Category: U.S. News

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.

HUNTINGDON, Tenn. — A devastating collision in western Tennessee has claimed the lives of two students and left at least seven others injured when their school bus crashed Friday afternoon, according to state authorities.

The tragic incident occurred around midday on Highway 70 in Carroll County and involved three vehicles: a school bus, a Chevrolet Trailblazer, and a Tennessee Department of Transportation dump truck, according to Maj. Travis Plotzer of the Tennessee Highway Patrol. While investigators are still piecing together what happened, Plotzer indicated the state dump truck does not appear to have played a role in causing the collision.

The bus was transporting 30 people total — 25 students and five staff members — from Kenwood Middle School in Clarksville on an educational trip to Jackson, Tennessee, the Clarksville-Montgomery County School System confirmed. Authorities are continuing to investigate what led to the crash.

During a press briefing, Plotzer confirmed the two student fatalities and said emergency crews airlifted at least seven injured individuals to area medical facilities. Hospital officials have not yet released information about the severity of those injuries.

“This is a parent’s worst nightmare,” Plotzer said.

Vanderbilt Health reported that four patients were transported to Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt in Nashville, where they were listed in stable condition Friday evening.

Baptist Memorial Hospital-Carroll County received 19 individuals for medical evaluation, according to hospital spokesperson Kim Alexander. All of those patients were examined and discharged, though Alexander noted it remained unclear how many had actually sustained injuries in the crash.

Dr. Henry Lee, the renowned forensic investigator who brought crime scene science into the national spotlight through his work on major cases including the O.J. Simpson murder trial, died Friday at age 87.

The forensic expert died peacefully at his Henderson, Nevada residence after battling a short illness, his family and the University of New Haven announced. Lee dedicated more than five decades to teaching at the Connecticut university.

Lee became a household name following his 1995 testimony in Simpson’s murder trial, where he challenged how investigators collected and processed blood evidence. His expertise was also sought in numerous other notable cases, including the JonBenet Ramsey killing in Colorado in 1996, Scott Peterson’s 2004 trial for murdering his pregnant wife Laci, and music producer Phil Spector’s 2007 murder trial.

However, Lee’s reputation faced challenges in recent years when a 2023 federal court decision held him responsible for falsifying evidence in a 1985 Connecticut murder case that resulted in two men spending decades behind bars.

The forensic pioneer was born in China as the 11th child in a family of 13, later relocating to Taiwan where he studied police administration and served as a police officer before advancing to captain. In 1964, he and his deceased wife immigrated to America, where he pursued graduate studies in forensic science and biochemistry.

Lee first gained national recognition through his investigation of Helle Crafts’ 1986 disappearance in Connecticut. Using microscopic bone fragments, a partial thumb, a tooth crown, and hair strands discovered near her residence, he helped prosecutors prove that Crafts’ husband had dismembered her body using a wood chipper. The case resulted in a murder conviction without recovering the victim’s body.

“Sometimes they compare me to Sherlock Holmes or Charlie Chan. Those are just fictional characters,” Lee stated in a 2000 interview when retiring as Connecticut State Police commissioner. “In real life, the scientists, detectives and public have to work together. … We don’t get commercial breaks.”

Despite continued involvement in prominent investigations, Lee’s career was tarnished in 2020 when a state judge overturned the 1985 murder convictions of two defendants. Their guilty verdicts had relied partly on Lee’s testimony identifying what he claimed were bloodstains on a towel. Post-trial testing during the appeals process revealed the stains contained no blood.

The 2023 federal ruling determined Lee’s testimony lacked any supporting evidence. Lee maintained his innocence regarding evidence fabrication claims, arguing that blood traces might have deteriorated during the two decades between the crime and when defense experts examined the towel.

Throughout his career, Lee remained primarily based in Connecticut, directing the state’s forensic laboratory. At the University of New Haven, he transformed the forensic science program from basic fingerprint equipment into a comprehensive academic department. He later established the Henry C. Lee Institute of Forensic Science at the university to train professionals and provide case consultation services.

“Dr. Lee was a remarkable individual,” stated University of New Haven President Jens Frederiksen. “His contributions to our University as well as forensic science and law enforcement are extraordinary and unmatched. His legacy lives on in the generations of students and law enforcement professionals he impacted throughout his brilliant career.”

Lee authored or co-authored over 40 publications and was completing a book about missing persons investigations before his death. The university confirmed the final work is still planned for publication.

Flight operations came to a standstill at Washington-area airports Friday evening when aviation officials detected a suspicious odor at a critical air traffic control center in Virginia.

The mysterious smell prompted authorities to evacuate the Potomac Consolidated Terminal RADAR Approach Control facility, known as TRACON, which manages aircraft movements across multiple airports in the Washington metropolitan area. Aviation officials implemented ground stops at Reagan Washington National Airport, Washington Dulles, Baltimore, and regional airports in Charlottesville and Richmond starting at approximately 6:40 p.m.

This incident represents the second occurrence in 14 days where an unusual odor at the Warrenton, Virginia facility has caused significant flight disruptions.

According to a source familiar with the situation, the detected smell resembled burning and appeared similar to a previous incident on March 13 that also forced flight suspensions. During that earlier event, aviation authorities determined the source was a strong chemical odor caused by an overheated circuit board.

Flight tracking services reported that incoming aircraft were either circling in holding patterns or being redirected to alternate destinations. No departures occurred from the affected airports after 6:40 p.m., with officials indicating they expected to provide an update around 8 p.m.

Flight monitoring data showed significant impacts across the region, with 25% of flights experiencing delays at Baltimore and National airports, while Dulles reported an 11% delay rate.

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. — A grand jury has indicted the pledge master of a Northern Arizona University fraternity on felony hazing charges connected to the alcohol poisoning death of an 18-year-old student during a January rush event.

Carter Eslick faces accusations that he compelled or required the excessive drinking that resulted in Colin Daniel Martinez’s death on January 31 at a residence off campus.

Police discovered Martinez unconscious at the house after witnesses attempted to revive him with CPR. He was pronounced dead at the location.

Medical examination results showed Martinez succumbed to alcohol poisoning, with his blood alcohol content measuring 0.425% — exceeding Arizona’s legal driving threshold by more than five times and reaching levels typically associated with death.

“The loss of a young person is always a tragedy,” stated Coconino County Attorney Ammon Barker.

Josh Blumenrich, who serves as Eslick’s legal counsel, has not responded to requests for comment.

While authorities detained two additional Delta Tau Delta fraternity members alongside Eslick following Martinez’s death, Friday’s indictment targeted only Eslick.

Officials have not disclosed whether prosecutors will pursue charges against the remaining two fraternity members through grand jury proceedings.

According to legal filings, Martinez was one of four fraternity prospects who consumed two vodka bottles with the expectation of becoming sick. Some observers indicated the alcohol may have been mixed with water.

Court records reveal that throughout the evening, witnesses repeatedly repositioned Martinez while he slept, monitored his vital signs, and researched alcohol poisoning warning signs online.

Following Martinez’s death, the university immediately suspended the fraternity chapter. The national Delta Tau Delta organization subsequently decided to permanently close the NAU chapter.

Transportation Security Administration employees may finally receive their first complete paychecks in more than six weeks beginning Monday, following President Donald Trump’s executive order Friday directing the Homeland Security secretary to provide immediate payment.

However, industry analysts and union representatives warn that extensive security checkpoint delays at airports nationwide won’t vanish immediately and may continue through next week or beyond as TSA staff await overdue compensation, facilities evaluate personnel levels, and lawmakers remain deadlocked on Department of Homeland Security funding.

“Until checks are actually in hands, we might still see some of these staffing issues,” said Eric Rosen, director of travel content for The Points Guy, a travel information website. “But (the executive order) is a bit of good news, I think, for both TSA officers as well as the flying public. And hopefully, the money starts flowing quickly and people can get back to work.”

The timing concerns travel industry officials as educational institutions nationwide prepare for spring break periods, while holiday travel increases around Passover and Easter celebrations.

TSA staff members have gone without compensation since February 14, when the Department of Homeland Security funding expired amid congressional disagreements over federal immigration enforcement operations.

During the unprecedented partial government closure, numerous screening officers responsible for passenger and baggage inspections failed to report for scheduled duties. Several thousand absent workers daily created wait times lasting multiple hours and forced closure of expedited lanes at facilities in Houston, Atlanta, New Orleans, New York, and other locations.

The president issued his executive directive after House Republicans turned down legislation approved by the Senate Friday morning that would have provided funding for TSA, the U.S. Coast Guard, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency while excluding Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Border Patrol.

Caleb Harmon-Marshall, a former TSA employee who publishes a travel newsletter called Gate Access, explained that officers he communicates with urgently need complete back pay because they face mounting bills, growing debt, plus penalty fees and interest costs.

Simultaneously, Harmon-Marshall noted he doesn’t anticipate significant improvement in airport personnel situations until workers feel assured of continued compensation without future income interruptions due to ongoing congressional disagreements.

“Hopefully, with this executive order, the relief does come,” he said. “I think that they just want to know how long, because if it’s only for a pay period, that’s not enough to bring them back. It has to be an extended pay for them to come back or want to stay there.”

Passengers concerned about upcoming flight security processing should expect extended lines for approximately one to two additional weeks, Harmon-Marshall projected.

“This back and forth about all these decisions changing is confusing the TSA officers, so they’re possibly thinking like, ‘OK are we getting paid or are we not?’” he explained.

White House officials indicated that funds for TSA employee compensation would originate from major tax reduction legislation Trump enacted last year, which directed billions in additional resources to Homeland Security. These same funds have maintained ICE officer payments throughout the DHS closure.

Johnny Jones, secretary-treasurer of the TSA worker division of the American Federation of Government Employees union, acknowledged that Monday pay for TSA personnel would provide relief but emphasized that Congress must reach agreement on legislation ending the DHS shutdown.

“I guess the action is good for the president, but on the flip side, we have a lot of people that don’t have anything, and I don’t know if this is gonna fix it,” Jones stated.

Facilities that experienced passengers waiting in screening queues that overwhelmed check-in areas or arriving excessively early for departures must determine whether to reopen checkpoints or fast-track service lanes they shuttered or combined due to insufficient personnel.

Some airports recorded daily TSA officer absence rates reaching 40%. Nationally on Thursday, more than 11.8% of scheduled TSA employees didn’t report for work, representing the highest rate recorded, the department announced Friday.

Nearly 500 workers among the agency’s approximately 50,000 officers have resigned since the shutdown began, according to DHS. TSA Acting Administrator Ha Nguyen McNeill informed legislators Wednesday that some employees who missed recent shifts might also depart. Recruitment will likely become more challenging following the personal and public disruptions caused by the shutdown, she indicated.

“Not only is the shutdown decreasing the number of interested candidates, for those we are able to hire, they are required to complete four to six months of training before they are certified to work at checkpoints,” McNeill explained.

Aviation security specialist Sheldon Jacobson, whose research helped develop TSA PreCheck, believes travelers with planned trips shouldn’t worry excessively. The three- and four-hour delays in Atlanta, Houston, and New Orleans represented extreme cases, he noted.

“At a lot of the airports I look at, the delays are pretty typical,” he observed.

Jacobson also pointed out that TSA officer resignations since mid-February don’t significantly exceed the position’s typical turnover rate of approximately 8%.

FORT MYERS, Fla. — A federal judge has mandated that Florida’s remote immigration detention facility in the Everglades must dramatically improve legal access for those held there, following complaints that detainees couldn’t reach their lawyers.

U.S. District Judge Sheri Polster Chappell issued the preliminary injunction on Friday, requiring the facility nicknamed ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ to establish confidential, unmonitored phone access for legal calls without charge or delay. The ruling also mandates one working telephone for every 25 detainees and requires multilingual information to be available to both detainees and their legal representatives.

Legal representatives had previously told the federal court in Fort Myers that their clients couldn’t reach them through staff mobile devices and that lawyers were prohibited from making surprise visits to the remote location.

During January testimony regarding adequate legal representation at the facility, a state contractor claimed both communication methods and attorney visits were accessible to detainees and their lawyers.

The Florida Department of Emergency Management, which oversees the detention center, did not provide a response to media inquiries on Friday. The Everglades facility was constructed last summer at an isolated airstrip under Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis’ administration to align with President Donald Trump’s immigration enforcement initiatives. Florida has also established a second immigration detention facility in the state’s northern region.

The legal challenge brought by former detainees alleges violations of their First Amendment protections. They contend that legal counsel must schedule visits three days ahead of time, contrasting with other immigration facilities where attorneys can arrive during standard visiting periods. The complaint also states that detainees are frequently relocated before scheduled attorney meetings and that scheduling obstacles have prevented legal consultations before critical court deadlines.

State officials named in the lawsuit have rejected claims of restricting attorney access, pointing to security protocols and staffing limitations as reasons for any difficulties. Federal defendants have similarly disputed allegations of First Amendment violations.

A Michigan school district has reached a settlement agreement with a Palestinian-American student who filed a lawsuit after being confronted by a teacher for not participating in the Pledge of Allegiance.

The Plymouth-Canton school district will provide constitutional rights training to its staff and an insurance company will pay $10,000 to Danielle Khalaf and her father as part of the resolution, court documents show.

While the district avoided admitting wrongdoing, Superintendent Monica Merritt commended Danielle for her bravery in coming forward about what happened.

“Our mission is to foster a school environment that is safe, respectful and welcoming for all,” Merritt stated on Friday.

The controversy began in January 2025 when Danielle, who comes from a Palestinian family, chose not to participate in the pledge ceremony for three consecutive days to protest American backing of Israel’s military actions in Gaza. Court documents indicate her teacher criticized her decision and questioned her respect for the country.

The educator allegedly told her, “Since you live in this country and enjoy its freedom, if you don’t like it, you should go back to your country,” the legal filing states.

The incident caused Danielle to experience psychological distress, including sleep disturbances and damaged relationships with classmates, according to the lawsuit.

“It was terrifying at times, scary to face a teacher and overwhelming with the attention that came with the publicity. But it taught me the importance of speaking up for what I believe is right,” Danielle explained in a Thursday statement issued through the American Civil Liberties Union and Arab American Civil Rights League.

Census data shows Michigan ranks second nationally in residents with Middle Eastern or North African heritage, with over 300,000 people, trailing only California.

Under the settlement terms, the school district must also expunge any records from Danielle’s file that suggest her protest violated district rules.

HARTFORD, Conn. — Hartford’s mayor has terminated a police officer who shot and killed a man during a mental health emergency, despite three colleagues successfully working to calm the situation for several minutes beforehand.

Mayor Arunan Arulampalam announced Friday the immediate dismissal of Officer Joseph Magnano following the February 27 fatal shooting of Steven Jones, a Black man who was holding a knife on a city street. This incident occurred just over a week after another Hartford officer killed a different person also experiencing a mental health crisis.

“In the body-worn camera footage of the incident, as well as publicly shared videos, I saw three officers work together as a team to de-escalate a mental health crisis in a way that exemplifies the best of our police department,” Arulampalam said. “The actions of Officer Magnano do not measure up to those standards.”

Police Chief James Rovella did not respond to requests for comment Friday, while the police union has maintained that Magnano’s use of force was justified and legal through social media statements. Magnano was a new hire still serving his probationary period, and his contact details were not available.

The state inspector general’s office continues investigating the shooting to decide on potential criminal charges against Magnano. Body camera video from all four responding officers was released earlier this month.

The crisis began when Jones’ sister, Audrey Jones, contacted 911 requesting assistance for her brother’s mental health emergency, informing dispatchers he possessed a knife and had injured himself.

Video evidence reveals Steven Jones standing on the street while three officers spent several minutes repeatedly asking him to put down the knife while assuring him of their intent to help.

“Steve, you’re OK. We’re going to make sure you’re OK,” Officer James Prignano tells him. “Just drop the knife. We’re going to go talk to somebody, OK?”

Jones remains silent throughout the recorded interactions.

Approximately 12 minutes after the emergency call, Magnano arrived and immediately drew his weapon while commanding Jones to drop the knife, warning him “You’re going to get shot.” A woman can be heard shouting, “Don’t shoot him!”

The footage captures Prignano gesturing to Magnano, seemingly directing him to step back. As Jones moved slowly toward Magnano, the officer issued a final warning before firing nine shots at Jones, roughly 30 seconds after exiting his patrol vehicle.

Jones succumbed to his injuries at a local hospital four days following the shooting.

The termination announcement came one day after Jones’ funeral service, which drew prominent civil rights leader Rev. Al Sharpton and attorney Ben Crump, who represents the family and has handled numerous high-profile police shooting cases involving Black victims nationwide.

“Steven had a mental health crisis,” Crump said at the funeral. “He needed a helping hand from the Hartford Police Department, but instead he got nine bullet holes in his body. That is a shame before God. And the status of your mental health and the color of your skin should not equal the death sentence.”

Sharpton described Friday’s firing as “a necessary first step” while emphasizing that “Jones’ family and the people of Hartford deserve full justice.” Both he and Crump advocated for changes to improve Hartford police protocols for mental health-related emergency calls.

On February 19, Hartford police also fatally shot Everard Walker in a separate incident involving mental health concerns. A family member had contacted the 211 health and human services helpline, and two mental health professionals requested police accompaniment to Walker’s residence, according to Inspector General Eliot Prescott’s preliminary findings.

During the apartment visit, Walker, two of his children, and officers became involved in a physical altercation when Walker brandished a knife, Prescott reported. Walker refused police commands to drop the weapon.

Body camera video shows Walker raising the knife as Officer Geovanny Rivera appeared to stumble backward. Officer Alexander Clifford then discharged multiple rounds at Walker, who died later at a hospital. Prescott is also investigating this shooting.

A vehicle accident has prompted the complete closure of Williamsville Road, blocking traffic between Route 13 and Gun and Rod Club Road.

Transportation officials are directing motorists to seek alternate routes while emergency personnel and cleanup crews address the crash scene.

No timeline has been provided for when the roadway will reopen to normal traffic flow. Drivers are advised to plan for delays and use alternative routes in the area.

A Palestinian woman from Paterson, New Jersey is speaking out after being released from immigration detention following more than 12 months in federal custody.

Leqaa Kordia, a young woman who had been held at an ICE facility in Texas, is now telling her story in her own voice after gaining her freedom. Immigration and Customs Enforcement had detained her for over a year before her recent release.

The case highlights ongoing issues surrounding immigration detention and the experiences of individuals held in federal custody for extended periods.

A federal judge in Kentucky has thrown out criminal charges against two former Louisville police officers who were accused of providing false information in the search warrant that led to Breonna Taylor’s fatal shooting.

U.S. District Judge Charles Simpson released a brief, one-page decision on Friday that dismissed the case against former officers Joshua Jaynes and Kyle Meany, who played roles in preparing the controversial warrant.

The dismissal came after federal prosecutors filed a request with the court last week asking that the charges be dropped “in the interest of justice.” Prosecutors pointed out that the court had previously thrown out several felony counts against both Jaynes and Meany in earlier hearings.

The charges were originally announced in 2022 during a prominent press conference in Louisville by then-U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland, who stated “Breonna Taylor should still be alive today.” Garland explained that the officers who actually fired the shots that killed the 26-year-old Taylor were not aware of the “false and misleading statements” contained in the search warrant.

The fatal incident occurred when Taylor’s boyfriend discharged a single round at officers after they used a battering ram to force entry through her front door. Officers responded with gunfire, hitting Taylor several times as she stood in her hallway. Her death, combined with George Floyd’s killing in Minnesota, triggered extensive racial justice demonstrations across the country during the summer of 2020.

Jaynes had been facing accusations of conspiracy, falsifying documents, and misdemeanor violations of civil rights. Meany was charged with allegedly providing false information to federal investigators.

The search warrant for Taylor’s residence claimed she was accepting mail deliveries on behalf of a suspected drug dealer who was her former boyfriend. The paperwork stated that Jaynes had verified with postal authorities that packages addressed to the ex-boyfriend were being delivered to Taylor’s home. However, investigators subsequently discovered that Jaynes had never actually confirmed this information with postal inspectors. Meany, who held the rank of sergeant, had approved the warrant.

The Louisville Police Department terminated Jaynes in 2021 for providing false information regarding the warrant. Meany lost his job after being indicted in 2022.

Widespread reports of massive security delays and missed connections at American airports have prompted anxious travelers to arrive hours ahead of their flights. However, several airports experiencing normal operations are now asking passengers to dial back their early arrivals.

John Glenn International Airport in Columbus, Ohio, reports that overly cautious passengers — responding to congressional funding disputes that have created security checkpoint crowding — are actually worsening conditions by causing congestion during busy periods.

“Arriving too early can actually create longer lines right when we open,” the airport said in a social media post Thursday. “Spacing out arrival times helps keep things moving smoothly for everyone.”

The facility has published guidelines recommending passengers arrive just “90 minutes before departure is all you need.”

The challenge for air travelers is the unpredictability of which airports will experience severe security delays next.

A government shutdown affecting Transportation Security Administration personnel has extended checkpoint waiting periods to over two hours at several major facilities. Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport has emerged as the most problematic location, with security waits reaching four hours.

These represent extreme situations. Numerous airports — including the Ohio facility — continue experiencing typical waiting periods. Airlines recommend passengers verify TSA delay information before heading to their departure airport.

The situation bears similarities to the “panic buying” behavior witnessed during early 2020 COVID-19 restrictions.

“It’s human nature. You don’t have control over what’s going on at an airport,” said Shari Botwin, a Philadelphia clinical social worker who counsels people about anxiety.

“There’s so much media attention about the chaos at airports,” she said. “They might not trust when someone says, ‘Well, you don’t need to come out early anymore.’”

NEW YORK — Federal agents and New York police have taken a New Jersey resident into custody Thursday after he was caught preparing explosive devices intended for the home of a well-known Palestinian activist, according to law enforcement officials.

The intended victim was Nerdeen Kiswani, a 31-year-old Brooklyn resident and Palestinian rights advocate who helped establish the organization Within Our Lifetime.

Late Thursday evening, Kiswani received a phone call from an FBI representative who told her that “a threat on my life was about to take place, and that they had apprehended the threat.”

Law enforcement officials report they detained Andrew Heifler while he was constructing Molotov cocktails intended for Kiswani’s residence. Federal documents reveal he had been planning the attack with an undercover agent for several weeks, even conducting reconnaissance at Kiswani’s home.

Heifler faces two federal firearms-related charges filed Thursday. Court records do not yet show legal representation or scheduled court dates for the defendant.

Federal documents show that in February, Heifler participated in a video conference that included an undercover law enforcement operative, discussing his desire to receive “self-defense” training and secure a location where he could practice with Molotov cocktails.

The following day, court papers indicate Heifler met face-to-face with the undercover agent and expressed his intention to damage Kiswani’s property. The documents refer to her as “Victim-1.” He revealed he possessed Kiswani’s home address and outlined his plans to create incendiary devices and leave the United States following the assault.

Initially planning to depart the country by late April, Heifler later informed the undercover operative he would postpone his departure until mid-May, court documents state.

On March 4, both Heifler and the undercover agent traveled to Kiswani’s neighborhood to “conduct surveillance” and planned the creation of twelve incendiary devices, according to the complaint. Beyond targeting Kiswani’s residence, Heifler proposed attacking two vehicles parked nearby with the explosive devices.

During Thursday’s operation, the undercover agent met Heifler at his Hoboken home, where he possessed a large container of Everclear alcohol and additional materials needed for creating the weapons, court papers show.

Federal documents indicate Heifler confirmed his plan to hurl some of the incendiary devices directly into Kiswani’s home while using others against nearby automobiles.

Following the construction of eight Molotov cocktails, federal agents executed their search warrant at the residence and seized all eight devices. FBI explosive specialists conducted preliminary testing that confirmed the presence of ethanol and determined the items qualified as destructive devices under federal law.

Kiswani, 31, described feeling stunned by the revelation but said the threat didn’t surprise her.

“I feel very blessed that they were able to thwart this, but it’s something that is a constant possibility for people who speak up on behalf of Palestine,” she said.

Federal aviation officials are examining a dangerous mid-air encounter that occurred Tuesday evening when a United Airlines aircraft nearly collided with a military Black Hawk helicopter while approaching John Wayne Airport in Southern California.

The Federal Aviation Administration announced Friday it has launched an investigation into the 8:40 p.m. incident, which happened when the military chopper, returning from a training exercise, entered the commercial aircraft’s flight path. The United flight, carrying 162 passengers and six crew members, was forced to halt its descent and maintain level flight to prevent a crash.

This alarming incident occurs just over a year following the devastating collision between an American Airlines aircraft and an Army Black Hawk helicopter near the nation’s capital, which claimed 67 lives in what became the most deadly aviation disaster on American soil in over twenty years. That tragedy has led to increased examination of aviation protocols and safety measures designed to prevent aircraft conflicts.

Following the 2025 Washington crash, federal regulators implemented new policies this month mandating that air traffic controllers use radar technology to actively guide both helicopters and commercial planes around airport areas, replacing the previous system that relied on visual contact between pilots. Prior to the Washington incident, controllers had asked helicopter crews if they could see the passenger plane before clearing them to maneuver around it.

Regarding Tuesday evening’s close encounter in Santa Ana, California, the FAA stated it will examine whether the recently implemented regulations were properly followed.

United Airlines released a statement acknowledging the Tuesday event details.

“During final approach to John Wayne Airport in Orange County, pilots on United flight 589 were advised by air traffic control to watch for a military helicopter flying near the airport. They saw the helicopter, and also received a traffic alert, which they responded to by leveling the aircraft,” the statement read.

Flight tracking data from FlightRadar24 indicates the United aircraft came as close as 525 feet vertically and 1,422 feet horizontally to the helicopter before the pilots leveled off following a collision warning alert.

Audio recordings from John Wayne Airport’s control tower, obtained through LiveATC.net, reveal a controller inquiring shortly after the near-miss whether the commercial pilot had been notified about the helicopter or given altitude restrictions. The pilot confirmed receiving a “resolution advisory,” which represents the most critical collision warning alert generated by the aircraft’s onboard safety systems.

“We’re going to be addressing that, because that was not good,” the air traffic controller responded.

A representative from the California National Guard confirmed the helicopter from Joint Forces Training Base Los Alamitos was conducting standard training operations and returning to its home base “at an assigned altitude while in communication with air traffic control.”

Officials have not disclosed whether any temporary flight path or training route modifications were implemented following Tuesday’s incident.

An airport representative stated that since the event occurred in airspace rather than on airport property, she could not provide additional details.

This recent near-collision happened just two days following a runway accident at New York’s LaGuardia Airport, where an Air Canada aircraft struck a fire truck, resulting in the deaths of both pilots.

Federal education officials announced they will begin contacting over 7 million student loan borrowers on Friday, instructing them to choose alternative repayment options after the SAVE program was eliminated by federal courts earlier this month.

These borrowers, who had been participating in the Biden administration’s SAVE repayment program, have not been required to make loan payments since July 2024 while court proceedings unfolded.

Beginning July 1st, loan servicing companies will start sending notifications that give borrowers a 90-day window to pick a different repayment option, according to department representatives.

Under the Trump administration’s leadership, “The days of unlawful loan forgiveness are behind us,” stated Under Secretary of Education Nicholas Kent.

“Let me be clear, the Trump administration’s perspective is that when a student takes out a loan, they are responsible for repaying it,” Kent explained to The Associated Press.

The eliminated SAVE program was part of former President Biden’s efforts to ease student debt burdens for Americans. The plan offered favorable conditions compared to other options, limiting monthly payments to just 5% of a borrower’s discretionary income and providing debt cancellation for those who made payments for a minimum of 10 years while originally borrowing $12,000 or less.

During the legal proceedings, participants in the program were exempt from making payments. However, loan balances started accumulating interest after a court decision last summer halted the SAVE program’s implementation, resulting in higher debt amounts for some borrowers.

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 8th Circuit officially eliminated the SAVE program earlier this month. The Education Department’s upcoming notifications will instruct borrowers to select a payment plan and begin making payments potentially as early as this summer.

Loan servicers will reach out to borrowers in phases, contacting a new group every two weeks. Those who participated in the SAVE program for the longest period will receive the first notifications.

An accomplished police dog has concluded his law enforcement career with Virginia’s Department of Wildlife Resources Conservation Police after serving for more than half a decade. K9 Bruno stepped away from active duty in early 2026, marking the end of an impressive service record that began in 2020.

Captain Chris Thomas expressed regret over losing such a valuable team member. “It’s a loss to the team,” Thomas stated. “Bruno recovered a lot of evidence for us. He located missing people, tracked trespassers, and solved breaking-and-enterings. He and [his partner, CPO Tyler Blanks] worked really well together.”

The 8-year-old canine’s retirement coincided with his handler’s career transition. Bruno has remained with Blanks’ family, adapting to his new role as a household companion after years of police work.

Blanks reflected on their professional relationship with deep appreciation. “Working with Bruno was something I looked forward to every day. The bond we built went far beyond a handler and K9—it was a true partnership,” Blanks explained. “He was highly driven, but at the same time loyal and in tune with me. Whether we were training or on a call, I always knew I could rely on him, and that kind of trust is hard to put into words. Working with Bruno for the last six years was definitely the highlight of my law enforcement career. I’d like to thank DWR for giving me that opportunity and a special thanks to Sergeant Howald for leading our team.”

Bruno joined the department as one of five canines who completed their training and began service in 2020. His impressive physical presence and distinctive character quickly distinguished him from his peers.

Thomas recalled Bruno’s remarkable strength and unique approach to training exercises. “He was such a big dog and he was solid muscle,” Thomas noted. “In our early wildlife detection training, I’d hide items in cinder blocks, and the dogs would have to work rows of cinder blocks. And Bruno would find the item and then just pick up the cinder block with his mouth and carry it off.” The memory was so memorable that Blanks kept a cinder block in his yard specifically for Bruno’s entertainment.

The retired police dog demonstrated both professional focus and an engaging personality that made him effective in various situations. “He’s very focused when there’s a job to do, but he also has a playful side that made him easy to reward and motivate,” Blanks remembered. “That balance made him an excellent K9. He would always get excited when I grabbed his search collar or tracking harness and put his toy in my pocket. He knew what job he was about to do before he got out of my vehicle. Bruno also loves people and enjoyed showing off his skills during K9 demonstrations at outreach events. His energy and friendly demeanor made demonstrations entertaining for a lot of people. He thrived off all the attention. Normally he would do an article search for a demonstration and at the end would do an army crawl through the crowd when everyone got to pet him.”

Bruno’s professional capabilities centered on tracking and evidence recovery. Throughout his career, he successfully located multiple firearms, shell casings, and other crucial evidence that assisted various local law enforcement agencies with serious investigations, including homicide cases, criminal activities, and hunting law violations.

“Every case was unique, and I enjoyed problem solving and working through each incident with him,” Blanks shared. “Every find was a proud moment for me and was proof that our training was exactly what it needed to be. We always trained for difficult scenarios which made the real world a little easier.”

One particularly challenging case highlighted Bruno’s exceptional abilities and determination. Blanks described tracking a repeat offender who had successfully evaded other police dogs and was familiar to law enforcement agencies.

“A county K9 had already attempted a track lost it after a quarter of a mile. The subject dropped his hat when he ran from deputies, so I had a scent article to start from,” Blanks recounted.

“This subject was notorious for running from law enforcement. Sergeant Howald tracked this subject just over four miles two or three days prior, and multiple times over the years. We tracked the first quarter mile and the other K9 handler told me this was where his dog lost the track. Bruno located the corner where the subject crossed a barbed wire fence and ran through a creek bottom. We tracked through water, woods, thick briars, cow pastures, and farm buildings for 3.8 miles. The track was hard and the subject had almost a two-hour head start on us. What stood out wasn’t the outcome, but how he worked—his determination, how he stayed locked on the task. It really showed what kind of K9 he was and reinforced why I trusted him so much.”

Bruno has adapted well to civilian life since leaving active duty. His daily routine now includes extended walks and swimming sessions at a nearby lake. The former police dog has also taken on a new responsibility as a regular passenger during school transportation runs for Blanks’ daughter.

“He has always been part of the family, but now he gets to have more freedom to just be a dog,” Blanks observed. “He loves extra attention and is included in just about everything we do. My daughter likes to set up article searches for him in the back yard, so he still gets to do what he enjoys.”

A Virginia conservation police officer is sharing heartfelt memories of his four-legged partner who recently passed away after years of dedicated service to law enforcement.

Major Frank Spuchesi of the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources describes working alongside K9 Comet as among the most fulfilling experiences of his law enforcement career. The officer, who has a deep love for both dogs and law enforcement work, says the partnership made him excited to report for duty each day.

Comet’s journey began when Spuchesi met her in January 2012. The dog had been rescued from the Portsmouth region, and while her exact age and breed remained mysteries, her exceptional enthusiasm for play made her an ideal candidate for police work. By April 2012, both Spuchesi and Comet had completed their training at the inaugural DWR K9 academy. During the program, Comet demonstrated remarkable intelligence and unwavering persistence, refusing to give up on any assignment.

The canine officer received instruction in three specialized areas: tracking humans, searching for evidence, and detecting wildlife violations. Among these skills, Comet showed the greatest enthusiasm for evidence recovery work. Her first major case occurred in Goochland County shortly after graduation, when Officer Tim Dooley (currently First Sergeant) reached out for assistance with a trespassing incident involving illegal hunting and a convicted felon who had discarded a weapon.

The search began after midnight with no clear starting location. Spuchesi asked Dooley to guide them to where the property owner had last spotted the suspect. From that point, Comet began her systematic search pattern, creating wide circles throughout the forested terrain. As Spuchesi followed at a distance, Comet suddenly approached him in a crawling position and sat approximately ten feet away – her trained signal for discovering evidence.

When Spuchesi illuminated the area with his flashlight and saw nothing, he instructed her to continue searching. Comet departed, completed another wide search pattern, and returned to the identical location with the same alert behavior. After Spuchesi again failed to spot anything and jokingly called her names, Comet used her nose to push aside fallen leaves, exposing the hidden firearm they sought. This moment revealed to Spuchesi the exceptional abilities his new partner possessed. Over her career, Comet successfully located numerous weapons, ammunition casings, and shotgun components, providing crucial assistance in many investigations.

First Sergeant Tim Dooley captured a photograph of K9 Comet with the recovered weapon from her debut case. “I went to interview the suspect the following day, and I still remember the look on his face when I slid that picture across the table,” Dooley said. “I said, ‘I love dogs, don’t you,’ and he shook his head in disbelief and said, ‘Yeah, you got to.’”

Beyond evidence detection, Comet demonstrated exceptional tracking abilities, whether pursuing trespassing hunters to their hiding spots or locating lost individuals to bring them safely home. Despite her serious work responsibilities, Comet maintained a gentle temperament and enjoyed interacting with children during educational visits to schools. Students particularly enjoyed watching her locate concealed duck wings or sit next to classmates who had deer meat samples in their pockets.

Following her retirement in June 2018, Comet transitioned to life as a household companion while continuing to demonstrate her training skills for friends and relatives. Sadly, Comet died on March 13, leaving behind memories of a truly exceptional working dog.

The organization Paws of Honor provided financial assistance for Comet’s medical care and final expenses after her retirement. Those interested in supporting the DWR K9 Program can contribute through the Ward Burton Wildlife Fund’s Conservation Police K9 Fund.

NBC’s “Today” show co-anchor Savannah Guthrie will make her return to television on April 6, following a two-month break after her elderly mother’s kidnapping, she announced in an emotional interview that broadcast Friday.

The 52-year-old television host told her former co-anchor Hoda Kotb that she plans to approach her comeback with the mindset that “joy will be my protest” despite the ongoing tragedy affecting her family.

Guthrie acknowledged the challenge of returning to her usual upbeat television persona while dealing with such personal trauma, expressing uncertainty about whether she still belongs in that environment.

“I can’t come back and try to be something that I’m not. But I can’t not come back, because it’s my family,” Guthrie explained during the interview. “I think it’s part of my purpose right now. I want to smile and when I do, it will be real and my joy will be my protest. My joy will be my answer. And being there is joyful and when it’s not, I’ll say so.”

Guthrie’s 84-year-old mother, Nancy Guthrie, disappeared from her Tucson home on February 1. Law enforcement officials believe she was forcibly taken from her residence, and the FBI has released surveillance footage showing a masked individual near her front door on the evening she vanished.

The family is offering a $1 million reward for information that leads to Nancy Guthrie’s safe return.

During Thursday’s portion of her interview with Kotb, Guthrie revealed disturbing details about the crime scene that convinced the family this wasn’t a case of an elderly person wandering away. She described finding doors deliberately propped open, blood evidence on the front steps, and security equipment that had been deliberately damaged.

Guthrie said her brother immediately suspected their mother had been targeted for ransom money, and while the family has received multiple ransom demands, she believes only two were legitimate communications from the actual kidnappers.

The veteran news anchor admitted the possibility that her mother was targeted because of her high-profile television career is “too much to bear,” though she said the family doesn’t know for certain if that connection exists.