Category: U.S. News

Renowned labor activist Dolores Huerta has broken her silence after 60 years, revealing that she was sexually abused by César Chávez, the celebrated leader of the United Farm Workers union.

Huerta made the disclosure in a public statement released Wednesday, explaining that she had kept quiet for decades to protect the farmworker movement she helped build.

In her account, Huerta detailed two incidents involving Chávez – one where she was “manipulated and pressured” and another where she was “forced against my will.”

“I carried this secret for as long as I did because building the movement and securing farmworker rights was life’s work. The formation of a union was the only vehicle to accomplish and secure those rights and I wasn’t going to let Cesar or anyone else get in the way,” Huerta stated.

Her revelation comes after a New York Times investigation published Wednesday exposed allegations that Chávez groomed and sexually abused young women within the movement, including Huerta.

Huerta expressed that she was unaware Chávez had harmed other women and denounced his behavior while emphasizing that the farmworker cause extends beyond any single individual.

“César’s actions do not reflect the values of our community and our movement,” Huerta declared. “The farmworker movement has always been bigger and far more important than any one individual. César’s actions do not diminish the permanent improvements achieved for farmworkers with the help of thousands of people. We must continue to engage and support our community, which needs advocacy and activism now more than ever.”

Latino organizations and civil rights advocates are now grappling with how these revelations will affect the labor movement’s legacy.

In their responses, Latino civil rights groups stressed that the farmworker cause involved thousands of people working together for justice, not just one leader.

Voto Latino issued a statement declaring that regardless of Chávez’s historical significance, his alleged actions are unforgivable. The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) similarly condemned all forms of sexual violence, stating that “no individual, regardless of statue or legacy is above accountability.”

Despite the shocking nature of these allegations for the Latino community, Voto Latino emphasized that it doesn’t erase the contributions of countless workers who built the movement.

“The women who organized, marched, and sacrificed alongside farmworkers carried this movement on their backs,” Voto Latino stated. “Dolores Huerta — a fighter, a giant of the labor movement, and someone who is among the survivors of this abuse — helped build everything this movement stands for.”

Congresswoman Teresa Leger Fernández of New Mexico, who chairs the Democratic Women’s Caucus, released a statement Wednesday expressing her devastation over the accounts from women who claim they were abused as children by Chávez and the painful experience Huerta described.

Leger Fernández noted that the farmworker and civil rights movement was created by numerous individuals, including women and families who made sacrifices for progress.

“Honoring that legacy means facing painful truths and continuing the work for justice with honesty and humanity,” the congresswoman said. “A movement rooted in justice must address all injustice.”

Leger Fernández pledged that the women’s caucus would support survivors and continue advocating for “a future where all women and girls are safe in their communities, homes, and at work.”

The United Farm Workers union has already begun distancing itself from annual commemorations of its founder, describing the allegations as deeply troubling.

In a Tuesday statement, the union expressed concern about claims of “abuse of young women or minors” and encouraged people nationwide to participate in immigration justice activities or community service instead of traditional March events honoring Chávez’s memory.

Prior to the detailed publication of these allegations, multiple César Chávez celebrations in San Francisco, Texas, and Arizona were cancelled at the foundation’s request. Event organizers have not responded to media inquiries about the cancellations.

Both organizations announced they would create mechanisms for anyone potentially harmed by Chávez to share their experiences confidentially.

California was the first state to designate March 31, Chávez’s birth date, as a day honoring the labor leader, with other states following suit. In 2014, President Barack Obama declared March 31 as national César Chávez Day, encouraging Americans to celebrate his contributions.

Following these developments, Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs has chosen not to officially recognize March 31 as César Chávez Day this year, breaking from her practice in the previous two years, according to spokeswoman Liliana Sota.

“The Governor’s Office is deeply concerned by the troubling allegations against César Chávez. As a social worker who worked with homeless youth and victims of domestic violence, Gov. Hobbs takes allegations of inappropriate sexual behavior against women and minors very seriously,” the statement read.

César Chávez Day is not an official state holiday in Arizona.

There are already discussions about renaming streets and schools that honor Chávez. El Concilio, an Austin, Texas coalition of Mexican American neighborhood groups, is proposing to reverse the decision made shortly after Chávez’s death to rename First Street in his honor.

Numerous streets, educational institutions, and parks across the country bear Chávez’s name. Born in Yuma, Arizona, he grew up in a Mexican American family that migrated throughout California harvesting lettuce, grapes, cotton, and other seasonal crops. He passed away in California in 1993 at 66 years old.

Chávez gained national recognition for his early organizing efforts among farmworkers, staging hunger strikes, leading grape boycotts, and ultimately achieving success in compelling growers to negotiate with workers for improved wages and working conditions.

In 1962, Chávez and Huerta established the National Farm Workers Association together, which later became the United Farm Workers of America.

NEW YORK — Defense attorneys for Luigi Mangione submitted a request Wednesday asking a federal judge to push back his trial for the UnitedHealthcare CEO murder until early 2027, while also planning to request a delay of his state murder case until September.

In their written request to U.S. District Judge Margaret Garnett, Mangione’s legal team explained that the existing timeline — with the state case scheduled for June and federal proceedings in September — would force their client “in the position of needing to prepare for two complicated and serious trials at the same time.”

The defense is asking Garnett to reschedule the federal case to January 2027, which would give them time to petition state trial judge Gregory Carro to move that proceeding from its June 8 start date to September 8. Mangione has entered not guilty pleas in both matters.

Judge Carro had previously suggested the possibility of shifting the state case to September — but only if federal attorneys challenged Garnett’s ruling that blocked them from pursuing capital punishment. Since prosecutors chose not to appeal, both the June state proceedings and September federal case remained on the calendar.

The defense team contends that maintaining the existing timeline would compromise Mangione’s constitutional protections.

They expressed particular worry that federal jury selection preparations would coincide with the state trial, hampering Mangione’s capacity to examine questionnaires completed by hundreds of prospective jurors — thereby undermining his right to take part in his defense strategy.

Consecutive trials would also deny Mangione proper legal representation, his attorneys argued, since they would need to handle federal case preparation while simultaneously representing him during the state proceedings.

“Though fierce advocates for their clients, defense counsel cannot be in two places at once,” the legal team of Karen Friedman Agnifilo, Marc Agnifilo and Jacob Kaplan stated in their filing.

Federal prosecutors are fighting the postponement request, according to the defense.

The Manhattan U.S. attorney’s office handling the federal charges refused to provide comment. The Manhattan district attorney’s office overseeing the state case did not respond to requests for comment.

The 27-year-old Mangione could receive a life sentence if found guilty in either proceeding. During a February court appearance, he voiced opposition to facing dual trials, telling the judge: “It’s the same trial twice. One plus one is two. Double jeopardy by any commonsense definition.”

Thompson, age 50, was fatally shot on December 4, 2024, while walking to a midtown Manhattan hotel where UnitedHealth Group was hosting its yearly investor meeting. Security footage captured a masked shooter firing at him from behind. Authorities report that the ammunition bore the words “delay,” “deny” and “depose,” echoing terminology used to criticize how insurance companies dodge claim payments.

Mangione, who graduated from the University of Pennsylvania and comes from an affluent Maryland family, was taken into custody five days afterward when someone recognized him at a McDonald’s restaurant in Altoona, Pennsylvania, approximately 230 miles west of Manhattan.

His legal representatives have claimed that law enforcement damaged his case by transforming his arrest into a “Marvel movie” spectacle, including having armed personnel escort him along a Manhattan pier following his flight to New York and by publicly announcing their intention to pursue the death penalty before formal charges were filed.

In January, Judge Garnett threw out a federal murder charge — murder through firearm use — that would have allowed prosecutors to seek execution, ruling it was legally defective. She explained her decision was meant to “foreclose the death penalty as an available punishment to be considered by the jury” during deliberations on Mangione’s guilt.

In their recent filing, Mangione’s lawyers maintained that postponing the federal trial would create necessary separation between his state case and the start of the juror questionnaire phase that comes before federal jury selection.

Without such a delay, they argued, “Mr. Mangione’s potential federal jurors will be constantly bombarded with news reports and social media posts relating to the allegations and evidence against Mr. Mangione as they fill out juror questionnaires and in the subsequent weeks before they are empaneled in the federal case.”

Federal aviation authorities announced Wednesday they will implement mandatory radar monitoring to maintain safe distances between helicopters and aircraft, following the tragic midair crash near the nation’s capital that claimed 67 lives earlier this year.

The Federal Aviation Administration determined that relying on pilots to visually spot other aircraft has proven insufficient for preventing dangerous encounters at major airports across the country.

The updated safety protocols will require air traffic control personnel to utilize radar technology for maintaining specific horizontal and vertical spacing between helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft. These enhanced measures will take effect at over 150 high-traffic airports nationwide, building upon restrictions already implemented at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.

“Today, we are proactively mitigating risks before they affect the traveling public,” FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford said in a news release. “Following the mid-air collision near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), we looked at similar operations across the national airspace. We identified an overreliance on pilot ‘see and avoid’ operations that contribute to safety events involving helicopters and airplanes.”

Aviation authorities pointed to recent dangerous incidents, including a February 27 encounter where a law enforcement helicopter was forced to change course to avoid an incoming American Airlines aircraft at San Antonio International Airport in Texas. Another close call occurred March 2 when a helicopter had to alter its path to avoid a small plane approaching Hollywood Burbank Airport in California.

The January 2025 crash involving an American Airlines passenger jet and an Army Black Hawk helicopter represents the most devastating aviation disaster on American territory since 2001. Investigation findings revealed that air traffic controllers at Reagan National Airport relied too heavily on requesting pilots to visually identify nearby aircraft and maintain safe separation distances.

On the evening of the collision, control tower personnel twice granted the military helicopter’s request to maintain visual separation. Crash investigators determined the helicopter crew most likely never observed the commercial airliner as it approached for landing on a rarely used backup runway.

The victims included numerous young competitive figure skaters along with their families and coaching staff, who were returning from a training program in Wichita, Kansas, following the completion of the U.S. Figure Skating Championships in that city.

NEW YORK — While Americans continue to love French bulldogs, retrievers and German shepherds, wiener dogs are becoming the new favorites across the nation.

The American Kennel Club announced Wednesday that dachshunds have entered the top five most popular dog breeds for the first time in more than 20 years. The organization’s annual rankings examine 202 breeds based on purebred puppies and adult dogs registered with the AKC during the previous year.

The rankings don’t represent the complete picture of America’s dog population, which veterinary medical experts estimate exceeds 87 million animals. Mixed breeds and popular designer dogs like goldendoodles and Pomskies aren’t included in the kennel club’s voluntary registration system.

Nevertheless, the yearly rankings generate excitement and sometimes worry among purebred dog enthusiasts.

Animal welfare organizations like PETA have criticized the list, with the group currently pursuing legal action against the AKC regarding breed standards for French bulldogs, dachshunds and other breeds they claim promote unhealthy physical characteristics.

The current top 10 breakdown shows some interesting trends:

French bulldogs continue leading the pack since claiming the top spot in 2023, though their dominance may be weakening. Last year’s registrations totaled approximately 54,000 Frenchies, representing a 50% decrease from 2023 numbers. While these dogs are celebrated for their confident personalities, apartment-suitable size and entertaining nature, growing concerns about flat-faced breed health issues have sparked public debate. AKC representative Brandi Hunter Munden suggests the decline might reflect natural breed popularity cycles and varying breeder participation rather than health concerns alone.

Labrador retrievers, which dominated the rankings for a record-breaking 31 years, maintain their runner-up position and could potentially reclaim their crown.

Golden retrievers hold steady in third place with their universal appeal, followed by German shepherds in fourth, earning widespread respect from dog lovers.

Dachshunds round out the top five, gaining significant social media attention, particularly during Halloween season when costume photos go viral.

The remaining top 10 includes poodles, beagles, Rottweilers, German shorthaired pointers, and bulldogs. Notably, beagles represent the only breed appearing in every decade’s top 10 since the AKC’s 1884 founding.

Historical perspective shows dramatic shifts in breed preferences. Yorkshire terriers ranked sixth 25 years ago while French bulldogs sat at 64th place. Saint Bernards held seventh position 50 years ago but dropped to 63rd last year. Looking back a century, German shepherds, beagles and bulldogs from the 1920s top 10 remain popular today.

Regarding dachshunds’ surge in popularity, longtime breeder and owner Trudy Kawami, who has worked with the breed since the 1980s, explained their appeal: “They’re amusing to look at. They’re also very expressive dogs — they let you know what they’re thinking. They make you laugh every day.”

However, Kawami warns potential owners about breed-specific challenges. Research indicates these short-legged, elongated dogs face higher risks of spinal problems. Originally developed for badger hunting, dachshunds possess strong prey drives and vocal tendencies, requiring appropriate outlets for their instincts through hunting activities or dog sports.

Kawami expressed mixed feelings about social media’s role in the breed’s popularity: “The proliferation of cute images on social media now is kind of a pain — because that cute little fluffy, cream-colored, long-haired dog can turn around and kill your pet gerbil really fast.” She worries that increased popularity triggers problematic breeding practices driven by market demand.

The AKC has recognized over 50 new breeds since 2000, with some achieving rapid popularity. The cane corso now ranks 11th overall, while the coton de tulear jumped from 92nd to 79th place, and the American hairless terrier climbed from 125th to 108th position.

The rarest registered breeds include recent additions like the grand basset griffon Vendeen, sloughi, and Norwegian lundehund, all recognized within the past 15 years. Surprisingly, the harrier breed, despite AKC recognition since 1885, ranks among the least common.

PETA maintains that purebred breeding reduces shelter dog adoption chances and perpetuates harmful genetic traits. Their 2023 lawsuit alleges the AKC promotes “the breeding of deformed, unhealthy dogs,” which the kennel club dismisses as frivolous while emphasizing their health commitment.

Supporting their campaign, PETA released videos featuring comedian Carol Leifer highlighting breathing difficulties in flat-faced breeds. “Breeders cash in on the look, and the dogs and their guardians pay for it,” Leifer states.

Hunter Munden clarified that the rankings serve public interest rather than purchase encouragement. “No matter how you acquire your dog, do your research and make sure that a dog fits in your lifestyle,” advised the spokesperson, who owns two mixed-breed dogs and a West Highland white terrier.

An enigmatic flower designer operating under the name “Mr. Flower Fantastic” has transformed the New York Botanical Garden with a stunning new exhibition celebrating the city through orchid arrangements.

The anonymous artist, who transitioned from street graffiti to floral design, has created what he describes as a tribute to New York City using elaborate orchid displays. However, there’s an ironic twist to his artistic journey – the designer suffers from severe allergies to the very flowers he works with.

Due to his condition, Mr. Flower Fantastic must don protective equipment including a gas mask and gloves while creating his botanical masterpieces. Despite this challenge, he has managed to establish himself as a notable figure in the floral design world while maintaining complete anonymity about his true identity.

The current exhibition showcases his unique vision of honoring New York City through carefully crafted orchid installations, blending his urban art background with his newfound passion for floral arrangement.

A comprehensive new research study from the Pew Research Center has revealed distinct patterns in how Americans allocate their daily time based on gender, examining everything from professional responsibilities to physical fitness and leisure activities. The findings show particularly striking differences when it comes to religious and community engagement, where women consistently dedicate more time than their male counterparts. This gap becomes even more pronounced with age, according to the research data. Among Americans who have reached their seventies, women typically devote approximately 35 minutes each day to faith-based or community service activities, while men in the same age group average about 27 minutes daily for these pursuits.

A recent survey by the Pew Research Center reveals that most Americans don’t view gambling as a moral issue. The research found that seven out of ten people in the United States believe wagering does not go against their moral principles. This stands in stark contrast to attitudes in other nations, where gambling faces much stronger moral opposition. In South Korea, nearly 8 out of 10 adults view gambling as morally wrong, while similar majorities in Nigeria at 72% and Greece at 66% share this disapproval. As March brings the NCAA basketball tournament, experts predict a significant increase in betting activity across the country.

Spring vacation season has turned into a travel nightmare for countless passengers who are stuck at airports across the country due to extended security screening delays combined with harsh weather conditions that hit earlier this week.

The peak spring break period has brought a perfect storm of travel complications, with Transportation Security Administration checkpoints experiencing significant backup times while adverse weather patterns have compounded the delays for vacationers trying to reach their destinations.

Travelers hoping to escape for their spring getaways are instead finding themselves waiting in terminals as the dual challenges of overwhelmed security processes and weather-related flight disruptions create widespread airport congestion during one of the busiest travel periods of the year.

Spring break travelers nationwide are experiencing major disruptions as airports struggle with extensive security checkpoint delays and weather-related complications that began earlier this week.

Passengers attempting to reach vacation destinations are finding themselves stuck in terminals due to a perfect storm of travel challenges. Extended wait times at Transportation Security Administration checkpoints, combined with severe weather systems that hit at the beginning of the week, have created widespread travel headaches during one of the busiest vacation periods of the year.

The travel disruptions highlight the ongoing challenges airports face during peak travel seasons, when high passenger volumes strain security operations and weather events can quickly cascade into major delays.

A creative variation of the classic book club has emerged in Florida’s Tampa Bay region, where participants gather to analyze and discuss current news stories rather than literary works.

This innovative approach to community discussion groups offers residents a fresh way to engage with contemporary issues and stay informed about current events through collaborative conversation.

MONTGOMERY, Ala. — Alabama’s highest court has determined that law enforcement officers may require individuals to produce physical identification during stops when verbal responses don’t satisfy them, following a case involving a Black minister arrested while tending to his neighbor’s garden.

The state Supreme Court delivered the 6-3 ruling last week after a federal judge overseeing litigation related to Michael Jennings’ 2022 arrest sought clarification on Alabama’s “stop-and-identify” statute. The religious leader was taken into custody after refusing to present identification to Childersburg police.

Justice Will Sellers explained in the decision that the state statute “does not exclude from its purview a request for physical identification when a suspect provides an incomplete or unsatisfactory response to an officer’s demand to provide his or her name and address and an explanation of his or her action.”

The incident occurred in May 2022 when officers approached Jennings in his neighbor’s front yard. A nearby resident had contacted 911 after observing an unfamiliar vehicle and a “young Black male” near the property. Responding officers discovered Jennings tending to flowers and questioned his activities.

Jennings introduced himself as “Pastor Jennings” and explained he resided across the street and was maintaining his neighbor’s landscaping during their vacation. When officers requested his identification, Jennings declined, stating he had committed no wrongdoing. The 911 caller subsequently confirmed Jennings as a fellow neighbor.

Authorities charged Jennings with obstructing a government operation, though prosecutors later dropped the charge.

Jennings filed a federal lawsuit against the municipality and officers alleging wrongful arrest. While a federal judge initially dismissed the case, the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals overturned that ruling. U.S. District Judge R. David Proctor subsequently requested the state Supreme Court’s interpretation of whether the law permits officers to demand identification following unsatisfactory verbal responses.

Matthew Cavedon, who directs the Cato Institute’s Project on Criminal Justice, characterized the ruling as a “significant expansion of government power over people.”

Both the Cato Institute and American Civil Liberties Union filed supporting briefs contending the statute doesn’t authorize physical identification demands. Cavedon emphasized the ruling’s implications for situations where officers find responses inadequate.

“The significance now for Alabamians is if an officer’s not satisfied with whatever answer you give, I sure hope you’ve got your driver’s license or passport on you,” he stated.

The United Farm Workers organization has withdrawn its support for yearly festivities honoring founder Cesar Chavez following disturbing but vague accusations that have emerged.

On Tuesday, union leadership issued a statement indicating that claims involving “abuse of young women or minors” were serious enough to recommend that supporters nationwide participate in immigration advocacy activities or community service rather than traditional March events celebrating Chavez’s contributions.

Union officials clarified they have not been contacted directly about any abuse incidents and lack personal knowledge of the accusations. Both the union and Cesar Chavez Foundation declined to provide additional details when contacted by The Associated Press.

“Some of the reports are family issues, and not our story to tell or our place to comment on,” union representatives stated.

Multiple commemorative gatherings scheduled in San Francisco, Texas, and Arizona – where Chavez was born – were called off following requests from the foundation, which acknowledged becoming aware of concerning claims about Chavez during his tenure leading the organization. Event coordinators did not respond immediately to AP inquiries.

Both organizations announced plans to create systems allowing anyone potentially harmed by Chavez to share their experiences privately.

“These allegations have been profoundly shocking,” the union declared. “We need some time to get this right, including to ensure robust, trauma-informed services are available to those who may need it.”

California pioneered the establishment of March 31 – Chavez’s birth date – as an official day recognizing the labor activist, with other states adopting similar observances. President Barack Obama designated March 31 as national Cesar Chavez Day in 2014, encouraging Americans to celebrate his contributions.

Numerous roads, educational institutions and recreational areas carry Chavez’s name. Born in Yuma, Arizona, he was raised in a Mexican-American household that migrated throughout California harvesting lettuce, grapes, cotton and other seasonal produce. He passed away in California in 1993 at 66 years old.

Chavez gained national recognition through his early organizing efforts in agricultural fields, conducting hunger strikes, leading grape boycotts and ultimately securing agreements with growers to negotiate with farm laborers for improved compensation and workplace conditions.

In 1962, Chavez partnered with Dolores Huerta to establish the National Farm Workers Association, later renamed the United Farm Workers of America.

Agricultural workers remain essential to California’s farming industry, which produces approximately half of America’s fruits, nuts and vegetables.

Chavez fought against inadequate wages and harsh working environments. Field workers lacked restroom facilities and used short-handled tools that required hours of bending over while weeding crops.

Supervisors routinely disregarded worker health and fair compensation, particularly affecting Spanish-speaking employees who were in the country temporarily or without documentation and possessed limited political or legal resources to combat mistreatment.

Air passengers nationwide are facing significant disruptions as multiple challenges converge to create travel chaos across American airports.

The combination of unfavorable weather conditions, airline operational issues, and lengthy security screening processes is creating a perfect storm of delays for those trying to reach their destinations.

These widespread transportation problems are affecting airports from coast to coast, leaving many travelers stranded or facing extended wait times as they attempt to complete their journeys.

Motorists traveling on Andries Road should expect delays as intermittent lane restrictions remain in effect through this evening.

The temporary lane closure affects the stretch of roadway from Red Mill Road to the cul de sac, with traffic impacts expected to last until 6 PM today.

Drivers are advised to allow extra travel time or consider alternate routes to avoid potential delays in the area.

A growing number of residents in Galveston County, Texas are making the decision to call their boats home, driven by both the appeal of waterfront living and mounting financial pressures from traditional housing costs.

This floating lifestyle has gained popularity in the coastal community as individuals seek alternatives to expensive apartments and houses. The boat-dwelling trend represents both a creative housing solution and a way to embrace life on the water in this Gulf Coast region.

A Marine Corps investigation has determined that an extraordinarily rare equipment failure during a live artillery demonstration at Camp Pendleton caused metal fragments to shower Interstate 5, damaging two California Highway Patrol vehicles last October.

The incident happened during a military celebration marking the Marine Corps’ 250th anniversary, with Vice President JD Vance and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth in attendance. Debris from the malfunctioning shell scattered across the closed interstate, hitting both a patrol car and motorcycle.

According to a comprehensive 666-page investigation report released December 19 and first disclosed Monday, military officials found “no definitive answer” for why the M795 high explosive round detonated prematurely at approximately 1,480 feet above ground. The report states such early detonation goes “beyond reasonable expectations and should not have happened, but it did.”

“It is manufactured to a tolerance of one defect in a million,” the investigation states. Officials determined no Marine personnel acted negligently or improperly.

Following the mishap, 26 California House representatives and both state senators wrote to Hegseth demanding answers about who authorized firing live rounds over the freeway and what safety measures were implemented.

The incident intensified tensions between President Donald Trump and California officials, including Governor Gavin Newsom. Some Republicans initially criticized Newsom for shutting down a 17-mile section of the highway before the exercise, while local leaders questioned the unconventional military display they believed was staged for Trump administration officials.

“We’re thankful to the Marines for their thorough and precise investigation — in stark contrast to the dangerous and performative demands by JD Vance and Pete Hegseth to shoot live ammunition over a civilian area for their entertainment,” Diana Crofts-Pelayo, a Newsom spokesperson, stated Tuesday.

Prior to the celebration, Newsom had criticized the highway closure, characterizing the live-fire exercise as an intimidation tactic against Trump critics who were holding “No Kings” demonstrations throughout San Diego that day.

“Firing live rounds over a busy highway isn’t just wrong — it’s dangerous,” Newsom stated at the time.

The Marine investigation identified multiple possible contributing factors to the malfunction, including howitzer cannons positioned too closely together during firing and the “potential presence of anomalous electromagnetic energy in the vicinity.”

The October 18 demonstration at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton showcased aircraft, naval vessels, and amphibious vehicles for the anniversary event. The planned artillery display involved 60 rounds fired across the coastal highway, according to an October CHP incident report.

“It will be a good show regardless of who shows up,” Gen. Eric Smith, Marine Corps commandant, wrote in an October 14 email to Brig. Gen. Garrett “Rainman” Hoffman from the White House Military Office.

Military and public safety officials noted the location was atypical. While live-fire training occurs regularly, it typically happens on designated ranges within the 195-square-mile base located north of San Diego.

The initial round fired at 1:46 p.m. from M777 howitzers positioned on a beach west of Interstate 5 failed to clear the roadway and exploded mid-flight near southbound I-5, sending fragments toward protective details assigned to the vice president. Officials immediately stopped the exercise and fired no additional munitions, CalMatters reported in October.

One officer reported hearing sounds like “pebbles” hitting his CHP BMW motorcycle, while other fragments struck an unoccupied Ford patrol vehicle. The two officers who had been using that vehicle discovered a 2-inch by ½-inch shrapnel piece on the hood, creating a small dent. Incident report photographs show the damaged patrol car and an officer holding the metal fragments.

In a December 5 statement included in the military report, an unnamed Marine said the Secret Service requested the I-5 closure for security reasons involving a “Very Very Important Person” — the president — due to proximity to the demonstration viewing area. Trump ultimately did not attend the event.

JASPER, Ga. — Authorities responded to gunfire at a Veterans Affairs medical facility Tuesday afternoon in this Georgia mountain community, resulting in one victim being flown to a hospital and the alleged gunman being wounded by police officers.

Law enforcement arrived at the VA medical facility at approximately 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, according to an official city statement posted on social media. When officers found the alleged shooter, they engaged the individual, resulting in the suspect being wounded by gunfire, the announcement stated.

Phone attempts to reach the Pickens County VA facility on Tuesday were unsuccessful, with calls being directed to automated message systems.

The medical facility provides outpatient services to veterans, including primary medical care and specialized treatments such as lab work, remote healthcare consultations, and psychological support services, based on information from the clinic’s official website.

The community of Jasper, home to approximately 5,000 residents, sits about 60 miles north of Atlanta’s city center. Local highway markers identify the town as Georgia’s “First Mountain City” as travelers encounter the beginning of the Appalachian mountain range.

Images published by the Pickens Progress, the area’s local publication, captured numerous law enforcement personnel at the incident location, with officers in protective gear positioned near a shopping center in the community.

The medical facility began operations during summer 2020, according to a Department of Veterans Affairs announcement celebrating its opening.

“The new Pickens County VA Clinic will increase access and ensure that our Veterans continue to receive the high-quality health care that they have earned and deserve closer to their home,” officials said in the release.

A federal court has thrown out a civil rights lawsuit filed by a Tennessee family who claimed law enforcement and emergency responders used deadly force on their son during a medical emergency.

The case centered on the 2017 death of Austin Hunter Turner, a 23-year-old Bristol, Tennessee man who died after police and paramedics responded to a seizure call at his apartment. On Monday, a federal judge sided with the city of Bristol and its employees, determining that too much time had passed before Turner’s family brought their legal challenge.

Turner’s death was among more than 1,000 cases nationwide identified in an Associated Press investigation where individuals died following police use of non-lethal force methods.

The victim’s mother, Karen Goodwin, didn’t file her lawsuit until 2024 after AP journalists provided her with police body camera footage she had never seen before. This video evidence led the family to question the official autopsy findings that attributed Turner’s death to multiple drug toxicity. The family’s legal team has announced plans to challenge the dismissal.

The heart of the lawsuit involved discrepancies between what the body camera footage showed and officers’ accounts of the incident inside Turner’s residence after his girlfriend requested emergency medical assistance.

Legal representatives for Bristol city officials, emergency medical personnel, and the involved officers chose not to provide statements when contacted by the AP this week.

According to police reports, officers deployed a Taser and held Turner face-down because he was allegedly resisting paramedics. However, the lawsuit contended that the video evidence revealed Turner wasn’t striking or kicking anyone and couldn’t follow commands because he was experiencing a seizure.

The legal filing described how the footage showed law enforcement and medical personnel applying “significant pressure on the back of Mr. Turner’s head and upper back while Turner was face-down, in the prone position, with a spit sock covering his airway, hands cuffed behind his back and legs shackled.”

Family attorney David Randolph Smith expressed disagreement with the court’s timing interpretation in his statement to the AP.

“In our case, the state’s official autopsy affirmatively and incorrectly attributed Austin’s death to ‘multiple drug toxicity as a consequence of recreational drug use’ and it was not until 2023 — when body‑camera footage surfaced and a forensic pathologist reviewed the evidence — that Karen Goodwin first learned restraint‑induced asphyxia, not drugs, caused his death,” Smith stated. “We intend to appeal and will ask the Court of Appeals to hold that families in this position are entitled to their day in court when they could not reasonably have discovered the true cause of death until long after the fact, through no fault of their own, but because of misinformation and omissions by government actors.”

The Associated Press investigation revealed that in similar cases examined, officers failed to follow established safety protocols for restraining individuals, including positioning people face-down in ways that could impair breathing or using Tasers excessively.

Defense attorneys representing the city, police department, and paramedics maintained that since Goodwin witnessed officers using force against her son, she had only one year from that incident to initiate legal proceedings.

The family’s legal team argued their case involved a cover-up that should have extended their filing deadline. They contended the statute of limitations shouldn’t begin until AP reporters provided the police video to the family in August 2023, during their collaborative investigation with FRONTLINE PBS and the Howard Centers for Investigative Journalism at the University of Maryland and Arizona State University.

BOSTON — Historical reenactors wearing period military uniforms and three-cornered hats gathered at one of America’s most historic Catholic churches Tuesday, later discharging muskets and parading through local streets to commemorate 250 years since British forces left the city.

Participants with men on horseback and even livestock traveled across South Boston’s terrain in the morning breeze while local residents observed from their doorsteps — many still in sleepwear and covered with blankets, seemingly roused by the sounds of drumming and bagpipe music.

The observance honors Evacuation Day on March 17, 1776, when British military units departed Boston. This turning point occurred after General George Washington strengthened Dorchester Heights using cannons transported from Fort Ticonderoga by Colonel Henry Knox, forcing the British withdrawal.

This milestone represented the Continental Army’s initial significant triumph in the Revolutionary War, concluding an 11-month blockade of Boston and claiming the city for American forces.

The date traditionally coincides with St. Patrick’s Day, a combination that has influenced Boston’s festivities for generations and was celebrated again with a joint parade in South Boston over the weekend.

Tuesday’s observance started at St. Augustine Chapel and Cemetery, where attendees participated in Mass at the 1818 structure before creating a procession that traveled through South Boston toward Dorchester Heights, the elevation where colonial troops placed cannons overlooking the harbor. A memorial at that location, recently restored through a $37 million renovation, has reopened for public visits.

Ronald White from Milton, wearing colonial clothing, joined reenactors discharging replica firearms in the church cemetery after the service and explained the anniversary holds personal significance.

As a New Hampshire Sons of the American Revolution member, he connects his family history to an ancestor who served in the conflict. His eyes filled with tears Tuesday while discussing his admiration for the country’s founding fathers.

“To think that 250 years ago Henry Knox made such a courageous stand, I get choked up thinking about it,” White said. “They really were going up against a force — it was kind of a suicidal idea to stand up against Great Britain. And we did it. Here we are remembering it.”

Richard Vige, a Boston area resident, explained he visited Dorchester Heights for his first time to observe the 250th anniversary, despite maintaining a lifelong fascination with American history.

“I’ve always been interested in history, really since grade school,” he said. “I’ve visited many of the sites along the Freedom Trail, but I had never been here before. I wanted to take advantage of the 250th to see what was going on.”

He noted that participating in the commemoration provided an opportunity to consider the nation’s progress since its establishment — from a group of Atlantic coastal colonies to a country with over 340 million citizens.

Greta Gaffin, a Boston University theology student researching American religious history, found the Catholic ceremony historically contradictory.

Conducting a Catholic Mass for the anniversary represents a scenario the nation’s founders likely never envisioned. Colonial Massachusetts historically limited Catholic religious practices, and churches didn’t establish themselves in Boston until after the Revolution, as religious liberties grew and Irish immigration transformed the city.

“I’m here because I think having a Catholic Mass in honor of Evacuation Day is conceptually absurd,” she said. “They would have hated this — I had to see it.

“And I love parades,” she added.

Anti-Catholic attitudes were common in colonial New England, though this began changing during the Revolutionary War, when the American movement depended partly on Catholic France. The Quebec Act, which safeguarded Catholicism in nearby Quebec, was viewed by some colonists as dangerous and is mentioned in complaints within the Declaration of Independence.

Salisbury officials are ready to showcase their latest community investment with a ceremonial ribbon-cutting at Woodcock Park’s brand-new playground this Thursday at 4 p.m.

The Department of Field Operations spearheaded the renovation project, which involved removing outdated play structures and installing contemporary equipment aimed at creating a safer and more exciting recreational space for area families and children.

This playground transformation demonstrates Salisbury’s ongoing dedication to enhancing public recreational facilities and strengthening neighborhood amenities across the city.

“Woodcock Park has been a long-term asset of the Pinehurst/Camden neighborhood for years. It is now receiving a much-deserved makeover to be sure it is well-positioned to be enjoyed for many generations to come. Neighborhood parks are critical component of quality livability and these kinds of improvements are vitally important,” said Mayor Randy Taylor.

Residents are encouraged to join the celebration and experience the park’s enhanced features firsthand. Local officials, city personnel, and community partners will come together to commemorate this neighborhood investment. Kona Ice will provide complimentary frozen treats for those attending the ceremony.

City leaders anticipate the upgraded playground will bring fresh vitality to the area as families create new memories and children discover the exciting play opportunities for years ahead.

Event Details:

Woodcock Park Playground Ribbon Cutting

Thursday, March 19, 2026

4:00 p.m.

Woodcock Park

803 Riverside Road

For additional information about City parks and recreation updates, please visit https://salisbury.md/ or follow the City of Salisbury on social media.

WASHINGTON – A top Pentagon official disclosed Tuesday that military operations targeting suspected narcotics trafficking boats have resulted in the deaths of 157 people believed to be connected to drug organizations.

Joseph Humire, a senior Defense Department official overseeing homeland defense and Americas security matters, provided the casualty figure in written testimony to Congress. The operations have taken place across 45 separate military actions against suspected drug vessels since September 2025.

The military campaign has focused on the Caribbean Sea and Eastern Pacific Ocean regions, with forces destroying a total of 47 boats suspected of transporting illegal narcotics, according to Humire’s statement.

These deadly operations represent a key component of the current administration’s strategy to disrupt illegal drug supply chains, officials say. However, the campaign has drawn criticism from legal scholars and Democratic members of Congress who have raised concerns about the lawfulness of such strikes.

Humire described the military actions as having a “significant and profound” effect on drug trafficking operations. He reported that vessel movements linked to narcotics smuggling dropped by 20% in Caribbean waters and declined by 25% in the Eastern Pacific.

Despite releasing video footage of most strikes on social media platforms, military officials have shared limited additional information about the operations. Details remain scarce regarding the types and quantities of drugs aboard the targeted vessels, as well as information about the individuals who were killed.

Air travel disruptions persisted Tuesday following Monday’s powerful storm system that battered the eastern United States, leaving travelers stranded and frustrated across major airports nationwide. The weather-related chaos is compounded by ongoing staffing challenges at airport security checkpoints due to a partial government shutdown that began February 14.

Flight tracking data from FlightAware showed more than 750 domestic flights were cancelled by early Tuesday morning, with approximately 1,300 additional flights experiencing delays. The timing couldn’t be worse, as airports are packed with spring break vacationers and college basketball fans traveling to March Madness tournament games.

Monday’s storm system brought heavy snowfall to the Midwest before racing eastward with wind gusts reaching nearly 50 mph in portions of New York, according to the National Weather Service. Major aviation hubs bore the brunt of the disruptions, with Chicago O’Hare International Airport cancelling around 600 flights, Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International seeing over 470 cancellations, and New York’s LaGuardia Airport grounding more than 450 flights.

The Federal Aviation Administration implemented ground stops at both Hartsfield-Jackson and Charlotte Douglas International Airport while imposing ground delays at JFK and Newark Liberty International Airport due to dangerous weather conditions.

Kelly Price, attempting to return to Colorado after an Orlando family vacation, experienced the cascading effects firsthand when her Sunday night flight wasn’t cancelled until early Monday morning. “By that time the only place for us to sleep was the airport floor. So we’re all tired and frustrated,” Price explained, noting that her family couldn’t secure another flight until Tuesday afternoon.

Similarly, Danielle Cash found herself unexpectedly stranded in St. Louis while returning to Tampa, Florida, from a Las Vegas weekend trip. Now she’s spending hundreds of extra dollars on hotel accommodations in a snowy climate she wasn’t prepared for. “It was 80 degrees in Tampa when I left and then going to Vegas,” Cash said. “And it was 90 degrees in the desert.” Her rescheduled itinerary now routes through Tennessee before finally reaching Tampa Tuesday afternoon.

The travel nightmare coincided with TSA workers missing their first complete paycheck over the weekend due to the ongoing partial government shutdown affecting the Department of Homeland Security, which oversees the Transportation Security Administration. Congressional Democrats have indicated that Homeland Security funding will remain blocked until new limitations are imposed on federal immigration enforcement, following the deadly shootings of Alex Pretti and Renee Good in Minneapolis this year.

This marks the third government shutdown in under twelve months that has left TSA employees temporarily unpaid, with workers having to wait for retroactive compensation once operations resume. Airport security lines have grown longer as staffing shortages worsen, with TSA agents either taking second jobs, unable to afford transportation to work, or leaving the agency entirely. The Department of Homeland Security reports that over 300 TSA agents have resigned since the shutdown began.

At Hartsfield-Jackson on Monday, TSA union representatives held a press conference outside the airport, cautioning that security wait times could become increasingly lengthy as the shutdown drags on. Despite financial hardships, union officials emphasized that many officers continue reporting to work.

Aaron Barker, a local representative with the American Federation of Government Employees, described how TSA workers “are coping with eviction notices, vehicle repossessions, empty refrigerators and overdrawn bank accounts.” Demonstrators behind him displayed signs declaring, “We want a paycheck, not a rain check.”

Louis Armstrong International Airport in New Orleans advised passengers departing Sunday and Monday to arrive at least three hours early “due to impacts from the federal government’s partial shutdown.” Austin’s airport shared social media footage from 5:30 a.m. local time showing security lines extending onto the outdoor sidewalk.

At Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson, traveler Mel Stewart and his wife arrived four hours ahead of their usual schedule to account for extended TSA processing times. “I think it’s being politicized way too much — way too much,” Stewart commented regarding the shutdown. “And these people are working. They work hard, and for TSA people not to get paid, that’s silly.”

NEW YORK — Authors exploring topics ranging from America’s housing crisis to the influence of ancient civilizations have been recognized with this year’s J. Anthony Lukas journalism awards, honoring the legacy of the renowned investigative reporter.

Columbia Journalism School and Harvard University’s Nieman Foundation for Journalism revealed the recipients on Tuesday, continuing a tradition that celebrates outstanding literary journalism.

The $10,000 Lukas Book Prize was awarded to Jeff Hobbs for “Seeking Shelter: A Working Mother, Her Children, and a Story of Homelessness in America,” recognizing works that demonstrate “literary grace, commitment to serious research and social concern.” William Dalrymple earned the Mark Lynton Prize for history, also worth $10,000, for his book “The Golden Road: How Ancient India Transformed the World,” which meets the same criteria for combining scholarly rigor with compelling storytelling.

Two authors received the more substantial Work-in-Progress Awards, each carrying $25,000 grants. danah boyd was honored for “Data Are Made, Not Found: A Story of Politics, Power, and the Civil Servants Who Saved the U.S. Census,” while Karim Zidan received recognition for “In the Shadow of the Cage.”

Since their inception in 1998, these awards have recognized distinguished writers including Robert Caro, Isabel Wilkerson, and Jill Lepore.

Traffic is being rerouted around a portion of Wil King Road after a tree fell and became entangled in overhead power lines.

The roadway has been shut down at the intersection with Kendale Road while crews work to clear the obstruction and address any electrical hazards.

Motorists are advised to find alternate routes until the tree and wire situation can be safely resolved and the road reopened to normal traffic flow.

Air travelers encountered widespread disruptions Tuesday as the aftermath of severe winter weather continued to wreak havoc on flight schedules nationwide, with airport security delays made worse by an ongoing partial government shutdown affecting federal workers.

The travel chaos comes during peak season for air travel, with spring break vacationers and college basketball fans heading to March Madness tournaments filling airports just as the February 14th government shutdown has created staffing challenges at security checkpoints.

Flight tracking data from FlightAware showed more than 550 domestic flights were cancelled by early Tuesday, with an additional 460 experiencing delays throughout the day.

Major transportation hubs including New York, Chicago and Atlanta saw significant disruptions Monday as a powerful storm system brought heavy snowfall to the Midwest before moving toward the Atlantic coast, prompting National Weather Service warnings about dangerous winds and possible tornadoes.

Colorado resident Kelly Price found herself sleeping on the airport floor in Orlando after her Sunday evening departure was cancelled without notice until Monday morning. “By that time the only place for us to sleep was the airport floor. So we’re all tired and frustrated,” Price explained, noting her family couldn’t secure another flight until Tuesday afternoon.

Monday’s nationwide flight disruptions hit hardest at Chicago O’Hare with approximately 600 cancellations, Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International with over 470, and New York’s LaGuardia Airport with more than 450 cancelled departures, FlightAware data revealed.

Federal Aviation Administration officials implemented ground stops at both Hartsfield-Jackson and Charlotte Douglas International Airport due to dangerous weather conditions, while imposing ground delays at JFK and Newark Liberty International Airport.

Tampa resident Danielle Cash became stranded in St. Louis Sunday while returning from a Las Vegas weekend trip, forcing her to spend hundreds of extra dollars on hotel accommodations in snowy conditions she hadn’t prepared for. “It was 80 degrees in Tampa when I left and then going to Vegas,” Cash noted. “And it was 90 degrees in the desert.” She managed to book a connecting flight through Tennessee that should get her home by Tuesday afternoon.

The weather-related travel problems coincided with Transportation Security Administration workers missing their first complete paycheck during the weekend due to the current partial government shutdown targeting the Department of Homeland Security, TSA’s parent agency.

Congressional Democrats have indicated Homeland Security funding will remain blocked until new limitations are imposed on federal immigration enforcement following the deadly shootings of Alex Pretti and Renee Good in Minneapolis this year.

This marks the third government shutdown in twelve months to leave TSA employees without pay temporarily, though workers will receive retroactive compensation once operations resume.

Airport officials across the country have documented extended security checkpoint wait times as staffing shortages grow worse, with TSA workers taking additional employment, unable to afford transportation to work, or leaving their positions entirely. Department of Homeland Security officials report more than 300 TSA agents have resigned since the shutdown began.

Union representatives for TSA workers gathered Monday outside Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport to warn travelers about potentially longer security delays as the shutdown persists, though they emphasized many officers continue working despite increasing financial hardship.

Aaron Barker, representing the American Federation of Government Employees locally, described how TSA employees “are coping with eviction notices, vehicle repossessions, empty refrigerators and overdrawn bank accounts.” Demonstrators behind him displayed signs reading “We want a paycheck, not a rain check.”

New Orleans’ Louis Armstrong International Airport advised passengers Sunday and Monday to arrive three hours before departure “due to impacts from the federal government’s partial shutdown,” while Austin’s airport shared social media footage from 5:30 a.m. showing security lines extending outside onto sidewalks.

Atlanta traveler Mel Stewart and his spouse arrived four hours ahead of their scheduled departure to account for extended TSA processing times. “I think it’s being politicized way too much — way too much,” Stewart commented Monday regarding the shutdown. “And these people are working. They work hard, and for TSA people not to get paid, that’s silly.”

A 61-year-old man walked out of a Brooklyn courthouse Monday as a free man after spending nearly two decades imprisoned for a robbery worth approximately $550 that he never committed.

Kenneth Windley expressed relief despite losing almost 20 years of his life to wrongful imprisonment. “It cost me 20 years, but they said they corrected it now. So that’s all that matters. So I’m good with that,” Windley stated as he exited the courthouse, experiencing freedom for the first time since his 2007 conviction.

The judge vacated Windley’s conviction and completely dismissed his case following a joint request from both prosecution and defense attorneys. District attorneys revealed that fresh evidence, including admissions of guilt from two other men who had been convicted in similar robbery cases, validated Windley’s consistent claims of innocence.

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez, a Democrat, acknowledged the system’s failure after meeting with Windley outside the courthouse. “This case is really a cautionary tale of how things can seem one way but, without careful analysis, not be what it purports to be,” Gonzalez explained.

“Had we known what the evidence was, this case should have never happened,” the district attorney continued, noting that he had offered Windley a private apology.

The case began in 2005 when Windley was taken into custody after purchasing an appliance for his mother using a money order that had been stolen.

The money order was part of items taken from Gerald Ross, a 70-year-old victim who was followed to his home by two criminals after visiting a bank and post office. The perpetrators restrained Ross in a chokehold before stealing his money orders, cash, and bank book, according to Monday’s prosecutorial report.

Ross frequently obtained money orders at the same post office for rent and insurance payments, which created a traceable record that authorities used to investigate the theft. This paper trail ultimately pointed to Windley, who had provided his identification, driver’s license, and home address when making the appliance purchase.

Throughout the ordeal, Windley maintained his innocence regarding the robbery. He explained that he had purchased the $542.77 money order at a reduced price from two people he knew, who assured him the document was legitimate but claimed they couldn’t use it due to administrative complications.

Defense attorney David Shanies told the court Monday that “He was duped.”

Ross picked Windley out of a police lineup as one of his attackers, leading to a jury conviction in 2007 on robbery charges. Due to previous felony convictions on his record, Windley received a sentence of 20 years to life imprisonment. His subsequent appeals were unsuccessful.

From the beginning, Windley provided prosecutors with details about the individuals who sold him the money order, including their street names and partial information about their real identities. Following his conviction, a friend and private investigators assisted him in determining the men’s full identities and convincing them to reveal the truth about the incident, the district attorney’s report states.

In official sworn declarations and later during questioning by district attorney’s office staff, both men admitted to robbing Ross together and confirmed that Windley had no involvement in the crime, the report indicates. Officials described their confessions as “compelling.”

The report protects their identities, identifying them only as “Suspect 1” and “Suspect 2.” Both individuals are currently incarcerated for separate robbery convictions, according to the district attorney’s office. These other convictions all involved elderly male victims in their 60s and beyond who were stalked from banks and check-cashing businesses throughout Brooklyn during 2005 and 2006.

Prosecutors determined that if the jury had been aware of these men’s identities and criminal histories involving similar robberies, this information would probably have created reasonable doubt about Windley’s guilt.

No additional charges will be filed in this matter. The statute of limitations expired years ago, and victim Gerald Ross has passed away.

As Windley departed Monday afternoon to reunite with his family for a celebration, he expressed no resentment about his ordeal.

“I’m just going to move on from there,” he said.

A group of Apache women has filed an emergency petition with the U.S. Supreme Court following the completed transfer of sacred Arizona forest land to Resolution Copper, marking their final legal attempt to prevent a massive copper mining operation.

Federal officials finalized the land conveyance on Friday after an appeals court rejected challenges from the San Carlos Apache Tribe and environmental advocates who sought to halt the transfer.

The appellate judges concluded that the challengers’ legal arguments were unlikely to prevail and removed an emergency restraining order that had been in effect since last summer.

The transferred property encompasses Oak Flat, a location that Apache peoples and other Native American communities have utilized for religious rituals, spiritual practices, and medicinal plant collection for hundreds of years. Tribal members refer to this sacred area as Chi’chil Bildagoteel, and the San Carlos Apache Tribe, along with Apache Stronghold and other advocacy groups, have waged a lengthy legal battle to preserve it.

While acknowledging the severe impact on Native American religious practices, the appeals court noted in Friday’s decision that the land transfer would permanently change the character of the area and result in the destruction of sites considered sacred by the tribe and other parties.

“Despite those grave harms to Native religious practice, Congress has chosen to transfer this land, and plaintiffs have not raised any viable challenges to that decision,” the court stated.

Legal representatives for the U.S. Forest Service have consistently maintained in court documents that the agency lacks authority to prevent the exchange, as Congress required the transfer through provisions inserted into essential defense spending legislation that former President Barack Obama signed in 2014.

Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, whose department oversees the Forest Service, released a statement Monday describing the project as integral to President Donald Trump’s energy independence goals.

“Completing this land exchange unlocks a major domestic source of copper, essential for defense, grid modernization and next-generation energy, and positions the nation to secure its future by expanding mineral production and unleashing America’s full resource potential,” she said.

Resolution Copper, owned by mining corporations Rio Tinto and BHP, projects the operation will contribute $1 billion annually to Arizona’s economy while creating thousands of employment opportunities. The initiative has garnered backing from residents in the nearby town of Superior.

Company officials maintain that the project underwent comprehensive Forest Service evaluation, including discussions with tribes having historical connections to the area.

“Courts at every level have consistently ruled in favor of Resolution Copper, and three different presidential administrations have supported this project,” stated Vicky Peacey, Resolution’s president and general manager. “It is time for the meritless litigation to end.”

The company has not yet responded to inquiries regarding construction timelines at the location.

Wendsler Nosie Sr. from Apache Stronghold expressed ongoing concerns about water usage and potential environmental contamination from the mining activities in a social media statement.

“The fight for Oak Flat raises critical issues about the environment and our nation’s commitment to Native rights and religious freedom,” Nosie said. “But at its heart, it is a battle for our sacred and holy land, the faith that has always been defined by it, and the right to have our religious traditions respected and protected.”

Community organizations dedicated to assisting individuals navigating the criminal justice system have existed for years, but a particular model has seen remarkable expansion recently.

These specialized support networks, known as participatory defense hubs, have experienced substantial growth throughout the last ten years, transforming how defendants engage with their legal cases.

The approach allows people charged with crimes to become active participants in building their own defense strategies, rather than remaining passive observers in the legal process.

Sometimes the smallest gestures create the biggest impact, as one Miami woman discovered when her taxi driver father received an unexpected gift from a regular passenger.

The woman recounts how her father, who drove a cab in Miami, would regularly discuss her dreams and goals with a frequent customer during their rides together. These conversations about his daughter’s aspirations clearly made an impression on the passenger.

Eventually, the customer presented the taxi driver with fifty dollars earmarked specifically for his daughter. While the amount might seem modest, it proved to be precisely what she needed to seize a pivotal opportunity that would alter the course of her future.

The story highlights how meaningful connections can form in unexpected places, and how one person’s generosity – even in small amounts – can create ripple effects that transform someone else’s entire life path.

The U.S. Defense Department made public Saturday the identities of six military personnel who perished in the crash of a military refueling aircraft.

The service members lost their lives when their refueling plane went down in what officials are calling a tragic accident.

Residents living in the Rabbit Run and Surfers Way neighborhoods need to prepare for a planned water service disruption scheduled for March 24.

The advance notification was posted to alert community members about the upcoming interruption to their water supply. Households and businesses in these specific areas should make necessary preparations for the temporary loss of water service.

The public advisory was issued on March 16 to provide residents with adequate notice of the scheduled maintenance work that will affect water availability in their neighborhoods.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Children swarmed onto the Dolby Theatre stage as Conan O’Brien began hosting the 98th Academy Awards, setting the tone for a ceremony where ‘One Battle After Another’ claimed the top prize and youthful energy seemed to dominate the evening.

An atmosphere of uncertainty about both immediate concerns and future generations hung over this year’s Academy Awards, influenced by ongoing conflicts, political upheaval, and questions about cinema’s direction in an AI-driven era. These Oscars carried a heavy dose of anxiety, with presenters and winners attempting to find hope amid widespread concerns.

‘We honor tonight not only cinema, but the principles of worldwide artistic expression, teamwork, perseverance, strength and that most uncommon trait in today’s world — hope,’ O’Brien declared during his opening remarks. ‘We will celebrate tonight. Not because everything is perfect, but because we continue working and hoping for improvement.’

The previous time the Academy Awards occurred immediately following a U.S. military engagement in the Middle East was in 2003, when ‘Chicago’ earned best picture honors just days after the Iraq War commenced.

However, Sunday evening told a different tale. The ceremony’s major victor, Paul Thomas Anderson’s ‘One Battle After Another,’ a multigenerational story exploring revolution, immigration detention, and white supremacist themes, seemed perfectly suited for current times. The production, which earned six Academy Awards, succeeded partly because it resonated with contemporary issues.

When questioned about his film’s relevance and America’s trajectory during backstage interviews, Anderson, still processing his first Oscar victories — including best director and best adapted screenplay — after three decades in filmmaking, seemed momentarily surprised. ‘I assumed we were here to celebrate,’ he quipped.

However, Anderson, who had mostly refrained from discussing his movie’s themes directly during the awards circuit, acknowledged that his film drew strength from its contemporary relevance.

‘Our production clearly contains numerous connections to daily news events,’ Anderson stated.

‘Regarding future developments, I’m uncertain,’ he continued with a shrug. ‘However, I understand that our story concludes with our protagonist, Willa, departing to continue battling malevolent influences, and, as I mentioned in my acceptance speech, working to restore basic reasoning and moral behavior to prominence.’

The relationship between screen narratives and real-world events created an appropriately unsettled atmosphere for the 98th Oscars. For perhaps the first time in years, cinema and the Academy Awards seemed aligned with current circumstances. This alignment appeared not only in ‘One Battle After Another,’ but also in the post-apocalyptic journey film ‘Sirāt,’ the Iranian vengeance story ‘It Was Just an Accident,’ and Ryan Coogler’s ‘Sinners,’ examining forces that exploit Black communities.

While ‘One Battle After Another’ and ‘Sinners’ (four victories, including best actor for Michael B. Jordan and, marking a historic first for women and Black cinematographers, best cinematography for Autumn Durald Arkapaw) potentially indicated promising prospects for high-budget, original American cinema, their success also highlighted Hollywood’s rapidly changing landscape.

Warner Bros., the studio distributing these films, collected a record-matching 11 Academy Awards. David Zaslav, in a Monday staff communication, described it as ‘an extraordinary achievement for Warner Bros. Discovery.’ This triumph might also represent the studio’s final major victory as an independent entity. Warner Bros. has agreed to join with David Ellison’s Paramount Skydance in a transaction valued at $111 billion.

The entertainment industry, having already witnessed Amazon’s acquisition of MGM and Disney’s purchase of 20th Century Fox, understands that consolidation inevitably reduces employment opportunities. Los Angeles film production has declined dramatically in recent years.

O’Brien himself suggested his position might be temporary, describing himself as ‘the final human presenter’ of the Oscars, which will transition from ABC to YouTube in three years. Through comedic segments during the broadcast, O’Brien highlighted cinema’s current challenges. One sequence mocked classic widescreen movies reformatted for smartphone-friendly vertical viewing. Another imagined ‘Casablanca’ — coincidentally a Warner Bros. production — simplified with constant plot explanations for distracted streaming viewers.

Consequently, promoting Hollywood’s traditional glamorous image has become significantly more challenging during the industry’s premier evening. The Oscars now resemble an embattled motivational speech encouraging continued perseverance. Beyond the discussion surrounding Timothée Chalamet’s concerns about movies potentially becoming as niche as opera or ballet lay genuine worries about this major entertainment medium’s survival.

‘The cinema experience faces some vulnerability currently,’ director Joachim Trier explained to reporters after earning best international film for ‘Sentimental Value.’ ‘Therefore, I feel tremendous pride that audiences have supported our movie.’

Numerous winners avoided political commentary. Neither ‘Iran’ nor President Donald Trump’s name was mentioned during the televised ceremony, though presenter Jimmy Kimmel came close. Before announcing the best documentary category, Kimmel sarcastically noted the omission of ‘Melania.’

‘Oh, wow,’ Kimmel remarked. ‘He’s going to be upset his spouse didn’t receive a nomination for this.’

Following an awards season that frequently avoided political topics, many speakers were more direct. Presenter Javier Bardem approached the microphone and declared clearly: ‘No to war, and free Palestine.’ During the best documentary Oscar acceptance for ‘Mr. Nobody Against Putin,’ Pavel Talankin, the educator featured in the film, spoke through translation: ‘For our tomorrow, for all our young ones, end these conflicts immediately.’

Jessie Buckley, the best actress recipient for her portrayal of a mourning mother in ‘Hamnet,’ similarly focused on children, particularly her eight-month-old daughter Isla ‘who is completely unaware of these events and is likely dreaming about her next feeding,’ Buckley shared.

Buckley expressed more optimism than most regarding future possibilities. From the podium, she told her spouse she desired ‘20,000 additional children’ with him. Yet repeatedly, Sunday’s award recipients found difficulty expressing appropriate sentiments for an era of deteriorating American unity and expanding warfare, instead returning to discussions about the world younger generations will receive. Trier, during his acceptance remarks, referenced James Baldwin.

‘I want to conclude by echoing the brilliant American author James Baldwin, who reminds us that every adult bears responsibility for every child,’ he stated. ‘Let’s avoid supporting politicians who don’t seriously consider this obligation.’

Ultimately, ‘One Battle After Another’s’ victory seemed increasingly certain since it clearly reflected many people’s current concerns. Anderson’s movie concludes with its young lead character, portrayed by Chase Infiniti, hurrying toward a demonstration while Tom Petty’s ‘American Girl’ begins playing.

‘How do you handle the situation when your parents, who carry their own wounds, have passed down a challenging legacy?’ Anderson explained backstage. ‘That represents our narrative.’

Air travelers faced a perfect storm of problems Monday as severe weather systems and ongoing government shutdown issues combined to create widespread flight disruptions across the United States.

More than 3,600 flights scheduled within or traveling to the U.S. were grounded Monday, with an additional 6,800 experiencing delays, according to FlightAware flight tracking data. The chaos stemmed from dangerous storm systems moving through the eastern United States while Transportation Security Administration workers continue operating without pay during a partial government shutdown that entered its second month.

The timing couldn’t be worse for air travel, as airports are packed with spring break vacationers and college basketball fans traveling to March Madness tournament games. The shutdown, which started February 14, has created staffing challenges at security checkpoints nationwide.

Major aviation hubs bore the brunt of Monday’s disruptions. Chicago O’Hare International Airport saw nearly 500 flight cancellations, while Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International experienced over 300 cancellations and John F. Kennedy International Airport had more than 230 flights scrapped.

The National Weather Service issued warnings about the advancing storm system, which had already dumped feet of snow across the Midwest and was moving toward the East Coast with dangerous winds and potential for “producing strong and long track tornadoes.”

Federal Aviation Administration officials implemented ground stops at Hartsfield-Jackson and Charlotte Douglas International Airport due to severe weather conditions, while also ordering ground delays at JFK and Newark Liberty International Airport.

Stranded passengers shared their frustrations as travel plans fell apart. Kelly Price, attempting to return to Colorado following a family trip to Orlando, Florida, learned her Sunday evening flight was canceled only in the early hours of Monday morning.

“By that time the only place for us to sleep was the airport floor. So we’re all tired and frustrated,” Price explained, noting that her family’s next available flight wouldn’t depart until Tuesday afternoon.

Similarly, Danielle Cash found herself stuck in St. Louis Sunday while trying to reach Tampa, Florida, after a Las Vegas weekend trip. She’s now paying hundreds of extra dollars for hotel accommodations in a snowy climate she wasn’t prepared for.

“It was 80 degrees in Tampa when I left and then going to Vegas,” Cash noted. “And it was 90 degrees in the desert.” She’s now scheduled on a flight routing through Tennessee before finally reaching Tampa Tuesday afternoon.

The travel disruptions coincide with TSA employees missing their first complete paycheck over the weekend. The current partial government shutdown specifically impacts the Department of Homeland Security, TSA’s parent agency. This marks the third shutdown in under a year leaving TSA personnel temporarily unpaid, with back pay only coming after government operations resume.

Congressional Democrats have stated that Homeland Security funding won’t be restored until new limitations are imposed on federal immigration enforcement, following the deadly shootings of Alex Pretti and Renee Good in Minneapolis this year.

Airport security checkpoint delays have increased at some locations due to staffing shortages, as TSA workers seek additional employment, struggle with commuting costs, or leave their positions entirely. Homeland Security reported on social media last week that more than 300 TSA agents have resigned since the shutdown began.

During the weekend, chief executives from major airlines including Delta, American, United and Southwest sent an urgent appeal to Congress requesting restored Homeland Security funding and bipartisan legislation protecting federal aviation worker pay during future shutdowns.

“It’s difficult, if not impossible, to put food on the table, put gas in the car and pay rent when you are not getting paid,” the airline leaders stated in their congressional letter.