from South Africa who were deceived into joining Russian military operations in Ukraine have arrived back in their home country, according to the South African Broadcasting Corporation.
The men touched down at O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg on Wednesday, where law enforcement officials were present to meet them, SABC reported.
When contacted for details, a police representative refused to provide comment and referred questions to the nation’s foreign affairs department. Officials from the foreign ministry did not immediately return requests for information.
In November, South African authorities announced they would launch an investigation into how 17 of their nationals became involved with mercenary operations in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. The probe began after the men reached out desperately seeking assistance to return to South Africa.
Earlier this month, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa held a phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Following their discussion, Ramaphosa’s administration released a statement saying both leaders had “pledged their support to the process of returning South Africans fighting alongside Russian forces in Ukraine.”
According to South African legal statutes, citizens are prohibited from offering military support to foreign nations or enlisting in overseas armed forces without official authorization from South Africa.
This February brings National Sweet Potato Month, providing the perfect opportunity to explore the nutritional benefits and culinary possibilities of this versatile root vegetable.
Sweet potatoes have ancient origins, with experts believing they were initially grown in tropical regions of the Americas more than 5,000 years ago. Today, these orange powerhouses are increasingly recognized as a superfood packed with essential nutrients. According to University of Illinois Extension, they deliver high amounts of fiber, vitamins A and C, calcium, potassium, and manganese while being naturally low in sodium and rich in antioxidants.
The kitchen possibilities are endless with sweet potatoes, thanks to hundreds of different varieties that offer distinct colors, tastes, and textures. From roasted and pureed preparations to fried dishes and dessert applications, these root vegetables can please diverse taste preferences.
Honor this special month by using locally sourced sweet potatoes in dishes like a hearty breakfast skillet combining mushrooms, sweet potatoes, and kale, or warm up with a spiced curried sweet potato soup for your midday or evening meal.
In Virginia, sweet potato harvest season runs from September through February. The most recent U.S. Census of Agriculture data shows that 184 Virginia farms produced sweet potatoes across 204 acres in 2022.
The Virginia Grown website can help you locate locally produced sweet potatoes in your area.
Mushroom, Sweet Potato and Kale Breakfast Skillet
3 tablespoons olive oil, divided 2 sweet potatoes, cut into 1/2-inch pieces 1 pound white button mushrooms (or crimini mushrooms), cleaned and quartered 2 cups kale, stemmed, roughly chopped 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1/2 teaspoon paprika kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste 4 large eggs 1 avocado, halved, pitted, peeled and sliced chopped fresh parsley, for garnishing
Heat oven to 375°.
In a large cast-iron skillet, heat 2 tablespoons oil over medium-low heat. Add potatoes and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are light golden-brown and tender-crisp, about 10 minutes.
Stir in the remaining oil, mushrooms and kale, and cook until the kale is wilted, about 1-2 minutes. Stir in cumin, paprika, salt and pepper. Remove from heat.
Make four small wells in the mushroom mixture. Crack an egg into each well. Bake until the whites are set and yolks are cooked to your liking, about 6-8 minutes. Garnish with avocado and parsley, and serve.
Recipe courtesy of The Mushroom Council.
Curried Sweet Potato Soup
2 tablespoons olive oil 1 cup diced onion 1 teaspoon minced garlic 2 tablespoon curry powder 6 cups chicken or vegetable stock 6 cups peeled, diced sweet potatoes 2 cups heavy cream salt and pepper to taste crispy fried onions for garnish
In a medium soup pot, heat olive oil over low heat. Add onion, and cook until translucent, about 8-10 minutes.
Add garlic and curry powder, and cook until curry becomes fragrant, about 1 minute.
Pour in the stock, and mix in the sweet potatoes. Bring to a simmer, and cook for 20 minutes or until the potatoes are tender.
Remove from the heat and cool slightly. Puree using a stick blender or in a blender using small batches. Stir in the heavy cream, and add salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fried onions before serving.
Recipe prepared by Chef Tammy Brawley on Real Virginia, Virginia Farm Bureau’s weekly television program
The 2026 National Religious Broadcasters gathering is underway in Nashville, drawing more than 3,000 Christian media professionals from across the globe, including participants from Israel, India and Australia.
Dr. Albert Mohler, who serves as president of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, addressed attendees about the importance of maintaining their biblical convictions despite worldwide turmoil. Mohler emphasized that the NRB 2026 conference serves as a reminder for participants to remain steadfast in their faith-based principles amid global uncertainty.
During his remarks, Dr. Mohler highlighted Christian talk radio as an exceptionally effective medium for sharing the Gospel message with millions of listeners worldwide.
A Michigan State University extension specialist is urging dairy operations to establish comprehensive training initiatives as the agricultural sector grapples with persistent staffing challenges.
Martin Carrasquillo Mangual, who works with Michigan State University’s extension program, facilitates introductory training sessions designed for dairy operations. He emphasizes the importance of structured onboarding for new employees entering the agricultural workforce.
“Often workers are coming from different places,” Carrasquillo Mangual explains. “Not often do they have a rural background, not necessarily do they have an animal background, so that creates unique training needs.”
The extension educator’s recommendations come as dairy farms across the region continue to struggle with finding and retaining qualified workers, making workforce development programs increasingly crucial for operational success.
Motorists in Bear should expect delays on eastbound Christiana Road this afternoon due to a lane restriction.
The Delaware Department of Transportation reports that the right lane of Route 7 eastbound is currently blocked between Pulaski Highway (Route 40) and Newton Road.
Officials say the lane closure will remain in effect until 3 PM today. Drivers are advised to use caution in the area and consider alternate routes if possible.
State education officials are taking steps to shut down a Delaware charter school after identifying serious problems with its operations.
The Charter School Accountability Committee within Delaware’s Department of Education voted Tuesday to pursue closure of the Bryan Allen Stevenson School of Excellence, commonly known as BASSE. The panel cited multiple issues including problems with student enrollment numbers, financial management, and organizational structure.
Community members will have a chance to weigh in on the closure proposal during a public hearing set for 5 p.m. on March 9. The meeting will take place at Delaware Technical Community College’s Owens Campus located in Georgetown.
The hearing will also include time for public comments regarding the committee’s recommendation to terminate the school’s operating charter.
NEWARK, Del. – The University of Delaware’s Department of Athletics, Community, and Campus Recreation has unveiled a time-sensitive fundraising initiative called “302 for the 302.”
The campaign aims to secure donations from 302 supporters for Delaware Athletics within a 302-hour timeframe. The fundraising effort started Wednesday, February 18 at 10 a.m. and will conclude on Monday, March 2 at 11:59 p.m.
Those interested in contributing to the campaign can make donations by visiting bluehens.com.
A senior economic advisor to President Trump is calling for disciplinary action against Federal Reserve researchers who published findings that contradict the administration’s position on trade tariffs.
Kevin Hassett, who leads the White House’s National Economic Council, delivered harsh criticism Wednesday of a New York Federal Reserve study examining who pays the price for increased import taxes. The research concluded that Americans shoulder the burden of tariff costs, contradicting the Trump administration’s longstanding claim that foreign nations absorb these expenses.
During a CNBC interview, Hassett denounced the research in strong terms. “The paper is an embarrassment,” he stated. “It’s, I think, the worst paper I’ve ever seen in the history of the Federal Reserve System” and “the people associated with this paper should presumably be disciplined” for writing it.
Hassett further criticized the methodology behind the study, claiming the New York Fed researchers have “put out a conclusion which has created a lot of news that’s highly partisan based on analysis that wouldn’t be accepted in a first semester econ class.”
The disputed research analyzed the effects of the president’s substantial increases in import duties and determined that domestic consumers and businesses ultimately pay these costs rather than foreign exporters. Similar conclusions have emerged from other economic studies on the topic.
Officials at the New York Federal Reserve had not provided a response to requests for comment regarding Hassett’s statements.
Federal health officials have agreed to evaluate Moderna’s innovative influenza vaccine following an unprecedented public confrontation that initially prevented the company from submitting its application for the groundbreaking immunization.
The biotechnology company revealed this development on Wednesday, roughly one week after disclosing that federal vaccine regulators had declined to examine the new immunization, which utilizes Nobel Prize-recognized mRNA science.
The disagreement revolved around a large-scale clinical study involving 40,000 participants that demonstrated Moderna’s innovative vaccine outperformed existing standard flu immunizations in adults aged 50 and above. Federal vaccine oversight director Dr. Vinay Prasad issued an uncommon “refusal to file” notice, criticizing the research for excluding another vaccine brand specifically designed for individuals 65 and older.
Moderna challenged this decision publicly. The company argued that although federal regulators had suggested that particular testing approach, officials eventually approved the study’s framework. Additionally, Moderna provided supplementary comparison information from a different trial that utilized a high-dose immunization for senior citizens. Federal authorities identified no safety issues.
Nevertheless, Moderna announced Wednesday that as part of a settlement, the company will pursue complete authorization for vaccine use in adults between 50 and 64 years old, while seeking expedited approval for those 65 and above, contingent on conducting further research after market release. Company stock prices increased more than 5% following the morning announcement.
Federal regulators are aiming for a decision by August 5th, with Moderna expressing optimism about vaccine availability before year’s end. The company has also submitted approval requests in Europe, Canada, and Australia.
This remarkably public disagreement represents another indication of intensified federal vaccine oversight under Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., especially regarding mRNA-based immunizations, which he has previously criticized both before and after assuming the nation’s highest health position.
Over the past year, federal health officials operating under Kennedy’s leadership have withdrawn COVID-19 vaccination recommendations, implemented additional warnings for the two primary COVID vaccines utilizing mRNA technology, and dismissed administration critics from federal advisory committees.
Corporate sponsors are finding new ways to showcase their brands at the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics, breaking from the Games’ traditional commercial-free atmosphere.
At freestyle skiing events, athletes like Eileen Gu wait for their results beside prominently displayed Powerade coolers, though competitors typically don’t consume the beverages. Blue sports drink bottles fill hockey penalty boxes, and even tissues in figure skating’s emotional “Kiss and Cry” zones carry corporate logos.
The Olympics have historically maintained advertising-free competition areas, but the current Milan Cortina Games show sponsors gaining more visibility during actual events.
“We continue to open up those opportunities for partners,” said Anne-Sophie Voumard, the International Olympic Committee’s marketing director, on Wednesday. She explained that sponsor products can now have an “organically present” role across more Olympic settings.
This trend appears to have gained momentum following French luxury conglomerate LVMH’s prominent Louis Vuitton branding during the 2024 Paris Olympics opening ceremony.
“It seems like there’s been an increasing need and desire from the sponsors for the IOC to show greater value in the TOP program (for the biggest partners),” explained Terrence Burns, who previously worked in Olympic marketing and now consults for sponsors and host city bids, in comments to The Associated Press.
Television broadcasts now feature strategic product placement, though it remains subtle compared to typical American sporting events. Arena spectators hear sponsor mentions from announcers and see corporate logos displayed on large screens.
These developments come as sponsors prepare for expanded opportunities at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
The IOC seeks to enhance value in its TOP sponsorship program, which has generated significant revenue for four decades. Milan currently hosts 11 TOP sponsors, down from a peak of 15 in Paris. This year’s revenue totaled $560 million in cash and services, compared to $871 million in 2024.
While Olympic hockey appears clean and commercial-free to NHL viewers accustomed to board advertising, the in-venue experience differs significantly.
“This is the Corona Cero wave!” an announcer enthusiastically declares, connecting the alcohol-free beer brand to crowd participation efforts during a quiet afternoon match.
An automotive company receives recognition through the “Stellantis Freeze Cam,” while a boxer interview during intermission comes “thanks to Salomon,” the ski apparel brand that partnered with Milan Cortina organizers.
Burns believes arena logo placement provides psychological benefits for sponsors but offers limited value compared to their major pre-Games marketing campaigns.
“I think it’s a psychological ‘Attaboy’ to see your brand on a board somewhere in and around the Olympics,” Burns observed. “I get it, but show me how that helps you sell more things.”
The Olympic Charter requires exceptional approval for any venue logos, but the IOC has steadily loosened these restrictions over time.
“The Olympic world moves slow, and it should. It’s a 3,000-year-old brand, so they’ve got to be careful with it,” Burns noted.
Just ten years ago, the “clean venue” policy was so rigorous that IOC personnel inspected arena restroom hand dryers to ensure manufacturer brands were covered with tape.
During the Tokyo 2021 Olympics, athlete social media restrictions regarding personal sponsors were relaxed following a German legal challenge.
The Paris Games featured medals delivered in Louis Vuitton-branded cases, followed by athletes receiving phones for “the Olympic Victory Selfie, presented by Samsung,” a new tradition continuing at Milan Cortina.
Voumard acknowledged the importance of being “mindful of the legacy of those (Olympic) Games and the uniqueness of the presentation.”
The Los Angeles Olympics will pioneer new sponsorship territory.
For the first time, the IOC has authorized venue naming rights sales through a pilot program. Anaheim’s volleyball venue will retain its Honda Center designation, matching NHL games, while Comcast will brand a temporary squash arena.
Previously, sponsor-named stadiums required generic Olympic names. London’s O2 Arena became North Greenwich Arena for 2012 basketball and gymnastics, while multiple French soccer venues received temporary names for 2024.
Burns anticipates Los Angeles organizers may pressure the IOC for additional sponsor-friendly measures, requiring the organization to balance requests against Olympic brand protection.
“It’s not unreasonable to think that LA would look to what happened in Paris with Louis Vuitton or even Samsung on a podium,” Burns said.
“It’s their fiduciary responsibility to try to make as much money as they can. So they’re going to be looking for any and all opportunities to generate incremental revenue from sponsors. That’s the IOC’s role as a franchisor to protect that.”
Those seeking a peaceful getaway or scenic retreat might want to consider visiting a famous 8,000-acre destination nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains. The winter season provides calm, memorable days perfect for exploration and relaxation.
Members of Virginia Farm Bureau can receive discounts of up to $8 on Biltmore Estate’s digital admission tickets year-round. The estate is currently featuring its most affordable pricing of the season, available until March 25.
The Biltmore experience offers exceptional relaxation opportunities and distinctive activities for guests. The estate features tours of the magnificent mansion showcasing its architectural beauty, historical significance, and impressive art displays. Visitors can sample premium wines at the on-site winery, browse specialty retail shops, walk through exclusive nature paths, and dine on locally-sourced cuisine at various restaurants throughout the property.
Virginia Farm Bureau members interested in accessing this discount can visit the organization’s website to discover how to claim their savings benefit.
As February arrives, homeowners across the region begin planning their ambitious spring renovation projects, and a visit to The Meadow Event Park in Caroline County could provide the perfect jumpstart for those seasonal goals.
The RVA Home Show is scheduled to return to The Meadow on February 21-22, providing visitors with a comprehensive marketplace to connect with top-rated landscaping businesses, home renovation contractors, interior design firms and additional service providers in the area. Those interested in attending can find additional details at rvahomeshow.com.
Boating enthusiasts can also prepare for the upcoming season during the Central Virginia Boat Show, which runs from February 27 through March 1. This three-day exhibition will showcase marine retailers presenting “boats for every budget and every lifestyle,” featuring pontoon vessels, family sport boats, ski boats, wakeboard boats and deck boats. Complete information is available on the show’s website at rvaboatshow.com.
On February 28, ticket holders for the Virginia Ducks Unlimited State Volunteer Celebration for Wetlands Conservation will honor the conservation work of state volunteers while enjoying refreshments, a buffet dinner, auctions, raffles, games and door prizes. Additional details can be found on the Ducks Unlimited website.
Those wanting to stay informed about upcoming events at The Meadow Event Park can subscribe for monthly email updates through the venue’s website.
BUDAPEST, Hungary — Hungarian officials announced Wednesday they will halt diesel fuel exports to Ukraine following ongoing disruptions to Russian oil deliveries through a key pipeline crossing Ukrainian soil.
Oil shipments from Russia to both Hungary and Slovakia have been cut off since January 27th following damage to the Druzhba pipeline, which transports Russian crude oil into Central Europe. Ukrainian authorities attribute the damage to Russian military strikes.
Both Hungary and Slovakia, nations that secured temporary waivers from European Union restrictions on Russian oil purchases, have pointed fingers at Ukraine for intentionally blocking the fuel supplies, though they have not offered proof of these claims.
Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó declared in a social media video Wednesday that the supply disruption represents “a political decision made by the Ukrainian president himself.”
Ukrainian officials have rejected these allegations.
Szijjártó also stated that Hungary maintains sufficient oil stockpiles to meet needs for over three months and emphasized the country’s energy security remains intact.
While nearly all European nations have dramatically cut or completely eliminated Russian energy purchases, Hungary — despite being both an EU and NATO member — has continued and even expanded its Russian oil and gas imports since Moscow began its military campaign in Ukraine in February 2022.
Hungarian nationalist leader Viktor Orbán has consistently maintained that Russian energy sources are essential for the nation’s economic stability, claiming that transitioning to alternative energy suppliers would trigger immediate economic devastation — a position challenged by some energy analysts.
Recognized as Moscow’s strongest supporter within the EU, Orbán has actively resisted the bloc’s sanctioning efforts against Russia following its invasion and has criticized measures targeting Russian energy revenues that help fund the military operation.
With April elections approaching that could prove the most difficult challenge to his 16-year tenure, Orbán has initiated an intense campaign criticizing both Ukraine and the EU, attempting to persuade Hungarian voters that their neighboring country represents a serious threat and that only he can ensure Hungary’s protection.
After the Druzhba pipeline interruptions began in late January, Hungarian leadership requested that Croatia permit Russian oil delivered by ship to flow through the Adria pipeline to Hungarian and Slovakian refineries.
Croatian Economy Minister Ante Šušnjar indicated his nation would not permit Central European energy security to be compromised but rejected Hungary’s proposal.
In a Monday post on social media platform X, Šušnjar stated there are “no technical excuses left for staying tied to Russian crude for any EU country.”
“A barrel bought from Russia may appear cheaper to some countries, but helps fund war and attacks on Ukrainian people,” he wrote.
THE HAGUE, Netherlands — The former president of Kosovo made an impassioned final appeal Wednesday to international judges, positioning himself as a champion of peace while requesting full acquittal on what he described as baseless accusations of murder, torture and persecution stemming from his country’s fight for independence.
“Throughout my life, I stood with the people of Kosovo defending freedom, life and dignity. I was always guided by the Western ideals of democracy, equality and justice,” Hashim Thaci declared to the panel at the conclusion of his trial spanning nearly three years at the Kosovo Specialist Chambers.
Emotional supporters packed the courtroom’s public viewing area at the start of his address, pressing against the glass barrier to gesture toward their former leader before security personnel intervened. At least one observer was seen shedding tears during Thaci’s remarks.
The prosecution is demanding maximum sentences of 45 years behind bars for Thaci along with co-defendants Kadri Veseli, Rexhep Selimi and Jakup Krasniqi. Additionally, Thaci confronts a second upcoming trial on witness intimidation allegations scheduled to commence this month.
Thaci stepped down from the presidency in 2020 to confront 10 counts of crimes against humanity and war crimes allegedly perpetrated during Kosovo’s 1998-99 independence war against Serbia. He and three other former Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) commanders have remained in detention since November 2020 at the Hague-based tribunal, which operates as part of Kosovo’s legal framework. The defendants now face what could be months of waiting before judges deliver their verdicts.
During his final courtroom address, Thaci, who has consistently maintained his innocence, stated “the only just decision would be my full acquittal.”
He described leaving his studies in Switzerland to help protect his homeland from violent assaults by Serbia, eventually becoming a prominent KLA negotiator in Western-mediated peace discussions and subsequently his nation’s president.
“During all that time, the only power I had was the power of my voice,” he testified.
“I used my voice to promote a multi-ethnic and tolerant society in my country, in Kosovo,” he continued.
However, prosecutor Kimberly West presented a dramatically different narrative on Monday, telling judges that witnesses offered “overwhelming evidence” showing Thaci and his co-defendants implemented a strategy of targeting political rivals and civilians viewed as collaborators and traitors while leading the Kosovo Liberation Army.
Thaci also rejected allegations that Kosovo Albanian combatants removed organs from captives during the conflict, calling such claims “Russian and Serbian propaganda.”
Wednesday’s final arguments followed a massive demonstration Tuesday in Kosovo’s capital city of Pristina, where thousands rallied in solidarity with Thaci and the other former fighters facing trial, coinciding with the country’s independence anniversary celebration.
Kosovo proclaimed independence from Serbia in 2008, though Belgrade continues to reject this declaration. Relations between the two nations remain strained despite nine years of European Union-facilitated negotiations backed by the United States.
Many Kosovo citizens view the court proceedings as an effort to distort their historical narrative, arguing it attempts to equate Serbia’s actions with their own suffering.
Ethnic Albanians comprised the majority of the approximately 13,000 war casualties in Kosovo. The conflict concluded after a 78-day NATO bombing campaign against Serbian military forces. Nearly one million ethnic Albanian Kosovars were forced to flee their residences.
Reflecting on his decision to join the struggle, Thaci stated: “I did not return to risk my life for control or for power. I returned to my homeland, risking my life, for freedom and for peace.”
LYON, France — Authorities in France have detained 11 individuals in connection with the fatal assault of a young nationalist student, marking another chapter in the country’s escalating political tensions as the 2027 presidential race approaches.
Twenty-three-year-old Quentin Deranque, characterized as an ardent nationalist, succumbed to his injuries at a medical facility on Saturday. The student had been severely beaten two days prior during violent confrontations between opposing political factions in Lyon. The altercation occurred on the sidelines of a student gathering featuring far-left European Parliament member Rima Hassan as the main speaker.
Medical examination revealed Deranque sustained a broken skull and severe brain trauma that proved fatal, according to Lyon prosecutor Thierry Dran. Authorities launched a homicide investigation and are exploring additional criminal charges. Dran’s office confirmed that officers apprehended a man and woman Wednesday morning, adding to nine others already in custody since Tuesday evening.
Hassan, a French-Palestinian politician born in a Syrian refugee camp, represents the far-left France Unbowed party in the European Parliament. Following the initial attack but prior to Deranque’s death, Hassan posted on social media expressing her shock at the violence and denouncing it.
The student’s death has unleashed a wave of political finger-pointing, with much criticism directed at France Unbowed. Political adversaries claim the party’s aggressive far-left stance, including harsh criticism of Israel, promotes violence and social discord.
The organization operates under the leadership of seasoned left-wing politician Jean-Luc Mélenchon, a former Trotskyist who sought the presidency unsuccessfully in 2012, 2017, and 2022, never reaching the final round. He’s positioning for another anticipated campaign when President Emmanuel Macron’s final term concludes next year.
On Tuesday, Mélenchon rejected any responsibility for the Lyon tragedy, stating: “We have absolutely nothing to do, either directly or indirectly, with the death of this young Deranque.”
However, reports indicate that among those detained is a parliamentary assistant to France Unbowed legislator Raphaël Arnault. The lawmaker acknowledged his aide’s arrest on social media without providing details and announced the termination of the employee’s contract.
Political violence has remained a constant element in French society, with extreme left and right factions maintaining deep-seated animosity that occasionally turns violent, though fatal encounters have been uncommon in recent years.
With municipal elections scheduled for next month and campaigning intensifying, political opponents across the right and far-right spectrum are holding Mélenchon’s party accountable for Deranque’s death, urging voters to reject France Unbowed at the ballot box.
The backlash extends beyond traditional opponents, with former President François Hollande, a prominent left-wing figure, declaring that moderate leftist parties, including his Socialist Party, will not align with Mélenchon’s organization in future elections as they have previously.
“The relationship with France Unbowed is over,” Hollande declared.
MONTGOMERY, Ala. — Republican lawmakers in Alabama have passed new legislation that would significantly limit the state’s power to create environmental regulations beyond federal requirements, mirroring the deregulatory approach championed by President Donald Trump’s administration.
The Alabama Legislature voted Tuesday to approve the business-backed measure, which blocks state agencies from establishing pollution standards that surpass federal guidelines. When federal standards don’t exist, Alabama could only create new environmental rules by proving a “direct causal link” between harmful emissions and “manifest bodily harm” to people.
Advocates of the Alabama bill argue it ensures regulations are based on “sound science” and prevents government overreach. However, environmental advocates warn the legislation will severely handicap the state’s capacity to address environmental and public health threats, including PFAS contamination — commonly called forever chemicals — that has affected large portions of the South.
Sarah Stokes, a senior attorney with the Southern Environmental Law Center, described the bill as creating an “impossible hurdle” for state environmental protections because it specifies that simply showing an “increased risk of disease” isn’t sufficient to prove harm to people.
“It’s a blank check to businesses. We’re basically sacrificing human health for businesses,” Stokes stated. “That doesn’t seem like the best calculation for our citizens.”
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce and various business organizations endorsed the legislation. Republican Sen. Donnie Chesteen, who sponsored the bill, described it as “pro-business” legislation during committee hearings this month.
“If we’re going to be able to compete with states in the Southeast to attract and bring some of these businesses in, then we need to have these standards adopted so that it’s clearly defined what our companies are working with,” Chesteen explained. Supporters also pointed to the measure as aligned with Trump’s deregulatory policies.
“This does not remove the use of sound science and legitimate science,” Republican Rep. Troy Stubbs stated during floor debate. “What it does is protect Alabama and the people of Alabama from runaway government that can become overly burdensome and regulatory to a point that it drives the cost of living way up.”
Stubbs argued the legislation wouldn’t weaken current regulations, claiming existing state environmental rules would remain unchanged. Environmental attorney Stokes, however, expressed worry that companies might use the new law to challenge current regulations.
This Alabama action represents part of a broader movement to constrain state environmental oversight. Indiana Gov. Mike Braun issued an executive order last year preventing Indiana from implementing environmental regulations stricter than federal ones without state law authorization or gubernatorial approval. Tennessee legislators passed similar legislation last year mandating that regulations exceeding federal standards demonstrate connections to “manifest bodily harm in humans.”
Stokes noted that Alabama’s proposal extends further than Tennessee’s law. Similar legislation has been proposed in Utah.
According to Stokes, the Alabama bill emerged after advocacy organizations convinced the Alabama Environmental Management Commission to consider updating state standards for arsenic, cyanide, and eleven other toxic substances.
Cara Horowitz, an environmental law professor and executive director of the Emmett Institute on Climate Change and the Environment at UCLA School of Law, said the legislation would block state agencies from making “independent decisions about how much to protect public health from things like water pollution, air pollution, and toxics.”
“Alabama could adopt its own pollution standard only where the state’s rationale for doing so relies on a very particular kind of science,” Horowitz explained in an email. “Alabama could not rely, for example, on studies showing a correlation between pollution exposure and an increased risk of disease.”
The legislation also prohibits agencies from using the EPA’s Integrated Risk Information System as the primary foundation for water quality standards. This system evaluates health risks from environmental chemicals, but chemical industry lobbying groups have criticized it as excessively restrictive and scientifically questionable.
Alabama Democrats opposed the bill during two hours of debate before GOP legislators voted to halt discussion and force the vote.
Democratic Rep. Chris England argued the bill transforms Alabama citizens into experimental subjects. “We are a petri dish for businesses to do as they will until they kill people,” England declared.
Rep. Neil Rafferty, also a Democrat, said the bill is “defining sound science just to gut our ability to use it to drive science-based and data-driven policy.”
The state House of Representatives approved the measure 88-34, sending it to Republican Gov. Kay Ivey. Her office has not yet responded to requests for comment.
Getting a wild rhinoceros to stand still for eye medication sounds impossible, but sometimes the most unconventional ideas produce remarkable results.
Specialists in animal behavior working with Florida’s Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society made a trip to Africa this past August to assist an at-risk white rhino suffering from a dangerous parasitic infection in its eyes.
According to Daniel Terblanche, who works as security manager for Imvelo Safari Lodges, locals in Zimbabwe never would have conceived such an approach.
“Believe me, we didn’t think of it; it was a completely ridiculous idea to us,” Terblanche said. “But without trying all of the things that we could to rectify that situation, we would have been in trouble, I think.”
Near Zimbabwe’s Hwange National Park, the Community Rhino Conservation Initiative works alongside Imvelo Safari Lodges to involve local communities in bringing southern white rhinos back to communal areas for the first time in the country’s history.
Palm Beach Zoo’s CEO and President Margo McKnight was touring the region last year when Mark Butcher, managing director of Imvelo Safari Lodges, informed her that a health crisis involving a male rhino called Thuza threatened the entire program’s success.
“This rhino had bleeding eyes. He was rubbing his eyes,” Butcher said. “And I was looking at a potential where this guy was gonna lose his eyesight. And this is in a pilot project that’s got fantastic vision for a future for conservation throughout Africa.”
Thad and Angi Lacinak, who established Precision Behavior, made the journey to Zimbabwe to collaborate with anti-poaching guards. Their strategy drew from experience at Palm Beach Zoo, where creatures learn to willingly cooperate in their medical treatment.
“With this few animals in this location in Africa, it was essential that we save all of them,” Angi Lacinak said. “So when they called and said, Thuza is going to lose his eye, a blind rhino is a dead rhino. So no matter what it took, we were going to go over there and try.”
The strategy involved luring Thuza into a narrow enclosure using his preferred food, then gradually getting him comfortable with human contact and water being sprayed on his face.
“Within about a week, we were actually putting the eye drops strategically in his eyes while he held for it,” Lacinak said. “And by the end of two weeks, we had transferred that skill set to not only Daniel, who was in charge of leading their guards, but to the guards.”
Southern white rhinos are classified as near threatened in terms of conservation status, with roughly 16,000 remaining in natural habitats. Illegal hunting and disappearing habitat continue to pose major threats. While Thuza and his fellow rhinos still encounter dangers in their natural environment, his vision has been successfully preserved.
“They’re consistently getting the medications into his eyes every day,” Lacinak said. “And the rhinos are just thriving now and they feel really, really confident that this solved their problem.”
Two of the world’s largest food companies are under mounting pressure from investors and regulators following extensive baby formula recalls that have sickened dozens of infants worldwide.
Nestle initiated widespread product withdrawals in December throughout Europe, Asia, and the Americas due to potential contamination with cereulide, a harmful toxin causing nausea and vomiting in babies.
The contamination crisis led to a public video apology from Nestle’s newly appointed CEO Philipp Navratil and has also impacted competing manufacturers including Danone and private company Lactalis.
French regulatory agencies have launched formal investigations into how the companies managed the product withdrawals, while consumers continue questioning why the recalls took so long to implement. Investors are demanding detailed financial impact reports when Nestle releases annual earnings Thursday and Danone follows Friday.
When contacted, Danone refused to provide comment, while Nestle stated its priority remains restocking inventory.
“I would have expected a little more proactivity and transparency in terms of communication,” stated Kai Lehmann, a portfolio manager at Nestle investor Flossbach von Storch. “This is precisely what Philipp Navratil promised when he took office.”
The contamination scandal compounds existing difficulties for Navratil as he attempts to boost lackluster sales volume at the $260 billion consumer products corporation, which already faces pressure from U.S. trade tariffs and customers switching to lower-cost alternatives.
While Nestle maintains it doesn’t anticipate major financial losses, Lehmann questioned whether the company’s assessment – claiming less than 0.5% of total sales are impacted – remains accurate. Investment firm Jefferies analyst David Hayes estimates Nestle’s complete exposure at 1.6 billion euros ($1.9 billion).
“The downstream effects are likely to be greater, without question,” Lehmann commented, condemning what he described as Nestle’s gradual information disclosure approach. Nestle maintains it has responded quickly and proactively throughout the crisis.
Six industry experts, financial analysts, and affected consumers who spoke with Reuters indicate both companies face significant challenges rebuilding consumer confidence.
“In the infant formula business, your reputation is everything,” explained Tom Booijink, senior dairy specialist for Europe and Africa at RaboResearch.
For Paul Jamieson, a father from Northumberland, England, whose daughter became ill after consuming Nestle-manufactured formula, confidence has been completely lost. “When that trust is compromised, it’s very difficult to feel comfortable continuing with those products,” he explained.
French authorities have determined that Chinese manufacturer Cabio Biotech supplied the contaminated arachidonic acid (ARA) oil containing cereulide. Companies including Nestle and Danone have scrambled to find alternative suppliers while increasing manufacturing output.
Cabio Biotech has not responded to requests for comment.
Danone faces particularly high stakes: approximately 17% of total company profits derive from Chinese infant formula sales, compared to under 2% for Nestle, according to Jefferies’ Hayes. Chinese consumers remain extremely cautious about contamination issues following previous food safety crises.
Danone stock prices have dropped over 5% this year, while Nestle shares have bounced back from a late January decline.
Both corporations risk significant sales losses and reduced market position. Danone’s robust Chinese operations helped exceed third-quarter sales expectations, while Nestle’s NAN formula brand, previously a bright spot against declining Gerber sales, has been swept into the recall crisis.
Several competitors are already capitalizing on the situation. German family-owned brand HiPP reported to Reuters a dramatic surge in customer demand and has ramped up production accordingly. However, New Zealand’s a2 Milk stated it doesn’t anticipate substantial gains.
Hayes suggested the recalls might force Navratil to reduce Nestle’s volume-growth projections by roughly 100 basis points.
“It might be unfair, but people may ask if (Navratil) is unable to really control and avoid these things because (Nestle’s) just too much of a Goliath to oversee,” Hayes commented.
Prominent activist investor Nelson Peltz declared Wednesday in regulatory documents that shares of burger chain Wendy’s are trading below their true market value.
The fast-food company’s stock price jumped approximately 8% during morning trading sessions following the announcement.
Peltz, who established the investment firm Trian Fund Management, currently owns a 16.24% ownership position in Wendy’s, regulatory filings reveal.
Denmark’s King Frederik touched down in Nuuk, Greenland’s capital, on Wednesday for his second royal visit to the Arctic territory in just one year, demonstrating Danish solidarity as President Donald Trump continues his efforts to obtain the strategic island.
The monarch’s arrival follows diplomatic discussions that began last month between Denmark, Greenland, and the United States, aimed at addressing mounting tensions within the NATO alliance sparked by Trump’s persistent acquisition remarks.
According to Denmark’s prime minister, who spoke Friday about recent talks, she and Greenland’s leader had productive discussions with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. However, she cautioned that Trump remains committed to his goal of acquiring Greenland.
Upon landing, King Frederik was greeted on the airport tarmac by Greenlandic Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen and parliamentary leader Kim Kielsen, embracing both officials. The king sported a distinctive black winter jacket featuring both Danish and Greenlandic flags positioned on the left chest area.
Wednesday’s itinerary includes stops at a local educational facility, Denmark’s Joint Arctic Command headquarters in Nuuk, and Royal Greenland, the territory’s primary seafood company and largest business enterprise.
Annual royal visits to Greenland represent a longstanding Danish tradition, with family members frequently donning traditional island attire including white anoraks for men, colorfully beaded collars for women, and sealskin footwear.
King Frederik has substantial personal experience in Greenland, having previously completed a four-month research expedition across the island’s ice sheet.
Thursday’s schedule will take the monarch to Maniitsoq, located approximately 87 miles north of Nuuk along the western coastline. His final stop Friday will be the Arctic Basic Training program in the western community of Kangerlussuaq.
A group of four Chagossians has established what they describe as a permanent settlement on a remote Indian Ocean atoll, in an effort to disrupt Britain’s planned handover of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius scheduled for 2025.
The group, led by Misley Mandarin, arrived Monday on Ile du Coin atoll and are currently residing in tents. Mandarin expects ten additional people to join them next week, with many more planned arrivals throughout the coming year.
Speaking to Reuters by phone Tuesday, Mandarin revealed that his 74-year-old father Michel accompanied him on the journey. The elder Mandarin was just 14 years old when he was forced to leave the island decades ago.
“I am not in exile anymore. This is my homeland,” declared Misley Mandarin, who was born in Mauritius after his family’s displacement.
Between the 1960s and 1970s, British authorities forcibly relocated as many as 2,000 Chagossians from the archipelago, with most settling in Mauritius and Britain. Many of these displaced people continue to seek the right to return to their birthplace.
The 2024 sovereignty agreement between Britain and Mauritius permits Britain to maintain control over the strategically vital U.S.-UK military installation on Diego Garcia, the archipelago’s largest island, through a 99-year lease arrangement.
The United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination has called on both nations to reject ratifying the deal, warning it could continue historical violations of rights.
Mandarin stated his goal is to enable the 322 individuals he says were born on Ile du Coin and remain alive “to come home before they die.”
He emphasized that their settlement poses no threat to the American military facility on Diego Garcia.
However, Mauritius Attorney General Gavin Glover characterized the landing as illegal during an interview with private Radio Plus, calling it a “publicity stunt organised to create a situation of conflict with the British government.”
Glover noted that Mauritius will not assume control over the Chagos Archipelago until the treaty receives official ratification.
A Berlin appeals court has issued a groundbreaking decision forcing Elon Musk’s social media platform X to provide qualified researchers with access to public information related to Hungary’s upcoming parliamentary election.
The ruling, announced Tuesday by Democracy Reporting International, one of the organizations that brought the case, requires X to share data including post reach and user engagement metrics connected to Hungary’s electoral process. A court representative confirmed Wednesday that the decision goes into effect immediately.
Legal experts consider this verdict a significant breakthrough in enforcing the European Union’s Digital Services Act, which requires major online platforms to provide researchers with data access to help identify threats like false information, hate speech, and electoral interference.
X has not provided any response to requests for comment regarding the court order.
The case was filed by two organizations: Democracy Reporting International (DRI) and the Society for Civil Rights (GFF). These same groups had previously been unsuccessful in obtaining comparable information from X for Germany’s 2025 federal election.
Initially, a lower court determined that the matter fell under Irish jurisdiction, since X operates its European headquarters there. However, the Berlin appeals court took a different approach, ruling that German courts have authority when local issues are involved, such as when German researchers are prevented from accessing essential data for work serving the public interest.
The appeals court sided with the two advocacy organizations, stating that X’s refusal to cooperate hindered their research capabilities within Germany.
“No appeal can be lodged against the decision,” stated Joschka Selinger, an attorney representing GFF. He added that the ruling could be enforced through financial penalties if X refuses to comply.
The case comes as Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orban confronts his most serious political challenge since his Fidesz party gained control in 2010. The center-right opposition Tisza party currently leads in most public opinion surveys, though government-aligned polling organizations show Fidesz ahead, and many voters have not yet decided.
Hungary’s past elections have been marked by allegations of media manipulation and the spread of false information.
Hungarian government officials did not provide an immediate response when contacted for comment Wednesday.
DRI argued that this court decision will make it easier for civil society organizations throughout Europe to use national courts to protect digital rights.
Legal observers interpret the ruling as a warning to major platforms subject to DSA regulations that blocking researcher access could result in legal action across EU member nations.
An influential investment firm is calling on cryptocurrency mining company Riot Platforms to accelerate its pursuit of artificial intelligence data center partnerships, arguing the company has prime positioning to benefit from surging AI infrastructure needs.
Starboard Value made the appeal Wednesday in correspondence to Riot’s leadership, causing the company’s stock price to climb roughly 5% during pre-market hours.
The recommendation highlights a broader transformation within the cryptocurrency mining sector, as companies seek alternative revenue streams from their substantial electrical capacity while bitcoin mining returns remain unpredictable and AI data center requirements expand dramatically.
According to Starboard’s correspondence to Riot CEO Jason Les and Executive Chairman Benjamin Yi, artificial intelligence and high-performance computing firms are increasingly viewing crypto miners as appealing sources of immediate power capacity for their data operations.
The investment firm noted that Riot’s stock performance has lagged behind competitors who have successfully negotiated substantial AI and high-performance computing contracts.
“In such a dynamic and rapidly evolving AI/HPC demand environment, Riot must urgently seize this extraordinary opportunity,” Starboard Managing Member Peter Feld said in the letter.
Riot has not yet provided a response to requests for comment.
Starboard, holding approximately 12.7 million Riot shares, highlighted the company’s two primary Texas locations in Corsicana and Rockdale as ideally situated to meet this growing demand.
Combined, these operations provide roughly 1.7 gigawatts of accessible power capacity appropriate for AI data center applications, the correspondence indicated.
The investment firm advised prioritizing premium, institutional-grade tenants, including major cloud computing providers, rather than simply pursuing maximum rental rates.
While Starboard viewed Riot’s recent partnership with Advanced Micro Devices as encouraging, they described it as merely a limited pilot program.
The activist investor recognized Riot’s efforts to enhance corporate governance and operational effectiveness, noting the addition of board members with data center expertise and the recruitment of a dedicated chief data center officer.
NEW YORK – Bank of America has unveiled a new art advisory service targeting its wealthiest customers, responding to growing demand from collectors who want to use their valuable artwork as security for major loans.
The financial giant’s decision comes as ultra-wealthy individuals hold approximately $2.56 trillion worth of art globally in 2024, with projections suggesting this could climb to $3.5 trillion by 2030, according to consulting firm Deloitte’s most recent art market analysis. Industry experts anticipate roughly one-third of these collections will change hands to younger family members within the next ten years.
A rising number of wealthy clients are seeking to leverage their art holdings as security for financing, typically to support business investment opportunities. Deloitte’s research shows that 70% of wealth management professionals experienced increased requests for art-backed lending in the past year, with this specialized lending generating $2.3 billion in industry revenue.
The new advisory program will serve high-net-worth customers at both Bank of America and Merrill Lynch, explained Drew Watson, who leads the bank’s art services division. Watson noted in a recent interview that evolving preferences among collectors, whether they’re inheriting collections or entering the market fresh, has created greater demand for professional guidance.
Watson emphasized that Bank of America maintains one of the industry’s most extensive art-backed lending operations, and the consulting service will guide clients in selecting pieces that match their personal preferences while considering potential appreciation in value.
“It’s a very interesting moment to look for new long-term trends in the art market with all the recent change,” Watson stated.
The bank treats artwork not as a traditional investment category within client portfolios, but rather as valuable property suitable for loan collateral. This approach allows collectors to access needed funds without having to part with their prized pieces, according to Watson.
LIVIGNO, Italy — A solitary customs station marks the entrance to this Italian mountain village, standing as the only visible reminder of the unique tax-free zone that has defined Livigno for hundreds of years. But during these Winter Olympics, that special status isn’t delivering the economic windfall local merchants expected.
The duty-free privileges that typically transform this alpine community into a shopping destination are actually working against retailers during the Games. While accommodations and dining establishments are experiencing record business, store owners report significant losses as Olympic attendees focus on athletic events rather than bargain hunting.
The situation highlights a common concern among Olympic host communities about the actual financial benefits of staging the Games. Local business owners shared with reporters that the usual influx of deal-seeking tourists has been replaced by athletes, spectators, workers and volunteers who show little interest in shopping during what’s normally their busiest sales period.
Toy store proprietor Olga Salari, whose shop displays an extensive collection of Lego products, expressed frustration with the current situation. “I’m not positive about the Olympics, because usually you are working more than double in this period, because this period for us was a high season. Now, this period is like our low season,” Salari explained. She noted that Olympic attendees “don’t even visit the shops.”
The financial impact has been severe, with Salari reporting a 70% decline in revenue compared to typical February sales. The Olympic competition period spans from February 6th through the 22nd.
Access restrictions to all six mountain competition sites require visitors to possess accreditation, reserved lodging, event passes, or ski lift tickets, effectively eliminating casual day visitors who might otherwise come solely for shopping opportunities.
This remote village, known locally as “Little Tibet” due to its historical isolation among snow-covered peaks near the Swiss frontier, has maintained tax exemptions since medieval times. These privileges originally helped the impoverished, isolated community import necessary goods.
The construction of a paved southern route and later a northern tunnel to Switzerland during the 1900s transformed the duty-free designation into a powerful economic driver by attracting tourist traffic.
Current regulations allow purchases up to 300 euros ($356) without Italy’s 22% value-added tax, though specific restrictions apply to perfumes, tobacco products, alcohol, and fuel.
This tax advantage typically draws skiing enthusiasts who combine their mountain activities with shopping for timepieces, beauty products, fragrances, electronic devices, or cigarettes before returning to Austria, Germany, Switzerland, and other destinations. However, Olympic circumstances have disrupted this pattern.
Electronics retailer Manuel Galli, whose family operates a local technology store, observed the shift in visitor behavior. “The tourists are more interested to see the competition. They’re not so focused on shopping,” Galli noted.
Financial projections from Italy’s Banca Ifis estimate the overall Games will generate 5.3 billion euros ($6.2 billion) in economic activity. Tourist spending at host locations is expected to reach 1.2 billion euros ($1.4 billion) over the next year and a half, though the bank didn’t specify amounts by individual venues. Milan Cortina organizing committee leader Giovanni Malagò referenced similar figures exceeding 5 billion euros during a radio interview.
Olympic organizers point to infrastructure improvements as lasting benefits, including upgraded electrical systems in Livigno and other mountain venues. Enhanced medical facilities and transportation connections represent additional long-term investments.
Other Olympic mountain locations appear to be experiencing more positive retail results.
Cortina d’Ampezzo’s Deputy Mayor Roberta Alverà confirmed through text message that her community has witnessed “a significant influx of people.”
These visitors are patronizing more than just hotels and restaurants, with both tourists and Italian second-home owners frequenting shops along Cortina’s pedestrian Corso Italia thoroughfare in the town center.
Bormio’s historic district has seen steady foot traffic on its stone walkways throughout the men’s alpine skiing events, with local retailers reporting increased customer activity.
Organizing committee member Sergio Schena, representing the Livigno area, acknowledged that business impacts vary but maintained optimism about future benefits. He suggested the international exposure could attract visitors from more distant markets, similar to Turin’s experience following its 2006 Olympic hosting.
“What we expect to happen is that the markets change, and we get more tourists from the United States and Asia,” Schena predicted.
Some merchants remain skeptical about this shift. Salari explained that her business model depends on customers who drive to Livigno and utilize vehicle storage space for larger purchases. She worries that air travelers will limit themselves to items that fit in carry-on luggage.
Nevertheless, most Livigno residents, including fellow retailers, share Schena’s optimism, believing the televised coverage of snowboarding and freestyle skiing competitions has showcased their community globally and will eventually attract increased tourism.
Perfume shop owner Derio Claoti, despite experiencing a 70% sales decrease, emphasized the promotional value. “This is very important because (the Games) are providing 360-degree publicity around the world and Livigno is coming across very well,” Claoti said.
At the nearby Golden Clock luxury watch and jewelry boutique, owner Damiano Longa expressed confidence that current losses will prove worthwhile.
“We hope that the advertising that it’s making for Livigno will work for the future,” Longa stated.
Automotive experts at Edmunds have announced their annual Top Rated vehicle awards for 2026, recognizing outstanding new cars, trucks, and SUVs following comprehensive testing and evaluation. Winners earn their titles by ranking highest in their respective categories after extensive track testing and real-world driving assessments.
The awards span six primary categories: top car, SUV, and truck, plus electric variants in each segment. This year’s selections include both returning champions and fresh winners, all representing excellent choices for prospective vehicle buyers. Listed prices include destination fees.
The Honda Civic secures its position once again as Edmunds’ Top Rated Car for 2026. Featuring an available hybrid system, the Civic delivers up to 49 mpg combined according to EPA estimates, outstanding efficiency for its size category. Beyond fuel economy, the Civic Hybrid offers impressive acceleration, spacious passenger accommodations, and premium interior styling that surpasses competitors. Buyers can choose between sedan and hatchback configurations, with the latter providing additional cargo capacity.
Civic sedan hybrid pricing begins at: $30,590
Tesla’s Model 3 continues its winning streak thanks to substantial improvements introduced previously. This compact electric sedan combines reasonable pricing with impressive driving range and advanced technology features. During Edmunds’ independent EV Range Test, the Model 3 Long Range All-Wheel Drive achieved 338 miles per charge, sufficient for extended daily commuting or longer journeys. Access to Tesla’s extensive Supercharger network provides convenient high-speed charging nationwide. The company’s Full Self-Driving (Supervised) technology offers remarkable autonomous steering capabilities through urban environments.
Model 3 pricing starts at: $38,630
The completely redesigned Hyundai Palisade claims the midsize three-row SUV crown this year. Accommodating up to eight occupants with gasoline or hybrid powertrains available, the Palisade projects luxury SUV styling. Its spacious, comfortable cabin reinforces this premium feel through features like powered second-row seats, typically found only on luxury models. Edmunds favors the hybrid variant for its superior power output, enhanced performance, and exceptional 34 mpg combined rating for such a large family vehicle.
Palisade pricing begins at: $45,760
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 stands out as an accessible five-passenger electric SUV with broad appeal. Available configurations range from value-oriented base models to the performance-focused N variant and adventure-ready XRT, offering something for diverse EV buyers. The spacious, high-tech interior provides ample passenger room and modern amenities. Rapid public charging capabilities minimize charging station time while maximizing driving enjoyment.
Ioniq 5 pricing starts at: $36,600
Ford captures another Edmunds Top Rated Truck honor, this time with the compact Maverick claiming victory. The Maverick offers superior urban maneuverability compared to full-size or midsize trucks, with buyers choosing between an efficient hybrid or potent turbocharged engine. Despite its compact size, it handles truck duties respectably with a practical cargo bed and 4,000-pound towing capacity. All-wheel drive availability and specialized variants like the off-road Tremor and sport-oriented Lobo expand its versatility.
Maverick pricing begins at: $28,990
Recent updates to the Rivian R1T electric pickup maintain its electric truck category leadership. Its unique styling combines with stable handling and rapid acceleration that blurs the line between pickup and performance vehicle. In Edmunds’ independent testing, a dual-motor R1T with Max battery pack achieved 390 miles per charge, excellent range for its segment. Outstanding truck capabilities include advanced all-wheel drive for off-road adventures, 11,000-pound maximum towing capacity, and innovative storage compartments between the cabin and bed.
ROME (AP) — Authorities in Italy’s capital are examining how a cherished elephant monument created by renowned Baroque artist Gian Lorenzo Bernini sustained damage to its left tusk’s tip for the second time in recent years.
Investigators discovered the broken marble piece, measuring 11 centimeters (4 inches), close to the monument during the weekend. Officials announced Wednesday they had established the fragment wasn’t part of Bernini’s original creation but had been attached during restoration efforts in 1977.
The identical section had previously been damaged through vandalism in 2016, according to Rome’s municipal government.
Authorities are currently examining surveillance footage to determine whether someone was responsible for causing the damage once more.
The compact elephant statue, situated close to Rome’s famous Pantheon, attracts numerous visitors. Pope Alexander VII asked Rome’s most celebrated Baroque artist, Bernini, to create the design after Dominican monks found a small Egyptian obelisk within their nearby monastery grounds, which sits next to the Basilica of Santa Maria Sopra Minerva.
The elephant statue, positioned in Piazza della Minerva facing the basilica, supports the ancient obelisk on its back.
Based on Rome’s municipal website, Bernini and the monks had conflicting views about the project: The sculptor thought the obelisk’s weight could be supported by the elephant’s four legs alone, while the monks demanded additional stone reinforcement beneath its belly for better stability.
The monks prevailed in this dispute, and the resulting sturdy appearance earned the elephant the nickname “Minerva’s Piglet,” since its short legs and central support make it resemble a pig rather than an elephant.
Local folklore suggests Bernini sought payback against the monks by positioning the elephant’s rear end with its tail raised toward their monastery.
ATHENS, Greece (AP) — Greek officials announced Wednesday they are collaborating with four European nations to establish deportation facilities in third-world countries, primarily targeting locations in Africa, for asylum seekers who have been denied refugee status.
Migration Minister Thanos Plevris revealed during an interview on Greek state television ERT that his country is partnering with Germany, Netherlands, Austria and Denmark to develop these “return hubs,” with Africa being the preferred continent. According to Plevris, officials from all five nations have already conducted preliminary discussions, with technical working groups scheduled to convene next week.
“We are not speaking theoretically any more, we are speaking practically,” Plevris stated. The minister declined to identify specific African nations under consideration and noted that the continental preference “was not binding.” He explained that larger European partners are handling direct negotiations with potential host countries, “but we are participating too.”
These deportation facilities would serve individuals whose asylum requests have been denied and whose home nations refuse repatriation, Plevris clarified. He suggested the centers would discourage potential migrants with slim chances of receiving asylum approval. While the minister indicated an initial framework should emerge within months, he provided no timeline for when such facilities might become operational.
Positioned at Europe’s southeastern border, Greece has served for decades as a primary gateway into the European Union for individuals escaping violence and economic hardship across the Middle East, Africa and Asia. Annual arrivals number in the tens of thousands, with most undertaking perilous maritime journeys from Turkey’s coastline to Greek islands in the Aegean Sea, or making extended Mediterranean crossings from North Africa to southern Greek territories including Gavdos and Crete.
Greek authorities have adopted increasingly strict migration policies, with the coast guard frequently facing allegations of conducting “pushbacks” — immediate deportations of new arrivals without asylum processing opportunities. Officials categorically reject such accusations.
According to Plevris, illegal border crossings dropped 21% in 2025 compared to 2024, representing 13,000 fewer arrivals, with a 40% decrease recorded over the past five months.
European legislators recently approved revised immigration regulations permitting member states to refuse asylum and deport migrants from designated safe countries or those eligible to seek protection in non-EU nations.
Plevris emphasized his government’s renewed focus on removing rejected asylum seekers. Greece currently processes approximately 5,000-7,000 deportations annually, but with roughly 40,000-50,000 new arrivals yearly — about half of whom face asylum rejection — current removal rates remain insufficient, the minister acknowledged.
The Greek official confirmed plans to travel to Rome next week for discussions with Italian and Spanish counterparts, including meetings with Pakistani officials to enhance cooperation on deportation procedures with origin countries.
Good news for morning commuters across the Delmarva Peninsula – a Dense Fog Advisory that impacted the region this morning is showing signs of improvement as visibility begins to rise.
The National Weather Service issued the advisory at 9:38 AM, affecting parts of Delaware including New Castle, Kent, and Sussex counties, along with Queen Anne’s County on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. The advisory extends into New Jersey and Pennsylvania, covering a broad swath of the Mid-Atlantic region.
While the fog created hazardous driving conditions earlier this morning with visibility dropping significantly, meteorologists report conditions are steadily improving. The advisory is set to expire at 10:45 AM.
Drivers should continue to exercise caution during the morning commute, using low-beam headlights and maintaining safe following distances. Even as visibility improves, patchy fog may linger in some areas.
For those traveling on major routes including Routes 1, 13, and 50, conditions should continue to clear throughout the morning hours. The improving weather pattern suggests clearer skies ahead for the remainder of Tuesday.
Stay with TV Delmarva for continued weather updates and traffic conditions throughout your morning commute.
Weather officials issued a short-lived dense fog advisory for the Delmarva Peninsula early this morning as thick fog reduced visibility across the region.
The National Weather Service office in Mount Holly, New Jersey activated the advisory at 9:38 AM on February 18th, warning residents of hazardous driving conditions due to severely limited visibility.
The foggy conditions cleared quickly, with meteorologists canceling the advisory at 10:00 AM the same day after visibility improved throughout the area.
During dense fog events, the National Weather Service typically advises drivers to reduce speed, use low-beam headlights, and maintain extra distance between vehicles to ensure safe travel.
Iranian and Russian naval forces are carrying out combined military training exercises Wednesday in waters off Iran’s southern coastline, according to reports from Iranian news outlets, while diplomatic leaders from both nations work simultaneously to strengthen economic partnerships.
The maritime training operations are taking place in the Gulf of Oman and northern Indian Ocean regions, as reported by the FARS news agency. Officials describe the exercise as designed to improve security collaboration and naval partnership in these strategic waterways. This military activity comes just days after Iran’s Revolutionary Guards completed separate training exercises in the Strait of Hormuz.
Iranian naval commander Hassan Maghsoodloo explained that the training focuses on developing unified responses to maritime dangers. According to FARS reporting, Maghsoodloo stated that the exercise aims at “Creating convergence and coordination in joint measures to counter activities threatening maritime security and safety … as well as combating maritime terrorism, are among the main goals of this joint exercise.”
The United States Naval Institute has noted that publicly available tracking information suggests the USS Lincoln may be operating near the waters where the training is scheduled to occur.
Beyond the naval activities, Iranian and Russian government representatives made progress this week on expanding economic collaboration. High-ranking officials from both nations reached agreements Tuesday to accelerate delayed contracts and eliminate obstacles impacting shared development projects, according to the semi-official Tasnim news agency.
Ali Larijani, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, conducted meetings in Tehran with Russian Energy Minister Sergei Tsivilyov to explore expanded cooperation across multiple economic areas. Larijani characterized the relationship between Tehran and Moscow as being at an “excellent” stage that has surpassed standard diplomatic connections, observing that both nations have encountered comparable external pressures and sanctions in recent years, Tasnim reported.
Tsivilyov characterized the discussion atmosphere as “positive” and affirmed Russia’s dedication to ongoing collaboration with Iran, particularly in economic and energy fields, while also emphasizing Iran’s strategic significance in Russian foreign policy.
The energy minister is in Tehran for the 19th Iran-Russia Joint Economic Cooperation Commission meetings. Earlier Tuesday, he conducted discussions with Iranian Oil Minister Mohsen Paknejad regarding enhanced cooperation in petroleum, energy, transportation and commerce sectors, according to the Shana News Agency, which operates under Iran’s Oil Ministry. Both Iran and Russia, facing comprehensive US sanctions, have expanded political and economic coordination in recent years as a response to Western pressure.
Vice President JD Vance revealed that the United States and Iran continue to clash over fundamental nuclear agreement terms, despite both nations committing to further dialogue after recent Geneva negotiations.
During a Fox News interview, Vance described the diplomatic meetings as producing mixed outcomes. “In some ways it went well. They agreed to meet afterward,” Vance explained. “But in other ways, it was very clear that the president has set some red lines that the Iranians are not yet willing to actually acknowledge and work through.” Vance identified stopping Iran from developing nuclear weapons as a primary non-negotiable demand.
Despite Iran’s ongoing assertions that its nuclear activities serve civilian purposes only, Vance indicated intelligence suggests otherwise. “There are a number of things that make it clear that they are interested in acquiring a nuclear weapon,” the Vice President stated.
Vance emphasized that President Donald Trump remains committed to finding a solution that blocks Iran’s nuclear weapon development through diplomatic channels or alternative approaches. “We’re going to keep on working it,” Vance explained, noting that Trump “reserves the ability to say when he thinks that diplomacy has reached its natural end.”
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi offered a markedly different perspective on the Geneva meetings, characterizing them as “constructive” and claiming both parties established shared “guiding principles.” However, an Israeli official dismissed Araghchi’s statements to Channel 13 as a “smokescreen,” predicting “the odds for a deal are low.”
Israeli leadership has voiced deep doubts about achieving a workable nuclear agreement with Iran. At last week’s Conference of Presidents’ 51st Annual National Leadership Mission, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu shared his concerns. “I will not hide from you that I expressed my skepticism of any deal with Iran because, frankly, Iran is reliable on one thing: they lie and they cheat,” Netanyahu declared.
Netanyahu outlined specific requirements for any future agreement, including restrictions on Iran’s missile development program. He referenced the Missile Technology Control Regime’s 300-kilometer limitation, stating, “There’s an MTCR limitation of 300 kilometers, and Iran is supposed to adhere to it. Of course, it doesn’t.” The Prime Minister also demanded provisions addressing Iran’s regional proxy support, uranium enrichment cessation, and enhanced inspection protocols.
Prior to the initial US-Iran discussions, Tehran demanded negotiations focus solely on nuclear matters, rejecting inclusion of missile programs and human rights concerns. This past January, Iranian authorities violently suppressed domestic demonstrations, with human rights groups reporting thousands of deaths over two days.
ANKARA, Turkey — Turkish legislators moved forward Wednesday with a comprehensive peace plan designed to end a 40-year armed conflict with Kurdish militants, though they emphasized that any legal concessions must come only after complete disarmament verification.
The National Solidarity, Brotherhood and Democracy Commission endorsed the reform package by an overwhelming margin, with the final tally showing 47 members supporting the measures, two opposing, and one abstaining, according to Haberturk broadcaster.
The approved framework outlines temporary legal provisions that would allow Kurdistan Workers’ Party members to rejoin Turkish society if they abandon violence, based on the commission’s final report shared with media outlets.
Additional proposals include expanding speech protections, releasing elderly and ill inmates, preventing the prosecution of non-violent actions under terrorism statutes, and ending the government practice of installing appointed officials to replace elected pro-Kurdish mayors.
Turkey, along with the United States and European Union, has classified the PKK as a terrorist organization. The group has conducted an armed campaign since 1984 that has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths and extended into Iraq and Syria.
Originally pursuing Kurdish independence, the organization later modified its objectives to seek self-governance and enhanced rights within Turkey.
According to the commission’s findings, government confirmation that the PKK has abandoned weapons and disbanded represents “the most critical threshold in the process.”
The proposals fall short of recommending parole for detained PKK leader Abdullah Ocalan, instead advocating adherence to European Court of Human Rights and Turkish Constitutional Court decisions regarding detention improvements. Acknowledging widespread public resistance to PKK leniency, the document avoids broad pardons and suggests individual case evaluations for fighters.
“The report is not an amnesty arrangement,” Parliamentary Speaker Numan Kurtulmus emphasized before the voting, characterizing the commission’s efforts as “a clear expression of the determination to build the future together without denying our suffering.”
The document states that “legal regulations must not create a perception of impunity or amnesty in society.”
Officials have not indicated what the subsequent phase of the process will entail.
Established in August to supervise peace efforts, the commission was formed after the PKK responded to Ocalan’s appeal by announcing in May its intention to disarm and disband, concluding more than four decades of conflict. The organization subsequently conducted a ceremonial weapons surrender in northern Iraq and began removing remaining fighters from Turkish territory.
The PKK has not issued an immediate response, though the group has previously demanded formal legal assurances from the government to advance the process.
In a broadcast statement, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan praised the commission’s work, stating it has “put forward a perspective that will give momentum” to reconciliation initiatives.
The commission’s recommendations also encompass broader democratic reforms, including media law revisions to safeguard expression rights and legitimate criticism. The proposal suggests that when mayors face removal, replacements should be selected through municipal council internal elections rather than government appointments.
ISLAMABAD — Fourteen retired international cricket captains have written to Pakistan’s leadership demanding improved prison conditions and medical treatment for Imran Khan, the former cricket star turned politician who has been behind bars since 2023.
The group of cricket legends, which includes Indian icons Sunil Gavaskar and Kapil Dev, sent their appeal to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, requesting that Khan receive treatment with “dignity and basic human consideration.” Their letter highlighted worries about reports suggesting Khan’s vision has declined significantly during his incarceration.
“Recent reports concerning his health — particularly the alarming deterioration of his vision while in custody — and the conditions of his imprisonment over the past two and a half years have caused us profound concern,” the former captains stated in their correspondence.
Pakistani officials have not yet responded publicly to the letter, though prison authorities maintain Khan receives adequate facilities. His defense attorney Salman Safdar, who visited Khan recently, has supported these claims about improved conditions.
Members of Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf opposition party concluded a multi-day protest outside parliament Wednesday after medical professionals reported substantial improvement in Khan’s right eye condition and confirmed no problems with his left eye.
The 73-year-old Khan achieved cricket immortality by leading Pakistan to victory in the 1992 Cricket World Cup before transitioning to politics. He held the office of prime minister from 2018 until his removal in 2022, followed by his imprisonment in 2023 on corruption and additional charges.
Khan maintains his innocence, claiming all legal proceedings against him stem from political persecution rather than legitimate criminal activity.
Health concerns intensified in late January when Khan required hospitalization for eye treatment. His legal representative Safdar revealed last week that Khan had lost approximately 85% of vision in his right eye.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi dismissed such reports as “propaganda” the previous day. Government representatives, referencing physicians who examined Khan, stated his right eye vision had shown marked improvement, though Khan’s relatives and personal doctor say they cannot verify his condition without direct access.
The letter’s signers include notable former captains such as Australia’s Ian Chappell, West Indies’ Clive Lloyd, Australia’s Allan Border, England’s Michael Brearley, England’s David Gower, New Zealand’s John Wright, and Australia’s Kim Hughes, according to Australia’s The Age publication. “Many of us competed against him, shared the field with him, or grew up idolizing his all-round brilliance, charisma and competitive spirit,” their letter stated.
The cricket veterans also pressed Pakistan to provide “immediate, adequate and ongoing medical attention from qualified specialists of his choosing.”
Former Pakistani cricket stars including Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, and Shoaib Akhtar have publicly voiced similar concerns following encouragement from former Indian batsman Ajay Jadeja for Pakistani players to speak up.
Khan began his international cricket career in 1971 facing England and assumed captaincy duties in 1982. Considered among cricket’s greatest all-around players, he stepped away from the sport shortly after securing Pakistan’s sole World Cup championship in 1992. He established the PTI political party in 1996 and ascended to national leadership in 2018.
Parliamentary opposition forces removed Khan from the prime minister’s position in April 2022 through a no-confidence motion, leading to his eventual imprisonment following court verdicts. Khan contends his removal resulted from a conspiracy backed by the United States involving domestic political opponents and Pakistan’s military establishment — allegations rejected by Washington, military officials, and Prime Minister Sharif, who replaced him.
Even while incarcerated, Khan continues to wield considerable influence within Pakistan’s political landscape.
WASHINGTON — Health and environmental organizations filed a federal lawsuit Wednesday against the Environmental Protection Agency, contesting the agency’s recent decision to overturn a key scientific determination that has served as the foundation for U.S. greenhouse gas regulations and climate action.
The EPA finalized a rule Thursday that eliminates a 2009 government declaration — called the endangerment finding — which concluded that carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases pose a threat to public health and welfare. This Obama-era determination has served as the legal foundation for nearly all climate regulations under the Clean Air Act, covering motor vehicles, power plants and other pollution sources contributing to global warming.
The reversal removes all greenhouse gas emission standards for cars and trucks and could trigger a wider dismantling of climate regulations on stationary sources like power plants and oil and gas operations, according to experts.
The legal challenge was filed in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, arguing that the EPA’s elimination of the endangerment finding violates the law. The 2009 determination backed sensible protections to reduce climate pollution, including from cars and trucks, according to the lawsuit. Vehicle standards implemented by the Biden administration were designed to “deliver the single biggest cut to U.S. carbon pollution in history, save lives and save Americans hard-earned money on gas,” the coalition stated in their court filing.
Following almost twenty years of scientific evidence that supports the 2009 determination, “the agency cannot credibly claim that the body of work is now incorrect,” stated Brian Lynk, a senior attorney at the Environmental Law & Policy Center.
“This reckless and legally untenable decision creates immediate uncertainty for businesses, guarantees prolonged legal battles and undermines the stability of federal climate regulations,” Lynk stated.
Organizations bringing the lawsuit include the American Public Health Association, American Lung Association, Alliance of Nurses for a Healthy Environment and Physicians for Social Responsibility, alongside environmental organizations such as the Center for Biological Diversity, Conservation Law Foundation, Environmental Defense Fund, Natural Resources Defense Council and Sierra Club.
The lawsuit names EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin and the EPA as defendants.
President Donald Trump described the reversal as “the single largest deregulatory action in American history, by far,” while Zeldin characterized the endangerment finding as “the Holy Grail of federal regulatory overreach.”
The endangerment finding “led to trillions of dollars in regulations that strangled entire sectors of the United States economy, including the American auto industry,” Zeldin stated. “The Obama and Biden administrations used it to steamroll into existence a left-wing wish list of costly climate policies, electric vehicle mandates and other requirements that assaulted consumer choice and affordability.”
Environmental organizations characterized the action as the largest assault in U.S. history on federal authority to combat climate change. Scientific evidence supporting the endangerment finding has only strengthened in the 17 years since its approval, they argued.
The Clean Air Act legally requires EPA to restrict emissions of any air pollutant that causes or contributes to “air pollution that may reasonably be anticipated to endanger public health or welfare.” In 2007, the Supreme Court ruled in Massachusetts v. EPA that carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases qualify as “air pollutants” under the Clean Air Act and directed EPA to make a science-based determination about whether that pollution endangers human health and welfare. EPA reached that conclusion in 2009, leading to new vehicle standards. The agency used that finding as the basis for additional standards.
The EPA’s own research determined that removing the vehicle standards will raise gas prices and force Americans to pay more for fuel, advocates noted.
The EPA’s elimination of the endangerment finding, combined with removing protections that limit vehicle emissions, “marks a complete dereliction of the agency’s mission to protect people’s health and its legal obligations under the Clean Air Act,” said Dr. Gretchen Goldman, president and CEO at the Union of Concerned Scientists.
“This shameful and dangerous action … is rooted in falsehoods, not facts, and is at complete odds with the public interest and the best available science,” Goldman stated. Heat-trapping emissions and global average temperatures continue rising — mainly from burning fossil fuels — creating mounting human and economic costs worldwide, she noted.
Recent special election victories haven’t lifted Democratic spirits, as a fresh survey from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research shows party members remain discouraged following President Donald Trump’s 2024 election triumph.
The polling data reveals that roughly 70% of Democratic Party members maintain a favorable opinion of their organization. Though most Democrats continue supporting their party, this represents a significant drop from previous levels of enthusiasm.
With midterm elections still months ahead, weak approval ratings don’t necessarily predict electoral failure. Democrats may benefit from other circumstances this year, particularly widespread negative opinions about Trump and Republican officials.
However, this enthusiasm gap could create lasting challenges for the party. Democratic support for their own organization crashed following the 2024 election results. Even after decisive November victories in off-year races and subsequent electoral successes, member confidence hasn’t rebounded.
Environmental and health advocacy organizations filed a federal lawsuit Wednesday against the Environmental Protection Agency, contesting the agency’s decision to eliminate a key scientific determination that has served as the foundation for U.S. greenhouse gas regulations and climate change efforts.
Last week’s finalized regulation eliminates a 2009 government declaration called the endangerment finding, which established that carbon dioxide and additional greenhouse gases pose risks to public health and safety. This Obama administration determination supports virtually all climate-related regulations under Clean Air Act provisions covering automobiles, power facilities, and other sources contributing to planetary warming.
EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin described the endangerment finding as federal regulatory excess, while lawsuit supporters argue it provided reasonable protections to reduce climate pollution from vehicles and other sources.
The sleek black-and-white strapless dress came from her regular fashion designer and stylist, Herve Pierre, whose design and fitting process appears in “Melania,” her recently launched documentary.
Trump plans to donate the dress to the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of American History on Friday, White House officials announced. The museum operates a well-known first ladies exhibition displaying over two dozen of their formal gowns.
This marks Trump’s second contribution to the collection. In 2017, she donated the cream-colored off-the-shoulder dress from that year’s inaugural celebrations, also created by Pierre.
Even with internal party dissatisfaction, Democrats maintain at least one possible edge heading into midterm election season.
Approximately 35% of American adults trust Democrats to better manage healthcare issues, while only 23% prefer Republicans on this topic.
Meanwhile, Republicans have seen their standing decline on issues central to Trump’s reelection success — economic policy and immigration — though Democrats haven’t gained ground in these areas.
Just 31% of Americans now trust Republicans with economic management, dropping from 36% the previous year. Democrats haven’t improved their economic credibility; instead, more Americans now say they trust “neither” party.
The dissatisfaction extends beyond Democrats — Americans currently express lukewarm feelings toward both major parties.
Roughly one-third of U.S. adults view either the Democratic or Republican Party positively, the AP-NORC survey found. About 25% of Americans dislike both organizations, with this dual negativity particularly pronounced among independent voters and those under 45.
Democratic popularity decline appears more recent. Gallup polling spanning 25 years indicates Americans previously held much more positive views of Democrats. Public opinion shifted against them around 2010, and since then, at least half of Americans have maintained unfavorable party views.
Current negative Democratic perceptions match the Republican Party’s lowest historical approval periods.
Democratic enthusiasm for their organization dropped after Trump secured the presidency in 2024. Despite multiple recent special election victories, polling indicates party morale remains depressed.
Fresh AP-NORC data confirms that 70% of Democratic Party members maintain positive party views. While most Democrats still support their organization, current enthusiasm levels fall well below historical standards.
Democratic self-approval collapsed following the 2024 election, tumbling from 85% in September 2024 to 67% by October 2025.
Emergency teams navigated treacherous mountain terrain through blizzard conditions to reach six backcountry skiers who lived through an avalanche near Lake Tahoe, though nine members of their group are still unaccounted for.
According to Nevada County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Ashley Quadros, two of the rescued skiers required hospital care following their ordeal.
Officials corrected earlier reports Tuesday evening, confirming 15 skiers were part of the expedition, not the initially reported 16.
Emergency responders rushed to Frog Lake in the Castle Peak region, located northwest of Lake Tahoe, following a 911 emergency call about an avalanche with people buried beneath the snow. The incident occurred as a fierce winter storm battered California.
Harsh mountain conditions in Northern California significantly hampered rescue operations. Teams spent multiple hours navigating to the trapped skiers and transporting them to safety, where Truckee Fire Department personnel conducted medical evaluations.
County sheriff officials announced they will share additional details about ongoing rescue operations during a Wednesday morning press briefing.
Final Day of Mountain Adventure
The group was completing their final day of a three-day wilderness skiing adventure, according to Steve Reynaud, an avalanche specialist with the Sierra Avalanche Center who maintained communication with personnel at the scene. Reynaud explained the skiers had spent two nights in mountain shelters during an expedition requiring navigation through challenging mountain landscape for distances up to 4 miles while carrying all necessary provisions and gear.
Nevada County Sheriff Captain Russell Greene reported authorities learned of the avalanche through both the tour operator, Blackbird Mountain Guides, and emergency locator devices carried by the skiers. Rescue teams approached the avalanche site with extreme caution due to continued avalanche risks.
Blackbird Mountain Guides posted a statement on their website confirming their cooperation with authorities in the rescue mission.
Extreme Mountain Hazards
California faces severe weather this week from an intense winter storm system delivering dangerous thunderstorms, powerful winds, and substantial mountain snowfall.
“Backcountry conditions are extremely hazardous right now because we’re experiencing the storm’s peak intensity,” explained Brandon Schwartz, the primary avalanche specialist for Tahoe National Forest at the Sierra Avalanche Center in Truckee.
The center issued avalanche alerts for Central Sierra Nevada areas, including the greater Lake Tahoe vicinity, beginning Tuesday at 5 a.m. with expectations of major slides continuing through Wednesday.
Soda Springs, located close to the avalanche site, measured over 30 inches of snowfall in a single 24-hour span, based on data from Soda Springs Mountain Resort.
The hazardous situation resulted from rapidly building snow accumulation on unstable underlying snow layers, combined with powerful winds.
The storm created widespread transportation problems from the Sierra Nevada mountains to Sonoma County. Interstate 80 traffic was temporarily stopped in both directions over and around Donner Summit because of vehicle spinouts and collisions.
Multiple Tahoe area ski facilities closed completely or partially due to weather conditions. Resort areas along major highways maintain avalanche prevention programs and faced lower risk compared to wilderness areas, where the center strongly advised against any travel in or near avalanche-prone terrain.
Location’s Tragic Past
Castle Peak, standing 9,110 feet tall north of Donner Summit, attracts many wilderness skiing enthusiasts. The peak takes its name from the notorious Donner Party, pioneer travelers who turned to cannibalism after becoming stranded in the area during the harsh winter of 1846-1847.
This past January, an avalanche in the same region trapped and killed a snowmobile rider, officials reported. The National Avalanche Center reports that avalanches claim 25 to 30 lives annually across the United States.
Avalanche safety training and specialized rescue equipment are strongly recommended for wilderness skiing, also called off-piste skiing, which involves traveling into remote wilderness areas far beyond resort boundaries. Wilderness skiing equipment features wider, heavier skis designed for ascending and descending ungroomed mountain terrain, unlike cross-country skis that are narrower and built for flatter, maintained trails.
A surprising guest made headlines at the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics when renowned soccer manager Juergen Klopp rang the final lap bell during Tuesday’s men’s biathlon relay competition in Anterselva, Italy.
French athlete Eric Perrot was unaware that the former Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund coach was the one signaling his final victorious push to the finish line. The moment came during a crucial point in the race, as nearly every biathlon event at these games has been determined by performances at the shooting range during the final stages.
Speaking with Reuters and Norwegian broadcaster NRK before Wednesday’s women’s relay event, where he attended as a spectator, Klopp expressed his admiration for the demanding winter sport.
“It’s, for me, the best combination of all the physical aspects of sports and all the mental aspects of sports,” Klopp explained. “(If you took them) and put it in one sport, if you would have asked me that, let somebody run until he dies, pretty much, and then give him a rifle? Not sure who had that idea! But no, really, for ages, I have loved it.”
While the Milano Cortina Games biathlon events have delivered plenty of excitement and drama, Klopp’s home country of Germany has managed just one medal so far – a bronze earned in the opening mixed relay competition.
Despite his nation’s limited medal count, the 58-year-old coach emphasized his respect for all biathlon competitors, regardless of their results.
“It’s an example for constantly restarting, constantly refocusing, and I have to say, there’s so many aspects. A real challenge for me would be to do the last shooting and miss, and then still to finish the race with all you have. That’s a massive thing to do,” he stated.
Since leaving his position as Liverpool manager in 2024, following Champions League success in 2019 and a Premier League title in 2020, Klopp has remained away from club management. He recently joined Red Bull as their global head of soccer in January 2025 and is using his free time to experience Olympic competition firsthand.
“I’m a big fan of the sports people, big fan of the attitude, a big fan of all the things sport can teach us in life,” Klopp shared.
“And so when you see it here, the Olympic Games, in a super difficult time in the world, they still have their spot and their place, and it’s still the same atmosphere and the same mood they create.”
“Everyone, we are all friends — fight against each other (in the events), but we are friends, and that’s the most important message you can get,” he concluded.
Workers at Argentina’s ports walked off the job Wednesday for a two-day strike protesting proposed changes to the country’s labor laws, according to union officials.
The maritime workers federation FESIMAF organized the work stoppage to oppose President Javier Milei’s labor reform legislation.
Port operations are being disrupted across Argentina, with the most significant impact expected at Rosario, which ranks among the globe’s major agricultural shipping centers. The strike is affecting vessel loading, unloading operations, pilot boat services, and other commercial shipping activities, industry officials report.
Guillermo Wade from the Chamber of Port and Maritime Activities confirmed the strike’s immediate effects on port functions. “Ships are being loaded, but once they’re two or three feet short of the draft needed for dispatch, they’ll almost certainly stop,” Wade told Reuters.
Union representatives defended their action in a social media post. “This action aims to defend our labor rights and the stability of our jobs,” FESIMAF stated.
The proposed labor reforms have sparked widespread resistance from Argentine labor organizations, who claim the legislation would weaken worker protections that have been in place for years.
The country’s lower legislative chamber is set to consider the reform bill Thursday, following its passage in the Senate last week.
Adding to the labor tensions, Argentina’s influential CGT labor confederation has scheduled a nationwide strike for Thursday as well.
LIVIGNO, Italy – Chinese freestyle skier Xu Mengtao successfully defended her Olympic championship in women’s aerials competition on Wednesday, cementing her legacy as one of the sport’s all-time greats.
Australia’s Danielle Scott claimed the silver medal, while China’s Shao Qi rounded out the podium with bronze.
The 35-year-old Xu has competed in five Olympic Games and holds the record for aerials with 35 World Cup wins. She currently leads the World Cup standings, and the International Ski and Snowboard Federation considers her the sport’s greatest competitor ever.
Beyond her gold medal from Beijing 2022, Xu previously earned silver in the mixed team aerials at those same Games and another silver in aerials at the 2014 Sochi Olympics.
During Wednesday’s competition at the Italian alpine venue, Xu dominated her opponents with a final jump score of 112.90, significantly ahead of Scott’s 102.17 and Shao’s 101.90.
The champion became emotional after her victory, raising her arms while holding China’s flag in celebration.
Scott, also 35 and competing in her fourth Olympics, had expressed hopes of winning gold but couldn’t match her Chinese competitor’s performance. The fact that both top finishers are 35 years old stands out in a sport typically won by younger athletes.
For 24-year-old Shao, competing in her second Olympic Games, the bronze represents her first Olympic medal.
The aerials discipline challenges athletes to launch themselves from steep ramps, soaring as high as 20 meters while performing intricate aerial maneuvers before touching down on sharp inclines.
Competitors can reach speeds exceeding 60 kilometers per hour during their runs. Judges evaluate performances based on air time, distance traveled, form, technical difficulty, and landing execution, with 150 being the perfect score.
Aerials skiing became an Olympic sport starting with the 1994 Lillehammer Games.
CORTINA D’AMPEZZO, Italy – American skiing legend Mikaela Shiffrin finally broke through for Olympic gold Wednesday, capturing the women’s slalom title in the closing alpine skiing event at the Milano Cortina Games.
The victory marked Shiffrin’s first Olympic medal since claiming gold four years ago, ending a drought that had built tremendous pressure on the sport’s most accomplished competitor.
Switzerland’s Camille Rast claimed the silver medal, while Sweden’s Anna Swenn Larsson rounded out the podium with bronze.
Shiffrin, who holds the record as the most victorious World Cup alpine skier in history, controlled the competition from start to finish. She established a commanding lead of 0.82 seconds following the opening run and maintained her aggressive approach through the second descent, ultimately defeating Rast by a decisive 1.5-second margin.
Despite entering as the clear favorite after capturing seven victories in eight World Cup slalom competitions this season, Shiffrin faced mounting expectations following her failure to medal in her first two Olympic events, combined with her disappointing performance at the Beijing Olympics four years earlier.
The 2014 Olympic slalom champion demonstrated her championship form immediately, establishing dominance from the first gate.
Germany’s Lena Duerr emerged as the only competitor to finish within one second of Shiffrin’s opening run time, positioning herself as a potential threat. However, her medal hopes disappeared instantly during the crucial second run when she missed the opening gate after leaving the starting hut.
Sweden’s Cornelia Oehlund held third place following the initial run, though she trailed by a full second. Her medal aspirations also crumbled when equipment failure struck – a broken ski pole prevented her from completing the final run.
Slovakia’s remarkable Olympic ice hockey journey continued Wednesday in Milan as they defeated Germany 6-2 to secure their place in the men’s semifinals at the Santaggiulia arena.
The unexpected tournament standouts, who surprised many by winning their group, dominated the match with goals from multiple players. Forward Pavol Regenda found the net twice, scoring once in the opening period and again in the third. The second period saw a flurry of Slovak scoring with forwards Milos Kelemen, Oliver Okuliar, and Dalibor Dvorsky all contributing goals, while captain Tomas Tatar added the final tally in the third period.
Germany, who earned silver at the 2018 Olympics, had easily defeated France in their qualification playoff but struggled offensively against Slovakia and will finish the tournament without hardware.
Following Wednesday’s quarterfinal conclusion, the remaining teams will undergo reseeding for Friday’s semifinals, with the top seed meeting the lowest seed and the second and third seeds battling each other.
Slovakia, the 2022 bronze medalists, opened the scoring late in the first period when defenseman Erik Cernak fired a shot from the blue line that Regenda deflected into the goal.
The second period belonged to Slovakia as Kelemen maneuvered past a struggling German defender before lifting the puck into the upper right corner just four minutes in. Okuliar followed up quickly, beating the German goaltender just 31 seconds later to extend the lead.
Slovak supporters were relieved to see tournament standout Juraj Slafkovsky return to action after a concerning collision with the boards, and Dvorsky provided additional security by outsmarting the German defense for another goal.
Germany’s Lukas Reichel managed a late second-period goal, and his team applied pressure in the final frame, outshooting Slovakia 13-12. However, Regenda’s second goal of the game sealed Slovakia’s victory, and Tatar’s empty-net goal completed Germany’s disappointing exit.
A coalition of national park supporters and teachers has filed a federal lawsuit challenging the Trump administration’s efforts to remove educational exhibits that address slavery, the forced relocation of Native Americans, and other difficult periods in the nation’s past.
The legal action seeks to prevent park officials from dismantling displays that educate visitors about these challenging historical topics at national park sites across the country.
The plaintiffs argue that removing these educational materials would eliminate important opportunities for Americans to learn about and confront the more troubling aspects of the nation’s history.
A Dense Fog Advisory remains in effect until 10 AM this morning across much of the Delmarva Peninsula, creating hazardous travel conditions with visibility dropping to just a quarter mile or less in some areas.
The National Weather Service warns that patchy ice is also forming due to freezing fog, making road conditions particularly treacherous. The advisory covers New Castle, Kent, and Sussex counties in Delaware, along with Queen Anne’s County on Maryland’s Eastern Shore.
Drivers are experiencing significantly reduced visibility on major roadways, including Routes 1, 13, and 50. The combination of dense fog and potential icy patches creates a double threat for morning commuters.
Transportation officials are urging extreme caution for anyone who must travel. Drivers should slow down considerably, use low-beam headlights, and maintain extra following distance. High-beam headlights should be avoided as they can reflect off the fog and actually reduce visibility further.
The fog is expected to gradually lift as temperatures warm throughout the morning. The advisory expires at 10 AM, but motorists should continue to exercise caution even after conditions begin to improve.
For the latest traffic updates and road conditions, stay tuned to TV Delmarva and check our website before heading out.
Lewes residents have the opportunity to examine their city’s property assessment records for 2026, according to a notice from municipal officials.
The comprehensive assessment documentation can be accessed at the City Manager’s Office inside City Hall at 114 E. Third Street in Lewes. For those who prefer digital access, the records are also available through the city’s website.
The public review period runs from February 13, 2026, through March 6, 2026, giving property owners and interested residents approximately three weeks to examine the assessment information.
Motorists using Rogers Road in New Castle County should plan for potential delays today as construction work continues to impact traffic flow.
Delaware Department of Transportation officials report that periodic lane restrictions are in effect along Rogers Road between Oakmont Drive and New Castle Avenue (Route 9). The construction-related closures are expected to remain in place through 5 p.m. today.
Drivers are advised to allow extra travel time and consider alternate routes if possible while work crews complete their operations in the area.
Two NHL brothers who’ve built reputations as agitators in professional hockey are finding redemption on the Olympic stage, where their skills matter more than their controversial tactics.
Matthew and Brady Tkachuk have made careers out of frustrating opponents and drawing penalties, earning them plenty of critics among rival fan bases. The siblings are notorious for their ability to provoke reactions from other players through their physical and sometimes questionable play.
However, at the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics, the Tkachuk brothers are being celebrated as vital pieces of Team USA’s quest for hockey gold. Their aggressive style and scoring ability have translated well to international competition, where they’re representing their country rather than divisive NHL franchises.
The transformation from villains to heroes highlights how Olympic competition can reshape public perception of polarizing athletes. While their home team critics may still harbor negative feelings, the brothers are now channeling their competitive fire toward a common national goal.
Team USA’s hockey success may depend heavily on players like the Tkachuks, whose combination of skill and edge gives the squad a competitive advantage in high-stakes Olympic matchups.
Finland’s Prime Minister Petteri Orpo voiced strong support for a major new trade agreement between the European Union and India following discussions with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on Wednesday.
The comprehensive trade pact, finalized at the end of January, will slash tariffs on the majority of goods while helping both regions reduce their dependence on American trade relationships as global commerce tensions continue to escalate.
Speaking to Reuters by phone, Orpo emphasized the deal’s significance in the current international climate. “In today’s world, the value of the trade agreement is extremely high. What we need globally is more free trade, not tariffs,” the Finnish leader stated.
According to a statement from the Indian Prime Minister’s Office, both leaders expressed enthusiasm for the EU-India agreement, describing it as something “which will serve as a catalyst for shared progress and prosperity.”
Officials anticipate the trade deal will take effect within the next twelve months.
While the European Union’s approval process has sometimes encountered hurdles – as seen with the Mercosur trade agreement that EU legislators are now challenging in court – Orpo expressed confidence that the India deal would face no similar roadblocks from member nations.
“I conveyed greetings from last week’s European Council meeting, where everyone was unusually unanimous and satisfied that the trade agreement has been concluded,” Orpo explained.
The Finnish Prime Minister, who is also participating in India’s AI Summit during his visit, announced that Finland aims to double its trade volume with India by the early 2030s.
Regarding the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, Orpo said he urged Modi to support Finland and the EU’s stance and to maintain pressure on Russia for achieving peace. The two leaders did not discuss Russian oil exports to India during their talks.
“Modi strongly emphasised that he is working to find solutions to the crisis in Ukraine,” Orpo reported.
German industrial conglomerate Thyssenkrupp is exploring options to sell, spin off, or publicly list its materials trading division potentially as early as this fall, according to three sources with knowledge of the discussions.
The potential divestment of Thyssenkrupp Materials Services (MX) represents another major restructuring move by CEO Miguel Lopez, who has already overseen the separation of the company’s defense operations while continuing negotiations to sell the steel manufacturing unit.
The materials division generated 11.4 billion euros ($13.5 billion) in revenue last year and accounts for more than one-third of Thyssenkrupp’s total sales. Industry insiders suggest the unit could be separated through a public offering as soon as this autumn.
Following news of the potential sale, Thyssenkrupp’s stock price jumped as much as 4.2% and was trading 3.6% higher by midday Monday.
In response to inquiries, Thyssenkrupp confirmed that MX was “well on track” to become ready for capital markets. The company had previously indicated it was pursuing an independent future for the business unit.
Sources indicate that any successful divestment depends on the division showing stronger performance in the second fiscal quarter ending in March. The unit handles both metals and raw materials trading along with warehousing operations.
Company executives are also exploring restructuring MX under a KGaA legal framework, which would allow Thyssenkrupp to maintain controlling interest even after selling a majority stake, according to the sources.
The discussions remain fluid with no final decisions reached, and specifics could change as talks progress.
“We are confident that Materials Services can be successfully brought to the capital market – even in a challenging environment. As with any planned transaction, the exact timing will depend on market conditions,” the company stated.
The materials division identifies the United States as its primary market, where it currently ranks fourth among steel service providers behind Reliance, the merged Ryerson/Olympic Steel entity, and Kloeckner & Co. The U.S. market is experiencing significant consolidation, with Worthington Steel recently announcing plans to acquire Kloeckner for $2.4 billion.
“We see potential for consolidation in the market, but we do not view this potential as a risk, but rather as an opportunity for Materials Services,” Thyssenkrupp said.
Industry analysts estimate that based on recent market valuations, including Worthington’s offer for Kloeckner at 8.5 times core earnings, Thyssenkrupp Materials Services could command approximately 2 billion euros in a sale.
Pharmaceutical distributor Cencora announced Wednesday it will sell its animal health subsidiary MWI Animal Health to private company Covetrus in a transaction valued at $3.5 billion, allowing the company to concentrate on its primary drug distribution operations.
The transaction structure will provide Cencora with $1.25 billion in cash when the deal closes, along with $800 million in preferred equity and $1.45 billion in common equity within the newly formed company. Despite the sale, Cencora will retain a 34.3% minority ownership position in the merged animal health business.
This divestiture represents part of Cencora’s broader strategic realignment as the company works to shed business units that don’t match its future objectives while strengthening its primary pharmaceutical distribution focus.
Company executives had previously indicated the animal health division didn’t fit well with Cencora’s long-range strategic goals, similar to other assets including legacy U.S. hub services and a pro forma equity investment in Brazil.
Covetrus CEO Ben Wolin stated the merger will expand the range of products and services available to veterinarians and animal health practitioners while enhancing logistical capabilities.
Both companies noted the transaction must receive regulatory approval and satisfy other standard closing requirements before completion.
Cencora maintained its fiscal 2026 financial projections, stating the company doesn’t expect the transaction to finalize before its fiscal year concludes in September 2026.
The ethanol industry is scrambling to identify new markets, with a presentation at a recent Iowa agricultural conference revealing three dramatically different scenarios that corn growers could face through 2034.
During the gathering, a single presentation slide illustrated the vastly different futures awaiting corn producers as ethanol manufacturers work to expand their market reach beyond traditional channels.
SALISBURY, Md. – Salisbury University’s athletic programs are making waves nationally, with five Sea Gulls teams securing positions within the top 15 of their respective sports in the latest national rankings.
The Roadie Joes Rankings released for the second Wednesday in February showcase the strength of Salisbury’s athletic department, highlighting exceptional performances across multiple disciplines.
Both the men’s and women’s lacrosse squads have earned recognition in the prestigious rankings, continuing the university’s tradition of excellence in the sport. The Sea Gulls’ swimming programs for both men and women have also secured top-15 status, demonstrating the depth of talent in the pool.
Additionally, Salisbury’s men’s track and field team has earned its place among the nation’s elite, rounding out the impressive showing for the university’s athletic programs.
These rankings reflect the continued success of Salisbury University’s commitment to athletic excellence and competitive performance at the national level.
Credit rating powerhouse Moody’s delivered optimistic earnings projections for 2026 on Wednesday, anticipating robust demand for bond evaluations as companies increase debt offerings.
The company’s stock climbed approximately 2% during pre-market hours following the announcement.
Bond market activity has intensified recently, particularly as major technology companies boost borrowing to finance artificial intelligence infrastructure investments, creating stronger demand for credit assessment services and benefiting rating agencies like Moody’s.
The company’s MIS division, responsible for credit evaluation services, saw fourth-quarter revenues jump 17% to reach $946 million.
This positive outlook emerges as the rating firm’s stock had previously suffered during a broader selloff affecting software companies and Wall Street firms considered susceptible to artificial intelligence disruption.
Competitor S&P experienced significant stock declines earlier this month after releasing disappointing annual profit forecasts. Moody’s shares have dropped more than 17% in 2026 so far.
Several analysts suggest these automation fears may be exaggerated, noting that companies like Moody’s might actually gain efficiency advantages from new technology.
“By scaling decision grade, contextual intelligence that is embedded directly into customer workflows — across our platforms, third party systems, and AI enabled interfaces — we are expanding the ways in which Moody’s remains central to high stakes decision making,” CEO Rob Fauber said.
The rating agency anticipates full-year adjusted earnings per share ranging from $16.40 to $17.00, exceeding analyst predictions of $16.38 average, based on LSEG data compilation.
Fourth-quarter results also surpassed expectations, with adjusted earnings reaching $3.64 per share versus analyst forecasts of $3.42 per share.
Missouri’s pork producers are dealing with mounting concerns over livestock health as disease outbreaks surge across farms throughout the state. According to Scott Hays, who leads Missouri Pork as executive director, animal wellness has become the primary concern for producers in the region.
This year has brought an uptick in cases of Porcine epidemic diarrhea among swine herds, creating substantial obstacles for farm operations. Hays explained the severity of the situation, stating: “It’s a challenge because you’ll lose three to four weeks of production with the disease, which is a pretty big financial hit.”
The disease outbreaks are forcing farmers to halt normal production cycles, resulting in lost revenue during the affected periods. These health challenges underscore the vulnerability of livestock operations to disease pressures and their direct impact on agricultural profitability.
Morning commuters traveling on westbound Capitol Trail should expect delays due to a construction-related lane closure near Brewster Drive.
DelDOT reports that the left turn lane on westbound Route 2 (Capitol Trail) just east of Brewster Drive is currently closed for construction work. The closure is expected to remain in place until 9 AM this morning.
Motorists are advised to plan alternate routes or allow extra travel time when heading through this area during the morning rush hour.
SOFIA, Bulgaria — Bulgaria’s President Iliana Yotova established a temporary government on Wednesday to oversee the nation’s upcoming parliamentary vote in April, as the country works to address ongoing political turmoil and financial challenges.
According to Yotova, the interim administration’s primary responsibility will be organizing transparent and fair elections. She emphasized the government must also address citizens’ concerns about increasing costs for goods and services after Bulgaria adopted the euro as its currency in January.
The president announced that the temporary cabinet will take their oath of office during a formal parliamentary ceremony, and she plans to issue an official order scheduling emergency parliamentary elections for April 19.
The previous governing coalition, headed by the center-right GERB party, stepped down after widespread demonstrations throughout late 2025. Citizens took to the streets expressing frustration over government corruption, social inequities, and what many viewed as excessive influence from wealthy oligarchs.
This governmental breakdown has led to yet another election — marking the eighth such vote since April 2021. Political experts predict the results may strengthen nationalist parties and groups with ties to Russia.
The new interim Prime Minister, 50-year-old Andrey Gyurov, earned his economics degree from Truman State University in Missouri and completed doctoral studies at the University of Vienna in Austria. His career includes leadership roles in academic institutions and European financial organizations, leading to his 2023 appointment as deputy governor of Bulgaria’s central bank in Sofia. Previously, he served as a parliamentary member and led the reformist “We Continue the Change” political group.
Gyurov will work alongside a cabinet of specialists focused on two main objectives: conducting fair and open elections while rebuilding citizen confidence in government institutions that have suffered during the political uncertainty affecting this EU and NATO member country.
This marks Bulgaria’s 12th temporary government, with six of those appointed by former President Rumen Radev. Radev has since left the presidency to establish his own political organization and will run as a candidate in the upcoming emergency elections.
Television comedian Stephen Colbert continues his public confrontation with CBS management regarding content restrictions on his late-night program.
During Tuesday’s broadcast of “The Late Show,” Colbert expressed shock at CBS’s public denial that network attorneys had prevented him from airing a segment featuring Democratic Texas Senate hopeful James Talarico the previous evening.
In a theatrical display of frustration, the host placed CBS’s official statement inside a pet waste bag before discarding it on stage.
The comedian had published his Talarico conversation on YouTube instead, explaining to his audience the network’s concerns about FCC Chairman Brendan Carr potentially implementing “equal time” regulations requiring broadcasters to offer similar airtime to rival candidates following political interviews.
“We looked and we can’t find one example of this rule being enforced for any talk show interview, not only for my entire late-night career, but for anyone’s late-night career going back to the 1960s,” Colbert stated.
While Carr mentioned in January his consideration of eliminating late-night show exemptions, no such action has occurred. “But CBS generously did it for him,” Colbert remarked.
The host revealed that CBS executives knew Monday evening he planned to address this matter publicly, with network attorneys approving his prepared remarks. This made their subsequent statement claiming they provided “legal guidance” about equal time violations particularly surprising to him.
“I don’t know what this is about,” Colbert said. “For the record, I’m not even mad. I really don’t want an adversarial relationship with the network. I’ve never had one.”
He criticized what he called the failure of “this giant global corporation” to resist intimidation tactics. Paramount Global owns CBS.
Colbert’s tenure at CBS will conclude in May following the network’s announcement last summer. While CBS cited financial considerations for ending the program, which frequently mocks President Donald Trump, both Colbert and observers question whether Trump’s ongoing criticism influenced the decision.
This controversy mirrors last fall’s incident when ABC temporarily removed Jimmy Kimmel from broadcasts over comments about conservative activist Charlie Kirk’s death, later reversing course after viewer backlash.
By Wednesday morning, Colbert’s YouTube conversation with Talarico had attracted over five million views, approximately twice his typical CBS viewership.
The sacred month of Ramadan commenced Wednesday in Gaza, where Palestinian Muslims gathered for prayers among the debris of demolished mosques and in temporary worship spaces constructed from tarps and wooden planks, grieving both their deceased and their destroyed houses of worship.
In Gaza City, what remains of the Al Hassaina mosque tells a story of devastation – its dome now sits atop a mountain of debris. The courtyard that once welcomed worshippers has become a living space for displaced families, with clotheslines strung between the ruins where people now sleep and prepare meals.
Standing amid the wreckage where congregants once prayed side by side, 61-year-old mosque volunteer Sami Al Hissi expressed his anguish. “I can’t bear to look at it,” Al Hissi stated.
“We used to pray comfortably. We used to see our friends, our loved ones. Now there are no loved ones, no friends, and no mosque,” he said.
The scene shows children climbing over fractured domes while women gather laundry hanging between damaged pillars.
Al Hissi recalled how the mosque previously attracted worshippers from neighboring areas like Shejaia and Daraj throughout Ramadan.
“It would be filled with thousands,” he said. “But now, where are they supposed to pray? It’s all rubble and destruction. There’s barely enough space for a hundred people.”
The current conflict began when Israel initiated its military campaign following a Hamas-led assault across the border on October 7, 2023, which resulted in 1,200 Israeli deaths according to official counts. Palestinian health officials report that Israel’s military response has claimed 72,000 Palestinian lives.
According to the Hamas-controlled Gaza government media office, Israeli forces have completely leveled 835 mosques and caused partial damage to 180 others. The office also reports that Israel has repeatedly attacked churches and demolished 40 out of Gaza’s 60 burial grounds.
Israeli officials maintain they focus on militant infrastructure and claim that Palestinian armed groups use civilian locations, including mosques, for operations – an accusation Hamas rejects.
The destruction represents both spiritual and community losses for residents.
“We wished we could welcome Ramadan in a different atmosphere,” said Khitam Jabr, who has been displaced and now shelters at the mosque.
“We don’t have enough mosques. All of the mosques were destroyed and there’s nowhere to pray. Now we pray in tents, and the mosques became centres for the displaced,” she added.
Despite facing severe material shortages and widespread damage, residents are working to reconstruct small portions of mosques and establish temporary prayer areas using salvaged plastic sheeting and lumber, according to Amir Abu Al-Amrain, who heads the religious affairs ministry in Gaza City.
“Four hundred and thirty prayer areas have been rebuilt, some using plastic sheets from greenhouses, some made of wood, and some constructed with plastic sheets from tents,” he said.
A New Jersey insurance analytics company delivered better-than-expected fourth-quarter earnings results Wednesday, boosting its stock price nearly 10% in early trading.
Verisk, which specializes in data analytics for the insurance industry, credited consistent demand for its services as insurers rely more heavily on data-driven solutions for underwriting, claims management, fraud detection, and operational improvements.
The strong quarterly performance occurred despite facing some obstacles, including minimal weather-related activity and a decrease in federal government contract work that slowed overall growth.
Despite Wednesday’s gains, Verisk shares have dropped approximately 21% year-to-date as investors worry about artificial intelligence potentially disrupting traditional information services companies.
Founded in 1971 as Insurance Services Office to collect industry data and assist insurers with regulatory compliance, Verisk has evolved into a major analytics provider.
Financial analysts believe the company faces minimal AI-related risks because it operates using exclusive datasets contributed directly by insurance companies, combined with deeply embedded processes within the industry.
Looking ahead to 2026, Verisk projects adjusted earnings per share ranging from $7.45 to $7.75, slightly below analyst expectations of $7.71 according to LSEG data.
The company anticipates total revenue between $3.19 billion and $3.24 billion for 2026, compared to analyst projections of $3.28 billion.
Management announced an expanded share buyback program worth $2.5 billion, with plans to execute $1.5 billion through an accelerated repurchase initiative in the coming months.
Fourth-quarter underwriting revenue increased 8.7% compared to the same period last year. Overall revenue climbed 5.9% to $778.8 million, surpassing analyst estimates of $773.6 million.
Adjusted earnings per share reached $1.82 for the quarter, beating Wall Street expectations of $1.61.
Medical technology company Insulet Corporation exceeded financial forecasts this week, posting fourth-quarter earnings that outpaced analyst predictions thanks to rising consumer interest in its needle-free insulin delivery systems.
The Massachusetts-based manufacturer projects annual revenue will expand by 20% to 22% in 2026, with adjusted per-share profits anticipated to rise more than 25%. Current quarter revenue is expected to grow between 25% and 27%.
The company’s financial success stems from expanded regulatory clearance for its Omnipod 5 automated insulin management system, a skin-attached device now approved for both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes treatment across the United States.
Industry peer Dexcom similarly reported strong sales for its glucose monitoring technology just last week, indicating broader market growth in diabetes management devices.
Fourth-quarter Omnipod device sales totaled $781.8 million, surpassing the $767.3 million Wall Street projection compiled by LSEG data.
Company leadership announced a $350 million boost to its stock repurchase program, with approximately $300 million in buybacks planned for the first quarter of 2026.
J.P.Morgan analyst Robbie Marcus commented on the financial results, stating: “(It is) a bullish signal on top of an already strong start to 2026 that should help support a positive response from investors today.”
Overall quarterly revenue climbed 31.2% to reach $783.8 million for the period ending December 31, compared to analyst estimates of $768.7 million.
Adjusted quarterly earnings reached $1.55 per share, beating the projected $1.45 per share estimate.
A major contract research company announced Wednesday it anticipates strong profits next year, driven by recovering demand from biotechnology firms seeking drug development assistance.
Charles River Laboratories, headquartered in Wilmington, Massachusetts, projects its adjusted earnings for 2026 will fall between $10.70 and $11.20 per share. The midpoint of this forecast surpasses the average Wall Street prediction of $10.88 per share, based on LSEG data.
The research firm has observed a rise in project proposals from pharmaceutical and biotech companies, while contract cancellations have decreased. Those earlier cancellations stemmed from clients responding to the federal government’s drug pricing negotiation initiative.
CEO James Foster highlighted the positive trend, stating that fourth-quarter “net bookings… demonstrates the stabilization of the biopharmaceutical demand environment.” Foster added that the company remains “cautiously optimistic that positive demand trends will continue in 2026.”
Foster’s retirement was announced last month, with Chief Operating Officer Birgit Girshick set to take over leadership in May.
The company also revealed additional executive changes Wednesday, naming Glenn Coleman as its new finance chief to replace interim CFO Michael Knell. Kerry Dailey will assume the newly established role of chief legal officer.
For the fourth quarter, Charles River reported revenue of $994.2 million, beating analyst projections of $987 million.
Despite the revenue beat, the company noted that quarterly sales were dampened by reduced volume in both drug discovery services and regulated safety assessment services compared to the previous year.
Looking ahead to 2026, Charles River anticipates revenue growth ranging from flat to a 1.5% increase.
The company’s fourth-quarter adjusted earnings per share reached $2.39, surpassing the analyst consensus estimate of $2.34.
WARSAW – A Catholic bishop in Poland faced criminal charges Wednesday for allegedly delaying reports of child sexual abuse committed by clergy members, marking the highest-ranking church official in the nation to be prosecuted for such offenses.
The case highlights the growing crisis facing the Catholic Church’s credibility in Poland, a country known for its strong religious traditions. Last year alone, both a bishop and archbishop stepped down due to their mishandling of abuse allegations.
At the District Court in Tarnow, located in southern Poland, Bishop Andrzej Jez entered a not guilty plea to accusations that he failed to quickly notify authorities about sexual abuse of children under 15 by two clergymen, according to state media reports.
Outside the courthouse, Lilianna Kupaj, who claims she was sexually assaulted by a different priest in the same diocese at age eight, spoke emotionally to reporters, calling the proceedings “the first act of justice I’ve experienced.”
The bishop disputed the allegations, maintaining that he did contact police regarding both priests involved.
“I regret and apologise to all those harmed and others who have suffered because of this,” Jez stated during court proceedings, as reported by the state news agency. “Paedophilia in general, and especially in the church, is reprehensible and must be combated with all determination.”
The bishop faces a potential prison sentence of up to three years if found guilty.
Although many Polish citizens continue to view Catholicism as fundamental to their cultural identity, mounting abuse scandals involving priests have led to declining trust in the institution among the population.
Recent polling data from IBRiS reveals a dramatic shift in public opinion, with trust in the Catholic Church dropping from 58% in 2016 to just 35% in 2025.
Agricultural specialists anticipate that farmers will show heightened interest in the Conservation Reserve Program during the current enrollment period as producers search for reliable revenue streams from their underperforming land during challenging economic conditions in the farming sector.
Farmers and agricultural professionals will receive their initial preview of what could be expected for this year’s spring corn and soybean planting season when the USDA’s recently appointed chief economist Dr. Justin Benavidez takes center stage at the Agricultural Outlook Forum.
This event will mark Benavidez’s first public appearance since taking on his new position with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, offering the farming community an opportunity to hear directly from the department’s top economic analyst about market conditions and planting projections.
Family farming operations that generate more than $1 million in yearly revenue are producing half of America’s total agricultural output, new federal statistics reveal.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s 2024 data shows these large-scale family farms control approximately one-third of the nation’s farmland while generating 50% of the country’s agricultural production value.
The findings highlight the significant role that major family farming enterprises play in feeding America, demonstrating how agricultural production has increasingly concentrated among larger operations that can achieve economies of scale.
Delaware Department of Transportation crews are working to clear debris from Interstate 95 northbound today, affecting traffic along the entire stretch of highway through the First State.
The cleanup operation is taking place on the right shoulder of I-95 north from the Maryland border to the Pennsylvania state line. DelDOT officials report the debris removal work will continue until 3:30 PM this afternoon.
Motorists traveling on I-95 northbound through Delaware should expect to see work crews and equipment along the roadway during the cleanup operation. Drivers are advised to use caution and move over when passing the work zone.
Meta’s chief executive Mark Zuckerberg is scheduled to provide testimony before a jury today as part of legal proceedings examining the potential connection between social media platforms and rising mental health issues among adolescents.
The Facebook founder’s court appearance comes as part of ongoing litigation that questions whether social networking sites are contributing factors in the current teen mental health emergency affecting young people across the nation.
In separate news from Washington, Department of Homeland Security communications director Tricia McLaughlin has announced she will be stepping down from her role within the federal agency.
The image shows Zuckerberg at a White House gathering with technology industry leaders hosted by President Trump in the State Dining Room on September 4, 2025.
The Pet Food Institute has selected Elise Fennig as its new president and chief executive officer, the organization announced. Fennig will take the helm from Dana Brooks, who has served in the leadership role since 2018.
Prior to her appointment, Fennig held key positions at the National Confectioners Association, where she worked as both chief of staff and senior vice president overseeing industry engagement. Her career includes executive positions at several major industry organizations, including the Consumer Brands Association and the American Frozen Food Institute, as well as corporate experience at The Kraft Heinz Co.
Fennig is scheduled to begin her duties at the Pet Food Institute on March 16.
