Category: U.S. News

Internal documents suggest that air traffic control operations at LaGuardia Airport may have breached established safety protocols on the evening a deadly collision occurred between an Air Canada aircraft and a fire truck, according to records obtained by Reuters.

The March 22 accident, which happened around 11:37 p.m. Eastern Time and resulted in the deaths of both pilots, has reignited discussions about inadequate staffing levels in America’s air traffic control system and the increasing burden placed on controllers nationwide.

Due to personnel shortages, particularly among supervisory staff, air traffic controllers are increasingly being asked to manage both airborne and ground traffic simultaneously, multiple controllers from various locations have reported.

The National Transportation Safety Board announced last week that investigators are examining the specific responsibilities assigned to each controller as part of their crash investigation.

Should it be determined that the controller managing the incident was handling both aviation and ground operations, this would contradict LaGuardia tower’s established operational guidelines.

A 1997 NTSB final investigation report regarding a similar LaGuardia collision between a private aircraft and ground vehicle noted that new protocols were implemented afterward requiring that “local and ground positions shall not be combined prior to” midnight at the New York facility.

According to a 2023 LaGuardia Tower Standard Operating Procedures document reviewed by Reuters, this regulation remained active as of that year.

“Positions at LaGuardia Tower are not to be consolidated to one position prior to midnight local time or 90 minutes after the start of the shift, whichever is later,” the 2023 document stated. Sources familiar with operations confirmed this policy remained current through 2026.

The Federal Aviation Administration, which oversees American air traffic control operations, has not responded to requests for comment.

UNCLEAR CONTROLLER RESPONSIBILITIES

NTSB Chairwoman Jennifer Homendy informed media last week that two controllers were on duty in the airport’s control tower glass enclosure when the accident occurred.

One local controller was overseeing active runway operations and surrounding airspace, while a controller-in-charge was simultaneously providing departure clearances to pilots, she explained.

“It is not clear who was conducting the duties of the ground controller. We have conflicting information,” Homendy stated, referring to the position responsible for managing aircraft and vehicle movement on taxiways, typically excluding active runways.

Several active and former controllers indicated they believe the local controller overseeing runway operations was simultaneously managing ground traffic, based on audio recordings available through LiveATC.net.

The NTSB has not responded to follow-up inquiries.

Aviation accident investigations typically identify multiple contributing elements rather than pinpointing a single cause.

POSITION CONSOLIDATION

The controller-in-charge began their shift at 10:30 p.m., with the local controller starting at 10:45 p.m., according to Homendy’s statements.

Based on LaGuardia’s standard operating procedures, local and ground controller positions should not have been merged until midnight at the earliest.

The procedural document also specifies that position consolidation should only occur when traffic conditions justify it. When positions are combined and traffic increases, they should be separated again, the guidelines state.

On the evening of the Air Canada incident, weather-related delays led to 70 commercial aircraft departures and arrivals between 10 p.m. and 11:37 p.m., significantly higher than the typical 53 flights during the same timeframe since 2022, based on Cirium aviation data.

Multiple controllers interviewed described that evening’s workload as exceptionally demanding and noted that additional personnel would normally be called in or asked to extend their shifts to handle such increased flight volumes.

Local and ground controller positions should have remained separate until midnight at minimum, according to a current New York-area controller who requested anonymity due to media restrictions.

“And that is not even talking about the traffic, volume and complexity that night,” the controller added.

Community volunteers in areas experiencing heightened immigration enforcement activity have organized group escorts to help students safely reach their schools.

These volunteer-led initiatives, which organizers have dubbed ‘walking buses,’ involve adults accompanying groups of children on foot to ensure they can continue attending classes despite ongoing federal immigration operations in their neighborhoods.

The grassroots effort has emerged as a response to increased U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement activities in various communities across the country, with local residents stepping up to provide safe passage for students who might otherwise face barriers getting to school.

A beloved canine who made history as the first dog ever welcomed into the Surfer’s Hall of Fame has passed away following a fight with cancer.

Sugar, a 16-year-old rescue dog from California’s Huntington Beach, died Monday while being held by her owner, according to an announcement on her social media account. The remarkable pup had claimed five world championship titles in dog surfing competitions.

“She lived to put smiles on faces, volunteer, to send it !! to change dog surfing forever !!! thank you for loving Sugar,” the post said. “Good bye my Sugar., i can’t believe in writing this .. i’m going to miss you so much.”

Originally discovered as a homeless stray, Sugar developed an extraordinary passion for ocean waves that transformed the sport of canine surfing. Crowds would gather to witness the small white dog, wearing her safety vest, expertly navigating her board through rolling waves toward the beach. Sometimes her owner Ryan Rustan would join her on the water, while other times she rode solo.

Earlier this year, Sugar achieved legendary status when her paw prints were permanently preserved in cement alongside those of celebrated human surfers at Huntington Beach’s hall of fame induction.

“This is just incredible. Dreams do come true even for a surfing dog and guys like me,” Rustan said at the ceremony.

Beyond her surfing achievements, Sugar dedicated her time on land to supporting military veterans through therapy work. The city of Huntington Beach honored her memory on social media, calling her a community icon whose loss is deeply felt.

“From inspiring the surfing world to advocating for rescue dogs and bringing comfort to veterans as a therapy dog, her impact reached far beyond the shoreline,” the post said.

For more than three decades, Antonio Bustamante has displayed a watercolor portrait of César Chavez in his Yuma, Arizona law office. During his youth, Bustamante felt inspired by the labor organizer and worked to mobilize workers before becoming part of Chavez’s security detail.

Now, like countless others, Bustamante faces the difficult task of reconciling his admiration for Chavez with recent accusations that the leader sexually abused women and girls.

“I’m trying to figure out how emotionally and intellectually I’ll be able to understand my perception of him as an extremely good man,” Bustamante said, his voice heavy with emotion, “compared to these things that are said he did.”

Chavez gained nationwide recognition for his work organizing agricultural laborers. Working alongside Dolores Huerta — who is also alleged to be among his victims — he established the United Farm Workers union, conducted hunger strikes, organized grape boycotts with Filipino agricultural workers, and ultimately forced growers to negotiate improved wages and working conditions for Mexican American laborers.

Almost two weeks have passed since The New York Times published detailed sexual abuse allegations, and communities and advocacy organizations nationwide continue grappling with how Chavez should be remembered. His name and likeness have already been removed from monuments, street signs and murals across the nation.

Bustamante learned about the allegations when a longtime friend contacted him about the forthcoming news report. He said what immediately came to mind were the faces of others who had known and respected Chavez, and “how their eyes would be devastated.”

“We were looked down upon by society, we were Mexicans,” Bustamante said, remembering the first time he heard Chavez speak outside the Arizona Capitol in 1972 as he began a hunger strike. He “gave us worth, and for young people that was everything.”

Some of Bustamante’s acquaintances have now removed Chavez images from their homes. In his community, Bustamante compared it to rejecting Catholicism and taking down photographs of the pope.

Many view this situation as evidence that movements shouldn’t center around one individual leader.

Teresa Romero, president of United Farm Workers, acknowledged the unavoidable contradiction between Chavez’s achievements and the allegations.

“We have in one hand César Chavez, the man who committed horrible acts that we’re not going to justify,” Romero said. “On the other hand, we have César Chavez, the organizer who brought thousands and thousands of people together to be able to work for farm workers, and improve their lives and working conditions.”

Romero noted that unfortunately, both aspects came from the same individual.

Sehila Mota Casper, executive director of Latinos in Heritage Conservation, emphasized that the farmworker movement was always powered by collective action.

“The rights and protections that came from it belongs to the people that built it,” she said. “It wasn’t just one individual.”

This viewpoint, she explained, provides a path forward: acknowledging Chavez’s contributions while not allowing them to eclipse the work of others, including Huerta, and the obstacles they overcame.

Organizations like the nonprofit Voto Latino adopted a similar position, stating, “The women who organized, marched, and sacrificed alongside farmworkers carried this movement on their backs.”

The allegations also triggered immediate public responses. Within days, statues were taken down and celebrations were canceled or renamed, including events connected to the federal César Chavez Day on March 31.

Political figures from both parties have denounced the alleged abuse. Some Republicans, including Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, referenced it as part of broader criticism of Chavez’s progressive legacy.

Abbott announced that Texas — a state containing dozens of Confederate monuments — would no longer observe César Chavez Day, stating the allegations “undermine the narrative that elevated Chavez as a figure worthy of official state celebration.”

Meanwhile, organizations like the nonpartisan Latino Victory Project, which focuses on developing Hispanic political leadership, argued this current situation should not overshadow ongoing civil rights struggles.

“Those legacies are unchanged,” said Paul Ortiz, a labor history professor at Cornell University and director of graduate studies for Latino Studies. “And those legacies are all about people power.”

Bustamante believes there will always be questions surrounding Chavez’s name going forward.

“Does that take away the greatness of what his accomplishments were, the meaning of them? No, it doesn’t,” he said. “But can we look past that to honor him? That’s the tough part.”

Authorities in Texas are investigating after a 15-year-old student wounded a teacher and then died by suicide Monday morning at a high school near San Antonio.

The incident occurred at Hill Country College Preparatory High School in Bulverde, a growing community outside San Antonio. Officials report no additional injuries beyond the wounded educator.

The injured teacher was transported to a local hospital, though Comal County Sheriff Mark Reynolds said hours later that he remained unaware of her medical status.

“What happened today is something no community ever wants to face, but we prepare for something that we hope never occurs,” Reynolds stated.

According to Reynolds, the teenager fired at the teacher before turning the weapon on himself. Investigators are now examining the connection between the student and educator while also determining how the firearm was acquired.

The campus, which serves approximately 250 students, went into lockdown procedures around 8:30 a.m., school officials confirmed. A student witness told San Antonio’s KSAT television that loud noises erupted from a second-floor classroom, followed by screaming.

Another student described hearing five gunshots and shouting before a debate instructor directed students into a secure classroom.

School buses transported students to a neighboring middle school facility, where parents formed lengthy queues as they awaited reunification with their children. Some families were seen praying during the wait. Reynolds noted that relatives of the shooter also joined the reunification process.

“We’re trying to collect as much information as we can from witnesses,” Reynolds explained.

Parent Jesse Lopez expressed concerns to KSAT about his daughter’s eventual return to classes.

“For one, she has autism, and she’ll be afraid to go back, she’ll be real afraid to go back,” Lopez shared.

Principal Julie Wiley announced that Tuesday’s classes would be suspended, though counseling services would remain available for students and families. Her statement did not include updates on the teacher’s medical condition.

“Our hearts are with everyone impacted, especially that teacher, their family, and our school community,” Wiley expressed. “We know this has been a difficult day.”

The institution operates under the Comal Independent School District and emphasizes college preparatory academics. The school’s curriculum revolves around science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM), offering specialized courses in cybersecurity and engineering.

Hill Country College Preparatory opened its doors in August 2020 with an initial freshman class and has expanded to include all high school grade levels.

A young American woman’s battle with homesickness during her college years in France took an unexpected turn thanks to a simple trip to mail letters. Holly Deiaco-Smith was just 19 years old when loneliness struck during her study abroad experience, but a chance meeting at a French postal facility would transform her entire outlook.

What began as a routine visit to send correspondence home became the foundation for a friendship that has lasted for decades. The encounter demonstrates how meaningful connections can emerge from the most ordinary circumstances, even when separated by language barriers and cultural differences.

Deiaco-Smith’s experience highlights how study abroad programs, while challenging for homesick students, can create unexpected opportunities for cross-cultural relationships that endure long after the academic experience ends.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Military officials are conducting an administrative investigation following an incident where two Apache attack helicopters flew low over entertainer Kid Rock’s Nashville residence during what the Army describes as a routine training exercise.

The musician, known for his vocal support of former President Donald Trump, shared two social media videos over the weekend showing the military aircraft hovering close to his backyard pool area. In the footage, Kid Rock can be seen applauding, giving military salutes, and pumping his fist toward the helicopter crews, with Nashville’s downtown visible behind him.

In his social media post, the entertainer wrote: “This is a level of respect,” that the “Governor of California will never know. God Bless America and all those who have made the ultimate sacrifice to defend her.”

Major Jonathon Bless, who serves as spokesperson for the 101st Airborne Division, confirmed Monday that Kid Rock had made no formal request for the military visit to his home. The division operates from Fort Campbell, situated along the Tennessee-Kentucky state line, and regularly conducts helicopter training flights throughout the Nashville region.

The same Apache helicopters also passed over a Nashville demonstration called “No Kings” that was protesting the Trump administration on the same day, though Bless emphasized the training mission was unrelated to any political gathering.

In an official response, Army leadership issued a statement through Bless addressing the situation.

“Army aviators must adhere to strict safety standards, professionalism, and established flight regulations. An administrative review is underway to assess the mission and verify compliance with regulations and airspace requirements. Appropriate action will be taken if any violations are found,” according to the military’s statement.

NEW YORK (AP) — A federal judge sentenced the co-founder of a California wellness company focused on female sexuality to nine years behind bars Monday following her conviction on forced labor charges, according to federal prosecutors.

Nicole Daedone, who helped establish OneTaste Inc., must also give up $12 million — the sum she received when selling the company, said John Marzulli, a spokesman for the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Brooklyn’s Eastern District.

Federal prosecutors had pushed for a two-decade sentence for Daedone, stating in court documents that her operation created “scores of victims financially, emotionally and psychologically scarred.”

“Daedone and her co-conspirators exercised control through economic pressure, psychological manipulation, physical exhaustion and emotional degradation, leaving behind a trail of financial ruin and lasting trauma,” prosecutors wrote.

Defense attorneys called a lengthy prison term “bonkers” while requesting approximately two years for their client.

The legal team emphasized that the New York resident had a clean criminal history and received more than 200 character reference letters from supporters who praised “her character, her generosity, and her positive influence.”

“She has lived an uncommon and impactful life, and she is deeply respected by people from all walks of life, including many entirely unconnected to OneTaste,” her defense team stated in sentencing documents. “She is a prolific writer, teacher, and spiritual practitioner whose work has long focused on reducing suffering and fostering meaningful human connection.”

CNN correspondent and former Obama administration advisor Van Jones wrote a support letter for Daedone.

The criminal justice reform advocate called Daedone “a woman of uncommon wisdom, grace and moral courage” who has “dedicated her life to helping others find healing, empowerment and a deeper sense of human connection.”

“The West Wing” actor Richard Schiff also submitted a letter arguing Daedone deserved mercy because she has “spent her life trying to bring compassion, awareness, and honesty to a part of human experience that is often shamed or misunderstood.”

Daedone’s legal team did not respond to requests for comment following the sentencing. Rachel Cherwitz, who served as the company’s former sales director, was scheduled for sentencing later Monday.

Throughout the month-long trial, prosecutors argued the two women operated a multi-year scheme targeting followers — many who had experienced sexual trauma — to carry out their demands.

According to prosecutors, Daedone and Cherwitz from California employed financial, sexual and psychological abuse along with intimidation and brainwashing to compel OneTaste members into unwanted sexual activities, including intimate encounters with potential investors or customers.

The pair convinced followers these troubling activities were essential for achieving “freedom” and “enlightenment,” while proving their dedication to the organization’s beliefs.

One defense lawyer described her client as a “ceiling-shattering feminist entrepreneur” who built an innovative business focused on women’s sexuality and empowerment.

Daedone launched OneTaste in San Francisco during 2004 as a self-help community that considered female climax essential for sexual and mental health plus human relationships.

The organization’s main practice involved “orgasmic meditation,” abbreviated as “OM,” where men would manually stimulate women in group environments.

The business received positive press coverage throughout the 2010s as an innovative venture emphasizing women’s sexual satisfaction, rapidly expanding locations from Los Angeles to London.

Daedone divested her company ownership in 2017 for $12 million — one year before OneTaste faced investigation over its marketing methods and workplace practices.

Current ownership has rebranded the organization as the Institute of OM Foundation. They continue asserting their work has been misrepresented and the criminal charges against former leadership were unwarranted.

Enthusiastic coaches called out encouragement as young players maneuvered the ball down the field, with cheers erupting from spectators when a goal found its mark during a special soccer tournament in Portland, Oregon.

The weekend event was organized as what its creator called a World Cup specifically for immigrant and refugee girls. Som Subedi, a community advocate who immigrated from Bhutan, developed the tournament to bring happiness and solidarity during a time when federal immigration enforcement has created anxiety for participating families.

During opening ceremonies, Subedi declared that “ICE and federal enforcement must be out of our parking lots, out of our soccer fields, and most importantly, out of the fear in our hearts and minds,” referring to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Subedi’s background includes being part of the Lhotshampa, a Nepali-speaking community that faced persecution from Bhutanese officials in the early 1990s. After spending years in a Nepalese refugee camp, he relocated to Portland in 2008 and later gained American citizenship.

“This is more than a competition. It is more than soccer,” Subedi explained to The Associated Press. “We are making this a community event so that they feel valued and welcomed.”

Concerns about federal immigration enforcement have created widespread anxiety in youth athletics nationwide.

During the previous fall season, Oregon’s Youth Soccer Association had to cancel or postpone multiple Portland-area games due to reports of immigration agents near recreational facilities, according to The Oregonian/OregonLive. Similar incidents occurred elsewhere, including a New York City baseball coach protecting his team from ICE agents during practice, and a Massachusetts high school athlete being detained by immigration officials while heading to volleyball practice before his release.

Federal enforcement activity intensified significantly in the Pacific Northwest during fall months under President Donald Trump’s policies, reaching levels comparable to peak enforcement during the early Obama years, based on University of Washington Center for Human Rights statistics. Oregon experienced a dramatic increase with approximately 1,200 arrests between October and December.

Portland’s ICE facility has become a focal point for ongoing demonstrations protesting immigration policies since June, featuring nightly gatherings for months. The federal agents’ deployment of chemical dispersants like tear gas against protesters has sparked two legal challenges from area residents and demonstrators that are currently under review by federal appellate courts.

Several tournament participants, ranging from ages 10 to 18 and representing families from Mexico, Somalia, Myanmar and other nations, have experienced direct impacts from immigration enforcement. Fifteen-year-old Valeria Hernandez shared that her brother faced deportation to Mexico in recent months.

“I broke down at that moment. I was really sad,” she revealed to the AP, becoming emotional. “He was my best friend.”

Transportation to soccer practice became more challenging after losing her brother’s assistance with rides. She described him as her primary motivation for playing the sport and mentioned sending him a tournament photo before her opening match.

“He was just very passionate about it,” she explained, “so I wanted to be just like him.”

During the ceremony, Valeria, her mother and younger sister received colorful scarves as gestures of community support while dealing with their family separation, with Subedi noting they “deserve to be united” with their deported relative.

Subedi recounted his own family’s experience when his 11-year-old daughter became afraid to attend soccer practice after immigration agents were reported near her school during winter months. Despite showing her his REAL ID and passport for reassurance, anxiety persisted.

“I had to calm her down, and she went into the practice, but also not without the fear,” he recalled.

To establish a secure environment at the tournament, representatives from two police departments and a local immigrant advocacy organization maintained a visible presence. Officers could be seen engaging in casual conversations with attendees around the park perimeter or stationed in vehicles nearby. Oregon’s sanctuary legislation prevents local law enforcement from participating in federal immigration operations.

The police departments agreed to participate in a supportive capacity, according to Subedi, “and their presence helped families feel protected, not policed.”

The gathering of supporters and families also enhanced the welcoming atmosphere, he noted.

“When there’s a feeling of having a community’s back for these girls, I think that creates that sense of belonging, sense of safeness,” he said.

Esraa Alnabelsi, who relocated from Syria to the United States in 2012, expressed enthusiasm about watching her 13-year-old daughter compete while witnessing people from various cultural and religious backgrounds unite.

“We really have to be in one hand to face all that’s happening now in Oregon and other states,” she observed.

The tournament also fostered connections between players. Several girls from non-immigrant families requested participation and were welcomed, as Subedi emphasized the event’s inclusive nature.

Community donations made the tournament completely free for participants, including uniforms and footwear, with girls divided into six squads. Some teams represented specific ethnic communities and organizations, including the Karen people from Myanmar and the African Refugee Immigrant Organization. Winning teams received trophy recognition.

Numerous community members volunteered for various roles, including officiating and coaching positions.

Sergio Medel served as a volunteer coach for his 16-year-old daughter’s team, bringing experience from his professional playing career in Mexico and coaching background in the United States since his 1997 arrival.

“I hope that when they walk away from here, they feel like, ‘Hey, we’re not alone,’” he stated.

Soccer’s status as the world’s most widely played sport creates natural opportunities for diverse communities to connect, with similar immigrant-focused tournaments occurring across the United States in recent years.

Subedi, who has enjoyed playing soccer since childhood, characterized it as a sport where “there is no language needed.”

“You just come together and play,” he concluded.

A United States Marine ammunition specialist stationed at Camp Pendleton in California faces federal charges for allegedly stealing military weapons and equipment, including a shoulder-fired missile launcher, and selling them across state lines.

Corporal Andrew Paul Amarillas entered a not guilty plea in Phoenix federal court last Thursday on multiple federal charges, including conspiracy to commit theft and embezzlement of government property, along with possession and sale of stolen military ammunition. The judge ruled that Amarillas will remain in jail while awaiting trial.

Attempts to reach Amarillas’ defense attorney and Camp Pendleton officials for comment were made Monday.

According to federal prosecutors, Amarillas exploited his role as a technical specialist at the School of Infantry West to unlawfully take at least one Javelin missile launcher, thousands of rounds of military ammunition, and additional weapons-related equipment during a period spanning from February 2022 through November 2025.

Authorities allege that Amarillas moved the stolen military equipment to Arizona, his home state, where he sold the items to unidentified accomplices who then distributed them to additional buyers. Law enforcement has recovered some, but not all, of the stolen weapons and ammunition.

Court records reveal that one accomplice stored Amarillas’ contact information in their phone under the alias “Andrew Ammo.”

“(I) have 2 launchers that (I) think you’d like, if you want to take a look tomorrow,” Amarillas wrote in a text message to an accomplice in August, according to the federal criminal complaint. The messages also contained photographs, including an image of a portable Javelin missile system bearing a serial number that corresponded to equipment Amarillas had officially checked out from the San Diego-area military installation, the complaint states.

Federal prosecutors noted that undercover law enforcement officers purchased some of the stolen ammunition from the accomplices.

“The objects of the conspiracy were to steal property and ammunition from the U.S. military and sell stolen U.S. military property and ammunition to others to earn money,” according to the complaint filed in U.S. District Court for Arizona.

This case follows a 2021 incident where explosives disappeared from the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center located in Twentynine Palms in Southern California’s desert region. The Naval Criminal Investigative Service confirmed they were investigating the missing explosives at that time but withheld specific details about the case.

Law enforcement in Newark has apprehended a local resident suspected of orchestrating multiple robberies targeting people conducting online marketplace transactions.

The arrest comes after a series of criminal incidents that took place over more than a month, spanning from February 26 through March 29, 2026.

The first reported incident occurred on February 26, 2026, around 5:52 in the evening when police were called to respond to the 900 block of Rahway Drive.

Authorities have not yet released additional details about the specific nature of the robberies or the identity of the arrested individual.

The case highlights ongoing safety concerns surrounding in-person meetups for online sales transactions, as criminals increasingly target these exchanges.

Police continue their investigation into the connected incidents and encourage anyone with information to contact the Newark Police Department.

Mississippi’s public safety agency made a startling discovery while preparing to move offices – a collection of Ku Klux Klan materials hidden in a suitcase, providing rare insight into the secretive white supremacist organization’s operations and connections to law enforcement.

The Mississippi Department of Public Safety found the items during their headquarters relocation and has transferred everything to the state’s Department of Archives and History. Processing the complete collection is expected to take several months, officials said.

Civil rights leaders view these materials as important reminders of the Klan’s violent past in Mississippi and emphasize the need to preserve such history to prevent its repetition.

“I’m glad these stories are coming out because it was a real pain,” said Charles Taylor, executive director of the Mississippi State Conference of the NAACP.

The discovered cache contained a White Knights of the Ku Klux Klan manual, organizational charters, ceremonial robes, recruitment documents, anti-Martin Luther King propaganda, minutes from meetings, financial records, and membership rosters showing who had paid their dues.

Archive officials are embracing the responsibility of preserving these materials rather than avoiding the uncomfortable discovery.

DPS Commissioner Sean Tindell stated, “Mississippi Highway Patrol Troopers and agents with the Mississippi Department of Public Safety have worked for decades with our federal law enforcement partners to shed light on the darkness in which groups like the Ku Klux Klan chose to operate. By preserving these artifacts and shedding light on such organizations, we help ensure that future generations are never led astray by such hate.”

The Klan emerged shortly after the Civil War ended, created by six former Confederate military leaders. Initially resembling a fraternal organization with ceremonial garments and unusual leadership titles, it quickly evolved into a terrorist group targeting newly freed Black Americans. While Congress banned the organization in 1871, it reemerged during World War I and expanded significantly under Jim Crow segregation laws. By the 1960s, the group was responsible for lynchings, church bombings, and numerous other violent acts, Taylor explained.

The organization’s most notorious Mississippi crime occurred in 1964 when members murdered three civil rights activists in what became known as the “Mississippi Burning killings.” Three years later, Klan members bombed the state’s sole synagogue, which was targeted by arson again this past January.

Taylor emphasized that these newly uncovered materials serve as a stark reminder of recent history and highlight the critical need to ensure current law enforcement personnel don’t harbor similar ideologies.

“It’s one thing to be able to say very clearly this was here but it was at their place,” Taylor said. “Folks were studying (propaganda) as they were supposed to be providing safety for all Mississippians.”

Barry White, Commissioner of the Department of Archives and History, noted the significance of finding administrative documents and official charters, given the Klan’s notorious secrecy.

“MDAH is grateful to Commissioner Tindell for recognizing the historical significance of this material and transferring it to the archives,” White said. “These records will give researchers broader access to documentation that deepens our understanding of Ku Klux Klan activities in Mississippi during the 1960s.”

Stephanie Johnson-Toliver, who leads the Black Heritage Society of Washington State and specializes in preserving Black history, stressed the importance of maintaining such records despite their disturbing nature.

Making these materials available to the public will enable people to “look at the history that definitely harmed and was traumatic and remains to be harmful and traumatic here in the United States,” Johnson-Toliver explained.

Administrative offices throughout Salisbury will shut down on Friday, April 3, with normal business operations set to return Monday, April 6.

Critical city services such as police, fire department, and emergency response teams will continue their regular schedules without interruption.

The Salisbury Zoo will keep its doors open for visitors, maintaining its usual hours from 9 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.

Garbage pickup that was originally planned for Friday has been moved to Saturday, April 4. City officials recommend residents put their collection bins out Thursday evening to ensure pickup occurs on schedule. Additional details about holiday waste collection schedules can be found at www.salisbury.md/departments/fieldoperations.

Anyone needing immediate city services during the closure should call the Salisbury Police Department’s non-emergency number at 410-548-3165.

Federal immigration authorities announced Monday that a Mexican national passed away while detained at an Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility in Los Angeles last week.

The individual died on March 25th, according to ICE officials, bringing the total number of deaths in immigration detention facilities to at least 14 during 2026.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement released the information about the custody death on Monday, though additional details about the circumstances surrounding the fatality were not immediately provided.

As experts document what they describe as a ‘friendship recession’ across the country, one Washington cafe has launched an innovative solution to help people connect.

The southeastern Washington establishment now organizes ‘speed friending’ gatherings – events modeled after speed dating but designed specifically for those seeking non-romantic companionship.

These structured social events provide participants with quick opportunities to meet potential friends in a relaxed cafe setting, offering an alternative approach to building meaningful platonic relationships in an increasingly disconnected world.

A young kangaroo’s daring escape from a Wisconsin petting zoo turned into a three-day adventure that had an entire community searching for the furry fugitive.

Chesney, a 16-month-old kangaroo at Sunshine Farm in Necedah, Wisconsin, made his break for freedom last Wednesday morning around 11:15 a.m. The escape happened when loose dogs frightened the young marsupial, prompting him to bound over an eight-foot barrier surrounding his habitat, according to his caretaker Debbie Marland.

What followed was an exhaustive search effort covering the area roughly 160 miles northwest of Milwaukee. Marland and her team of helpers scoured the countryside, following up on reported sightings and even deploying thermal-imaging drones to track the escaped animal.

“I was putting on about 37,000 steps per day looking for him,” Marland shared on Sunday. “I haven’t done so much exercise in a very long time.”

Chesney, who shares his name with country music performer Kenny Chesney along with his companion Kenny, remained within a three-mile area around the farm but proved elusive to capture. The facility houses 25 different animals including horses, sheep, alpacas, Kunekune pigs, Highland cattle, and a Bactrian camel, welcoming visitors on weekends from mid-May through mid-November.

Friday brought particular anxiety for the search team. Farm volunteer Stacy Brereton explained that no one had seen any trace of Chesney throughout the day, raising concerns he might have traveled into unfamiliar territory beyond their search zone.

Hope returned Friday evening when searchers located Chesney resting beneath a tree in a forested section. However, the athletic marsupial – capable of reaching speeds up to 20 mph – managed to evade capture once again when the group attempted to surround him.

Saturday morning brought a breakthrough when Marland returned to the woods carrying Chesney’s preferred snacks and fabric items carrying familiar scents from home. Additional volunteers joined the effort, but as the day progressed without success, the team began preparing to leave.

That’s when Chesney appeared, walking calmly toward the group.

Brereton took charge of the delicate reunion moment.

“He had a very calm attitude when he walked up, obviously you could tell he wasn’t in fight-or-flight mode, so I just went with that,” Brereton explained. “I just stayed calm with him and I just kind of went and sat and let him come to me.”

The approach worked perfectly. Chesney responded to the familiar voices and seemed to seek human interaction, allowing Brereton to eventually lift the 40-pound animal to safety.

“I do believe he heard our comforting voices, he smelled the familiar smells of home and it just made him feel safe,” Brereton said, adding, “I’m just glad he loves me as much as I love him.”

The ordeal brought the local community together in support of the search efforts, Marland noted, and has turned Chesney into something of a local celebrity. One supporter has even authored a children’s book about the kangaroo’s escapade, which Marland hopes to publish and sell to help offset search expenses.

Back home, Chesney was welcomed by his housemate Kenny – both kangaroos have free access to Marland’s residence. Despite being hungry and exhausted from his outdoor adventure, Chesney appeared in good health, though a veterinary examination is planned as a precaution.

To prevent future escapes, Marland announced plans to install mesh covering over the kangaroo enclosure, ensuring no more high-jumping adventures.

Across the nation, from California to Minnesota, government officials and advocacy organizations are rushing to remove César Chavez’s name from public celebrations following recent accusations that he sexually abused women and girls during the 1960s while leading the farmworkers’ movement.

The push to rebrand events has been rapid and extensive as March 31st, traditionally César Chavez Day, approaches. Communities are wrestling with how to commemorate the civil rights leader’s birthday amid the troubling revelations.

Several cities have already implemented name changes. Tucson, Arizona transformed last weekend’s celebration into a community and labor fair. Grand Junction, Colorado now calls their event the Sí, Se Puede Celebration, while El Paso, Texas will observe Tuesday as Community and Labor Heritage Day.

State governments are also taking action. Minnesota legislators voted this week to eliminate their César Chavez holiday entirely. California Governor Gavin Newsom signed legislation Thursday changing César Chavez Day to Farmworkers Day. Colorado lawmakers are reviewing similar legislation to create Farm Workers Day.

The renaming movement extends beyond holidays to include numerous schools, streets, and public spaces bearing Chavez’s name throughout the United States, including the national monument located in Keene, California.

These discussions have proven challenging as advocates struggle with mixed emotions while determining the best approach to preserve what represented a crucial labor and civil rights movement in American history.

Community leaders describe experiencing disappointment, shock, and anger as they navigate this difficult situation.

Recent reporting by The New York Times revealed that César Chavez allegedly groomed and sexually abused young girls within the movement. The movement’s co-founder, Dolores Huerta, also disclosed that she experienced abuse in her 30s.

“It was a personal hurt and a betrayal,” said Jose Luis Chavez, founder and president of the committee that has organized the César Chavez Celebration for Mesa County, Colorado, for the past decade. The committee is made up of people who have worked in the agricultural industry and whose grandparents and parents cut grapes and picked peaches.

“I think that’s what my committee was feeling, and I think when we look at our community here, that is what people are still feeling,” said Jose Luis Chavez, who is not related to the famous civil rights leader. “They’re feeling a lot of hurt and a lot anger.”

Originally created to educate students about marginalized communities, Grand Junction’s annual celebration has grown into a community gathering featuring music, food, classic cars, and scholarship presentations for high school students.

Canceling the event entirely was never considered, Jose Luis Chavez explained.

Organizers modified their logo to feature “Sí, se puede” — the famous rallying cry created by Huerta meaning “Yes, it can be done.” Social media announcements informed the public that the event would continue under its new identity.

Tucson’s annual César Chavez and Dolores Huerta March and Rally underwent significant changes and rebranding. Last weekend’s event eliminated the march and car show components, instead becoming the Comunidad y Labor Unity Fair with a broader focus on labor rights without referencing Chavez.

The Arizona César E. Chávez + Dolores Huerta Holiday Coalition urged movement supporters to maintain their solidarity with one another.

“Even when we thought about canceling, we chose to keep going, because this movement is bigger than a name or one person,” the group said in a social media post. “No single individual defines it. … We, the working people, do.”

This message has gained widespread support since the allegations became public knowledge. While some voices in Texas and other locations have called for complete holiday elimination, organizations moving forward cite their obligation to preserve the movement’s broader impact.

Sehila Mota Casper, executive director of Latinos in Heritage Conservation, believes each community will reach different conclusions.

“It’s due process that’s needed to help grapple with this,” she said. “I think that’s the best resolution that each community will have to decide for themselves, how it is that they land on a decision that best reflects their community and their values.”

Albuquerque’s annual march was previously canceled for unrelated reasons before the news emerged, but New Mexico’s largest city is now beginning to address potential name changes for roads and other public facilities.

City Councilor Joaquín Baca, whose district includes roads named after both César Chavez and Huerta, describes this as a complicated process requiring time and community input. Even Baca and his family are reconsidering a César Chavez and Dolores Huerta poster displayed in their home.

City officials have received numerous emails, phone calls, and text messages with varying demands — some calling for complete removal of anything César Chavez-related, while others request broader recognition of farmworkers’ and laborers’ rights, Baca noted.

“It’s every side on every issue within the context of this,” he said. “So for me, it has been a lot of listening at this point.”

Mota Casper, whose career focuses on heritage tourism and historic preservation, views this as an opportunity for elected officials and policymakers to pause and consider expanding the discussion around Chavez’s legacy. She believes society must tell “that full story,” recognizing that humans are complicated and imperfect.

“So in commemorating or glorifying them, we have to be able to acknowledge the good and the bad and take that as it comes … but also understand that we can’t gloss over history,” she said. “We can’t simplify it just to make it easy. We have to be able to talk about it.”

A federal judge approaching her 100th birthday has taken her fight to regain her judicial position all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court, bringing national attention to questions surrounding the aging federal bench.

Pauline Newman’s legal battle illuminates broader concerns about America’s federal judiciary, where judges serve for life and are growing increasingly older, creating complex debates about appropriate retirement timing.

The case underscores the challenging intersection of lifetime judicial tenure and advancing age, as the federal court system grapples with how to address situations involving elderly judges who may face questions about their ability to continue serving.

Newman’s petition to the Supreme Court represents an unprecedented situation that could have far-reaching implications for how the judicial system handles age-related concerns among federal judges with lifetime appointments.

The outcome of this case may establish important precedents for future situations involving aging members of the federal judiciary and the delicate balance between judicial independence and practical concerns about cognitive capacity.

James Tolkan, the veteran character actor beloved for playing intimidating authority figures in Hollywood blockbusters “Back to the Future” and “Top Gun,” has passed away at age 94.

The actor died peacefully on Thursday at his Lake Placid, New York residence, according to his booking representative John Alcantar, who confirmed the news Saturday. While an obituary posted on the “Back to the Future” official website noted he passed away peacefully, no specific cause of death was disclosed.

Movie fans will remember Tolkan best as the stern Vice Principal Gerald Strickland in “Back to the Future,” complete with his signature bow tie as he patrolled the corridors of the fictional Hill Valley High School, constantly watching for troublemakers – especially Marty McFly, the character brought to life by Michael J. Fox.

“You got a real attitude problem, McFly,” Tolkan’s character says in the 1985 film. “You’re a slacker. You remind me of your father when he went here. He was a slacker, too.”

The actor also made his mark in “Top Gun” playing commanding officer Tom “Stinger” Jardian. In a memorable scene near the film’s conclusion, when Jardian inquires about Tom Cruise’s character Captain Pete “Maverick” Mitchell’s preferred future assignment, Mitchell responds that he’d like to become a Top Gun instructor.

“God help us,” Tolkan’s character replies, laughing.

A native of Calumet, Michigan, Tolkan completed military service in the Navy during the Korean War before relocating to New York, where he dedicated 25 years to theatrical performances. He was among the original cast members of “Glengarry Glen Ross.”

Tolkan leaves behind his wife of 54 years, Parmelee Welles.

An agent with the U.S. Secret Service who protects former First Lady Jill Biden wounded himself when his weapon accidentally fired at Philadelphia International Airport on Friday morning, officials confirmed.

The former First Lady was not present when the agent sustained his injury during what Secret Service spokesman Anthony Guglielmi described as a “negligent discharge” of the officer’s weapon. Philadelphia Police Officer Tanya Little reported that preliminary information indicates the agent was inside an unmarked vehicle when his firearm accidentally went off around 9 a.m.

Fellow law enforcement personnel responded to help the wounded agent, who was transported to a nearby medical facility for treatment. Guglielmi confirmed the agent remains in stable condition while receiving care for his injuries.

Airport operations continued normally throughout the incident, according to Heather Redfern, who serves as public affairs manager for Philadelphia’s Department of Aviation.

BOSTON — A historic milestone was reached Saturday as the Navy welcomed the USS Massachusetts into active service, marking the first time a submarine has carried the Bay State’s name.

The Virginia-class attack submarine received its official commissioning during a ceremony, becoming the 25th vessel of its class built jointly by General Dynamics Electric Boat and Newport News Shipbuilding. Former Meta COO Sheryl Sandberg, who serves as the ship’s sponsor, had previously christened the vessel on May 6, 2023.

Commanding Officer Mike Siedsma, a Navy veteran with 21 years of service across four different submarine classes, expressed his amazement at bringing the vessel to Boston Harbor.

“To be able to take a ship from new construction and watch it be built together by the ship yard, train with our team and bring into Boston Harbor for the first time, it’s very amazing,” Siedsma said. “I looked at the history books. I don’t think we’ve had a submarine in Boston Harbor since sometime in the late ’80s or early ’90s.”

The massive vessel carries a price tag exceeding $2.8 billion and weighs approximately 8,000 tons. Capable of diving beyond 800 feet, it can deploy 24 Tomahawk cruise missiles. Siedsma declined to reveal the submarine’s next destination amid current global tensions.

“The geopolitical situation is very interesting,” Siedsma noted. “What is important to remember is what we are doing is proving the power of the United States Navy.”

A notable feature of this submarine is its diverse crew composition, with 39 women among the 147 total sailors. This comes 16 years after the Navy eliminated restrictions on women serving aboard submarines. The USS New Jersey, commissioned in 2024, was the first submarine specifically designed with gender-integrated crew accommodations.

“The ship is intentionally designed to be served on by both women and men. That is pretty exciting. Twenty five percent of this crew is female,” Sandberg remarked. “Those sailors just don’t inspire me. They inspire every little girl out there to believe that she could do anything.”

This vessel represents the fifth Navy ship to honor Massachusetts. The original USS Massachusetts was a steamer constructed in 1845, while the most recent was the BB 59, a South Dakota-class battleship commissioned in 1942 that served primarily in Pacific operations during World War II.

Sandberg reflected on the commissioning’s deeper meaning, connecting it to Massachusetts’ role in America’s founding and how “people are still fighting for the same freedoms that the original colonists were fighting for.”

During media tours of the submarine, reporters visited the control center, torpedo compartment, and dining facilities. The officers’ wardroom features a distinctive mug rack crafted from wood representing Massachusetts counties, donated by the television program “This Old House.”

“It was an incredible donation. Very great connection to the state and the commonwealth,” Siedsma said. “It’s beautiful.”

SPLIT, Croatia – The massive USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier pulled into Croatia’s Split harbor on Saturday, seeking repairs and maintenance after a fire aboard the vessel injured multiple crew members during Middle East operations.

The world’s largest aircraft carrier experienced a non-combat blaze in its primary laundry facility on March 12 while supporting Operation Epic Fury in the Red Sea, according to military officials. Three sailors sustained injuries in the incident.

Military sources reported that close to 200 additional crew members required medical attention for smoke inhalation problems. The blaze burned for several hours before firefighting teams could extinguish it, and approximately 100 sleeping quarters suffered damage from the incident.

The naval vessel has maintained an active deployment schedule for nine months, including previous missions against Venezuelan targets in Caribbean waters before moving to Middle Eastern operations. Throughout its current deployment, the ship has experienced persistent plumbing malfunctions affecting nearly 650 restroom facilities.

Before reaching Croatia, the Ford made a brief stop at Greece’s Souda Bay facility on Crete. Croatian officials, representing a NATO partner nation, granted permission for the visit earlier this week.

“During its visit, the USS Gerald R. Ford will host local officials and key leaders to reaffirm the strong and enduring alliance between the United States and Croatia,” the U.S. embassy to Croatia said in a statement.

The naval giant carries more than 5,000 service members and houses over 75 military aircraft, including F-18 Super Hornet fighter jets. The carrier features advanced radar technology for managing air traffic control and navigation systems.

Entertainment enthusiasts have plenty of fresh streaming content to choose from this week, featuring double helpings of Amanda Seyfried alongside returning reality television series and new musical releases.

Among the week’s top streaming picks selected by Associated Press entertainment experts: Seyfried appears in both “The Testament of Ann Lee” and teams with Sydney Sweeney for “The Housemaid,” while Jon Hamm returns to his criminal ways in Apple TV’s “Your Friends & Neighbors” and country music fans can enjoy Charley Crockett’s latest album “Age of the Ram.”

Seyfried delivers what critics say should have earned Oscar recognition in her portrayal of Shakers founder Ann Lee in Mona Fastvold’s bold musical “The Testament of Ann Lee,” arriving on Hulu Tuesday. “The film is absolutely not for everyone,” Jocelyn Noveck noted in her AP review. “But Fastvold has undeniably created something we’ve never quite seen before; speaking of visions, her singular artistic vision fills every frame. And Seyfried is a marvel, in yet another role that stretches this fiercely talented actor in ways we might not have predicted.”

Netflix welcomes “28 Years Later: The Bone Temple” on Tuesday, a zombie thriller from director Nia DaCosta featuring Jack O’Connell and Ralph Fiennes that earned critical praise despite modest theatrical performance. Mark Kennedy described it in his AP review as absolutely wild: “The fourth entry in an ever-more engrossing franchise is absolutely bonkers — and a triumph. It mixes dark, queasy disembowelment and laugh-out-loud humor in a way that both subverts the genre and leads a way out of it, too.” Broadway fans can also catch the stage production of “Merrily We Roll Along” with Jonathan Groff and Daniel Radcliffe arriving on Netflix Saturday, April 4.

Starz debuts the theatrical hit “The Housemaid” on Wednesday, Paul Feig’s film pairing Seyfried with Sydney Sweeney that became an unexpected box office champion, generating over $396 million from a $35 million investment. Kennedy praised it as “a delicious, satirical look at the secret depravity of the ultra-rich, but it’s so well constructed that’s it’s not clear who’s naughty or nice. Halfway through, the movie zigs and everything you expected zags.”

Country music receives a boost from Grammy-nominated performer Charley Crockett, who completes his “Sagebrush Trilogy” with “Age of the Ram,” co-produced by Shooter Jennings. The release combines traditional country storytelling with innovative musical direction, showcased in standout tracks “Fastest Gun Alive” and “Kentucky Too Long,” highlighting Crockett’s distinctive Western-influenced vocal style.

Rock enthusiasts can explore two Friday releases: Philadelphia’s medieval-themed punk group Poison Ruin drops “Hymn from the Hills” on April 3, promising their signature blend of death rock intensity with increased aggression. Swedish post-punk act Makthaverskan returns with their first album since 2021, “Glass and Bones,” a 10-track collection that may rank among the year’s finest dream pop offerings, featuring highlights like “Pity Party” and “Black Waters.”

Television viewers get fresh reality content with Bravo’s “The Valley” entering its third season Thursday, April 2 on Peacock. The series tracks former “Vanderpump Rules” personalities who relocated from West Hollywood to suburban family life, bringing relationship drama along. Returning cast includes Kristen Doute, Brittany Cartwright, Jason and Janet Caperna, Luke Broderick, Danny and Nia Booko, and Jesse Lally, with “Vanderpump” veterans Lala Kent and Tom Schwartz joining as regulars. Notably missing is Jax Taylor, Cartwright’s former partner.

Jon Hamm continues his suburban criminal activities in the second season of Apple TV’s “Your Friends & Neighbors,” launching Friday, April 3. The series follows his character’s theft from affluent New York neighbors to fund his upscale lifestyle, with supporting performances from Amanda Peet, Olivia Munn and James Marsden.

Bravo expands its reality empire with “The Real Housewives of Rhode Island,” premiering Friday, April 3 on Peacock.

Gaming fans can dive into “Darwin’s Paradox!” Thursday, April 2, a colorful arcade-style adventure from France’s ZDT Studio. Players control Darwin, an octopus displaced from ocean to junkyard who discovers a conspiracy threatening humanity while seeking home. The title launches across PlayStation 5, Xbox X/S, Switch 2 and PC platforms.

NEW YORK (AP) — A legal battle between New York City and Jordan McGraw, son of television personality Dr. Phil, has come to an end with a Friday settlement that allows production to continue on an NYPD reality series.

The settlement ensures New York City maintains final editorial authority over “Behind the Badge,” following allegations that McGraw and his company McGraw Media attempted to seize creative control. McGraw Media must now submit preliminary episode cuts to police officials and include all requested modifications in the final version of the program, which will be hosted by Dr. Phil McGraw.

McGraw Media has committed to eliminating any material that police officials deem inaccurate, classified, legally restricted for release, or revealing of investigative methods that could jeopardize public safety or community confidence.

The production company also consented to cut any footage that the NYPD determines presents the city or police department unfavorably.

Attempts to reach Jordan McGraw’s attorney for comment were unsuccessful.

Previously, McGraw’s lawyer Chip Babcock stated the city’s legal action was unexpected “as publication of any programming was not imminent” and noted McGraw Media “had worked with the city to address the edits requested” while remaining open to continued collaboration.

The lawsuit filed in January alleged McGraw and McGraw Media breached their access agreement with the nation’s largest police department, potentially causing “immediate and irreparable harm” to the city. A court injunction prevented them from marketing or distributing any “Behind the Badge” material.

According to the legal filing, preliminary episodes submitted by McGraw Media consisted largely of raw footage containing prohibited content, including sensitive operational discussions and identifying information for undercover officers, crime victims, and witnesses.

The lawsuit detailed concerning footage showing an officer entering a security code at a station entrance, conversations about encrypted police communications, and unobscured faces of arrestees who had not been tried or convicted.

New York City signed a three-year deal with McGraw Media for “Behind the Badge” in April 2025, allowing for up to 17 annual episodes while reserving the city’s right to withdraw.

The city pulled out of “Behind the Badge” in late 2024, just before Mayor Zohran Mamdani assumed office, citing quality and content concerns. The lawsuit claimed McGraw Media refused all city edits and planned to distribute the problematic material while seeking broadcast partners.

The series was scheduled to air on Phil McGraw’s MeritTV cable and streaming platforms, where he had previously featured police department segments.

City attorneys informed a judge Thursday that both parties had “agreed to a framework” for resolution “through a collaborative effort to review rough cuts of nine episodes.”

The settlement reveals McGraw Media has already modified the first four episodes according to city requirements. Officials expect to review episodes five and six by next week, with feedback on the final three episodes due by April 16.

Five major airports serving the Washington D.C. metropolitan area experienced temporary flight suspensions Friday evening after air traffic controllers detected a mysterious chemical odor at a regional control facility.

The Federal Aviation Administration ordered a complete halt to air traffic at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, Washington Dulles International Airport, Baltimore-Washington International Airport, along with Richmond International Airport and Charlottesville–Albemarle Airport, according to Department of Transportation officials.

The disruption stemmed from the strong chemical odor detected at the Potomac TRACON facility, which serves as the terminal radar approach control center responsible for managing air traffic across these regions, FAA officials explained.

“Controllers were coming back to work and normal flight operations should return to normal soon,” FAA spokeswoman Kristen Alsop stated Friday evening.

Baltimore-Washington International Airport announced on social media platform X that federal authorities had lifted the ground stop affecting their facility, though they cautioned that “some residual flight delays can be expected this evening.”

The disruption prompted New York City Emergency Management to issue warnings about potential travel complications for passengers heading to the nation’s capital Friday night.

“Travelers to the DC area should expect possible ground holds, departure delays, and cancellations, and check directly with your airline before heading to the airport,” the emergency management agency advised through social media.

This marks the second occurrence this month where regional airports faced flight disruptions due to chemical odors at the Potomac facility. The earlier incident, lasting approximately one hour, resulted from a strong smell that investigators determined originated from an electrical circuit, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy reported on social media.

During the previous episode, flight operations returned to normal after fire department personnel verified that air traffic controllers faced no safety risks.