WASHINGTON — The U.S. Supreme Court will encounter recognizable figures Tuesday when justices hear arguments in another Mississippi death penalty case centered on allegations of racial discrimination during jury selection.
The case involves Terry Pitchford, a Black man on death row, and features Doug Evans, the former prosecutor who has a documented pattern of excluding Black jurors from capital cases. During Pitchford’s trial, Evans eliminated all but one African American from the jury panel.
Presiding Judge Joseph Loper permitted these jury dismissals to proceed. The Mississippi Supreme Court later affirmed the conviction.
This scenario mirrors events from seven years earlier involving identical participants — the same prosecutor, judge, and state supreme court. In that instance, the U.S. Supreme Court reversed Curtis Flowers’ death sentence and conviction after Justice Brett Kavanaugh characterized Evans’ conduct as a “relentless, determined effort to rid the jury of Black individuals.”
Seven current justices participated in the Flowers decision.
While the Supreme Court has generally been skeptical of death row appeals in recent years, particularly last-minute execution challenges, the justices agreed in December to review Pitchford’s case focusing on racial discrimination claims that have previously resonated with some conservative members.
Pitchford received a death sentence for his involvement in the 2004 murder of Reuben Britt, who owned Crossroads Grocery near Grenada in northern Mississippi. Pitchford was 18 when he and an accomplice attempted to rob the store. The accomplice fired three fatal shots at Britt but avoided the death penalty due to being under 18. Pitchford, now 40, was convicted of capital murder and sentenced to death.
After two decades of legal proceedings, U.S. District Judge Michael P. Mills reversed Pitchford’s conviction in 2023, determining that the trial judge failed to provide adequate opportunity for defense attorneys to challenge the prosecution’s improper dismissal of Black jurors.
Mills indicated his decision was influenced partly by Evans’ conduct in previous cases. However, a unanimous three-judge panel from the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals overturned Mills’ ruling.
During jury selection, attorneys may dismiss potential jurors based on concerns they might vote unfavorably for their client.
The Supreme Court addressed discrimination in jury composition through its 1986 Batson v. Kentucky decision, prohibiting the exclusion of jurors based on race and establishing procedures for trial judges to assess discrimination claims and prosecutors’ race-neutral justifications.
In Pitchford’s situation, prosecutors dismissed four of five remaining Black individuals from the jury pool, prompting defense objections. Judge Loper accepted all four explanations without analyzing whether racial bias motivated the decisions, according to Mills’ findings.
The current Supreme Court case centers on whether Pitchford’s attorneys adequately objected to Loper’s decisions and whether the state Supreme Court reasonably concluded they had not.
Joseph Perkovich, representing Pitchford in Tuesday’s arguments, maintains the case record clearly supports his client. Loper “did not grasp he had to a constitutional duty to determine whether the reasons the district attorney gave for striking the Black citizens were credible and truthful,” Perkovich stated via email. “The judge simply failed even to try to discharge that critical duty, despite the defense’s efforts.”
In state filings, Mississippi Attorney General Lynn Fitch defended the state Supreme Court’s decision and argued Evans did not improperly exclude Black jurors.
Pitchford’s attorneys contend he should be freed or retried if the Supreme Court rules in his favor. Mississippi argues the case should return to the state Supreme Court for review of discrimination claims regarding jury selection.
Flowers endured six trials for the shooting deaths of four individuals. He was released in 2019, and prosecutors dropped charges the following year after Evans transferred the case to state officials. Evans retired in 2023.
Mills noted that while the Flowers case alone doesn’t establish a pattern, the Mississippi Supreme Court should have considered this history when reviewing Pitchford’s appeal.
“The court merely believes that it should have been included in a ‘totality of the circumstances’ analysis of the issue,” Mills concluded.
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — Following in the footsteps of NASA’s legendary Apollo missions presents a formidable challenge, even decades later.
With four astronauts preparing to embark on humanity’s first lunar journey in more than 50 years, drawing parallels between the historic Apollo program and NASA’s current Artemis initiative is unavoidable.
The initial lunar explorers circled the moon during Apollo 8, while the Artemis II team will take a more conservative approach, performing a flyby mission that loops around the moon before returning to Earth.
A significant distinction lies in representation: Artemis showcases greater diversity in society, featuring a female astronaut, a person of color, and a Canadian crew member.
Though Artemis draws inspiration from Apollo and honors its legacy, “there is no way we could be that same mission or ever hope to even be,” explained NASA astronaut Christina Koch, who is part of the Artemis II team.
Here’s how Apollo compares to Artemis, named after Apollo’s twin sister in Greek mythology, as NASA prepares for launch during the first week of April.
NASA accomplished the remarkable feat of advancing from its first human spaceflight to landing Apollo 11’s Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin on the lunar surface in just eight years, meeting President John Kennedy’s ambitious end-of-decade goal in 1969.
“The Apollo program still just absolutely blows me away,” remarked Artemis II astronaut Jeremy Hansen from the Canadian Space Agency.
In contrast, Artemis has advanced at a much slower pace, following years of uncertainty and changing priorities between lunar and Martian exploration. NASA’s new Space Launch System rocket has completed only one unmanned test flight more than three years ago.
This deliberate pace prompted NASA’s new administrator Jared Isaacman to restructure the Artemis program in February. Seeking to mirror Apollo’s approach, he inserted an additional mission between the upcoming Artemis II flight and the moon landing, which has been postponed to Artemis IV in 2028.
Next year’s revised Artemis III mission will keep astronauts closer to Earth, similar to Apollo 9’s approach in 1969. Rather than attempting a lunar landing as initially planned, crew members will practice connecting their Orion spacecraft in Earth orbit with lunar landing vehicles being developed by Elon Musk’s SpaceX and Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin. Both companies are racing to complete their designs first.
While the Soviet Union served as America’s primary competitor during Apollo, their lunar rockets repeatedly failed at launch, eventually forcing them to abandon their efforts. Today, China represents the main competition.
China has already successfully landed robotic missions on the moon’s far side — a unique achievement among nations — and is working urgently to place astronauts near the lunar south pole by 2030.
NASA targets the same polar area, where permanently shadowed craters likely contain substantial ice deposits that could supply drinking water and rocket fuel. Like his predecessor Bill Nelson, Isaacman is committed to defeating China in this new space competition.
Apollo’s Saturn V rockets measured 363 feet tall with five first-stage engines. The Artemis SLS rocket stands at 322 feet but generates greater liftoff power through its four main engines and two additional boosters.
Nearly all Saturn V rockets launched from Kennedy Space Center’s Launch Complex 39-A, currently leased by SpaceX. NASA will utilize the adjacent pad 39-B for all SLS missions. While Saturn V flew twice before carrying astronauts, SLS has flown just once. Hydrogen fuel leaks postponed the SLS debut in 2022 and occurred again during February’s countdown test, delaying Artemis II. Additional helium problems caused further setbacks, with NASA now planning an April launch.
Mission Control operates from the same location. During Apollo 11’s launch, one woman worked in the crowded firing room. Today, a woman directs operations: Artemis launch director Charlie Blackwell-Thompson.
Apollo 8 remains history’s boldest space mission. Frank Borman, Jim Lovell and Bill Anders became the first humans to travel to the moon in 1968. Commander Borman insisted on minimizing lunar orbits due to safety concerns. He and mission leaders agreed on 10 orbits as preparation for 1969’s moon landing by Armstrong and Aldrin.
NASA chose against lunar orbit for Artemis’ first crewed mission, considering it too risky. The primary objective involves testing the Orion capsule’s life-support systems during their first human flight.
Both Apollo 8 and Artemis II share the similarity of launching during challenging global times. “If we can contribute a little bit to hope for humanity,” said Artemis II pilot Victor Glover of NASA, “that is a huge thing.”
The Artemis crew will circle Earth for one day to verify all systems function correctly before firing the main engine toward the moon. The journey to the moon will require three to four days, continuing approximately 5,000 miles beyond, surpassing the distance record established by 1970’s troubled Apollo 13.
Similar to Apollo 13, Artemis II will utilize lunar and Earth gravity, creating a figure-eight pattern after swinging around the moon for the return journey in what’s called a free-return trajectory that uses minimal fuel. This path safely returned Apollo 13’s three astronauts despite their aborted moon landing.
Artemis astronauts will splash down in the Pacific Ocean following their mission, just like Apollo crews.
During Apollo, the white, bulky spacesuits served multiple purposes. Astronauts wore the same suits for launch, return, and moonwalks due to limited storage capacity for different equipment.
Artemis Orion capsules are larger, accommodating four astronauts instead of three, plus two spacesuit sets. NASA developed new spacesuits for capsule use while contracting private companies for moonwalking gear.
Commander Reid Wiseman and his team will wear orange custom-fitted suits during launch and reentry. They’ll also use them during emergencies like depressurization. The suits can sustain astronauts for up to six days, with helmet straws for drinking water or protein shakes and built-in waste management systems.
Houston-based Axiom Space is creating the white moonwalking suits for future Artemis missions.
Apollo focused on defeating the Russians and planting the American flag. Astronauts landed six times between 1969 and 1972, with the longest surface visit lasting 75 hours. Five of the 24 Apollo astronauts who traveled to the moon remain alive today.
For Artemis’ first moon landing, two astronauts could spend nearly a week on the surface. The plan is more complex than Apollo’s approach.
Artemis moonwalkers will travel to the moon in Orion and, once in lunar orbit, transfer to either SpaceX’s Starship or Blue Origin’s Blue Moon, depending on which is ready first. They’ll land on the surface and, after several days, launch back into orbit to meet their Orion capsule for the trip home.
NASA aims for permanent lunar habitation, with Mars missions to follow, though “day one of the moon base is not going to look like this glass-enclosed, domed city,” Isaacman noted. Last week, he revealed plans for the moon base featuring living quarters, rovers, drones, power stations and additional infrastructure. NASA intends to invest $20 billion over the next seven years.
Motorists will need to find alternate routes as a major section of Old Wilmington Road remains completely shut down for an extended construction project.
Delaware Department of Transportation officials have closed the roadway in both directions between Brackenville Road and Loveville Road. The closure is expected to last until April 1st, 2026, representing nearly a two-year disruption to local traffic patterns.
Drivers who regularly use this route should plan for significant delays and consider alternative paths during the lengthy construction period. The extended timeline suggests major infrastructure work is taking place along this corridor.
DelDOT has not provided specific details about the nature of the construction project or recommended detour routes for affected motorists.
Defense experts are closely examining the changing military tactics employed by the United States and Iran following four weeks of active conflict in the region.
NPR’s Don Gonyea conducted an interview with Kelly Grieco, a defense analyst from the Stimson Center, to discuss the tactical adjustments both nations have implemented during the ongoing hostilities.
The analysis comes as military strategists on both sides appear to be adapting their approaches based on battlefield experiences from the past month of fighting that began with coordinated strikes by American and Israeli forces targeting Iranian positions.
Grieco’s insights shed light on how prolonged military engagement is forcing both the U.S. and Iranian forces to modify their operational strategies in real time.
California has officially changed the name of its March 31 state holiday, transforming what was previously known as César Chávez Day into Farmworkers Day.
The renaming represents a broader recognition of agricultural workers beyond the individual legacy of the famous labor leader. NPR’s Don Gonyea spoke with Oliver Rosales, who teaches history at Bakersfield College, about the significance of this change.
The holiday will continue to fall on the same date but now encompasses a wider tribute to all those who work in California’s vast agricultural industry.
The nation’s highest court is preparing to examine the constitutional rule that provides automatic citizenship to children born on American soil. Educational leaders are closely monitoring how this upcoming ruling might affect various aspects of the school system.
The justices will review the longstanding provision that has guaranteed citizenship from birth for all children delivered within U.S. borders. School administrators and policy experts are evaluating the potential consequences this decision could have on student enrollment, educational services, and classroom access across the country.
Pharmaceutical giant Eli Lilly is set to announce a major partnership worth up to $2 billion with Hong Kong biotech company Insilico Medicine, according to a Financial Times report published Sunday.
The collaboration will focus on developing and marketing diabetes medications using artificial intelligence technology. Under the agreement, Lilly will gain exclusive marketing rights for a GLP-1 diabetes treatment developed by Insilico Medicine, sources told the Financial Times.
According to the report, the partnership structure includes an initial payment of $115 million, with the total value potentially reaching more than $2 billion depending on whether the companies meet future regulatory approvals and sales targets.
Neither Eli Lilly nor Insilico Medicine responded immediately to requests for comment, and Reuters was unable to independently confirm the details of the reported agreement.
The pharmaceutical industry has been increasingly embracing artificial intelligence to speed up research and development processes. Companies are investing in advanced modeling technology and automated laboratory systems to improve efficiency throughout their drug development pipelines, particularly as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration works to reduce reliance on animal testing in coming years.
French law enforcement officials have taken two additional suspects into custody in connection with a prevented bombing attack targeting Bank of America’s Paris location, according to the nation’s anti-terrorism prosecutor’s office on Sunday.
“Two further individuals were taken into police custody last night as part of the investigation launched on March 28, 2026 into the offences committed against Bank of America,” the prosecutor’s office said in a statement to Reuters. Officials also confirmed that the initial suspect, a juvenile apprehended on Saturday, remains in extended custody.
French terrorism laws permit authorities to detain suspects for up to 96 hours, with potential extensions available through court approval.
On Saturday, the anti-terrorism prosecutor’s office initiated an investigation focusing on attempted destruction by fire or other dangerous means, as well as the manufacture, possession and transport of an explosive or incendiary device.
When questioned about potential foreign involvement, Interior Minister Laurent Nunez suggested Iranian connections while emphasizing that no definitive conclusions have been drawn.
“In this type of conflict, you have a number of Iranian services that are likely to carry out actions such as these through proxies… There is a significant suspicion, but it is for the investigation to determine,” he said.
The Iranian embassy in France chose not to respond to Nunez’s statements.
The investigation has been handed over to the Paris police judicial unit and France’s domestic intelligence agency.
According to Nunez, law enforcement officers responded during the early morning hours Saturday in Paris’ 8th arrondissement after a security patrol monitoring sensitive locations observed two people positioning and attempting to detonate a homemade explosive device near the bank.
Security forces intervened and captured one suspect on location while the other escaped, Nunez informed BFM TV late Saturday.
“One individual was trying to light an improvised explosive device made with a container likely containing hydrocarbons and a crude ignition system, while another was filming,” Nunez said.
The minister noted that despite its basic construction, the device posed a deadly threat, and officers successfully prevented its detonation.
Nunez characterized the suspects as “common-law” criminals working as hired intermediaries, describing this as a familiar pattern involving proxy agents recruited for such operations.
He reported that investigators have found connections to similar incidents across multiple European nations, including the Netherlands, Belgium, Britain and Norway, where makeshift devices have targeted locations associated with U.S. interests.
HELSINKI – Defense officials in Finland announced Sunday that unmanned aircraft may have illegally crossed into the country’s airspace in its southeastern region.
The Nordic nation’s defense ministry issued a statement regarding the potential airspace breach by the unidentified drones.
No additional details were immediately available about the suspected incursion or the origin of the unmanned vehicles.
Financial experts are questioning whether insider information may have influenced several large-scale trading activities that occurred moments before President Donald Trump announced significant policy changes.
The most recent incident happened on March 23, 2026, when mysterious traders placed $500 million worth of bets on oil futures during a single minute, just before Trump revealed a five-day postponement of planned strikes against Iran’s energy facilities. Exchange records and analysis show that oil prices plummeted 15% following the announcement.
Market data from LSEG indicates that 5,100 trading lots were exchanged between 1049 and 1050 GMT, with selling activity dominating. At 1105 GMT, when Trump’s social media announcement went live, more than 13,000 lots—representing 13 million barrels—traded within one minute. Brent crude dropped from $112 to $99 per barrel, while WTI fell from $99 to $86 per barrel.
Earlier this year, on February 28, 2026, betting activity on platforms like Polymarket and Kalshi drew intense scrutiny following the death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei during military operations. Democratic legislators have since demanded prohibitions on wagers related to military actions, arguing they could benefit individuals with classified knowledge.
A Reuters examination of Polymarket’s platform revealed approximately $529 million in bets on contracts related to the timing of U.S.-Israeli military operations against Iran, plus another $150 million wagered on Khamenei’s removal from power. These prediction markets allow users to trade yes-or-no contracts on real-world events.
Research firm Bubblemaps discovered six accounts that collectively earned $1.2 million from Polymarket bets funded just hours before the raids occurred on February 28. California Representative Mike Levin specifically highlighted one Polymarket wager placed shortly before the Iran operations began.
Additionally, despite inflation data that typically causes investors to sell long-term Treasury bonds, traders did the opposite on February 27, driving yields on 10-year notes below 4%. Market analysts noted such dramatic movement toward safe-haven assets usually results from negative economic events or strong expectations of impending trouble.
U.S. airline stocks also declined that day as oil prices climbed, with the Dow Jones U.S. Airlines Index dropping 5.13%.
On January 3, 2026, an unidentified trader earned approximately $410,000 profit after betting on Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro’s removal from power. The trader’s Polymarket account accumulated positions in contracts tied to Maduro’s ouster at unfavorable odds before U.S. special forces raided his Caracas compound over the weekend. Those bets, valued at roughly $34,000 before his capture, skyrocketed after news of the military operation broke on January 3.
Another suspicious trading pattern emerged on April 9, 2025, when unknown options traders invested millions of dollars betting on a U.S. stock market recovery minutes before Trump’s tariff suspension announcement sparked a major rally.
Trump’s Truth Social message suspending tariffs was posted at 1:18 p.m. ET on April 9, triggering a 9.5% surge in the S&P 500. Trading records show specific options contracts experienced increased activity beforehand. Around 1 p.m. ET, some 5,105 SPY call options traded for an average of $4.20 each.
Following the stock rally, those calls reached approximately $42, potentially transforming $2.14 million into roughly $21.44 million on paper. Other SPY calls betting on the ETF rising above $509 traded around 1:10 p.m. ET, with their value jumping to about $10 million by day’s end, up from $624,000.
Reuters was unable to confirm whether these calls involved one trader or multiple parties, or if they closed their positions for profits.
White House spokesman Kush Desai stated that government ethics rules prohibit federal employees from profiting from non-public information. “Any implication that Administration officials are engaged in such activity without evidence is baseless and irresponsible,” he said in an emailed statement.
BEIJING – Chinese forces launched coordinated naval, air and coast guard operations around Scarborough Shoal on Sunday, according to statements from Beijing’s military and maritime authorities.
The contested shoal sits within Philippine territorial waters, though Beijing maintains its own sovereignty claims over the area.
Sunday’s military activity followed the resumption of high-level diplomatic discussions between China and the Philippines last week, focusing on the disputed maritime region and potential energy development partnerships.
According to the Philippine foreign ministry on Saturday, these negotiations marked the first comprehensive bilateral dialogue since March 2023, designed to build mutual trust and reduce tensions.
Maritime clashes have escalated friction between the two nations recently, with Philippine officials condemning Beijing for what they call “dangerous manoeuvres” and water cannon attacks against Filipino supply operations in disputed zones.
China’s Southern Theater Command defended the military presence in a Sunday statement, saying “Such patrols serve as an effective countermeasure to cope with all sorts of rights-violation and provocative acts.”
Philippine diplomatic representatives in Beijing have not yet responded to requests for comment on the latest patrol operations.
Legal experts are demanding investigations into suspicious trading activity that generated potentially millions in profits just before President Donald Trump announced major policy decisions during his second term.
A comprehensive analysis by Reuters identified at least four instances where investors appeared to have advance knowledge of significant government announcements affecting markets. These trades spanned various platforms including options markets, commodity futures, and prediction betting sites.
The timing and scale of these investments have prompted calls for regulatory scrutiny to determine whether confidential government information was illegally leaked, according to legal specialists including a former Commodity Futures Trading Commission enforcement chief and three academic researchers focused on insider trading.
“It looks deeply suspicious,” stated Andrew Verstein, a UCLA School of Law insider trading specialist. He noted that while the cases are few in number, they display characteristics “you would expect to see if there were informed trading by government officials and their friends.”
Former CFTC enforcement director and ex-federal prosecutor Aitan Goelman indicated such trading activity would typically trigger regulatory attention, though he noted that insider trading regulations for commodity markets remain complicated and largely untested.
According to Goelman, exchanges, the CFTC, and Department of Justice would normally consider these trades “anomalous and interesting.”
White House spokesman Kush Desai responded that federal ethics rules prohibit government workers from using nonpublic information for financial gain. “Any implication that Administration officials are engaged in such activity without evidence is baseless and irresponsible,” Desai stated via email.
A CFTC representative confirmed the agency maintains ongoing communication with exchanges regarding “trades that raise red flags” and performs independent monitoring, but would not confirm whether an investigation had been launched into these specific wagers.
The Securities and Exchange Commission refused to provide comment, and the Justice Department failed to respond to inquiries.
However, some traders might have simply been fortunate or detected early warning signs that other market participants overlooked, particularly as Wall Street increasingly employs former military and national security experts. Some transactions could have been protective measures against other portfolio positions, a standard practice in macro-focused commodity investments.
INCONSISTENT ENFORCEMENT HISTORY
Using material nonpublic information for trading purposes is generally illegal when individuals have obligations not to do so, such as through employment contracts or confidentiality agreements. However, enforcement varies significantly across different asset types and trading platforms.
Although insider trading has been prohibited in commodities and derivatives markets for more than ten years, legal experts note there is minimal precedent for prosecuting such cases in these venues. Regulation of prediction markets, where some bets occurred, remains uncertain.
Senior SEC officials have indicated their intention to prioritize traditional securities market fraud, including insider trading, yet numerous attorneys, investors, and industry watchers believe regulators have adopted a more lenient enforcement approach during Trump’s second presidency.
Interactive Brokers chief strategist Steve Sosnick explained that the questionable trades involved multiple regulatory bodies including the SEC, CFTC, and prediction markets with unclear legal foundations. “If this was a single actor or a set of cooperating actors, it would require a high level of coordination between a diverse and dedicated group of regulators to get to the root of the issue,” Sosnick observed. “We have seen no evidence that this is occurring.”
Sosnick added that the recent departure of the SEC’s enforcement director amid reported frustrations made it “hard to imagine this becoming a high priority among regulators.”
PRECISELY TIMED INVESTMENTS
The Reuters investigation discovered four notable cases where trades were remarkable for their timing. In April 2025, options investors earned millions through last-minute wagers placed moments before Trump declared a suspension of his comprehensive “Liberation Day” tariffs, triggering a 9.5% surge in the S&P 500.
In January, an unidentified Polymarket participant collected over $400,000 after wagering on Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro’s removal that month. The anonymous profile was established the prior month and placed more than $30,000 in bets that would profit if the U.S. invaded Venezuela by January 31.
Wagers made on prediction platforms like Polymarket and Kalshi before the February 28 assassination of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei generated renewed insider trading and ethical questions. Analytics company Bubblemaps discovered six accounts that earned a combined $1.2 million from Polymarket bets funded in the hours directly preceding the U.S.-Israeli strikes that eliminated Khamenei.
This week, unknown traders placed a $500 million oil wager minutes before Trump caused crude prices to plummet by announcing he was postponing an attack on Iranian energy infrastructure. These bets were executed on the New York Mercantile Exchange, operated by CME Group.
A CME representative declined to discuss the oil futures transactions or confirm whether the exchange was examining the trades.
Earlier in March, both Kalshi and Polymarket implemented new policies to address potential insider trading on their prediction market services. A Kalshi representative said the company will continue to “enforce as necessary and iterate on our existing technologies and partnerships,” noting that wagers comparable to the March 23 oil futures transactions would have been detected if placed on Kalshi’s platform.
During an interview, Polymarket chief legal officer Neal Kumar explained that Polymarket observes and tracks all transactions on its U.S. platform continuously, and maintains controls capable of quickly addressing suspicious trading behavior.
Several experts suggested the enormous size and all-or-nothing nature of some wagers indicated individuals may have possessed advance information. Monday’s $500 million oil market transaction, for instance, demonstrates extreme confidence and substantial financial resources, according to some specialists.
“When you’re dealing with bets on unique events and things like that, those do raise a lot more suspicion that somebody has some specific inside information,” explained David Rosenfeld, former co-head of enforcement at the SEC’s New York division.
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.
WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump is privately questioning advisers about which of his top officials should carry forward his political legacy in 2028, sources reveal. The choice centers on Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, both considered leading contenders for the Republican nomination when Trump’s term limits prevent another run.
The ongoing Iran conflict, now entering its fifth week, has highlighted stark differences between the two potential successors. Vance, drawing on his military background as a former Marine who served in Iraq, has maintained a reserved position that reflects his long-standing opposition to extended overseas military engagements. Meanwhile, Rubio has become one of the administration’s strongest advocates for the current military campaign.
According to two sources familiar with Trump’s thinking, the president has been posing a simple question to his inner circle: “JD or Marco?”
Trump has indicated both officials are participating in diplomatic efforts aimed at compelling Iran to abandon its nuclear and ballistic missile capabilities while ensuring unrestricted oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz.
Political observers suggest the Iran operation’s outcome could significantly influence both men’s presidential prospects. A quick resolution favoring American interests might strengthen Rubio’s position, given his dual role as national security adviser and his crisis management experience. However, a drawn-out conflict could benefit Vance by validating his more restrained approach, which may resonate with Trump supporters who favor reduced military involvement abroad.
The president’s own approval numbers have suffered during the conflict, dropping to 36% in recent polling – the lowest since his return to office. Rising fuel costs and public opposition to the Iran war contributed to this decline, according to a Reuters/Ipsos survey conducted last week.
Republican insiders report they’re closely monitoring Trump’s behavior toward both officials for signs of preference. Some observers believe Trump is leaning toward Rubio, though they acknowledge the president’s tendency to change direction quickly.
“Everyone is watching the body language that Trump makes on Rubio and not seeing the same on Vance,” said a Republican source with White House connections.
White House spokesman Steven Cheung dismissed speculation about Trump’s preferences, stating: “No amount of crazed media speculation about Vice President Vance and Secretary Rubio will deter this administration’s mission of fighting for the American people.”
The 41-year-old Vance, once a self-described “never-Trumper,” has maintained his anti-war stance throughout his political evolution. In a 2023 Wall Street Journal piece, he praised Trump’s first presidency for avoiding new military conflicts between 2017 and 2021. Despite acknowledging “philosophical differences” with Trump on Iran, Vance publicly supported the president’s war management during a recent Oval Office appearance, agreeing that Iran must not acquire nuclear weapons.
A Vance representative emphasized his commitment to the administration, saying: “Vice President Vance is proud to be a part of a highly effective team that, under President Trump’s bold leadership, has had incredible success in making America safer, more secure and more prosperous.”
Sources indicate Vance may assume a larger negotiating role if current envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner achieve meaningful progress. A person close to Vance told Reuters he plans to delay any 2028 decision until after November’s midterm elections.
The 54-year-old Rubio has indicated he wouldn’t seek the presidency if Vance runs, with sources suggesting he’d accept a vice presidential role. However, any perceived weakness in Vance’s position could encourage Rubio and other potential candidates.
Republican strategist Ron Bonjean noted Trump’s tendency to remember perceived disloyalty: “And he may call out Vance for his lack of allegiance. And if Trump remains popular with the MAGA base, that could hurt him by not getting the endorsement of the president.”
Trump has suggested a Vance-Rubio ticket would be formidable, though a senior White House official said: “Trump doesn’t want to anoint anyone.”
Recent polling shows both officials enjoy strong Republican support. Seventy-nine percent of Republicans view Vance favorably compared to 19% unfavorably, while Rubio receives 71% positive ratings against 15% negative. Trump himself maintains 79% approval among Republicans with 20% disapproval.
Rubio, whose 2016 presidential campaign ended after a contentious primary battle with Trump, has rebuilt his relationship with the president. State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott described Rubio as having “a great relationship, both professionally and personally” with Trump’s team.
Though Rubio faced criticism from some Trump supporters for suggesting Israel influenced America’s entry into the conflict, the president has since praised his diplomatic work. A senior State Department official said Rubio “has not spent a second thinking about” potential political ramifications from the war’s duration.
Conservative leader Matt Schlapp, who heads the Conservative Political Action Conference, predicted significant political consequences from the Iran campaign’s outcome. “If it is seen as successful at getting the job done… I think people will be politically rewarded for doing the right thing,” Schlapp explained. “If it goes on and on and on… I think the politics are tough.”
Republican voters continue supporting the military action, with 75% approval compared to just 6% among Democrats and 24% among independents, according to Reuters/Ipsos data.
The contrasting approaches were evident during Thursday’s televised Cabinet meeting. Rubio delivered a strong defense of Trump’s Iran strategy, declaring: “He’s not going to leave a danger like this in place.”
Vance took a more restrained tone, emphasizing diplomatic options for preventing Iranian nuclear capabilities before concluding with Easter wishes for Christians and deployed troops. “We continue to stand behind you,” he told servicemembers, “and continue to support you every step of the way.”
A legal battle over who deserves American citizenship is heading back to the Supreme Court, and for one California man, the fight feels like history repeating itself.
President Trump’s executive order targeting birthright citizenship mirrors a controversy that unfolded in San Francisco more than 125 years ago, when the federal government tried to block a young Chinese-American man from returning home after visiting China.
In that 1898 case, Wong Kim Ark had been born in San Francisco’s Chinatown but faced deportation because officials claimed his Chinese parents made him ineligible for citizenship. The Supreme Court ruled against the government on March 28, 1898, affirming that the 14th Amendment guarantees citizenship to anyone born on American soil, regardless of their parents’ nationality.
Today, Wong’s great-grandson Norman Wong, 76, watches nervously as the high court prepares to consider Trump’s January executive order, which would strip automatic citizenship from babies whose parents are not citizens or permanent residents.
“Wong Kim Ark knew he was an American. And he demanded that his citizenship be recognized. He was willing to stand up,” Norman Wong said during an interview. “Wong Kim Ark didn’t make the rule. He affirmed the rule.”
The retired carpenter from the San Francisco area believes the Trump administration is using “fake arguments and fake reasons” to undermine a fundamental American principle.
Trump’s directive represents part of his broader immigration crackdown and fulfills campaign promises to restrict birthright citizenship. Administration officials argue that automatic citizenship encourages illegal immigration and “birth tourism,” where foreigners come to America specifically to give birth and secure citizenship for their children.
The policy would affect children born to parents in the country illegally or temporarily, including international students and workers on temporary visas.
Legal scholars say the administration faces significant challenges in overturning more than a century of established law. The 14th Amendment’s Citizenship Clause declares: “All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the state wherein they reside.”
This amendment, ratified in 1868 following the Civil War, was designed to overturn the infamous Dred Scott decision that denied citizenship to people of African descent.
“Every single method and source of constitutional interpretation confirms that it applies to everyone born in the United States with extremely narrow common law exceptions,” explained University of Virginia law professor Amanda Frost.
The main exception involves children of foreign diplomats, who do not receive birthright citizenship.
Trump’s Justice Department maintains that the government has incorrectly granted citizenship for generations to people who shouldn’t qualify – specifically those present illegally or temporarily in the country.
If the Supreme Court supports this interpretation, the consequences could be massive. Estimates suggest up to 250,000 babies born annually in the United States could lose automatic citizenship, and millions of families might need to prove their newborns’ citizenship status.
While Trump’s order officially applies only to future births, critics worry it could eventually be used retroactively.
“While the order is formally prospective … the arguments the government is making about what it claims the Constitution means cast a shadow over the citizenship of millions of other people who have lived their entire lives as American citizens, potentially going back generations,” said Cody Wofsy, an American Civil Liberties Union lawyer challenging the directive.
The original Wong Kim Ark case began when he returned from China in 1895. Despite being born in San Francisco, customs officials declared him a non-citizen because his parents were Chinese nationals, making him subject to the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882.
The Supreme Court rejected the government’s attempt to limit citizenship based on the 14th Amendment’s phrase about being “subject to the jurisdiction thereof.” In a 6-2 decision, justices ruled this language was meant only to exclude children of foreign diplomats and occupying enemies, “not to impose any new restrictions upon citizenship.”
The court noted that accepting the government’s argument “would be to deny citizenship to thousands of persons of English, Scotch, Irish, German or other European parentage who have always been considered and treated as citizens of the United States.”
Trump’s team argues their order complies with both the 14th Amendment and the 1898 ruling because it still allows citizenship for some immigrants with lawful “domicile” in America, including permanent residents.
The administration points out that Wong Kim Ark’s parents had permanent residence in the United States, unlike temporary visitors or those here illegally.
Some legal experts see room for interpretation. University of Minnesota law professor Ilan Wurman noted that the Wong Kim Ark precedent “strictly speaking, focused on law domiciled parents” and contains “good language supporting either side of this case.”
Norman Wong, who learned about his family’s legal legacy later in life and recently visited his ancestral village in China, sees the current battle as more than a legal dispute.
“I didn’t see the executive order … as an end. I saw that as a beginning, that they would chip away at citizenship until they can do away with the people that they don’t want. And they’ll always have a reason, you know?” Wong said. “We’re talking about the soul of America, who we are as a people.”
The Supreme Court, with its 6-3 conservative majority, has previously allowed Trump to implement various immigration measures while legal challenges proceed. The justices will hear arguments Wednesday in a case brought by the ACLU on behalf of families whose citizenship would be threatened by the executive order.
BEIJING – A high-ranking Chinese diplomat in Hong Kong confronted the top US official in the territory this week over America’s public warning regarding Hong Kong’s updated security enforcement measures, according to Beijing’s Foreign Ministry.
The Chinese Foreign Ministry’s Hong Kong office announced late Saturday that Commissioner Cui Jianchun held a meeting with US Consul General Julie Eadeh on March 27. During the discussion, Cui conveyed Beijing’s “strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition” and demanded that the United States cease meddling in Hong Kong matters and China’s domestic issues “in any form.”
The diplomatic tension arose after Hong Kong recently modified its national security enforcement procedures earlier this month. Under the revised regulations, individuals involved in national security cases now face criminal charges if they decline to surrender passwords or refuse to help authorities decrypt electronic devices.
Following these regulatory changes, the US Consulate General in Hong Kong released a security advisory on March 26. The alert instructed American citizens to reach out to the Consulate if they face arrest or detention under the new security enforcement measures.
The US Consulate General has not yet provided a response to requests for comment regarding the diplomatic meeting.
Good morning, Delmarva! We’re looking at a beautiful Sunday to wrap up the weekend. Sunshine will dominate across the peninsula today with temperatures climbing to a comfortable 58 degrees. You’ll notice a gentle south breeze picking up throughout the day, with winds ranging from calm to about 15 mph – perfect for any outdoor activities you have planned.
As we head into tonight, expect increasing clouds to move in, with temperatures dropping to a mild 45 degrees. It’s a great evening for a light jacket if you’re spending time outside.
Looking ahead to Monday, we’re in for a treat! Mostly sunny skies return with a noticeable warm-up as temperatures reach 68 degrees – now that’s more like it for late March! Monday night will stay pleasant with mostly cloudy conditions and lows around 59.
Overall, it’s shaping up to be a fantastic start to the new week across Delmarva. No rain in sight, so it’s a great time to get outside and enjoy this spring-like weather. Stay safe out there, and have a wonderful Sunday!
Those who want to eliminate birthright citizenship are using “birth tourism” operations as evidence that current constitutional protections can be abused and may pose national security risks. However, legal scholars indicate the matter involves greater complexity than opponents suggest.
The debate centers around organized schemes where pregnant women travel to the United States specifically to give birth, ensuring their children automatically receive American citizenship under the 14th Amendment. Critics argue these arrangements represent a loophole that undermines immigration policy.
Constitutional law experts note that birthright citizenship has been a fundamental principle since 1868, when the 14th Amendment was ratified. The provision states that all persons born on U.S. soil are citizens, regardless of their parents’ immigration status.
The discussion comes as the Supreme Court prepares to hear arguments in a case that could potentially alter how American citizenship is determined. Legal analysts say any changes would require careful consideration of constitutional precedent and long-standing legal traditions.
Immigration policy researchers point out that documented cases of organized birth tourism represent a small fraction of overall births in the United States. They emphasize that most children born to non-citizen parents are from families already residing in the country rather than temporary visitors.
The ancient streets of Jerusalem echo with an unusual quiet as the holy city prepares for Easter and Passover celebrations unlike any in recent memory. Five weeks into the conflict with Iran, the normally bustling religious center faces its most somber spring season, with sacred sites closed and families weary from constant alerts.
The Old City’s characteristic energy has vanished, replaced by shuttered storefronts and empty stone walkways where pilgrims and tourists typically crowd during the spring religious season. The contrast is striking compared to previous years when these holy days brought throngs of visitors and joyful family reunions.
While Jerusalem has historically been spared from direct attacks in past conflicts, this war has brought unprecedented danger to the sacred city. Since joint Israeli and American military operations against Iran began on February 28, Jerusalem has faced repeated missile strikes.
The most sobering reminder came when an Iranian missile, shot down by defense systems, scattered debris across the rooftop of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate. The damage occurred mere steps from the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, Christianity’s most revered site marking the location where many believe Jesus was crucified, buried, and rose again. The historic church now sits empty, closed under military restrictions that prohibit gatherings exceeding 50 people.
Additional missile fragments struck near the Western Wall, Judaism’s holiest prayer site, underlining how the conflict has reached the heart of the city’s spiritual center.
Rabbi Shmuel Rabinowitz, whose office provides a view of the Western Wall plaza, now sees only vacant stones where thousands usually gather. “The heart aches greatly, it bleeds, seeing the Western Wall as it looks now,” he said.
The traditional massive priestly blessing ceremony for Passover, which typically attracts tens of thousands of worshippers, will proceed with just 50 participants, Rabinowitz explained. This represents the maximum number permitted in the Western Wall’s enclosed prayer area under current wartime safety protocols, reminiscent of restrictions during the coronavirus pandemic.
Christian communities face similar disruptions. The Latin Patriarchate has called off Sunday’s Palm Sunday procession, which commemorates Jesus’ celebrated arrival in Jerusalem. In typical years, tens of thousands of Christians from across the globe would march through the narrow, sloping streets toward the Old City, carrying palm branches and singing hymns.
Father Rami Asakrieh, who serves Jerusalem’s Catholic community, acknowledged the deep disappointment over losing the procession, describing it as an emotionally and spiritually significant tradition. However, he emphasized that the cancellation serves as a reminder that true faith originates from within rather than external ceremonies.
“We are celebrating resurrection, resurrection is from death and winning the pain and the war,” he said. “It will not come by having fear, but by having faith.”
Asakrieh noted that a local Catholic high school, currently empty due to class cancellations, was also damaged by debris from an intercepted Iranian missile. Despite the restrictions, he continues conducting Mass for up to 50 congregants at the Saint Savoir monastery’s spacious marble hall, located near the Magnificat Institute music school. The school operates from what was formerly the convent’s basement, now approved by military officials as an adequate shelter.
Smaller houses of worship throughout Jerusalem – synagogues, mosques, and churches – remain open for groups of 50 or fewer, provided they sit near designated shelters or safe areas.
The Al Aqsa Mosque compound, Islam’s third-holiest location adjacent to the Western Wall, has remained vacant since the war’s onset. This closure eliminated prayers during most of Ramadan, the Muslim holy month that concluded ten days ago.
Fayez Dakkak, whose family has operated a shop serving Christian pilgrims since 1942, expressed heartbreak over Al Aqsa’s closure during the Islamic holy period. “It’s like there was no Ramadan for us,” Dakkak said. While he attended prayers at a neighborhood mosque, he explained that the experience cannot match worshipping at Al Aqsa.
Police directives have forced the closure of his business along with all non-essential stores in the Old City, part of comprehensive safety measures during the conflict. Dakkak revealed that declining pilgrim and tourist numbers in recent years had already made survival difficult. Still, he longed to open his shop for some normalcy and conversation with fellow merchants.
Israeli citizens have grown exhausted after nearly a month of daily air raid sirens, with 16 civilian fatalities and dozens of serious injuries reported.
Jewish families are scaling back their seder plans, organizing smaller, simpler ceremonial Passover meals that honor the Jewish departure from Egypt. This marks a significant change from previous celebrations featuring large family gatherings that often included relatives visiting from overseas. Ben Gurion airport has maintained severely limited operations throughout the war. Many note the irony that as Passover approaches, Israelis are departing the country through the land border with Egypt to reach the Sinai desert, while the holiday celebrates ancient Israelites’ journey from Egypt through Sinai to reach Israel.
Religious Jewish families are rushing to complete Passover preparations, removing all traces of leavening from their homes, which requires “turning the house upside-down in between running for the shelter,” explained Jamie Geller, a cookbook author working in Jerusalem’s Old City.
From her workplace at Aish, a Jewish educational organization headquartered near the Western Wall plaza, Geller can observe where shrapnel damaged and destroyed rooftops, streets, and parking areas in the vicinity.
“It’s shocking,” she said. “The Old City has always been a bit off limits for international terror and war, but not this time.”
ROME — Thousands gathered in St. Peter’s Square as Pope Leo XIV marked his first Palm Sunday as head of the Catholic Church, launching Holy Week observances that stirred memories of his predecessor’s last days.
The ceremony commenced with a colorful parade of church officials and faithful carrying olive branches and elaborately woven palm fronds into the square. The procession paused at the towering obelisk where Leo offered an opening prayer before continuing to the altar for Mass.
The Palm Sunday observance commemorates Christ’s celebrated arrival in Jerusalem before his death by crucifixion on Good Friday and his rising from the dead on Easter.
Last year’s Holy Week began while Francis was still healing at the Vatican following a lengthy five-week hospitalization for severe pneumonia affecting both lungs. Though he had assigned the religious ceremonies to other clergy members, Francis managed to appear on Easter Sunday to acknowledge worshippers from St. Peter’s balcony. In what would become his farewell gesture, he took one last ride through the plaza in the popemobile.
Francis passed away the next day, Easter Monday, after experiencing a stroke. His caregiver, Massimiliano Strappetti, later shared with Vatican Media that Francis had expressed gratitude, saying: “Thank you for bringing me back to the square” for his final public appearance.
Leo plans to lead this week’s religious services and will restore the traditional Holy Thursday foot-washing ceremony at St. John Lateran basilica, which honors Jesus’ final meal with his apostles.
Throughout his 12-year papacy, Francis transformed the Holy Thursday ritual by visiting Roman jails and migrant facilities to wash the feet of society’s most vulnerable members. This approach emphasized the ceremony’s themes of humble service, and Francis often reflected in his sermons, asking “Why them and not me?”
Francis’ approach won acclaim as a concrete demonstration of his conviction that the church should reach out to marginalized communities seeking God’s compassion and forgiveness. However, some traditionalists objected to these annual excursions, particularly when Francis included Muslims and members of other religions in the ceremony.
Leo, who made history as the first American-born pope, will bring the Holy Thursday foot-washing back to St. John Lateran basilica, where pontiffs conducted it for many years. Vatican officials have not announced the participants, though previous popes Benedict XVI and John Paul II typically included 12 clergy members.
This Friday, Leo will lead the Good Friday procession at Rome’s ancient Colosseum, honoring Christ’s suffering and death. Saturday evening brings the Easter Vigil service, where Leo will baptize new Catholics, followed by Easter Sunday Mass celebrating Jesus’ resurrection.
Leo will conduct Easter Sunday worship in St. Peter’s Square before delivering his Easter message from the basilica’s balcony.
VATICAN CITY – In powerful remarks delivered during Palm Sunday services, Pope Leo declared that divine intervention turns away from military leaders who initiate conflicts, describing them as having “blood-stained hands.”
Speaking to massive crowds gathered in St. Peter’s Square during Christianity’s most sacred week before Easter, the pontiff emphasized that Jesus Christ cannot be invoked to support military actions. The event drew tens of thousands of the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics under clear skies.
“This represents our divine savior: Jesus, the Prince of Peace, who condemns warfare and cannot be claimed by anyone to support military conflict,” declared Leo, who became the first American to hold the papal office.
The pope continued his message by referencing biblical scripture: “(Jesus) turns away from the petitions of warmongers, dismissing them with these words: ‘Though you offer countless prayers, I shall not hear them: blood stains your hands.’”
While avoiding direct identification of specific global figures, Leo has intensified his opposition to the Iranian conflict over recent weeks.
The pontiff, recognized for his deliberate choice of language, has consistently demanded an immediate halt to hostilities and declared earlier this week that aerial bombardments lack precision and should be prohibited.
Several American officials have employed religious terminology to defend the combined American-Israeli military operations against Iran that began February 28, sparking the widening conflict.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who has introduced Christian worship gatherings at the Pentagon, offered prayers during Wednesday’s service requesting “devastating force against enemies who merit no compassion.”
During Sunday’s address, Leo drew upon biblical accounts of Jesus’s arrest before his execution, when Christ criticized a supporter who attacked his captor with a blade.
“(Jesus) carried no weapons, mounted no defense, and participated in no battles,” Leo explained. “He demonstrated God’s compassionate nature, which consistently opposes violence. Instead of preserving his own life, he accepted crucifixion.”
ATLANTA – Television viewers and players alike had trouble distinguishing between teams during Saturday’s international soccer friendly between the United States and Belgium, as uniform color similarities created widespread confusion throughout the Americans’ 5-2 loss.
The match served as a showcase for both nations’ new World Cup uniforms ahead of the tournament running from June 11 through July 19. The competition will take place across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Team USA debuted jerseys featuring red and white stripes inspired by the American flag, while Belgium introduced their alternate uniforms in light blue with pink details.
Belgian winger Jeremy Doku expressed frustration with the situation during post-game interviews with his country’s television network. “Sometimes you had to look twice, especially if you wanted to play quickly,” Doku explained. “I would have preferred clearer colours.”
USA team captain Christian Pulisic echoed those concerns when speaking with media representatives. “A lot of times you get the ball and you look up, you can’t really lock in on something. You only can base it off the colour of the shirt. That’s how it works,” Pulisic stated. “And when it’s very similar, it’s difficult.”
Belgian broadcasters issued an on-air apology to their audience following the conclusion of the match. Former Belgian national team player and current television analyst Marc Degryse directed sharp criticism toward event organizers.
“Football is a product that needs to be sold. Everything always has to be better and better, yet they still managed to make the match annoying with the jerseys,” Degryse commented. “This goes completely against the whole commercial aspect. This is really unacceptable.”
Officials from US Soccer defended their decision, stating that photographs of both team’s jerseys had been provided to match officials beforehand, and referees never expressed concerns about potential color conflicts.
Reports from Belgian news outlets on Sunday placed responsibility on the host American team, claiming they refused to compromise on wearing their new red and white design despite knowing it would create visibility issues with Belgium’s traditional red jerseys and their backup kit.
According to these reports, both nations wanted to unveil their new uniforms for the first time during this high-profile matchup. Belgium reportedly offered to switch to their standard red jerseys once the problem became apparent, but this solution proved ineffective since the American design also incorporated significant red elements. While the United States could have opted for their navy blue alternate uniforms, sources indicated this change would have conflicted with their marketing strategy.
Trade negotiations between Switzerland and the United States will extend past their original March deadline, Swiss President Guy Parmelin announced this weekend.
The Alpine nation faced Europe’s steepest U.S. tariffs after former President Donald Trump implemented a 39% duty on Swiss imports last August. Switzerland successfully negotiated a preliminary agreement in November that reduced those tariffs to 15%.
Washington had pushed for finalizing this preliminary arrangement by March’s end, but recent developments have complicated the timeline. The U.S. Supreme Court overturned Trump’s global tariff system in February, leading to new 10% worldwide duties.
Additional uncertainty emerged in March when the United States initiated fresh trade investigations targeting key trading partners, including Switzerland.
Speaking to state broadcaster RSI over the weekend, Parmelin, who serves dual roles as Swiss president and economy minister, stated the March deadline was “de facto” no longer viable and negotiations would proceed beyond that timeframe.
Sources close to the discussions indicate the next phase of Swiss-American trade talks will likely occur in April.
Atlanta Braves newcomer Dominic Smith made baseball history Saturday night, launching a walk-off grand slam that capped a remarkable six-run ninth inning comeback to defeat the Kansas City Royals 6-2.
Smith’s dramatic 386-foot blast to right-center field came with one out against Kansas City closer Carlos Estevez (0-1), who couldn’t preserve a 2-0 lead. According to the Elias Sports Bureau, Smith became the first player in Major League Baseball history to hit a walk-off grand slam in his debut with a new team.
The thrilling ninth-inning rally began when Drake Baldwin drew a leadoff walk, advanced to third on Matt Olson’s single, and came home on Mike Yastrzemski’s one-out single. Following Ozzie Albies’ walk, Jorge Mateo — running for Olson — crossed the plate with the tying run when Michael Harris II lined a single. Osvaldo Bido (1-0) earned the victory after striking out all three batters he faced in the ninth.
Kansas City had broken a scoreless deadlock in the seventh when Salvador Perez connected on a solo home run off Reynaldo Lopez’s first pitch, snapping the Royals’ 15-inning scoreless streak to begin the season. The blast marked Perez’s 304th career homer, putting him just 13 away from matching Hall of Famer George Brett’s franchise record.
Cardinals 6, Rays 5 (10 innings)
Rookie JJ Wetherholt delivered a clutch two-run single with one out in the 10th inning, propelling St. Louis to victory over visiting Tampa Bay. Jordan Walker opened the frame by drawing a four-pitch walk, placing runners on first and second. Victor Scott II executed a perfect sacrifice bunt to advance both runners before Wetherholt grounded the first pitch into right field for his first career walk-off hit. Griffin Jax (0-1) suffered the loss after failing to preserve the save in the 10th.
Cardinals closer Ryne Stanek (1-0) earned the victory despite surrendering the save in the ninth and allowing the go-ahead run in the 10th. Yandy Diaz had given Tampa a 5-4 advantage by singling home automatic runner Ben Williamson on the first pitch of the 10th inning.
Guardians 6, Mariners 5 (10 innings)
Chase DeLauter continued his hot streak with a two-run homer in the 10th inning, his third consecutive game with a long ball, as Cleveland defeated host Seattle. The Guardians broke a 3-3 deadlock when Brendon Donovan’s throwing error on Steven Kwan’s bunt allowed Brayan Rocchio to score from second base. DeLauter then crushed a 2-2 fastball from Andres Munoz (0-1) just over the left field wall for his fourth homer of the season.
Seattle’s Luke Raley answered with a two-run shot to center with one out in the bottom of the 10th, his third homer in three games, but right-hander Connor Brogdon struck out Leo Rivas and Cole Young to secure the save.
Reds 6, Red Sox 5 (11 innings)
Dane Myers drove home automatic runner TJ Friedl from second base with the decisive hit, leading host Cincinnati to a wild 11-inning victory over Boston. Sal Stewart homered and collected two RBIs, Elly De La Cruz belted his first homer of 2026, and Matt McLain contributed three hits as the Reds captured their first win of the season. Connor Phillips (1-0) struck out three and retired all five batters he faced in the 10th and 11th innings for the victory.
Trevor Story, who had homered earlier, lined into a double play to end the top of the 11th. Right-hander Justin Slaten (0-1) allowed the game-winning hit. Boston nearly avoided defeat when Wilyer Abreu homered in the ninth to tie the game at 5-all with the Red Sox down to their final out.
Rangers 5, Phillies 4 (10 innings)
Texas scored on a wild pitch and Andrew McCutchen’s RBI single in the 10th inning, then held on to defeat host Philadelphia. Corey Seager and Jake Burger launched early home runs for the Rangers, who squandered a 3-0 lead but recovered to give Skip Schumaker his first victory as their manager.
Philadelphia’s Brandon Marsh delivered the game-tying hit in the ninth for a 3-3 deadlock. Trailing 5-3 with two outs in the bottom of the 10th, Bryce Harper singled in one run, but reliever Tyler Alexander got Alec Bohm to pop out to end the game.
Mets 4, Pirates 2 (11 innings)
Luis Robert Jr. crushed a walk-off three-run homer in the 11th inning for New York, which rallied from multiple deficits in extra innings to beat visiting Pittsburgh. Bryan Reynolds had given the Pirates the lead with an RBI infield single in the top of the 11th before the Mets responded against Hunter Barco (0-1). Jorge Polanco worked a five-pitch walk, setting up Robert’s 1-0 pitch that sailed beyond the left-center-field wall for his first homer with New York and second career walk-off shot.
Richard Lovelady (1-0) allowed an unearned run in the top of the 11th before earning his first major league victory since 2024. Luis Torrens had tied the game with an RBI single in the 10th for the Mets. Pittsburgh’s Nick Gonzales contributed an RBI single in the top of the 10th, while Gonzales, Reynolds, and Jake Mangum each collected two hits.
Blue Jays 8, Athletics 7 (11 innings)
Ernie Clement stroked an RBI single in the 11th inning as host Toronto rallied to defeat Oakland. Clement’s hit off Luis Medina (0-1) gave the Blue Jays their second consecutive walk-off victory to start the season. Spencer Miles (1-0) made his major league debut in the 11th inning and worked around a walk to earn the win.
Shea Langeliers connected on his third career grand slam in the seventh inning to give Oakland a 6-2 advantage. Toronto’s Alejandro Kirk tied the game at six with a one-out solo homer in the ninth. Oakland’s Brent Rooker delivered an RBI single in the 10th, but the Blue Jays answered with Addison Barger’s sacrifice fly in the home 10th.
Dodgers 3, Diamondbacks 2
Will Smith launched a go-ahead two-run homer in the eighth inning as the two-time defending champion Los Angeles completed a three-game, season-opening sweep with a victory over visiting Arizona. Freddie Freeman collected three hits, including an RBI double, starter Tyler Glasnow delivered six strong innings, and new Dodgers closer Edwin Diaz recorded his second save in two nights.
Corbin Carroll contributed a hit, an RBI, and a run scored, while Venezuela’s World Baseball Classic hero Eduardo Rodriguez allowed an unearned run over five-plus innings in a no-decision for Arizona.
Cubs 10, Nationals 2
Miguel Amaya and Ian Happ homered while right-hander Cade Horton pitched effectively into the seventh inning in a dominant season debut as host Chicago routed Washington. The Cubs out-hit the Nationals 9-4, with Amaya collecting two hits and two RBIs while Pete Crow-Armstrong added two hits. Horton (1-0) cruised with the offensive support, allowing two runs and four hits over 6 1/3 innings with one walk and four strikeouts.
Horton was perfect through three innings before James Wood connected on a solo home run for Washington’s only extra-base hit. Chicago pounded right-hander Miles Mikolas in his Nationals debut, tagging the veteran for six runs (four earned) and six hits in five innings. Mikolas (0-1) walked three and struck out four.
Twins 4, Orioles 1
Royce Lewis launched a two-run home run as Minnesota earned its first victory under first-year manager Derek Shelton by defeating host Baltimore. Six Minnesota pitchers combined on a five-hitter while striking out 16 batters and walking six. Anthony Banda (1-0) earned the victory with two-thirds of an inning of relief, while Cole Sands worked the ninth and was credited with a save.
Baltimore stranded 11 runners, with Jeremiah Jackson collecting two hits for the Orioles. Minnesota starter Taj Bradley struck out nine in 4 1/3 innings, allowing one run on three hits before finishing after 92 pitches. Orioles starter Kyle Bradish (0-1) lasted 4 2/3 innings, surrendering three runs (two earned) on two hits.
Brewers 6, White Sox 1
Chad Patrick pitched effectively into the fifth inning and Brice Turang doubled twice to lead Milwaukee past visiting Chicago for its second straight victory. Aaron Ashby (1-0) earned the win with 1 2/3 innings of scoreless relief. Patrick allowed one run on five hits in 4 1/3 innings, striking out four and walking one. Garrett Mitchell delivered a two-run single in a three-run first inning, and Christian Yelich went 3-for-5 with an RBI hit.
Munetaka Murakami homered for the second consecutive game, a 409-foot leadoff shot in the fourth inning off Patrick to pull Chicago within 4-1. Starter Sean Burke (0-1) allowed four runs (three earned) on seven hits over four innings.
Astros 11, Angels 9
Yainer Diaz and Jake Meyers each drove in two runs during an eight-run sixth inning for Houston, which rallied from a six-run deficit to beat visiting Los Angeles. The Astros scored all eight runs with two outs. Isaac Paredes and Carlos Correa also contributed two RBIs apiece for Houston. Meyers, Correa, Yordan Alvarez, and Christian Walker each had two hits. Astros starter Cristian Javier lasted 4 2/3 innings, allowing six runs and four hits with one strikeout and four walks. Kai-Wei Teng (1-0) threw 2 1/3 scoreless innings of relief to earn the victory.
Oswald Peraza homered and singled twice, Jorge Soler and Nolan Schanuel also homered, and Mike Trout singled, walked twice, and scored two runs for the Angels, who were attempting to start 3-0 for the first time since winning their first five games in 2006.
Yankees 3, Giants 1
Aaron Judge homered in his second straight game and Ben Rice doubled in two runs as visiting New York beat San Francisco to complete a three-game series sweep. San Francisco put its first two batters on base in the ninth against David Bednar before Harrison Bader struck out and Patrick Bailey grounded into a double play. The Giants scored their first run of the season in the third when Jung Hoo Lee hit a leadoff double off Will Warren and scored on Matt Chapman’s single up the middle.
Bednar recorded his second save in as many games for the Yankees, who outscored the Giants 13-1 in the series and turned four inning-ending double plays in the finale. Jake Bird (1-0), one of four New York relievers, earned the victory with 1 2/3 scoreless innings.
Padres 3, Tigers 0
Randy Vasquez fired six shutout innings as host San Diego beat Detroit and avoided a season-opening, three-game sweep. Vasquez allowed just two hits, both to third baseman Cole Keith, while walking three and striking out eight, one shy of his career high. Kyle Hart followed with two perfect innings and Mason Miller worked the ninth to earn the save. It was the first win for Craig Stammen, the Padres’ first-year manager.
Jack Flaherty absorbed the loss for Detroit, allowing four hits and three runs (two earned) over 4 1/3 innings. Flaherty walked four and struck out two.
Marlins 4, Rockies 3
Rookie Owen Caissie drove in the go-ahead run in the eighth inning, and Liam Hicks posted three RBIs as Miami rallied to defeat visiting Colorado. Pete Fairbanks, acquired as an offseason free agent, earned his second save in two games for the Marlins. Caissie, acquired in January from the Cubs as part of the package for Edward Cabrera, went 3-for-4 with a double, a steal, and one RBI. Hicks had a two-run homer and a sacrifice fly.
Colorado connected on two home runs: a two-run shot by Ezequiel Tovar and TJ Rumfield’s solo blast. Rumfield’s homer was the first of his major-league career in just his second game. Calvin Faucher (1-0) earned the win with one inning of scoreless relief, while Jaden Hill (0-1) took the loss, allowing one run and two hits in 1 2/3 innings.
The Washington Capitals mounted a dramatic comeback Saturday night in Las Vegas, with Dylan Strome breaking out of a lengthy scoring slump to deliver both the equalizing goal and the shootout winner in a thrilling 5-4 victory over the Vegas Golden Knights.
Strome, who had been held without a goal for 17 consecutive games, found redemption after hitting the goalpost on his opening shot of the contest. The forward knotted the score at 4-4 during the middle portion of the final period, converting a power-play opportunity by firing a one-timer from the right circle’s center. He then sealed the victory in the shootout’s opening round, lifting a backhand shot over goaltender Adin Hill.
Washington received offensive contributions from Justin Sourdif, who recorded one goal and one assist, while Cole Hutson contributed two helpers. Hendrix Lapierre and Anthony Beauvillier also found the back of the net for the Capitals, who trail the Eastern Conference’s second wild card position by four points. Netminder Logan Thompson turned aside 25 shots and was perfect on all three shootout attempts he faced.
Vegas was led by Jack Eichel’s three-point performance, including one goal and two assists. Rasmus Andersson added a goal and assist, while Nic Dowd and Mitch Marner also scored for the Golden Knights, who suffered their third consecutive defeat and sixth loss in seven outings. Hill recorded 17 saves for Vegas, which now sits three points behind Pacific Division runner-up Edmonton.
In other NHL action, the New York Islanders exploded for five second-period goals to overcome Florida 5-2 in Elmont. Rookie defenseman Matthew Schaefer tied a franchise record with his 56th point of the season, matching Stefan Persson’s mark from 1977-78. The victory moved New York one point ahead of Pittsburgh for the Metropolitan Division’s second playoff position.
Tampa Bay extended their point streak to seven games with a 4-2 triumph over Ottawa. Emil Lilleberg provided the go-ahead goal at 8:51 of the third period and finished with a career-high three points. Andrei Vasilevskiy earned his NHL-leading 35th victory with 26 saves.
Connor McDavid continued his pursuit of another scoring title, recording three points in Edmonton’s 4-2 victory over Anaheim. The league’s points leader now has 124 points on 42 goals and 82 assists, extending his point streak to four games.
Boston received two goals each from Pavel Zacha and Elias Lindholm in a 6-3 win over Minnesota, while Carolina kept pace atop the Eastern Conference with a 5-2 victory over New Jersey behind Nikolaj Ehlers’ goal and assist.
In late-game drama, Igor Chernyshov scored with 1:25 remaining to lift San Jose past Columbus 3-2, snapping the Sharks’ six-game losing streak. Cole Perfetti’s late third-period goal helped Winnipeg defeat Colorado 4-2, moving the Jets within three points of a Western Conference wild card spot.
Dallas ended a four-game slide with a 6-3 victory over Pittsburgh, getting Miko Rantanen back in the lineup after nearly two months. Montreal began a crucial five-game road trip with a 4-1 win in Nashville, while Buffalo rallied for a 3-2 shootout victory over Seattle.
St. Louis continued their dominant March with a 5-1 rout of Toronto, improving to 10-1-2 this month. Philadelphia matched a franchise record with their eighth consecutive road victory, defeating Detroit 5-3 behind Owen Tippett’s hat trick.
Utah strengthened their wild card position with a 6-2 victory over Los Angeles, while Calgary rode a four-goal second period to a 7-3 win over struggling Vancouver, extending their remarkable streak to 55 consecutive victories when scoring four or more goals.
BRUSSELS — The European Union has begun implementing stricter migration enforcement measures that closely resemble policies previously used by the Trump administration, drawing criticism from human rights organizations across the 27-member bloc.
Following electoral gains by right-wing political parties in several countries during 2024, the EU has moved to strengthen its migration control policies. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, representing the center-right European People’s Party coalition, has defended these new measures as necessary to avoid repeating the 2015 migration crisis triggered by Syria’s civil war, which brought approximately one million asylum seekers to Europe.
“We have learnt the lessons of the past. And today, we are better equipped,” von der Leyen stated. The comprehensive policy changes, called the Pact on Migration and Asylum, will take effect June 12.
Far-right European political movements have openly endorsed President Donald Trump’s deportation strategies and advocated for the EU to implement comparable approaches. Human rights organizations caution that border authorities are already conducting illegal migrant pushbacks at EU frontiers while undermining existing legal safeguards.
The EU currently invests substantial funds to discourage migration before individuals reach European borders and has facilitated the return of tens of thousands of Africans to their home countries, both voluntarily and through forced deportation.
The current expansion builds upon Italy’s model under Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s hardline immigration policies. Italy operates two migrant detention facilities for asylum seekers whose applications have been rejected in Albania. According to lawmaker Rachele Scarpa, who recently visited one facility housing at least 90 migrants, she encountered individuals who appeared bewildered and frightened.
Additionally, Meloni’s administration has enacted anti-immigration legislation permitting the navy to detain vessels in international waters for up to six months if considered threats to public safety, return intercepted migrants to their origin countries or third nations, and accelerate deportation procedures for foreign nationals with criminal convictions.
According to Bernd Parusel, a researcher with the Swedish Institute for European Policy Studies, an unofficial coalition of EU countries including Germany, Austria, the Netherlands, Denmark and Greece are pursuing agreements for deportation centers.
Dutch European Parliament member Tineke Strik indicated that Kenya is among the nations being approached for such arrangements. She noted that whether intentional or not, these plans mirror Trump’s agreements with countries like El Salvador to accept deported migrants.
Additional nations are considering similar approaches. Sweden’s migration minister has indicated the conservative governing coalition supports establishing processing hubs outside Europe, particularly for Afghan and Syrian asylum seekers.
During Italy’s Winter Olympics, demonstrations occurred regarding the deployment of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents for U.S. delegation security. However, other European voices have commended ICE operations and advocated for creating specialized deportation police units.
The EU border agency Frontex started deploying officers to accompany Belgian police on raids targeting migrants for detention and deportation in 2024. It remains unclear whether similar operations are occurring in other member states.
The European Commission has refused to comment on U.S. federal immigration policies when requested.
In Britain, which departed the EU several years ago, the center-left Labour Party administration has prioritized reducing unauthorized immigration.
The Home Office reported in February that nearly 60,000 individuals had been deported since the government took office in July 2024. Officials said 9,000 arrests were made for unauthorized employment in 2025, representing an increase of more than 50 percent from the previous year.
The principle of non-refoulement under EU and international law prohibits returning individuals to countries where they would face persecution.
However, European immigration enforcement includes pushback operations, where people attempting to enter the EU are forcibly returned across borders without access to asylum processes.
European authorities conduct an average of 221 pushbacks daily, according to a February report from humanitarian organizations. The report documented more than 80,000 pushbacks in 2025, primarily in Italy, Poland, Bulgaria and Latvia.
“Men, women and children — including individuals in critical medical condition — are routinely subjected to beatings, attacks by police dogs, forced stripping, forced river crossings and theft of personal belongings,” the report stated.
Flor Didden, migration policy specialist with Belgian human rights organization 11.11.11, said European agents are brutalizing migrants similar to practices in the U.S., with some agents in Greece even wearing masks.
“The images are shocking and the outrage is justified,” he said regarding the U.S. situation. “But where is that same moral clarity when European border authorities abuse, rob and let people die?”
The organizations have also documented increased use of surveillance technology including drones, thermal cameras and satellites to track migrant movements.
Additional human rights groups warn of deteriorating legal protections.
The EU’s updated migration rules permit expanded police raids in private residences and public areas, along with increased surveillance and racial profiling, according to a February letter to EU institutions from 88 nonprofit organizations, including the Brussels-based Platform for International Cooperation on Undocumented Migrants.
“We cannot be outraged by ICE in the United States while also supporting these practices in Europe,” said Michele LeVoy, the platform’s director.
Olivia Sundberg Diez, EU migration advocate for Amnesty International, explained that Europe maintains stronger protections for vulnerable migrants compared to the United States but shares similar political momentum toward stricter policies.
“There’s a level of institutions’ and courts’ independence and human rights compliance in Europe that you can’t disregard,” she said. “But the fundamental political impulse is the same, and I worry that the human consequences will be the same.”
A Ukrainian drone strike ignited a fire at Russia’s Ust-Luga petroleum facility on Sunday, causing damage to one of Moscow’s most significant oil export terminals, according to regional leadership.
Leningrad region Governor Alexander Drozdenko announced via Telegram that the facility sustained damage during the aerial assault, which also resulted in a blaze at the strategic location.
Defense forces intercepted 36 unmanned aircraft over the area during the attack, Drozdenko reported.
The Ust-Luga terminal, which operates under Russian pipeline giant Transneft, processes approximately 700,000 barrels of oil exports daily. Industry data indicates the facility moved 32.9 million metric tons of petroleum products in 2025.
The strike represents part of Ukraine’s ongoing campaign targeting Russian energy infrastructure and refineries in an effort to weaken Moscow’s wartime economic foundation.
Oman’s foreign ministry announced Sunday that officials are investigating recent attacks within the country’s borders, with no organization stepping forward to claim responsibility for the incidents.
Government officials stated they are examining the “sources and motives” behind the attacks but declined to provide additional details or identify specific incidents under investigation.
On Saturday, a drone strike at Oman’s Salalah port left one worker injured, prompting Danish shipping giant Maersk to temporarily suspend its operations at the facility following the attack.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards reported Saturday that they had targeted an American support vessel at a “considerable” distance from the Salalah port, according to Iranian media outlets.
“As we have previously stated, the national sovereignty of our brotherly and friendly country Oman is respected by the Islamic Republic of Iran,” Iranian officials stated.
This follows an earlier incident on March 11, when drone attacks hit oil storage facilities at the same Salalah port. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian assured Oman’s sultan during a telephone conversation that the March incident would be thoroughly investigated.
The Philadelphia 76ers mounted an impressive comeback Saturday night, overcoming a 15-point deficit to defeat the Charlotte Hornets 118-114 in North Carolina. Joel Embiid led the charge with 29 points and delivered a crucial defensive block in the game’s final moments.
The victory brought Charlotte’s impressive five-game winning streak to an end and secured Philadelphia a 2-1 season series win, which could prove valuable for Eastern Conference playoff positioning.
Philadelphia received significant contributions from returning players. Paul George, playing just his second game after completing a 25-game suspension related to the league’s anti-drug policy violations, contributed 26 points. Tyrese Maxey matched that total with 26 points in his comeback performance after sitting out 10 games due to a finger injury.
Charlotte was paced by Brandon Miller’s 29-point effort, while LaMelo Ball chipped in 20 points and Coby White added 16. Despite the loss, the Hornets secured their first playoff tournament berth since 2022 after Milwaukee fell to San Antonio earlier Saturday.
Spurs 127, Bucks 95
Stephon Castle recorded his fourth triple-double this season as San Antonio dominated Milwaukee on the road, extending their winning streak to eight consecutive games.
The victory marked San Antonio’s 13th win in their last 14 contests, keeping them within striking distance of Oklahoma City for the Western Conference’s top position. The Spurs trail the defending champion Thunder by just two games with eight regular season matchups remaining.
Castle posted 22 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists, while Victor Wembanyama paced all scorers with 23 points and grabbed 15 rebounds. Milwaukee, playing without Giannis Antetokounmpo for the sixth consecutive game due to a left knee issue, was led by Gary Trent Jr.’s 18 points.
Pistons 109, Timberwolves 87
Tobias Harris delivered an efficient 18-point performance on 7-of-10 shooting as Detroit dominated Minnesota in Minneapolis for a convincing road victory.
Ronald Holland II and Daniss Jenkins each contributed 13 points for the Pistons, who captured their sixth victory in seven outings. Paul Reed provided 12 points from the bench, while Jalen Duren achieved a double-double with 10 points and 13 rebounds.
Minnesota’s Donte DiVincenzo topped all scorers with 22 points, connecting on five three-point attempts. Rudy Gobert recorded 14 points and 12 rebounds, while Julius Randle managed just 11 points on a difficult 2-of-13 shooting night. Detroit’s 60-43 second-half scoring advantage proved decisive.
Hawks 123, Kings 113
Nickeil Alexander-Walker’s 27-point performance and Jalen Johnson’s 26 points and 10 assists helped Atlanta defeat Sacramento, delivering coach Quin Snyder his 500th career victory and making him the sixth active NBA coach to reach that milestone.
CJ McCollum added 22 points while Jock Landale recorded 19 points and 13 rebounds for Atlanta, which has now won 15 of their last 17 games. Zaccharie Risacher scored 13 points and Mohamed Gueye contributed 10 for the Hawks, who maintain a half-game advantage over Philadelphia for the Eastern Conference’s sixth seed.
Sacramento received 22 points from DeMar DeRozan and 18 points with 10 rebounds from Maxime Raynaud. Precious Achiuwa scored 16, DaQuan Jeffries added 15, and Daeqwon Plowden contributed 14 for the Kings, who suffered their third straight defeat. Malik Monk and Killian Hayes each scored 10 points.
Suns 134, Jazz 109
Jalen Green exploded for 31 points with five three-pointers while Devin Booker added 26 points as Phoenix matched their season scoring high in a dominant performance against Utah.
Grayson Allen scored 19 points and Oso Ighodaro contributed 13 points and eight rebounds for the Suns, who snapped a rough stretch that saw them lose six of seven games. Green shot an impressive 13-of-22 from the field and 5-of-11 from beyond the arc, adding six rebounds and three assists in just 22 minutes. Booker distributed eight assists.
Utah received 26 points from Kyle Filipowski, who also grabbed nine rebounds, while Brice Sensabaugh matched that scoring total. Svi Mykhailiuk scored all 14 of his points after halftime for the Jazz, who have now dropped five straight games and 17 of their last 20.
Grizzlies 125, Bulls 124
Cedric Coward’s 24-point effort, including two clutch free throws with 6.5 seconds remaining, lifted Memphis over Chicago and ended a five-game losing skid.
Tyler Burton contributed 18 points for the Grizzlies while Jahmai Mashack added 17. Rayan Rupert and DeJon Jarreau each finished with 14 points.
Chicago was led by Matas Buzelis, who recorded 29 points and 10 rebounds, followed by Collin Sexton’s 26-point output. Josh Giddey notched his 13th triple-double this season with 18 points, 13 rebounds, and 10 assists, while Tre Jones added 19 points, nine rebounds, and six assists. The Bulls extended their losing streak to three games and have now fallen in five of their last six contests.
A teenager riding an electric bicycle struck Janet Stotko at approximately 25 mph during her evening walk, sending the Minnesota woman crashing to the pavement unconscious and bleeding in her neighborhood.
The 2024 collision almost claimed Stotko’s life as she was rushed to emergency care suffering from serious brain trauma, a fractured face and damaged eardrum. Following two days on life support, three weeks of hospitalization and brain surgery, she made a remarkable recovery that amazed her medical team.
During a follow-up appointment, she recalled her physicians saying, “Wow, we can’t believe you’re here.”
Stotko is now advocating for tougher e-bike regulations to prevent similar incidents from happening to others.
While electric bicycles provide a practical, environmentally friendly and affordable transportation option compared to automobiles, their growing popularity has sparked safety debates. Research from the University of California, San Francisco revealed that e-bike related injuries among riders nearly doubled annually between 2017 and 2022, while a UC San Diego study documented a 300% spike in injuries among riders under 18 from 2019 to 2023.
Federal regulations classify most electric bikes as non-motorized vehicles similar to regular bicycles, meaning operators don’t need licenses or insurance and helmet use isn’t mandatory. However, individual states have implemented varying and often more restrictive requirements.
Medical professionals are demanding new legislation and stronger enforcement of current rules, prompting officials across the country to take measures.
Understanding e-bike safety requirements is essential for riders and those around them.
Most states use a three-category system for electric bicycles: Class 1 models feature motors that activate during pedaling with top speeds of 20 mph; Class 2 versions include throttles reaching 20 mph maximum without pedaling; and Class 3 bikes offer pedal assistance up to 28 mph.
Higher-speed models, sometimes called e-motos, can hit 40 mph without any pedaling required. Many states regulate these like motorcycles, banning them from sidewalks and bike paths, though some areas lack specific rules for these ultra-fast models.
John Maa, a general surgeon at MarinHealth Medical Center in Northern California, explains that higher speeds naturally result in more severe injuries.
“It’s Newton’s principles, right? Force equals mass times acceleration, and also kinetic energy is mass times velocity squared,” Maa said.
Regulations covering speed restrictions, helmet mandates and other e-bike rules are evolving quickly, with legal requirements varying significantly between jurisdictions.
New York City established a 15 mph speed cap for all electric bikes in October, while Florida legislators recently approved legislation limiting e-bike speeds to 10 mph when within 50 feet of pedestrians. Connecticut enacted an October law mandating helmets for all e-bike users, with non-pedal bikes having batteries exceeding 750 watts requiring driver’s licenses.
“We were not only hearing from manufacturers and riders, but we were hearing from concerned citizens trying to share the road with these new electric bikes and e-scooters, and also law enforcement who really needed some clear policies set into place,” said Christine Cohen, the Connecticut state senator behind the legislation.
The marketplace includes many vehicles that straddle the boundary between traditional e-bikes and motorcycle-like machines, with manufacturers not always clearly identifying these differences.
Understanding a bike’s performance capabilities and legal riding areas requires checking maximum speed, motor power output, and whether pedaling is required versus throttle-only operation. Models falling outside the three-class system may face motor vehicle laws, potentially prohibiting use on shared paths where slower e-bikes are permitted.
“The first thing we always tell people is familiarize yourself, read the manual, look at some videos, look at your specific model,” said Charles DiMaggio, an injury public health researcher and professor at New York University’s medical school.
Purchasing from local bicycle retailers rather than online sources can provide valuable assistance, allowing customers to ask questions, test ride equipment and understand local regulations.
Medical facilities and organizations including the American College of Surgeons and American Association of Neurological Surgeons have demanded stricter policies while providing safety guidance.
Helmet use remains their top recommendation. Additional suggestions include defensive riding around vehicles, installing front and rear lighting, wearing reflective clothing in low light conditions, and avoiding riding while impaired by substances. Experts also warn against modifying e-bikes for increased speed.
Maa suggests e-bike operators consider motorcycle helmets that protect the neck area to prevent spinal damage. He also recommends parents ensure children master traditional bicycle riding before transitioning to electric models.
“Make sure they’re comfortable, they understand the rules of the road, they’re able to navigate turns, understand the flow of traffic, the use of bicycle lanes,” Maa said.
Following her accident, Stotko addressed her local city council in Hastings, Minnesota, sharing her experience to advocate for stronger regulations. Officials responded by lowering maximum e-bike speeds to 15 mph on city trails, banning e-bikes from sidewalks and establishing fines.
Local police cited the 14-year-old rider for underage e-bike operation, but no charges were filed related to Stotko’s injuries.
“It’s really about taking accountability and ownership of owning an e-bike and operating one,” she said.
Former boxing champion Floyd Mayweather clarified Saturday that his upcoming rematch against Manny Pacquiao will be staged as an exhibition match, with the location still undetermined.
The 49-year-old Mayweather and 47-year-old Pacquiao had previously revealed plans last month to face off at Las Vegas’ Sphere venue in September, with Netflix set to stream the event worldwide.
Speaking to Vegas Sports Today, Mayweather explained the uncertainty surrounding the venue: “As of right now, we don’t know exactly where the fight is going to be at.”
“The Sphere is one of the places that they talked about. So, we don’t know if it’s 100% going to be there,” he continued.
“And this is not actually a fight, it’s an exhibition…”
“It’s an exhibition, so we’re both winners. I mean, we just want to go out there and entertain the people and put on a good show,” Mayweather stated.
Netflix has not yet provided a response when contacted for comment.
Mayweather had previously declared his intention to come out of retirement last month. His most recent professional match took place in 2017 when he faced mixed martial arts fighter Conor McGregor.
The undefeated American boxer maintains a flawless 50-0 professional record with 27 knockouts and previously beat Pacquiao, a former eight-division world champion, back in 2015.
Chicago and Washington finalized a player exchange on Saturday that brings catcher Boston Smith to the White Sox organization while sending infielder Curtis Mead to the Nationals.
The 23-year-old Smith was selected by Washington in the sixth round of the 2025 First-Year Player Draft but has yet to begin his professional career in the minors. During his final college season at Wright State, Smith earned consensus second-team All-American honors after posting a .330 batting average along with 26 home runs, 70 RBIs and 70 runs scored across 59 games in 2025. His home run total tied him for first place among all Division I players, while his .770 slugging percentage ranked seventh nationally.
The 25-year-old Mead had been placed on waivers by Chicago earlier this week on Wednesday. During his time with the White Sox last season, the Australian player managed a .240 batting average without any home runs while driving in 11 runs over 41 games. The White Sox originally obtained Mead from Tampa Bay on July 31 in a four-player transaction that sent right-handed pitcher Adrian Houser to the Rays.
International trade negotiations in Cameroon reached a critical juncture Sunday as diplomats struggled to resolve a standoff between the United States and India over digital commerce policies, according to sources familiar with the discussions.
The World Trade Organization meeting entered its final day without progress on extending a moratorium that prevents countries from imposing customs duties on digital downloads and electronic transmissions. The current ban expires this month.
Three diplomatic sources told reporters that trade ministers are attempting to bridge the divide between Washington and New Delhi on this crucial issue. The outcome is being viewed as a measure of the WTO’s continued importance after a turbulent year marked by trade conflicts and disruptions from Middle Eastern tensions.
According to diplomatic sources, India has signaled willingness to accept a two-year extension of the digital commerce moratorium. However, U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer has stated that America seeks only a permanent ban, rejecting any temporary measures.
Corporate executives emphasize that continuing the moratorium is essential for maintaining market stability, warning that without it, new tariffs could be implemented on digital services.
One Western diplomat suggested the United States might consider what’s being called a “pathway to permanence” involving a decade-long extension. Another source indicated discussions around a five to ten-year timeframe, though a third diplomat expressed doubt that all WTO members would support anything beyond two years.
A draft proposal reviewed Saturday evening includes provisions for supporting developing nations along with review mechanisms.
U.S. Ambassador to the WTO Joseph Barloon previously stated that making the moratorium permanent would ensure America remains “fully engaged” with the international trade organization.
“If the moratorium does not get extended, the U.S. will use it as an excuse to beat the WTO on the head,” warned a senior diplomatic source.
The digital commerce debate occurs alongside broader efforts to overhaul WTO regulations, including making subsidy practices more transparent, streamlining decision-making processes, and potentially revising the Most-Favoured-Nation principle that requires equal treatment of all trading partners.
American and European officials argue that China has exploited existing regulations to gain unfair advantages.
The organization’s consensus-based approach has frequently been hampered by individual nations blocking proposals.
Several countries are resisting a comprehensive reform agenda that most members support, according to two senior diplomatic sources.
“We are frustrated that we are spending a lot of time talking about process, when we want to get on with the real work, reforming the WTO,” commented a Western diplomat.
India continues to block efforts to incorporate an investment agreement for developing countries into WTO rules, arguing that such regional deals undermine the organization’s core principles.
ATLANTA — In an emotional and historic moment Saturday night, Atlanta Braves designated hitter Dominic Smith accomplished something never before seen in Major League Baseball history, all while grieving the recent loss of his mother.
Smith became the first MLB player ever to hit a walk-off grand slam during his debut with a new team, according to the Elias Sports Bureau. His dramatic home run capped off a remarkable six-run ninth inning comeback that gave the Braves a 6-2 victory over the Kansas City Royals.
The achievement carries extra significance as Smith’s mother died from cancer less than two weeks ago. Throughout his personal struggle, Smith says his new teammates have provided unwavering support.
“It’s just amazing,” Smith commented after the game. “Played against the Braves for a long time, and being on the other side a lot of these endings kind of hurt, so to be on the right side of it this time was so fun.”
Smith, who barely made the Braves’ opening day roster, shared with reporters how the organization supported him during spring training while his mother battled illness. After receiving her cancer diagnosis in September, she nearly died when training camp began. Smith departed the team for more than a week during a health “scare,” but returned to compete for his roster spot. He was not present in California when she passed away.
“This team is just so awesome,” Smith expressed. “I’m so blessed because of the love they showed me, the support every day. They’re asking about her, asking about her well-being, my well-being, and that’s all they really cared about. They didn’t care about baseball.”
Smith’s moment of gratitude came in the ninth inning against Royals closer Carlos Estévez, who led the majors with 42 saves last season. The Braves had overcome a 2-0 deficit with RBI singles from Mike Yastrzemski and Michael Harris II, loading the bases with one out. After taking a timeout to compose himself on a full count, Smith launched a fly ball into the right field stands, sending the sold-out crowd into celebration.
Smith described feeling his mother’s presence during the celebration and looks forward to the team’s upcoming road trip to Anaheim, where he can visit family and “say his goodbyes.”
“I got choked up a bunch of times, and it’s, you know, I’m trying to hold back tears now,” he said. “I feel her every day. I miss her dearly. It’s not a moment I don’t think about her. And like I said, I’m just so thankful because this team knows what I’m going through. So they really, you know, picked me up the last few weeks.”
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Yemen’s Iranian-backed Houthi militants joined the ongoing Middle East conflict on Saturday by launching two missile strikes toward Israel, as approximately 2,500 U.S. Marines deployed to the region. Pakistan announced that regional leaders will convene Sunday to discuss ending the hostilities.
The conflict has disrupted global oil and natural gas supplies, created fertilizer shortages, and interfered with international air travel. Iran’s control over the critical Strait of Hormuz has rattled markets and driven up prices. The United States and Israel have continued striking Iranian targets, while Iran has retaliated with attacks on Israel and neighboring Gulf nations. The death toll has exceeded 3,000 people.
The Houthis’ participation threatens to further damage international shipping if they resume targeting vessels in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait near the Red Sea, a waterway that handles approximately 12% of global commerce.
Some relief may come after Iran agreed Friday to permit humanitarian aid and agricultural shipments through the strait following United Nations appeals. President Donald Trump has set an April 6 deadline for Iran to reopen the strait.
Residents in Tehran reported intense bombardment late Saturday. Israel’s military previously announced it was targeting Iran’s naval weapons manufacturing facilities and stated it would complete attacks on crucial weapons production sites within “a few days.” The U.S. reported striking over 11,000 Iranian targets during the conflict.
Iran launched missiles at Israel, while air defense systems intercepted missiles and drones across Gulf nations early Sunday.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy toured Gulf states Saturday as his nation offers drone defense assistance.
Houthi Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree announced on the group’s Al-Masirah satellite network that they fired missiles at “sensitive Israeli military sites” in southern Israel.
Should the Houthis escalate attacks on commercial vessels, as they have previously, it would drive oil prices higher and threaten “all of maritime security,” according to Ahmed Nagi, a senior Yemen analyst at the International Crisis Group. “The impact would not be limited to the energy market.”
The Bab el-Mandeb strait, located at the southern end of the Arabian Peninsula, serves as a vital passage for ships traveling to the Suez Canal via the Red Sea. Saudi Arabia has been transporting millions of barrels of crude oil daily through this route due to the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
Between November 2023 and January 2025, Houthi fighters targeted over 100 commercial ships with missiles and drones, sinking two vessels. The organization claimed it was acting in support of Palestinians in Gaza during the Israel-Hamas conflict.
The Houthis’ recent entry complicates plans for the USS Gerald R. Ford, the aircraft carrier that docked in Croatia Saturday for maintenance. Deploying the vessel to the Red Sea could provoke attacks similar to those experienced by the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower in 2024 and the USS Harry S. Truman in 2025.
The Houthis have controlled Yemen’s capital city, Sanaa, since 2014. Saudi Arabia initiated military action against the Houthis in 2015 on behalf of Yemen’s government in exile, and the parties now maintain an unstable ceasefire.
Pakistan announced that senior diplomats from Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Egypt will travel to Islamabad for discussions aimed at ending the war, arriving Sunday for a two-day conference. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said he and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian conducted “extensive discussions” about regional conflicts.
However, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi expressed skepticism about recent diplomatic initiatives during a phone conversation with his Turkish counterpart. Iranian state media reported that Araghchi criticized the U.S. for making “unreasonable demands” and showing “contradictory actions.”
Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar subsequently spoke with Araghchi and called for “an end to all attacks and hostilities.”
Trump envoy Steve Witkoff revealed that Washington presented a 15-point “action list” to Iran for a potential ceasefire, including proposals to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and limit Iran’s nuclear program, which remains central to tensions with the U.S. and Israel.
Tehran rejected the proposal and offered a five-point counterproposal that included reparations and acknowledgment of its control over the waterway.
U.S. vessels carrying approximately 2,500 Marines trained in amphibious operations have arrived, joining what represents the largest American military presence in the region in over two decades. At least 1,000 paratroopers from the 82nd Airborne Division, specialized in hostile territory landings to secure strategic positions and airfields, have been ordered to the Middle East.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that Washington “can achieve all of our objectives without ground troops.”
More than two dozen American troops sustained injuries in Iranian strikes on Saudi Arabia’s Prince Sultan Air Base during the past week, according to two sources briefed on the situation who requested anonymity because they lacked authorization for public comment.
Iran launched six ballistic missiles and 29 drones at the facility Friday, wounding at least 15 troops, with five suffering serious injuries. The base, located approximately 96 kilometers (60 miles) from Saudi capital Riyadh, endured two previous attacks this week, including one that injured 14 U.S. personnel, according to the briefed sources.
Over 300 U.S. service members have been wounded in the conflict. At least 13 deaths have been confirmed.
Iranian officials report more than 1,900 fatalities in the Islamic Republic, while 19 deaths have been confirmed in Israel.
In Lebanon, where Israel has begun a southern invasion while targeting the Hezbollah militant organization, authorities report over 1,100 deaths since the conflict began.
In Iraq, where Iranian-supported militia groups have joined the fighting, 80 security force members have died.
Gulf states have recorded 20 fatalities. Four deaths have occurred in the occupied West Bank.
Key Middle Eastern nations are scheduled to convene Sunday in Pakistan’s capital for diplomatic discussions aimed at halting the ongoing regional conflict, as approximately 2,500 American Marines deploy to the area and Iranian-backed Houthi forces join the monthlong warfare.
According to Pakistani officials, senior diplomats from Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Egypt will participate in the Islamabad discussions. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif revealed he conducted “extensive discussions” with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian regarding the regional conflicts.
The ongoing conflict has created significant disruptions to worldwide oil and natural gas supplies, caused fertilizer shortages, and interfered with international air travel. Iran’s control over the critical Strait of Hormuz has caused market volatility and price fluctuations.
American and Israeli forces continue launching strikes against Iran, while Iranian counterattacks have hit Israel and surrounding Gulf Arab nations. The death toll has exceeded 3,000 people.
The Houthis’ involvement in the conflict could create additional problems for international shipping if they resume targeting ships in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait near the Red Sea, a waterway that handles approximately 12% of global trade.
Throughout Saturday night, residents in Irbil, the capital of Iraq’s semi-autonomous Kurdish region, heard continuous interceptions and drone activity for several hours, including drones that were destroyed while attempting to strike the U.S. consulate and nearby military installations.
Associated Press reporters in the region documented constant loud explosions and witnessed at least one drone flying toward American facilities, marking one of the most severe attack periods since the conflict started.
Iranian-allied militias operating in Iraq have intensified their repeated drone and missile strikes against U.S. military bases, including facilities in Irbil.
On Saturday, U.S. officials issued a statement condemning what they described as “despicable terrorist attacks” carried out by Iranian militant organizations, characterizing the strikes on Kurdish regional President Nechirvan Barzani’s residence in Irbil as “a direct assault on Iraq’s sovereignty, stability and unity.” The attack resulted in property damage but no injuries, as the residence was unoccupied during the incident.
Lebanese health officials reported that a Saturday evening strike on Hanniyeh town in Tyre province resulted in the deaths of six Syrian nationals and one Lebanese citizen, with nine additional people wounded.
In Nabatiyeh province, an attack on Deir al-Zahrani left seven people dead and eight injured, while another strike on Kfartabnit killed three individuals and wounded four others, according to health ministry reports.
WASHINGTON (AP) — The continuing conflict between U.S. and Israeli forces against Iran has triggered massive price increases, darkened global economic forecasts, caused worldwide stock market turmoil and forced developing nations to implement fuel rationing and energy subsidies to shield their most vulnerable citizens.
Continued military strikes targeting Persian Gulf energy infrastructure including refineries, pipelines, natural gas facilities and shipping terminals threaten to extend worldwide economic hardship for months or potentially years ahead.
“A week ago or certainly two weeks ago, I would have said: If the war stopped that day, the long-term implications would be pretty small,” said Christopher Knittel, an energy economist at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. “But what we’re seeing is infrastructure actually being destroyed, which means the ramifications of this war are going to be long-lived.”
Iranian forces targeted Qatar’s Ras Laffan liquefied natural gas facility, which handles 20% of global LNG production. The March 18 attack eliminated 17% of Qatar’s natural gas export capabilities, with state-owned QatarEnergy estimating repairs could require up to five years.
Energy markets faced immediate disruption when the conflict began. Following U.S. and Israeli military action on Feb. 28, Iran retaliated by essentially blocking the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping route for one-fifth of global oil supplies, by threatening vessels attempting passage.
Regional oil producers including Kuwait and Iraq reduced output because their petroleum had no viable export route without strait access. The elimination of 20 million daily oil barrels created what the International Energy Agency describes as the “largest supply disruption in the history of the global oil market.”
Brent crude oil prices increased 3.4% Friday, closing at $105.32 per barrel, up from approximately $70 before hostilities commenced. U.S. benchmark crude jumped 5.5% to close at $99.64 per barrel.
“Historically, oil price shocks like this have led to global recessions,” Knittel said.
The conflict has also revived concerning economic parallels to the 1970s oil crises and stagflation.
“You’re raising the risk of higher inflation and lower growth,” said the Harvard Kennedy School’s Carmen Reinhart, a former World Bank chief economist.
Gita Gopinath, former chief economist at the International Monetary Fund, recently wrote that global economic growth, expected before the war to register 3.3% this year, would be 0.3 to 0.4 percentage points lower if oil prices averaged $85 a barrel in 2026.
The Persian Gulf region exports significant quantities of two essential fertilizers, accounting for one-third of global urea and one-quarter of ammonia production. Regional manufacturers benefit from convenient access to inexpensive natural gas, the primary component for nitrogen-based fertilizers.
As much as 40% of worldwide nitrogen fertilizer exports travel through the Strait of Hormuz.
With the waterway now inaccessible, urea costs have risen 50% since fighting began, while ammonia prices increased 20%. Major agricultural nation Brazil faces particular vulnerability since it imports 85% of its fertilizer needs, Alpine Macro commodity strategist Kelly Xu wrote in a commentary. Egypt, despite being a significant fertilizer manufacturer, requires natural gas for production and struggles when supplies become inadequate.
Eventually, elevated fertilizer costs will likely increase food prices and reduce availability as farmers use less and achieve lower crop yields. Food supply constraints will impact families in poorer nations most severely.
The war has also disrupted global helium supplies, a natural gas byproduct essential for semiconductor manufacturing, rocket production and medical imaging equipment. Qatar produces helium at the Ras Laffan complex and supplies one-third of world helium needs.
“No country will be immune to the effects of this crisis if it continues to go in this direction,” International Energy Agency head Fatih Birol said on March 23.
Developing countries will suffer the most severe impacts and face the greatest energy shortages “because they will be outbid when competing for the remaining oil and natural gas,” said Lutz Kilian, director of the Center for Energy and the Economy at the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas.
Asian nations face particular exposure since more than 80% of oil and LNG transiting the Strait of Hormuz reaches that region.
In the Philippines, government facilities now operate only four days weekly, with officials required to limit air conditioning to temperatures no lower than 75°F (24°C). Thai public employees have been instructed to use stairs rather than elevators.
India ranks as the world’s second-largest liquefied petroleum gas importer for cooking purposes. The Indian government prioritizes household allocation over commercial use while absorbing most price increases to maintain affordability for low-income families.
However, LPG shortages have compelled some restaurants to reduce operating hours, temporarily close or eliminate energy-intensive menu items like curries and fried foods.
South Korea, heavily reliant on energy imports, has restricted government employee vehicle use and reinstated fuel price controls abandoned during the 1990s.
The United States, as the world’s largest economy, enjoys some protection from these impacts.
As an oil exporter, American energy companies benefit from elevated prices. Additionally, domestic LNG costs remain lower than international markets because U.S. export facilities operate at full capacity. Since America cannot increase LNG exports beyond current levels, natural gas remains domestically available, maintaining stable supplies and prices.
Nevertheless, rising gasoline costs burden American consumers already dealing with high living expenses. AAA reports average gasoline prices have climbed to nearly $4 per gallon from $2.98 one month earlier.
“Nothing weighs more heavily on consumers’ collective psyche than having to pay more at the pump,” Mark Zandi, chief economist at Moody’s Analytics, and his colleagues wrote in a commentary.
The U.S. economy already showed weakness, growing at just 0.7% annually from October through December, down from a robust 4.4% from July through September. Employers unexpectedly eliminated 92,000 positions in February and added only 9,700 monthly in 2025, representing the weakest hiring outside recession since 2002.
Gregory Daco, chief economist at EY-Parthenon, has increased U.S. recession probability over the next year to 40%. Normal-times risk stands at just 15%.
The global economy has demonstrated resilience against repeated challenges including the pandemic, Russia’s Ukraine invasion, renewed inflation and the elevated interest rates required to control it.
Initial optimism suggested the world could overcome Iran war damage as well. However, those expectations diminish as threats to Gulf energy infrastructure persist.
“Some of the damage to LNG facilities in Qatar done will likely take years to repair,” said the Dallas Fed’s Kilian, who also noted necessary repairs to refineries in countries like Kuwait and tankers in the Gulf that must be re-provisioned and stocked up with marine fuel. “The process of recovery will be slow even under the best circumstances.”
“There is no economic upside to the conflict with Iran,” Zandi and his colleagues wrote. “At this point, the questions are how much longer the hostilities will continue and how much economic damage they will cause.”
WASHINGTON — During recent Iranian missile attacks, Israeli civilians fleeing for safety received deceptive text messages on their Android devices promising real-time bomb shelter locations. However, clicking the link installed malicious software that granted hackers complete access to phone cameras, location data, and personal information.
Cybersecurity researchers have linked this sophisticated operation to Iranian forces, marking an unprecedented level of coordination between physical military strikes and digital espionage efforts. The incident highlights how cyber warfare has become deeply embedded in modern conflicts involving the United States, Israel, and Iran.
According to Gil Messing, chief of staff at Check Point Research, a cybersecurity company operating in both Israel and America, the timing of these fraudulent messages represented a groundbreaking fusion of digital and conventional attacks.
“This was sent to people while they were running to shelters to defend themselves,” Messing said. “The fact it’s synced and at the same minute … is a first.”
Security analysts predict these digital battles will continue regardless of any potential ceasefire agreements, as cyber operations cost significantly less than traditional military campaigns while serving different objectives focused on surveillance, data theft, and psychological intimidation rather than territorial conquest.
Although the majority of cyber incidents connected to the ongoing conflict have caused relatively limited damage to critical infrastructure or defense networks, they have forced numerous American and Israeli businesses into defensive positions, requiring rapid security updates to address vulnerabilities.
DigiCert, a Utah-based cybersecurity company, has documented approximately 5,800 digital attacks launched by nearly 50 Iranian-affiliated organizations. While most targets were American or Israeli entities, researchers also discovered strikes against networks in Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, and additional regional nations.
Most attacks can be easily prevented with current cybersecurity measures, but they can cause significant harm to organizations using outdated protection systems and create resource burdens even when unsuccessful.
The psychological effects on companies conducting military-related business add another layer of concern.
“There are a lot more attacks happening that aren’t being reported,” said Michael Smith, DigiCert’s field chief technology officer.
Last Friday, a pro-Iranian hacking collective claimed they had breached FBI Director Kash Patel’s account, publishing what appeared to be dated photographs along with his professional resume and personal documents. Most of these materials seemed to be over ten years old.
This incident mirrors many cyberattacks attributed to Iran-supporting hackers: flashy operations designed to energize supporters while undermining opponent confidence, but with minimal impact on actual military objectives.
Smith described these high-frequency, low-damage attacks as “a way of telling people in other countries that you can still reach out and touch them even though they’re on a different continent. That makes them more of an intimidation tactic.”
Iran appears focused on exploiting America’s most vulnerable cybersecurity points: supply chains supporting economic and military operations, plus critical infrastructure including ports, railway systems, water treatment facilities, and medical centers.
Iranian forces are also targeting data storage facilities with both cyber and conventional weapons, demonstrating these centers’ growing importance to economic operations, communications, and military information security.
Earlier this month, Iranian-supporting hackers claimed responsibility for infiltrating Stryker, a Michigan-based medical technology corporation. The group calling itself Handala stated the attack was retaliation for alleged American strikes that killed Iranian students.
Cybersecurity researchers at Halcyon recently released findings about another recent cyberattack against a healthcare organization. While Halcyon kept the company’s identity confidential, they reported hackers used tools that American authorities have connected to Iran for installing destructive ransomware that locked the company out of its own systems.
The attackers never requested payment, indicating their motivation centered on causing destruction and disorder rather than financial gain.
Combined with the Stryker incident, “this suggests a deliberate focus on the medical sector rather than targets of opportunity,” said Cynthia Kaiser, senior vice president at Halcyon. “As this conflict continues, we should expect that targeting to intensify.”
Artificial intelligence technology enables hackers to increase both the frequency and speed of cyberattacks while automating much of the process.
However, disinformation campaigns represent where AI has shown its most damaging impact on public confidence. Supporters from all sides have circulated false images depicting fabricated atrocities or fictional military victories. One manipulated image showing sunken American warships has accumulated over 100 million views.
Iranian officials have restricted internet access while working to influence how Iranian citizens perceive the conflict through propaganda and false information. Iranian government media has begun labeling genuine war footage as fabricated, sometimes replacing it with their own altered images, according to research from NewsGuard, an American company monitoring disinformation.
Growing concerns about risks from AI and hacking led the State Department to establish a Bureau of Emerging Threats last year, concentrating on new technologies and their potential use against America. This effort joins existing programs at agencies including the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency and the National Security Agency.
AI also supports defense against cyberattacks by automating and accelerating protective measures, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard recently informed Congress.
The technology, she explained, “will increasingly shape cyber operations with both cyber operators and defenders using these tools to improve their speed and effectiveness,” Gabbard said.
While Russia and China are considered more significant cyber threats, Iran has still conducted multiple operations targeting Americans. In recent years, Tehran-affiliated groups have penetrated President Donald Trump’s campaign email systems, targeted American water treatment plants, and attempted to breach military and defense contractor networks. They have also impersonated American activists online to secretly promote anti-Israel demonstrations.
Activists in Mexico City staged an unusual demonstration Saturday, converting a busy highway into an improvised soccer field to voice opposition to World Cup preparations they believe are neglecting the city’s fundamental needs.
The demonstration occurred on the painted asphalt of a major ring road, where participants donned Mexico national team uniforms and jerseys from clubs including Pumas, Chivas, and Italy’s Juventus. An event coordinator delivered live play-by-play commentary through a sound system as the games unfolded.
Organizers labeled their action a protest against what they called the “World Cup of Dispossession,” highlighting shortages in housing, water supply, public transportation, and electrical services throughout the capital.
The Mexico City government has been contacted for their response to the demonstration.
The highway takeover happened just hours before Mexico’s scheduled World Cup preparation game against Portugal, prompting authorities to deploy more than 4,000 emergency response workers for public safety.
Demonstrators conducted an informal match, known locally as a “cascarita,” down the highway’s center lane, creating significant traffic congestion that lessened when participants relocated to an outer lane for their second game.
The second match included a political element featuring a soccer ball decorated with U.S. President Donald Trump’s image, though the meaning behind this choice remained unclear. Additional political symbols appeared throughout the protest, including Ukrainian flags and chants supporting Palestine.
“The unity this sport creates among people – when a ball appears, everyone wants to play, you set aside your disagreements and simply enjoy the game and the experience,” said Roman, a demonstrator who provided only his first name to Reuters.
“Soccer represents community; it’s about much more than financial gain,” Roman explained, emphasizing that urgent needs exist while officials concentrate on tournament preparations. “We’re seeking attention. We need reliable transportation. We need water access. We need electrical power. We need safe passage home. We need street lighting.”
The players, surrounded by law enforcement officers, maintained their focus on the competition while expressing their political message. When the ball rolled toward traffic, they paused their play and waited for its retrieval while some passing motorists honked their horns in solidarity.
Protest banners displayed during the event included one stating “Global event, local eviction,” expressing participants’ concerns that World Cup-related construction projects are causing widespread displacement throughout the metropolitan area.
“There’s a contradiction here, specifically because I’m a huge soccer fan. I follow the sport closely, but that doesn’t mean I endorse this approach. I don’t believe Mexico is managing this properly,” said Julian, another demonstrator wearing a “Lucha Libre” wrestling mask, speaking to Reuters.
Mexico will serve as a co-host for the World Cup along with the United States and Canada. The tournament is scheduled to run from June 11 through July 19, with games planned for Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey.
Troy University has named Adam Howard, an assistant coach from North Carolina State, as their new men’s basketball head coach, the university revealed on Saturday evening.
Howard steps into the role previously held by Scott Cross, who departed following the NCAA Tournament to take the head coaching position at Georgia Tech. Cross concluded his seven-year run with the program after achieving five consecutive seasons with at least 20 victories.
The Trojans compiled a 22-12 record during the most recent season and secured their second consecutive NCAA Tournament berth. However, their tournament run ended quickly as the 13th-seeded team suffered a decisive 76-47 defeat against Nebraska in the opening round.
The new coach brings familiarity with the program, having served as an assistant at Troy from 2016 to 2018. During his previous tenure, the Trojans earned a spot in the 2017 NCAA Tournament.
Howard completed his first and only season at NC State, where the Wolfpack posted a 20-14 record and made the NCAA Tournament before falling to Texas in the First Four. Following the season, NC State head coach Will Wade moved on to LSU.
Throughout his coaching career, Howard has worked as an assistant at multiple programs, including Southern Miss from 2012 to 2014, Tennessee in 2014, South Alabama from 2018 to 2022, and Nebraska from 2022 to 2025.
Howard’s tenure at Tennessee ended abruptly in November 2014 when he stepped down for personal reasons. His departure occurred while both he and then-head coach Donnie Tyndall faced NCAA investigation regarding recruiting violations that allegedly took place at Southern Miss, where Tyndall had previously served as head coach.
A motor vehicle collision has knocked out traffic lights along Route 202 near Powder Mill Road, creating hazardous driving conditions for commuters.
The crash has left traffic signals without power in the area, prompting officials to warn drivers to proceed with extreme caution. Motorists should treat any darkened intersections as four-way stops until electrical service can be restored to the signal system.
Authorities have not yet released details about the severity of the accident or whether anyone was injured. The timeline for restoring power to the affected traffic signals remains unclear.
Drivers are advised to seek alternate routes if possible or allow extra travel time when passing through the area until normal traffic signal operations resume.
SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un personally witnessed testing of an upgraded solid-fuel rocket engine and praised it as a major advancement for the nation’s strategic defense capabilities, according to state-controlled media reports released Sunday.
The demonstration suggests Kim remains focused on expanding and improving a missile arsenal with the range to strike American territory.
Sunday’s announcement from Korean Central News Agency followed Kim’s recent address to North Korea’s Parliament, where he vowed to permanently establish his nation as a nuclear power and criticized the United States for what he called worldwide “state terrorism and aggression,” seemingly referencing Middle Eastern conflicts.
Kim observed the ground-based testing of the newly enhanced engine, which incorporates composite carbon fiber materials, KCNA stated. The engine’s peak thrust capacity reached 2,500 kilotons, representing an increase from approximately 1,971 kilotons recorded during comparable solid-fuel engine testing in September.
Efforts to boost engine capabilities likely connect to plans for installing multiple nuclear warheads on individual missiles, which would improve odds of penetrating American defense systems, according to military analysts.
KCNA’s report did not specify the exact timing or location of the testing.
The demonstration occurred within North Korea’s five-year military expansion initiative. This strategy aims to enhance “strategic strike means,” KCNA stated.
Military experts interpret this language as referring to nuclear-armed intercontinental ballistic missiles designed to target the continental United States.
Kim described the recent engine testing as having “great significance in putting the country’s strategic military muscle on the highest level,” according to KCNA.
Over recent years, North Korea has launched various ICBMs showing potential range to reach American territory, including missiles using solid fuel that make pre-launch detection more challenging. The nation’s earlier liquid-fuel missiles require fueling before launch and have limited operational duration.
Certain international analysts believe North Korea continues facing technical challenges before achieving a fully operational ICBM, including guaranteeing warhead survival during atmospheric reentry. However, other experts question this view considering the extensive time the country has devoted to nuclear and missile development.
North Korea has aggressively pursued nuclear arsenal expansion following the breakdown of Kim’s diplomatic negotiations with former U.S. President Donald Trump in 2019. During a Workers’ Party meeting in February, Kim indicated openness to renewed discussions with Trump while calling on Washington to abandon demands for North Korean nuclear disarmament as a prerequisite for negotiations.
Los Angeles Lakers superstar Luka Doncic will sit out Monday’s matchup against the Washington Wizards after the NBA handed down a one-game suspension without pay following his 16th technical foul of the season.
The league’s top scorer received the technical during Friday night’s 116-99 home victory over Brooklyn, when he and Nets forward Ziaire Williams got into a scuffle with 5:12 left in the third quarter.
The incident began when officials called Doncic for an offensive foul. Video replay revealed Doncic shoving Williams, prompting the Brooklyn player to swipe back at Doncic’s face area.
Under NBA regulations, a player’s 16th technical foul automatically triggers a suspension. The penalty will cost Doncic roughly $264,000, which represents 1/174th of his yearly contract according to ESPN. Moving forward, league policy mandates additional one-game suspensions for every two more technical fouls he accumulates.
The Lakers had previously won an appeal regarding Doncic’s latest technical, which occurred during a heated exchange with Orlando Magic center Goga Bitadze on March 21. Officials ultimately reversed those technical fouls.
The 27-year-old guard leads the NBA in scoring with 33.7 points per game while contributing 8.2 assists and 7.8 rebounds for the Lakers, who hold a 48-26 record and sit third in the Western Conference standings with eight regular season contests remaining.
Doncic brings an impressive resume that includes six All-Star selections, five All-NBA first team honors, and the 2018-19 Rookie of the Year award.
MEXICO CITY – A tragic accident claimed the life of a spectator at the newly refurbished Azteca Stadium in Mexico City during Saturday’s reopening festivities, according to security personnel.
The fatal incident took place as the historic venue, officially called Estadio Banorte following renovations, was hosting an international friendly match between Mexico and Portugal. The game was designed as a trial run for the facility following intensive around-the-clock construction work to complete renovations by Saturday’s target date.
Security officials report that the victim had been drinking alcohol before attempting a dangerous maneuver. The man tried to leap from second-floor luxury seating to the lower level by scaling the building’s exterior structure, but instead plummeted to the stadium’s ground level.
The venue holds special significance in soccer history, as it is set to become the first stadium ever to host World Cup matches across three separate tournaments. The facility is also slated to hold the opening ceremony on June 11.
The Department of Homeland Security confirmed Saturday that Corey Lewandowski has departed the agency following the dismissal of former Secretary Kristi Noem.
A DHS spokesperson confirmed that Lewandowski “no longer has a role at DHS” but declined to elaborate on the circumstances surrounding his exit. Lewandowski had served as an unpaid advisor to Noem and previously managed Donald Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign.
Attempts to reach Lewandowski for comment were unsuccessful. News outlet Politico was first to report the agency’s confirmation of his departure.
Earlier this month, Trump dismissed Noem from her position, subsequently appointing her as special envoy for a newly created “Shield of the Americas” program designed to advance his administration’s security agenda throughout the Western Hemisphere. Former U.S. Senator Markwayne Mullin has taken over as DHS Secretary after receiving Senate confirmation this past Tuesday.
The professional relationship between Lewandowski and Noem had attracted attention from lawmakers. During a recent congressional hearing, a Democratic representative directly questioned Noem about whether she maintained a romantic relationship with Lewandowski. Noem rejected the inquiry, calling it “tabloid garbage.”
Recent photographs from the U.S. embassy in Guyana, released Wednesday, showed Lewandowski accompanying Noem during official meetings with Guyanese President Irfaan Ali.
In her current diplomatic position, Noem answers to Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau. When asked earlier this week about Lewandowski’s presence during Noem’s Guyana visit, a State Department representative declined to provide details but confirmed he would not be joining the State Department staff.
BEIJING – A devastating blaze swept through a structure in northern China’s Shanxi province on Sunday, claiming three lives and leaving 23 people injured, with nine victims in critical condition, according to China’s official Xinhua news agency.
The deadly incident occurred in the northern region of the country, though specific details about the cause of the blaze or the type of building involved have not yet been released by authorities.
Emergency responders worked to contain the fire and treat the injured victims, with the most seriously hurt individuals receiving urgent medical care.
NASCAR veteran Denny Hamlin secured his 49th career pole position Saturday at Martinsville Speedway, earning the front-row starting spot for Sunday’s Cook Out 400 race scheduled for 3:30 p.m. ET on FS1.
The Joe Gibbs Racing driver piloted his No. 11 Toyota around the half-mile track at 98.241 mph during qualifying, besting Hendrick Motorsports’ William Byron in the No. 24 Chevrolet by a narrow margin of .056 seconds. The two drivers will lead the field when racing begins Sunday, with Hamlin seeking his second win this season while Byron aims to deliver Chevrolet’s first victory of 2026.
“I knew it was possible simply from where my car was in practice,” Hamlin commented after securing his fifth pole award at the Virginia short track. “Any time you’ve got fast lap speed in practice here that’s in the top 12, you’re close enough there that qualifying trim doesn’t change your car that much.”
“You’ve got enough speed to where you nail it and do a good enough job as a driver you’ve got a chance at the pole, so I knew it was very possible but truthfully, I approached the lap to get in the top eight. I think I’d go faster if I went and did it again right now, but I think I’ll go on and stand on my time,” he continued with a grin.
This latest pole achievement places Hamlin in a tie with Bobby Isaac for 10th place on the all-time Cup Series pole winners list, a milestone that appeared to catch the driver off guard. When informed of the accomplishment, Hamlin immediately responded competitively, asking “Who has the next most on the list?” Ryan Newman holds the next spot with 51 pole awards.
“I never really go into any weekend thinking about qualifying on pole, it’s really kind of a sidebar to how my Saturday goes,” Hamlin explained. “It’s pretty awesome, and really, with age, the hardest part is actually still having a fast time. It’s one thing to be able to manage races and use your experience to your advantage. But usually, the first thing to go is your raw speed and we’re still knocking off poles, which is really good.”
Wood Brothers Racing’s Josh Berry claimed the third starting position in his No. 21 Ford, while Hamlin’s teammate Ty Gibbs qualified fourth in the No. 54 Toyota to complete the second row.
Trackhouse Racing driver Shane van Gisbergen delivered a strong oval qualifying performance, earning fifth place in the No. 97 Chevrolet.
The remainder of the top ten starting lineup features Austin Cindric, Carson Hocevar, championship points leader Tyler Reddick, Joey Logano, and Chase Elliott.
ABBOTSTOWN, Pa. – Salisbury University’s women’s golf squad positioned themselves in sixth place following the first round of the McDaniel Spring Invitational on Saturday.
The Sea Gulls found themselves positioned in the center of the competitive field after completing their opening round at The Bridges Golf Course.
The tournament represents the team’s continued participation in spring competition as they work to improve their standing in the remaining rounds.
PHILADELPHIA – The Blue Hens rowing team took part in Temple University’s invitational regatta this past Saturday, racing on Philadelphia’s scenic Schuylkill River.
The competition represented a significant milestone for Delaware’s rowing program, marking their inaugural event hosted by a fellow Mid-American Conference institution since the Blue Hens became official MAC members on July 1, 2025.
The University of Delaware softball team bounced back in impressive fashion, defeating Liberty 12-3 in six innings to split their weekend series.
Blue Hens standout Gianna Costaro powered the offensive attack, collecting three hits while driving in five runs during the dominant victory. Her performance helped Delaware even up the series after the earlier matchup.
The Blue Hens’ explosive offense proved too much for Liberty to handle, as Delaware scored enough runs to end the game after six innings due to the mercy rule.
SAN FRANCISCO — The San Francisco Giants tied a team record Saturday when they went 20 consecutive innings without putting a run on the board to open the season, before breaking through with their first score in the third inning during their matchup with the New York Yankees.
The Giants had been blanked by New York in consecutive games, losing 7-0 and 3-0 while managing just four hits across both contests — marking the first occurrence in Major League Baseball history of a team starting a season with such offensive struggles.
Jung Hoo Lee kicked off the third inning Saturday by smacking a double to right field off pitcher Will Warren, followed by Matt Chapman delivering an RBI single that sent the home crowd into a frenzy as supporters leaped from their seats in clear relief.
First-year skipper Tony Vitello, who was elevated from his position at the University of Tennessee despite lacking any professional playing or coaching background, joined an exclusive group as the ninth manager in baseball history to see his team shut out in both of his initial two games, and the seventh to experience this during his first two games overall, based on Sportradar data.
The streak of 20 innings without a run equaled the franchise record established in 1909, when the Giants failed to score for 13 innings in their season opener and the opening seven innings of their second game.
The San Diego Padres remain the only franchise to suffer three consecutive shutouts to begin a campaign, which occurred in 2016 when Los Angeles swept them en route to a disappointing 68-94 record.
ABBOTSTOWN, Pa. – Salisbury University’s men’s golf squad has positioned itself for a potential breakthrough victory, establishing a commanding nine-stroke advantage following the first round of the McDaniel Spring Invitational held Saturday at The Bridges Golf Course.
The Sea Gulls’ strong opening performance has them well-positioned to secure what would be their first team championship in the program’s modern era. With one round remaining in the two-day tournament, the team holds a substantial lead over the competition.
The tournament continues with the final round, where Salisbury will look to maintain their advantage and complete what could be a historic victory for the program.
SYDNEY – More than a week after Storm Narelle battered Australia’s northwest coast, energy production facilities continue struggling to resume normal operations while thousands of residents remain in the dark, according to Sunday reports.
The weather system, which was downgraded from tropical cyclone status on Saturday, has caused significant interruptions at major liquefied natural gas facilities operated by energy giants Chevron and Woodside. These disruptions are adding pressure to an already tight global energy market strained by supply shortages linked to the ongoing Iran conflict that began a month ago.
Following damage from Iranian attacks that forced Qatar to suspend its LNG operations, Australia has stepped up as the world’s second-largest exporter of liquefied natural gas.
Woodside Australia reported Sunday that conditions at their operations remained unchanged. Storm Narelle continued affecting output at the company’s Karratha gas processing plant on Saturday, which handles production for the North West Shelf project. However, the company’s Macedon and Pluto operations were running normally.
Chevron had not provided updated information by Sunday. The company stated Saturday that crews were working to bring their Gorgon and Wheatstone gas plants back online after Narelle forced production shutdowns.
The Gorgon facility stands as Australia’s biggest LNG export operation, featuring three processing units that generate 15.6 million metric tons annually. Meanwhile, Wheatstone operates two processing units with an annual capacity of 8.9 million tons.
Electrical service remained cut off late Saturday in Exmouth, a community of 2,800 residents located approximately 1,100 kilometers north of Perth, Western Australia’s capital city, emergency services officials confirmed.
Horizon Power, the government-owned utility company, announced that additional repair teams were heading to Exmouth “to support local crews to restore power to affected properties as soon as it is safe to do so.”
The town of Exmouth, which serves as an access point to the UNESCO World Heritage-designated Ningaloo Reef, sustained considerable damage during the cyclone, though no injuries were reported, according to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.
Storm Narelle first reached land as a severe tropical cyclone in Queensland on March 20, then moved across the Northern Territory before striking Western Australia.
U.S. military officials are developing strategies for potential ground operations in Iran that could last several weeks, according to a Saturday report from the Washington Post citing government sources.
The proposed military strategies would include missions conducted by both Special Operations forces and regular infantry units, the newspaper reported. However, it remains unclear whether President Donald Trump would give his approval for any such operations, the Post noted.
The current administration has already sent U.S. Marines to the Middle East region as the Iranian conflict enters its fifth week of fighting, and military leaders are also making arrangements to deploy thousands of soldiers from the U.S. Army’s 82nd Airborne division to the area.
Delaware Department of Transportation maintenance crews are conducting litter removal operations along Interstate 495 today, working in the median area between Newport and Claymont.
The cleanup activities are taking place on both the northbound and southbound sides of the highway. DelDOT officials indicate the median work is expected to wrap up by 6 PM this evening.
Motorists traveling through the area should exercise caution and be alert for maintenance vehicles and workers near the roadway during the cleanup operations.
Delaware State University’s softball squad mounted a comeback victory against Coppin State, winning 5-3 after trailing in the sixth inning during the first day of their series matchup.
The Hornets found themselves behind late in the game but managed to rally in the final innings to secure the win over the Eagles. The victory gives Delaware State momentum heading into the remainder of the series.
The comeback win demonstrates the team’s resilience and ability to perform under pressure when facing a deficit late in the game. Delaware State will look to build on this success as the series continues.
Medical officials in Gaza report that Israeli aircraft targeted two Hamas police checkpoints in the southern city of Khan Younis, resulting in the deaths of six Palestinians, including a young girl.
According to local health authorities, the attacks claimed the lives of three police officers and three civilians, with four additional people sustaining injuries. The strikes occurred on Friday despite an ongoing U.S.-mediated ceasefire agreement that has been in effect for more than five months.
Israeli military officials have not yet provided a response regarding these latest attacks. Local health officials report that Israeli forces have killed more than 680 Palestinians in Gaza since the November ceasefire agreement with Hamas took effect.
The death toll since fighting began in October 2023 has exceeded 72,000 people. Israel is currently engaged in military operations against Iran with U.S. support, while also conducting a separate campaign against Hezbollah that includes ground operations in southern Lebanon.
Fighting continues in Gaza despite the ceasefire arrangement and Israel’s ongoing conflict with Iran. Palestinian health authorities report that Israeli forces have killed at least 50 Palestinians since the Iran conflict started one month ago.
Middle East tensions intensified Saturday when Yemen’s Houthi militants carried out their inaugural strikes against Israel since regional hostilities commenced, coinciding with the arrival of additional American military forces in the area.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicated before the assault that the United States anticipated wrapping up combat activities in the coming weeks, though thousands of U.S. Marines began deploying to the region. Houthi leaders declared they would persist with operations until what they termed “aggression” across all battlefronts ceased.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian conducted discussions with Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, whose administration will host diplomatic talks Sunday featuring Turkish and Saudi foreign ministers aimed at reducing regional hostilities.
However, immediate diplomatic progress remains elusive as the conflict, which began with American and Israeli operations against Iran on February 28, has expanded throughout the Middle East, claiming thousands of lives and creating unprecedented disruptions to global energy markets.
The Pentagon confirmed Saturday that the initial wave of Marines reached the region Friday aboard an amphibious assault vessel, representing the first of two major troop contingents being sent to the area.
While Rubio suggested Friday that American objectives could be met without ground forces, he acknowledged deploying personnel to provide President Trump with “maximum” strategic flexibility. Military officials also expect deployment of thousands of soldiers from the 82nd Airborne Division.
MEDIA WORKERS AND FIRST RESPONDERS TARGETED
Israeli forces conducted extensive operations against Tehran Saturday, striking what military officials described as Iranian government infrastructure facilities.
Concurrent attacks in Lebanon resumed hostilities against Iran-supported Hezbollah, resulting in the deaths of three Lebanese media personnel when their vehicle was hit, according to Lebanon’s Al Manar TV, along with one Lebanese soldier. A subsequent strike targeting rescue personnel responding to assist the victims also produced casualties.
Israeli military officials stated they had specifically targeted one journalist, labeling him a “terrorist” and alleging his involvement with Hezbollah intelligence operations, claiming he had disclosed Israeli troop positions.
Iranian forces maintained their offensive against Israel and multiple Gulf nations following Friday’s assault on a Saudi Arabian air installation that injured 12 American military personnel, with two suffering serious wounds in one of the most significant breaches of U.S. air defenses to date.
Early Sunday, defense systems intercepted an unmanned aircraft near the home of Iraqi Kurdish leader Masoud Barzani in Erbil, according to security officials. Saturday reports indicated drone strikes had targeted the residence of Iraq’s Kurdistan Region president.
YEMEN-BASED GROUP DEMONSTRATES LONG-RANGE CAPABILITIES
Israeli authorities, who previously experienced regular Houthi missile attacks before the current war, confirmed a projectile had been launched from Yemen. No injuries or property damage were reported.
The assault highlighted potential new risks to international maritime traffic, already impacted by the effective blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, which handles approximately one-fifth of global petroleum and liquefied natural gas shipments.
Houthi military representative Yahya Saree subsequently announced the organization had executed a second Israeli attack within 24 hours and promised additional strikes.
The militants have demonstrated capabilities to hit distant targets and disrupt shipping corridors around the Arabian Peninsula and Red Sea, as they previously did supporting Hamas during Gaza fighting.
FINANCIAL MARKETS REACT TO EXTENDED CONFLICT PROSPECTS
With U.S. midterm elections scheduled for November, the increasingly unpopular conflict has impacted President Donald Trump’s Republican Party, leading him to appear eager for swift resolution while simultaneously threatening escalation.
Anti-Trump protesters gathered in American cities Saturday during rallies organizers characterized as opposition to Iranian military action.
Financial markets have responded negatively to indications the war may continue indefinitely. Brent crude oil prices have surged over 50% since hostilities began.
Trump has warned of potential strikes against Iranian electrical facilities and energy infrastructure unless Iran reopens the Strait of Hormuz. However, he extended his original deadline for this week, providing Iran an additional 10-day response period.
Iranian warnings about attacking vessels in the waterway have deterred most oil tankers from attempting passage. Several ships have successfully navigated the strait, including Pakistani and Indian-flagged vessels, following Iranian guarantees of safe transit.
Iran has approved 20 additional Pakistani-flagged ships for strait passage, permitting two daily transits, according to Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar.
Israeli operations have focused on Iranian nuclear facilities, prompting concerns from Russia’s state nuclear corporation Rosatom leadership, which evacuated personnel from the Bushehr coastal nuclear facility, citing threats to atomic safety.
Pezeshkian warned Iran would “retaliate strongly if our infrastructure or economic centers are targeted.”
Iranian attacks occurred across multiple Gulf locations, including Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates and Oman.
An Iranian air assault struck the Israeli community of Eshtaol near Jerusalem. Israel’s emergency medical services reported seven hospitalizations.
Within Iran, media outlets reported at least five fatalities from U.S.-Israeli strikes on residential areas in northwestern Zanjan city and Tehran, where Iran University of Science and Technology sustained damage.
A historic night for women’s professional soccer unfolded Saturday as the Denver Summit and Washington Spirit battled to a goalless tie in front of 63,004 spectators, establishing a new National Women’s Soccer League attendance milestone at the Denver Broncos’ stadium.
The massive turnout obliterated the previous NWSL attendance mark of 40,091, which was established during a Bay FC match at Oracle Park in San Francisco last season.
Both teams’ goalkeepers delivered stellar performances to maintain the stalemate. Denver’s Abby Smith recorded her second consecutive shutout with two saves, while Washington’s Sandy MacIver matched that effort with two stops of her own.
The Summit improved to 1-1-2 with the result, while the Spirit remained winless at 0-1-3 through four matches this season.
Elsewhere across the league, Portland secured a 2-0 victory against Kansas City at Providence Park, highlighted by Olivia Moultrie’s penalty conversion in the 53rd minute. The 20-year-old midfielder achieved a historic milestone, becoming the youngest player in league history to reach 20 career goals, surpassing Sam Kerr’s previous record from 2016.
Reilyn Turner extended Portland’s advantage with a goal in the 63rd minute, lifting the Thorns to 3-1-0. Kansas City dropped to 1-3-0 and continues facing challenges without injured two-time NWSL MVP Temwa Chawinga, who is sidelined for the remainder of the season with a hip problem.
The match marked a special return for Thorns forward Sophia Wilson, who made her first start of the campaign after returning from maternity leave.
In Utah, the Royals overcame Boston Legacy 2-1 behind goals from Tatumn Milazzo and Lara Prasnikar. Milazzo, back from a one-game suspension for a red card, found the net with a close-range finish in the 33rd minute for her second goal this season.
Utah doubled their lead when Mina Tanaka drew a penalty in the 49th minute, which Prasnikar successfully converted. Boston avoided the shutout when Aissata Traoré scored in the 72nd minute, but the Legacy remained winless at 0-3-0 while Utah improved to 1-2-1.
NEW YORK — The NBA has handed down a one-game suspension without pay to Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic after he accumulated his 16th technical foul of the current season, league officials confirmed Saturday.
The league’s top scorer received dual technical fouls in the third period of Los Angeles’ commanding 116-99 win over the Brooklyn Nets on Friday evening.
The incident began when Brooklyn’s Ziaire Williams enthusiastically celebrated an offensive foul call against Doncic by shouting directly at the star player from close range. Doncic attempted to push Williams’ arm away, prompting Williams to swing his hand across Doncic’s face in response.
NBA regulations mandate an automatic one-game suspension without compensation once any player or coach accumulates 16 technical fouls in a regular season. Additional suspensions follow for every pair of technical fouls beyond that threshold.
The suspension will take effect Monday when Los Angeles welcomes the Washington Wizards to their home court. Doncic contributed 41 points in the victory over Brooklyn.
Following Friday’s contest, Doncic explained his perspective on the altercation: “He was yelling in my face three times. I just wanted to get out of there. It’s a double tech, of course. What can I say? I didn’t even talk. I just wanted to get out of there. (The referee) said my push was exaggerated, which (it) was obviously not. I don’t know what else to say.”
Game officials conducted a review of the confrontation before assessing technical fouls to both participants.
The league recently overturned one of Doncic’s previous technical fouls from last week following a dispute with Orlando’s Goga Bitadze. While the NBA did not provide an official explanation for the reversal, Doncic claimed Bitadze made derogatory comments about his family in Serbian, which Bitadze disputed.
The University of Maryland Eastern Shore Hawks softball team came up short in their Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference matchup, falling 4-1 to Morgan State.
The Hawks put forth a determined effort throughout the game but were unable to generate enough offense to counter Morgan State’s four-run performance. UMES managed to score one run in the contest but could not mount a comeback against their conference rivals.
The loss represents another challenging result for the Hawks in MEAC competition as they continue working to find their rhythm this season. Morgan State capitalized on their scoring opportunities to secure the three-run victory over UMES.
Motorists will need to find alternate routes as a section of Silver Run Road remains blocked due to a fallen utility pole and electrical wires obstructing the roadway.
The road closure spans the area from Vance Neck Road to Bayview Road, with no indication yet of when the obstruction will be cleared.
Drivers are advised to avoid the area and seek alternative routes until crews can safely remove the downed pole and restore normal traffic flow.
The Goldey-Beacom Lightning baseball team continued their impressive run, stretching their winning streak to four consecutive games after sweeping a doubleheader against Bridgeport on the road in Connecticut.
The Lightning captured both Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference matchups, taking the first game 8-6 before shutting out their opponents 8-0 in the nightcap. The victories came during their visit to Bridgeport, demonstrating the team’s ability to perform well away from home.
The doubleheader sweep showcases the Lightning’s current momentum as they continue their conference play in the Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference.
The Goldey-Beacom College women’s tennis squad experienced a tough road defeat during their recent trip to Pennsylvania, losing 6-1 to East Stroudsburg University.
The Lightning made the journey to face East Stroudsburg on their home courts but were unable to overcome their hosts, managing to secure just one point in the overall team match.
The loss adds to the team’s season record as they continue their competitive schedule in collegiate tennis action.
SALISBURY, Md. – Salisbury University’s women’s lacrosse squad claimed another victory against a top-ranked opponent Saturday, defeating York College of Pennsylvania 14-10 at Sea Gull Stadium.
The fourth-ranked Sea Gulls overcame the seventh-ranked Spartans during Saturday afternoon’s matchup, which featured Youth Day festivities presented by SeaSide Smiles and Athletes Vs. ALS.
The victory adds another ranked opponent to Salisbury’s win column as the team continues its successful season campaign.
RALEIGH, N.C. – The Delaware Blue Hens track and field squad wrapped up their weekend participation at the Raleigh Relays, a three-day athletic competition held at North Carolina State University.
The Blue Hens athletes traveled to North Carolina to compete in the multi-day event, which brought together collegiate track and field teams from across the region.
NEWARK, Del. — The University of Delaware men’s lacrosse squad delivered a commanding performance Saturday afternoon, crushing Binghamton 9-4 at Delaware Stadium in Newark.
The victory marked a significant highlight for the Fightin’ Blue Hens, who saw their record climb to 2-7 for the season. Meanwhile, the visiting Bearcats dropped to an identical 2-7 record following the defeat.
The standout performance of the day came from Powers, who netted his 12th career hat trick during the convincing win. The achievement adds to Powers’ impressive career statistics and helped propel Delaware to their second victory of the season.
The Blue Hens controlled the game from start to finish, outscoring Binghamton by five goals in front of their home crowd. The strong offensive showing and solid defensive play combined to give Delaware a much-needed boost as they continue their season.
Citizens across America took part in widespread pro-democracy demonstrations today as part of a nationwide movement calling itself ‘No Kings.’
The rallies marked the third major coordinated action in less than twelve months by grassroots organizers who have emerged as a prominent voice of opposition since January 2025.
Participants marched from Arlington, Virginia across the Memorial Bridge into the nation’s capital, joining millions of others in cities throughout the country who expressed concerns about what they characterize as authoritarian leadership and violations of democratic principles.
The movement has become the most visible form of organized resistance during the current presidential term, drawing large crowds to express their opposition to policies they view as undermining constitutional governance.
Iran’s leadership has distributed new military orders preparing for a possible United States ground invasion, according to exclusive information obtained by The Media Line.
A well-informed source revealed that Iranian authorities have issued fresh instructions to military and security forces across the country, particularly focusing on southern and northwestern regions. The orders aim to counter potential American ground operations and disruptive activities in Tehran and other major cities.
The instructions come from Iran’s General Staff of the Armed Forces, working under direction from the Commander-in-Chief and key defense councils. Military and security units nationwide have received these orders to maintain readiness, protect sensitive locations, and prepare for possible “intervention of hostile field elements across different regions.”
Most significantly, the directive gives these units permission to act on their own initiative without waiting for orders from higher command – what Iranian officials call “fire at will” authority. This approach resembles “Operation Valkyrie” from Nazi Germany and suggests Iran expects major conflict escalation, including possible U.S. ground forces entering Iranian territory or seizing strategic islands.
The orders also indicate Iranian leaders are preparing for scenarios where central command structures or communication networks could be severely damaged, requiring individual units to operate independently.
Iranian military commanders view armed groups in Tehran, other major cities, and Iranian Kurdistan as serious threats. Additionally, tribal populations in western and southwestern Iran often possess firearms, primarily hunting weapons, while armed Baloch groups remain active in eastern regions.
Concerns have grown due to propaganda from the Mojahedin-e Khalq organization regarding their “Liberation Army” and “Rebel Units,” along with rumors about an “Immortal Guard” connected to monarchist supporters recently mentioned by Reza Pahlavi before Chaharshanbe Suri celebrations.
Recent American military movements, including Marine and airborne unit deployments to the region, plus repeated statements by Donald Trump and other U.S. officials about possible ground operations, have increased fears within Iran’s leadership. Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has publicly warned the United States against any ground attack on Iranian islands, despite having no formal military authority.
Farzin Nadimi, a senior fellow at the Washington Institute who analyzes Iranian military affairs, told The Media Line that temporary U.S. control of certain islands or coastal positions overlooking the Strait of Hormuz seems realistic.
“What appears more likely in the near term is not a full-scale ground invasion, but rather limited, selective, and complementary ground operations—such as special forces missions and efforts to temporarily control certain islands or strategic coastal positions overlooking the Strait of Hormuz,” he said.
“Such a scenario differs fundamentally from an all-out ground war, yet remains costly and high-risk. Entering mainland Iran for occupation or deep advances would require a large force, substantial logistical support, and sustained political will—factors that could quickly turn the conflict into a prolonged and attritional war,” he added.
Despite such developments potentially weakening Iran’s position, Nadimi explained that the war’s ultimate outcome would still depend on continued air campaigns and their ability to decisively destabilize the Islamic Republic.
The Media Line previously published audio recordings attributed to a Basij commander in Tehran, where he explicitly instructed forces to “clear the area” during drone attacks, retreat to surrounding alleys, and position themselves “so that if any hostile armed force activated, they can engage.”
Iranian armed forces believe the conflict’s next phase could involve ground warfare and urban combat. On Thursday, the state-affiliated Tehran Times, citing “an Iranian security analyst,” reported that Iran would seize UAE and Bahrain coastlines if the U.S. launched a ground attack.
With reports suggesting U.S. military preparation for a “final strike,” Iranian authorities apparently consider scenarios including military invasion, seizure of Kharg Island or other strategic islands, and even parts of southern Iran near the Strait of Hormuz as entirely possible.
The new directive suggests that with Mojtaba Khamenei—the nominal leader who has largely disappeared from public view—absent, Iran’s leadership is preparing for war escalation and direct ground combat possibilities.
SALISBURY, Md. – Salisbury University’s fifth-ranked men’s lacrosse team secured a convincing 11-5 victory against Trinity College of Connecticut on Saturday at Sea Gull Stadium in Salisbury, Maryland.
The Sea Gulls used a dominant second-half performance to pull away from their opponents during the team’s yearly Lax for Leukemia charitable event. The win served as a strong response for the nationally-ranked program following their previous outing.
Saturday’s contest marked another successful chapter for Salisbury’s lacrosse program as they continue their season with momentum from the decisive victory over the visiting Trinity squad.
ATLANTA – The United States men’s national soccer team suffered a devastating 5-2 defeat to Belgium during Saturday’s international friendly match in Atlanta, a troubling result that raises serious questions about the team’s World Cup readiness.
The Americans initially grabbed control when Weston McKennie scored from a corner kick in the 39th minute, but Belgian defender Zeno Debast answered with a powerful long-distance strike that leveled the match at halftime.
Belgium took command in the second half as Amadou Onana found the net just eight minutes after the break, followed by Charles De Ketelaere converting from the penalty spot six minutes later to push the lead to 3-1.
Substitute Dodi Lukebakio delivered a spectacular fourth goal in the 68th minute, showcasing Belgium’s dominance, then added his second score nine minutes before full time. Patrick Agyemang managed a late goal for the United States in the 87th minute following a Belgian defensive mistake.
With both nations using this match as World Cup preparation ahead of June’s tournament, Belgium’s commanding performance will boost their confidence while leaving the co-host Americans with significant concerns three months before competition begins.
Jeremy Doku tormented the American defense throughout the match, his skillful dribbling along the left side creating constant problems as Belgium controlled most phases of play.
The United States had initially seized the advantage when McKennie moved unmarked into position to redirect Antonee Robinson’s curving corner kick into the goal.
Doku’s 45th-minute attempt was deflected by goalkeeper Matt Turner, but the ball fell to Debast outside the penalty box, who fired a low shot that caught Turner off guard and found the back of the net.
Doku’s continued attacking created the opportunity for Onana to score with a skillful side-footed finish, while the subsequent penalty was granted after video review determined American captain Tim Ream had illegally used his hand to block a shot attempt.
Lukebakio’s opening goal came after veteran fullback Thomas Meunier made a deep run from the defensive end, though the substitute still had to cut inside and curl a shot into the upper corner.
Belgium’s fifth goal resulted from a simple finish off Timothy Castagne’s cross, while defensive errors by Belgian goalkeeper Senne Lammens and Youri Tielemans allowed Agyemang to score the Americans’ second goal.
Belgium will remain in the United States for another World Cup preparation match against Mexico in Chicago on Tuesday, while the Americans will host Portugal in Atlanta the same evening.
Denver Summit FC’s first-ever home match ended without any scoring as the expansion team battled Washington Spirit to a 0-0 tie on Saturday, despite playing before a historic crowd that shattered NWSL attendance records.
The milestone game at Empower Field at Mile High drew 63,004 fans, marking the largest crowd in league history. However, the massive audience witnessed a defensive struggle where neither team could find the back of the net throughout 90 minutes of play.
Both squads generated limited scoring chances, combining for just seven corner kicks without capitalizing on any of them. Denver’s goalkeeper Abby Smith recorded two saves to help the Summit improve to 1-2-1 with 5 points on the season.
Washington’s Sandy MacIver also made two saves, but the Spirit continue searching for their first victory at 0-3-1 with 3 points.
In other NWSL action, Utah Royals defeated Boston Legacy FC 2-1 in Foxborough, Massachusetts, claiming their first win of the campaign behind Lara Prasnikar’s second-half penalty kick.
Tatumn Milazzo opened the scoring for Utah in the first half, and Prasnikar extended the lead to 2-0 just five minutes into the second period after Anni Karich committed a foul inside the penalty box.
Boston avoided a shutout when Aissata Traore scored in the 72nd minute for Legacy, which entered the match having been blanked in their opening two games. The physical contest saw officials call 40 total fouls, with Boston committing 25 of them. The loss dropped Legacy to 0-0-3 with zero points.
World number one Aryna Sabalenka claimed her second consecutive Miami Open championship Saturday, defeating American star Coco Gauff 6-2, 4-6, 6-3 to achieve the rare ‘Sunshine Double’ distinction.
The Belarusian tennis champion’s victory over Gauff in their latest showdown makes her only the fifth woman in tennis history to capture both the Indian Wells and Miami tournaments in the same season. This accomplishment earns the nickname ‘Sunshine Double’ due to the California and Florida locations of these prestigious events.
Sabalenka dominated her first serves, winning 73 percent of those points while facing only two break point opportunities throughout the match. The defending champion had advanced to the final without losing a single set during the tournament.
During the awards ceremony, Sabalenka praised her opponent: “I want to start with (Coco). You’re a fighter and you also push me so hard to be a better player and I like our rivalry.” The victory gives Sabalenka a 7-6 career record against Gauff.
The match began with Sabalenka jumping ahead 2-0, but Gauff, who hails from nearby Delray Beach and was competing in her first Miami final, responded with a service hold at love. The Florida resident then saved three break points in her following service game to narrow the gap to 3-2.
However, Sabalenka maintained her composure and secured a double break advantage over the world’s fourth-ranked player before wrapping up the first set on her own serve.
The second set featured closely matched play with both players holding serve until Gauff managed her lone break of the contest against Sabalenka, pushing the match to a decisive third set.
In the final set, Sabalenka immediately broke Gauff’s serve, then held her own service games at love twice consecutively to build a 5-3 advantage. She clinched the championship with her fourth break of the match when Gauff’s backhand sailed wide.
This triumph makes Sabalenka the first player to win consecutive Miami Open titles since Ashleigh Barty accomplished the feat in 2019 and 2021. The 2020 tournament was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Sabalenka now joins an elite group including Iga Swiatek (2022), Victoria Azarenka (2016), Kim Clijsters (2005), and Steffi Graf (1994, 1996) as the only women to complete the ‘Sunshine Double.’
The victory improves Sabalenka’s 2025 record to an impressive 23-1, with her sole defeat coming in the Australian Open final against Elena Rybakina. She later defeated Rybakina in both the Indian Wells final and Miami semifinals.
Gauff offered gracious remarks following the match: “Aryna congratulations. We’ve had many battles, many finals and, yeah, I think you push me to be a better player. You’re a great fighter and hopefully we can play many more. I think we will.”
Strong winds across the Chesapeake Bay created an unexpected challenge for Salisbury University’s track and field team this weekend, forcing coaches to make tough decisions about which athletes could compete.
The Sea Gulls were scheduled to travel as a complete team to Newport News, Virginia, for Saturday morning’s Blue & Silver Challenge at Christopher Newport University’s Townebank Stadium. However, dangerous wind conditions made it unsafe for their team bus to cross the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel.
With only vans available for transportation, coaches could bring just two-thirds of their roster to the competition, leaving some athletes behind despite their preparation for the meet.
The reduced squad still made the journey to compete against other regional programs at the outdoor track and field event hosted by Christopher Newport University.
The University of Maryland Eastern Shore men’s volleyball squad opened strong against Daemen University but couldn’t maintain momentum, falling 3-1 in their latest matchup.
The Hawks claimed victory in the first set, establishing early control and showing promise for what appeared could be a successful outing. However, Daemen responded with determination in the subsequent sets.
Throughout the match, UMES demonstrated competitive spirit by keeping multiple sets closely contested, refusing to allow their opponents to run away with easy victories. The narrow margins in several sets highlighted the team’s ability to battle against tough competition.
While the final result wasn’t what the Hawks hoped for, their performance in the opening set and ability to push Daemen in tight contests showed the team’s potential and fighting spirit as they continue their season.
The Goldey-Beacom Lightning softball squad endured a difficult day on the road, falling in both games of a Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference doubleheader against Bridgeport in Connecticut.
The Lightning dropped the opening contest by a narrow 6-5 margin before suffering a 7-4 defeat in the second game of the twin bill.
The matchup featured two programs that had previously faced off during last season’s NCAA Tournament regional play, adding extra significance to Saturday’s competition in Bridgeport, Connecticut.
Demonstrators filled streets nationwide today as part of widespread ‘No Kings’ rallies targeting the Trump administration’s policies and actions.
The coordinated protests drew participants from diverse backgrounds, all united in their opposition to what they view as authoritarian overreach. Organizers report that thousands joined the demonstrations in cities across America.
Rally attendees spoke with reporters about their reasons for participating in today’s events, expressing concerns about democratic institutions and the direction of federal leadership under the current administration.
The protests represent one of the largest coordinated demonstration efforts seen in recent months, with participants emphasizing their commitment to peaceful resistance and civic engagement.
University of Delaware baseball pitcher Marose delivered his most impressive performance of the season, working a career-long six innings in the Blue Hens’ matchup against Kennesaw State.
The outing represented Marose’s longest stint on the mound this season, showcasing the kind of endurance and effectiveness that Delaware coaching staff has been looking for from their rotation.
Marose’s extended performance against Kennesaw State demonstrates the pitcher’s continued development and ability to work deeper into games, providing valuable innings for the Blue Hens’ pitching staff.
The six-inning effort stands as a benchmark performance for Marose this season, highlighting his growth as a key contributor to Delaware’s baseball program.
Listen to the Evening Delmarva Farm Report Update — March 28, 2026
DELMARVA — Ideal conditions this week allowed early field preparation across Delmarva as temperatures climbed into the upper 50s and fields dried out. Farmers in Kent and Sussex counties made good progress with soil testing and equipment maintenance ahead of corn planting season. Grain handlers report steady movement of last year’s soybean stocks as basis levels improved slightly on stronger export demand.
Markets
Corn futures for May delivery settled at $5.12 per bushel, up 3 cents on the week. July soybeans closed at $11.48, gaining 7 cents. July wheat finished at $6.31, down 4 cents from last Friday.
Locally, cash corn on Delmarva is bringing $4.95 per bushel. Soybeans are fetching $11.20.
Forecast
Saturday evening will see clear skies with temperatures dropping to 32 degrees tonight under light north winds. Sunday looks excellent with sunshine pushing temperatures to 55 degrees, perfect for weekend farm projects or equipment work. Winds shift southerly, staying light at 5 to 10 miles per hour.
Early next week stays dry with warming temperatures reaching the mid 60s Monday before rain chances arrive late Wednesday into Thursday.
This article is based on the Delmarva Farm Report Update Evening Edition, March 28, 2026. Hosted by Tom Bradley.
A massive turnout of 63,004 spectators established a new National Women’s Soccer League attendance milestone when the expansion Denver Summit faced off against the Washington Spirit at Mile High Stadium on Saturday.
The enormous crowd at the Denver Broncos’ venue easily surpassed the former NWSL attendance mark of 40,091, which was set when Bay FC hosted the Spirit at Oracle Park, the San Francisco Giants’ ballpark, during the previous season.
The previous year saw the Chicago Stars attract 35,038 supporters for their contest against Bay FC at Wrigley Field, the Chicago Cubs’ home venue.
Saturday’s contest marked the Summit’s inaugural home appearance in Colorado. The franchise had completed three away matches to start the season, posting a record of one win, one loss, and one tie. The Summit and Spirit battled to a 0-0 tie in Saturday’s historic matchup.
The league granted Denver its 16th franchise in January 2025, with reports indicating an expansion payment of $110 million. The Summit began competition this season alongside fellow newcomer Boston Legacy.
Following their debut at Mile High, the Summit will relocate their home matches to Dick’s Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City, which serves as the home venue for MLS club Colorado Rapids. Come July, the team plans to transition to the temporary 12,000-capacity Centennial Stadium during construction of a dedicated women’s soccer facility in downtown Denver.
Earlier this week, the Summit confirmed they had finalized the purchase of property at Santa Fe Yards for their permanent stadium, with the organization targeting completion by the 2028 campaign.
VERACRUZ, Mexico — The bustling fish markets of Veracruz typically see overwhelming crowds of shoppers preparing for Holy Week celebrations each year. This season tells a starkly different story, with vendors calling out to virtually no customers in nearly deserted marketplaces.
A massive petroleum spill covering more than 373 miles across Gulf waters has contaminated seven protected natural areas, delivering a devastating financial hit to Mexico’s fishing communities during what should be their most profitable period of the year.
The coastal states of Veracruz, Tabasco and Tamaulipas have all seen dramatic decreases in fishing activity since the environmental disaster began. Market stalls that would normally be packed with buyers stood largely abandoned Friday, as desperate sellers shouted promotions trying to draw in the few remaining customers.
“This is our livelihood,” expressed Miguel López Rojas, who operates a seafood stand in one of the area’s popular markets.
Government officials report the contamination stems from a ship moored near the port city of Coatzacoalcos in Veracruz state, combined with two naturally occurring oil seeps from the ocean floor.
Cleanup crews have recovered approximately 430 tons of petroleum products from shorelines across the three affected states, according to official estimates. While authorities maintain the spill hasn’t caused major environmental harm, local news outlets have documented dead sea turtles, eels and fish washing ashore and floating in coastal waters.
López Rojas explained the crisis extends beyond reduced fish availability, noting that customer purchases have plummeted as people actively avoid seafood products out of safety concerns.
Federal health officials have dismissed reports of any illnesses connected to eating potentially contaminated fish or shellfish, but public anxiety continues to spread nationwide.
“You have to be careful with the pollution because we still don’t know what this spill could lead to,” said Susana Gutiérrez, a 67-year-old seamstress shopping at a Mexico City market.
While government agencies at both federal and state levels work to control the spill and restore affected beaches, fishing crews face severe financial hardship after being forced to suspend nearly all operations to protect their boat motors and equipment from oil contamination, eliminating their primary income source.
“This year has been very disastrous for us, because in all my years of life we had never experienced something of this magnitude,” said Norma González Pérez, who fishes from the town of Salinas in southwestern Veracruz.
Veracruz ranks among Mexico’s leading seafood-producing regions. Official data shows the eastern state contributed roughly 2.76% of the nation’s total fish, oyster and seafood output in 2024. Seafood forms a cornerstone of many traditional regional dishes throughout the state.
Officials have not yet released figures on how many fishing workers the spill has impacted, though advocacy groups estimate several hundred people may be affected. González Pérez said the situation has become so dire that some fishermen have turned to bank loans to survive financially.
Holy Week traditionally represents a celebratory time for fishing communities, marked by abundant catches due to seasonal fish migrations through Gulf waters. This year carries a much darker mood, she noted.
“This year there will be no celebration or anything,” González Pérez said. “This year we will basically have nothing.”
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.
Weekend attacks from Iran resulted in casualties across multiple Israeli cities, with warning sirens sounding throughout Friday night and Saturday as missiles and drones struck populated areas.
Security guard Viacheslav Vidment lost his life during an Iranian cluster bomb attack in Ashdod while completing his work shift at a building previously damaged during the ongoing conflict.
At the scene, Tel Aviv District Police Commander Superintendent Haim Sargrof addressed the incident, stating: “The deceased is someone who works here in the area. He did not enter a protected space. I remind everyone, you must follow instructions and reach protected areas.”
Another Iranian cluster missile attack targeted Tel Aviv directly, activating emergency warning systems throughout central Israel.
The city of Beit Shemesh sustained damage to multiple residences and a synagogue from Iranian missile impacts. Medical service Magen David Adom confirmed 19 individuals suffered shrapnel wounds, while additional victims received treatment for anxiety and psychological trauma.
Near Israel’s southern border, defense forces successfully intercepted an unmanned aircraft detected over Eilat. The drone originated from Yemen’s Iran-supported Houthi faction, which had previously launched multiple rocket attacks against Israel during the Hamas conflict before stopping operations following last October’s ceasefire agreement.
Houthi representative Yahya Saree claimed responsibility for the assault in a social media statement, declaring: “The Yemeni Armed Forces … have carried out the first military operation using a barrage of ballistic missiles targeting sensitive Israeli military sites.”
Military analysts suggest this renewed Houthi involvement could signal the emergence of an additional battlefront in the broader regional conflict involving the United States and Israel against Iran, particularly following Hezbollah’s entry into combat in early March after the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
History was made on the soccer field as the Denver Summit celebrated their first season with a record-breaking achievement.
A massive crowd of 63,004 spectators packed Empower Field on Saturday to watch the Summit face off against the Washington Spirit, shattering the National Women’s Soccer League’s all-time single-game attendance record.
The previous attendance milestone belonged to Bay FC, who welcomed 40,091 supporters to Oracle Park last August. Prior to Denver’s achievement, no NWSL franchise had ever drawn more than 40,000 fans to a single match.
Saturday’s historic game at Empower Field marks the Summit’s final appearance at the venue. The team will relocate to Dick’s Sporting Goods Park for the remainder of their debut season leading up to the FIFA World Cup and NWSL intermission. That facility accommodates approximately 18,000 spectators.
Following the break, Denver will complete their season schedule at the newly constructed Centennial Stadium, which will house the franchise through 2028. The state-of-the-art venue features a seating capacity of 12,000.
Going into Saturday’s showdown with the Spirit, the Summit held five points with a season record of one win, two losses, and one draw. The historic match concluded in a scoreless 0-0 stalemate.
Yemen’s Houthi militants announced they executed another strike against Israel using both missiles and unmanned aircraft, marking their second assault within a 24-hour period, according to the group’s military spokesman Yahya Saree during a broadcast statement.
The Iranian-backed rebel group pledged to maintain their military campaigns in the days ahead, intensifying concerns about widening regional conflict. Their involvement in the broader Middle East crisis heightens tensions due to their demonstrated capability to hit distant targets and interfere with maritime commerce throughout the Red Sea and Arabian Peninsula waters, similar to their previous actions supporting Hamas following the October 7, 2023 attacks on Gaza.
Vice President JD Vance has emerged as the frontrunner among conservative activists looking ahead to the 2028 Republican presidential race, capturing the majority of votes in a weekend straw poll conducted at the Conservative Political Action Conference.
The survey of more than 1,600 conference participants showed Vance securing 53% support, while Secretary of State Marco Rubio finished as the runner-up with 35% of votes cast. The conference took place this year in Grapevine, Texas.
CPAC represents a significant annual event that brings together Republican officials, grassroots activists, and potential presidential candidates from the party’s conservative base. While the organization’s yearly polling doesn’t always accurately forecast the ultimate party nominee, it provides insight into current sentiment within President Donald Trump’s Make America Great Again coalition.
With Trump currently in his second term and constitutionally barred from seeking reelection in 2028, conservative attention has turned to potential successors.
The results mark a shift from the previous year’s CPAC gathering in Oxon Hill, Maryland, where Vance dominated with 61% support. That poll saw conservative podcaster and former Trump advisor Steve Bannon take second place with 12%, while Florida Governor Ron DeSantis garnered 7%.
Rubio’s standing has improved dramatically from his modest 3% showing in last year’s survey. His enhanced profile stems from his prominent involvement in the administration’s major international initiatives, particularly military actions in Venezuela and Iran.
This year’s polling indicates that conservative support is becoming concentrated around the two leading candidates, with no other potential nominee receiving more than 2% of participant votes.
FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – Salisbury University’s baseball team suffered a setback on Saturday as their impressive winning streak was halted by conference opponent Mary Washington.
The Sea Gulls, currently holding the seventh spot in national rankings, were defeated 7-2 by the Eagles during Saturday afternoon’s contest at Dickinson Stadium. The loss marked the end of a five-game winning run for Salisbury in Coast-to-Coast Athletic Conference (C2C) competition.
The matchup between these C2C rivals saw Mary Washington take control, handing the visiting Sea Gulls their first defeat after a strong stretch of victories.
Iranian forces launched missiles and drones against Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia, wounding a dozen American service members with two sustaining serious injuries, military officials announced Friday. The assault marks one of the most substantial compromises of U.S. air defense systems since the month-long conflict with Iran began.
The Iranian strike was part of Tehran’s wider offensive targeting American military personnel throughout the Middle East region. Two defense officials, who requested anonymity as they lacked authorization for public statements, verified the casualty figures and reported that no fewer than two KC-135 refueling aircraft suffered extensive damage.
Tehran has repeatedly fired volleys of ballistic missiles and unmanned aircraft at U.S. military installations throughout the ongoing hostilities, seeking to strike back against American attacks and hamper operational activities.
U.S. Central Command reported Friday that 303 American military personnel have sustained injuries since U.S. and Israeli operations against Iran commenced. Navy Captain Tim Hawkins, serving as spokesperson, indicated that most wounds were not severe, with 273 service members already back on active duty. Through Saturday, 13 U.S. military personnel have lost their lives while participating in Operation Epic Fury.
According to The Wall Street Journal, a high-ranking defense official revealed that Pentagon leadership is considering the deployment of an additional 10,000 troops to the Middle East region to support the continuing Operation Epic Fury against Iran, supplementing the 1,500 personnel already activated from the 82nd Airborne Division.
WASHINGTON — Following the collapse of congressional negotiations over Department of Homeland Security funding, President Donald Trump issued an emergency executive order Friday directing payment to Transportation Security Administration workers.
The presidential directive comes as lengthy security queues have plagued major airports nationwide due to staffing shortages.
“America’s air travel system has reached its breaking point,” Trump stated in the authorization memo. “I have determined that these circumstances constitute an emergency situation compromising the Nation’s security.”
The president indicated his administration would utilize “funds that have a reasonable and logical nexus to TSA operations” to provide the compensation. Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin announced Friday that TSA personnel “should begin seeing paychecks as early as Monday.”
Despite potentially alleviating traveler difficulties, Trump’s executive action fails to address the broader DHS shutdown that has created airport chaos and financial strain for thousands of federal employees. Both chambers of Congress concluded the week by approving completely different legislation, establishing fresh gridlock as legislators depart for a two-week break.
The Homeland Security shutdown will hit 44 days Sunday, surpassing the previous record of 43 days set during last fall’s government-wide closure.
House Leadership Rejects Senate Agreement
Early Friday, the Senate approved a funding compromise, but House Republicans immediately pushed back. House Speaker Mike Johnson opened the session by criticizing Democrats for engaging in risky politics and indicated he needed discussions with Republican colleagues about the path forward.
Following an extended conference call, Johnson condemned the Senate’s actions and declared the House would pursue an alternative approach. “This gambit that was done last night is a joke,” Johnson declared.
The House responded Friday evening by passing legislation to finance the entire department until May 22, with a 213-203 vote. Johnson reported discussing the House Republican proposal with Trump, who expressed his support.
House Republicans expressed anger that the Senate-approved measure excludes funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Border Patrol. Democrats refused to finance these agencies without modifications to immigration enforcement procedures.
“We’re going to do something different,” Johnson announced. He urged the Senate to consider the House’s temporary solution extending Homeland Security funding through May.
However, senators had already departed after voting to fund most DHS operations, requiring time for their return once the House passes alternative legislation. Even if they returned, Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer declared the House GOP proposal would be “dead on arrival in the Senate, and Republicans know it.”
House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries argued the Senate-passed measure would gain bipartisan House approval if Johnson permitted a vote.
“This could end, and should end, today,” Jeffries stated.
Senate Compromise Details
Senators worked overnight to approve legislation by voice vote funding most Homeland Security components, including the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Coast Guard, and TSA.
Senate Republicans expressed disappointment over the absence of ICE and Border Patrol funding but acknowledged that immigration enforcement has continued largely uninterrupted. This continuation stems from Trump’s major tax legislation from last year, which directed billions in additional DHS funding, including $75 billion for ICE operations.
Conservative Republicans opposed creating a precedent allowing Congress to selectively fund certain Homeland Security agencies while excluding others during annual appropriations.
“We will fully fund ICE. That is what this fight is about,” stated Sen. Eric Schmitt, R-Mo. “The border is closing. The next task is deportation.”
Democrats have withheld ICE and Border Patrol funding following the deaths of two Americans during immigration enforcement protests in Minneapolis.
Democratic demands include requiring federal agents to display identification, remove face coverings, and avoid conducting operations near schools, churches, or other sensitive locations. Democrats also seek elimination of administrative warrants, insisting judges approve searches of homes or private property — a change Mullin indicated he would consider.
Leadership Division Emerges
The Senate deal’s rejection reveals a significant split between Johnson and Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., who have generally collaborated on Trump’s legislative priorities.
With unanimous Democratic opposition, Thune needed a solution attracting the 60 votes required to overcome a filibuster in the 53-47 Senate.
After more than a week of intensive negotiations involving White House participation, both sides agreed early Friday to fund most Homeland Security operations except ICE and portions of CBP. The measure passed by voice vote without objections around 2 a.m.
When asked whether he had coordinated with Johnson, Thune mentioned they had exchanged text messages.
“I don’t know what the House will do,” Thune said.
The White House remained silent during senators’ compromise review, with Trump offering no public commentary.
As the House deal unraveled the following day, Thune did not address Johnson’s claims of being uninformed.
When questioned about tensions with Thune, the speaker blamed Senate Democrats for the situation.
Airport Disruptions Mount as TSA Workers Face Hardship
The DHS shutdown has caused travel delays and airport closure warnings as increasing numbers of unpaid TSA workers have stopped reporting for duty. These employees had already endured the nation’s longest government shutdown last fall.
Several airports are experiencing TSA worker absence rates exceeding 40%, with nearly 500 of the agency’s approximately 50,000 transportation security officers resigning during the shutdown. Nationally on Thursday, more than 11.8% of scheduled TSA employees failed to report for work, according to DHS data. This represents over 3,450 absences.
Italian racing prodigy Kimi Antonelli has claimed his second straight Formula 1 pole position, setting the fastest qualifying time for Sunday’s Japanese Grand Prix at the Suzuka Circuit in Japan.
The 19-year-old Mercedes driver made history last week by becoming the youngest competitor to ever secure an F1 pole position, then followed that achievement with his first career victory at the Chinese Grand Prix in Shanghai.
Antonelli dominated Saturday’s qualifying session at the 3.6-mile Suzuka track with a blazing lap time of 1 minute, 28.778 seconds, narrowly beating his Mercedes teammate George Russell from Great Britain. McLaren-Mercedes driver Oscar Piastri of Australia rounded out the top three starting positions.
“It was a good session, I’m happy with it,” Antonelli said. “I think I was able to improve lap by lap. That first Q3 lap was good. Second lap was looking strong but then at Turn 11, I locked up and lost quite a bit of time so it was a shame.”
“I was a bit annoyed with that but (I got) pole position. I felt good in the car, felt good with the track, and now focusing on (Sunday’s race).”
Mercedes has now dominated qualifying for three consecutive races, with Russell earning pole at the season opener in Australia. Russell currently tops the championship standings with 51 points after winning in Australia, while Antonelli sits just four points behind in second place with 47 points.
“It’s just trying to keep this momentum and keep on trying to improve and squeeze a bit of performance every time without overdoing it,” Antonelli said. “I think overall I’m getting a good feeling with the car.”
The son of Iran’s former shah delivered a stark warning to American conservatives on Saturday, arguing that any peace negotiations with Tehran’s current government would merely postpone security threats rather than eliminate them.
Speaking at the Conservative Political Action Conference in Grapevine, Texas, Reza Pahlavi received an enthusiastic welcome from Republican activists and lawmakers attending the annual political gathering. The exiled opposition leader earned a standing ovation upon taking the stage and drew repeated applause from both conservative attendees and Iranian Americans present.
Pahlavi referenced President Donald Trump’s recent statements about pursuing military action against Iran to avoid facing recurring security challenges from the nation every few years. The opposition figure cautioned that diplomatic engagement with Iran’s existing leadership would create precisely that scenario.
“The only thing that the remnants of this regime can be relied on to do is to buy time, to cheat and to steal. They will never be honest or true partners for peace,” Pahlavi declared.
“It will buy time, it will pretend to negotiate, and then it will return to its old jihadist ways of threatening America, its security and its interests,” he added.
The 65-year-old has positioned himself as the leading candidate to head a transitional government and has expressed willingness to return to his homeland immediately, ending nearly five decades of exile from Iran.
However, Iran’s opposition movement remains divided across competing groups and ideological differences. Trump has also voiced doubts about Pahlavi’s leadership potential, suggesting that an internal Iranian figure might prove more effective.
As global energy costs climb and approval ratings decline, Trump faces difficult decisions following a month of conflict with Iran: pursue a potentially unstable agreement and withdraw, or increase military pressure while risking an extended war.
Pahlavi worked to connect his movement with American security and economic interests. He generated loud cheers when he asked attendees to envision Iran transitioning from “Death to America” chants to “God bless America,” and promised that a liberated Iran would create significant economic opportunities for the United States.
Throughout his remarks, Iranian Americans in attendance repeatedly chanted “long live the king.”
Pahlavi, who previously urged widespread demonstrations across Iran in January, indicated that “when the right moment arrives” he would “call on them to rise up again” in an effort to “reclaim their homeland, their dignity and their future.”
The University of Maryland Eastern Shore Hawks baseball squad experienced a setback in their series against the Sharks, falling in the second matchup of the weekend.
While the Hawks were unable to secure a victory, the game marked a significant personal achievement for freshman player Champion Shipley, who collected his first hit as a collegiate athlete.
The loss puts the Hawks at a disadvantage in the series, though individual bright spots like Shipley’s milestone provide positive momentum for the young team moving forward.
NEWARK, Del. – The University of Delaware women’s lacrosse team delivered a dominant performance on Saturday, overwhelming Stetson University 16-6 at Delaware Stadium during their Senior Day celebration.
Leading the charge was Ella Rishko, who turned in her best offensive showing of the season with six goals. The Blue Hens controlled the game from the opening draw, never allowing the visiting Hatters to mount a serious challenge in the Atlantic Sun Conference matchup.
The commanding victory pushes Delaware’s winning streak to six consecutive games, bringing their overall record to 7-4 for the season. More impressively, the Blue Hens maintain their perfect 4-0 record in ASUN Conference competition.
Meanwhile, Stetson’s struggles continued as they dropped to 2-9 overall, though they still hold a respectable 2-1 mark in conference play despite Saturday’s setback.
The lopsided win showcased the depth and talent of the Delaware program, particularly fitting on a day dedicated to honoring their senior players. The Blue Hens’ offensive explosion and defensive control demonstrated why they’ve emerged as a force to be reckoned with in conference play this season.
A Wisconsin-based food manufacturer has pulled 144 cases of cream cheese spread from shelves after discovering the product contains almonds that weren’t properly listed on the packaging.
Schreiber Foods, Inc., headquartered in Green Bay, Wisconsin, announced the voluntary recall of their Honey Almond Cream Cheese Spread due to the labeling oversight. The company warns that individuals with almond allergies or sensitivities could experience severe, potentially life-threatening reactions if they eat the affected product.
The recall specifically involves undeclared tree nuts in the form of almonds, which pose a significant health hazard to those with related food allergies. Consumers who have purchased this product and have almond allergies are advised to avoid consumption and dispose of the item immediately.
Delaware State Police have taken into custody two New York residents, Dongjun Zou, 51, and Wulian Fan, 47, on felony theft charges stemming from an elaborate computer scam targeting a Seaford senior citizen.
The investigation began on the morning of March 25, 2026, when state troopers received a report from an 84-year-old man who suspected he had been victimized by fraudsters. The elderly man told investigators that several days earlier, a computer pop-up had frozen his system and displayed a phone number to call for technical support.
After dialing the number, the victim was manipulated into taking out substantial cash amounts from his bank account. The scammers then sent someone posing as a courier to collect the money directly from his home the next day.
During the police interview with the victim, the fraudsters called again attempting to set up collection of additional funds. This prompted detectives from both the Sussex County Financial Crimes Unit and the Special Investigations Unit to join the case.
Through their investigative work, law enforcement officers identified Zou and Fan as the primary suspects. Officers later pulled over Zou’s Nissan SUV and arrested both individuals, transporting them to Troop 4 for processing.
Zou faces multiple felony charges including knowingly acquiring proceeds from criminal activity, theft of $1,500 or more from a victim over 62, attempted theft of $1,500 or more from a victim over 62, and second-degree conspiracy. Justice of the Peace Court 3 arraigned him and set his release at an $18,000 unsecured bond.
Fan was charged with attempted theft of $1,500 or more from a victim over 62 and second-degree conspiracy, both felonies. The same court released her on a $5,000 unsecured bond following arraignment.
State police are warning residents to remain vigilant against these types of schemes. Authorities emphasize that if someone contacts you unexpectedly, demands immediate action, makes threats of arrest, or if anything feels suspicious, people should stop the interaction and verify information with a trusted source.
Police stress that legitimate companies and government offices never request payments through gift cards, digital currency, large cash sums, or gold bars, whether through text messages, mail to unfamiliar addresses, or couriers showing up at residences.
Anyone who believes they have fallen victim to fraud or scam operations can file reports with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov. Additional information about common fraud schemes is available on the FBI’s website.
BRAZZAVILLE, Republic of Congo (AP) — Congo’s highest court has officially validated the presidential election victory of 82-year-old Denis Sassou-N’Guesso on Saturday, securing his fifth term in office after capturing 94.90% of votes cast.
Constitutional Court President Auguste Iloki announced the final results during a hearing, stating: “The president Denis Sassou-N’Guesso is elected with 94.90% of the vote, representing an absolute majority.”
The official tally showed a slight increase from preliminary figures released March 17 by Interior Minister Raymond Zephirin Mboulou, which had given Sassou-N’Guesso 94.82% of ballots.
Seven candidates total competed for leadership of the Central African nation, which holds some of sub-Saharan Africa’s most substantial oil reserves.
Following last week’s preliminary announcement, two opposition candidates disputed the outcome. Challenger Uphrem Mafoula had petitioned the constitutional court to void the entire election, but judges dismissed his appeal on Saturday.
This victory continues a pattern across Africa where leaders in their 80s maintain their grip on power. Among African presidents, only Cameroon’s Paul Biya and Equatorial Guinea’s Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo have served longer than Sassou N’Guesso.
The Congolese Party of Labor candidate initially assumed power in 1979, governing until 1992 when he conducted the nation’s inaugural multi-party democratic vote. Following a brief civil conflict lasting four months in 1997, he regained control as head of armed forces.
During the recent campaign, a stark disparity emerged between Sassou N’Guesso and his rivals, as the sitting president was the sole candidate conducting nationwide campaign tours. Throughout Brazzaville, the capital, streets were lined with the incumbent’s campaign imagery.
Electoral participation was reduced when two significant opposition parties refused to participate, citing concerns over biased election procedures.
Presidential age restrictions and term limits were eliminated through a 2015 constitutional amendment, enabling N’Guesso’s continued candidacy.
The nation faces severe economic challenges, with foreign debt reaching 94.5% of gross domestic product according to World Bank data, while youth unemployment continues climbing. Poverty affects more than half of Congo’s 5.7 million citizens, and nearly half the population is younger than 18.
PORTLAND, Maine — A week-long work stoppage at Bath Iron Works came to an end Saturday after hundreds of employees voted to accept a new contract agreement with the major Navy shipbuilding facility.
The Bath Marine Draftsmen’s Association membership gave their approval to a four-year collective bargaining agreement that takes effect right away, according to the shipyard. The decision came after union members spent hours deliberating at a nearby high school.
The striking workers belong to the Bath Marine Draftsmen’s Association, which operates under the umbrella of the United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America (UAW), one of America’s most prominent labor organizations. At Bath Iron Works, these BMDA employees serve in roles including designers, nondestructive test technicians, technical clerks, laboratory technicians and associate engineers, according to union officials.
The shipyard operates under the motto “Bath built is best built.” The work stoppage occurred just weeks following a visit from U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who emphasized the importance of expanding defense manufacturing capabilities during what was described as a morale-boosting event. The strike also happened amid ongoing U.S. military operations in Iran.
As one of the Navy’s primary shipbuilding contractors, Bath Iron Works secured a multi-year agreement in 2023 to construct multiple Arleigh Burke-class destroyers. Naval officials consider the Arleigh Burke guided missile destroyer to be the “backbone of the Navy’s surface fleet.” Last year, the Navy used an option to include one more destroyer in the existing contract.
Iranian-backed Houthis in Yemen fired missiles toward Israel on Saturday, marking their first assault since the Iran conflict began five weeks ago, escalating fears that the regional war could spread even further across the Middle East.
Prior to the missile launch, Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicated the United States anticipated wrapping up military operations within weeks. However, the Houthis declared they would persist with their operations until what they called the “aggression” on all fronts ceased.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian held discussions with Pakistan’s prime minister, Shehbaz Sharif, whose administration is hosting a Sunday meeting with Turkish and Saudi foreign ministers aimed at reducing regional tensions.
Despite diplomatic efforts, no immediate breakthrough appeared likely in a conflict that has engulfed much of the Middle East, claiming thousands of lives and causing unprecedented disruption to worldwide energy supplies.
Israeli forces reported conducting strikes against more than 100 Iranian targets since Friday, targeting ballistic missile manufacturing and storage sites along with government infrastructure in Tehran.
Iranian state media confirmed casualties from the Israeli strikes, reporting nine deaths in the western city of Borujerd and five fatalities in northwestern Zanjan, describing both incidents as attacks on residential neighborhoods.
Israel also announced hitting over 170 targets in Lebanon, where fighting has resumed against Iran-backed Hezbollah forces. Lebanon’s Al Manar TV reported that three Lebanese journalists died when their media vehicle was struck, and a Lebanese soldier was also killed.
Iran continued its attacks on Israel and several Gulf nations after striking a Saudi Arabian air base Friday, injuring 12 U.S. military personnel, with two seriously wounded, in one of the most significant breaches of American air defenses to date.
Drone strikes damaged radar systems at Kuwait’s International Airport, while fires erupted near the Khalifa container port in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, after a missile was intercepted. In Israel, seven people required hospitalization when an Iranian missile struck the village of Eshtaol, close to Jerusalem.
Israel, which had regularly faced Houthi missile attacks before the war began, confirmed a missile was launched from Yemen. No casualties or damage were reported from this latest strike.
The Houthi involvement signals a potential new danger to global shipping, already severely impacted by the effective blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, which handles approximately one-fifth of worldwide oil and liquefied natural gas shipments.
The Houthis have demonstrated their capability to hit targets well beyond Yemen’s borders and disrupt shipping routes around the Arabian Peninsula and Red Sea, as they previously did while supporting Hamas during the Gaza conflict.
Should the Houthis establish a new battlefront, they could target the Bab al-Mandab Strait off Yemen’s coast, a critical passage for maritime traffic heading toward the Suez Canal.
With November midterm elections approaching, the increasingly unpopular conflict, which began with U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28, has become a political burden for President Donald Trump’s Republican Party. Trump appears anxious to conclude the war quickly while simultaneously threatening escalation.
Protesters gathered in cities across America on Saturday for the third wave of “No Kings” demonstrations, which organizers characterized as a call to action against the war.
Rubio stated Friday that military operations were expected to conclude in “weeks, not months” and repeated Trump’s appeals for European and Asian nations to help ensure safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz.
American allies have shown reluctance to become involved in a war that could intensify if Trump chooses to deploy ground forces to reopen the strait.
While Rubio said the U.S. could accomplish its objectives without ground troops, he acknowledged deploying some forces to the region “to give the president maximum optionality and maximum opportunity to adjust the contingencies, should they emerge.”
Washington has sent two groups of thousands of Marines to the region, with the first arriving Friday aboard a massive amphibious assault vessel, according to a U.S. military social media post Saturday. The Pentagon also plans to deploy thousands of elite airborne troops.
Financial markets have responded with concern over signs the war may continue longer than expected.
Brent crude oil prices have surged more than 50% since the conflict began, and in the United States, where Trump faces political vulnerability from rising fuel costs, California diesel reached a record average high, according to the American Automobile Association.
Trump has threatened to strike Iranian power plants and other energy infrastructure if Iran refuses to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. However, he has extended his original deadline for this week, giving Iran an additional 10 days to respond.
Israeli forces have targeted Iran’s nuclear facilities, prompting the head of Russia’s state nuclear corporation Rosatom to warn that the attacks threaten nuclear safety. Rosatom has evacuated personnel from the Bushehr nuclear power plant on the Gulf coast.
Pezeshkian warned that Iran would “retaliate strongly if our infrastructure or economic centers are targeted.”
“To the countries of the region: If you want development and security, don’t let our enemies run the war from your lands,” he stated.
Pakistan, Egypt and Turkey have served as intermediaries between the opposing sides, though Tehran has denied engaging in negotiations with Washington. Two sources familiar with the behind-the-scenes efforts expressed skepticism that direct talks would occur soon.
Delaware-based pharmaceutical company Incyte Corporation announced Saturday that its investigational medication povorcitinib delivered sustained improvement for patients suffering from a debilitating chronic skin condition in two advanced clinical studies.
The experimental treatment was evaluated in individuals diagnosed with moderate to severe hidradenitis suppurativa, a persistent skin disorder characterized by painful bumps, infected pockets, and permanent scarring that typically develops in body areas where skin contacts skin, such as underarms and the groin region.
Fresh clinical data presented at a recent medical conference revealed that following 54 weeks of therapy, as many as 71.4% of study participants receiving the medication experienced at least a 50% decrease in infected pockets and inflamed skin bumps during the research trials.
The research findings additionally demonstrated that as many as 57% of participants achieved significant symptom improvement, while up to 29% experienced total elimination of primary skin lesions.
Povorcitinib functions as a daily oral medication that operates by inhibiting JAK1, a specific protein that contributes to the inflammatory processes responsible for creating painful infected pockets and skin nodules.
Current therapeutic alternatives for this medical condition remain restricted and primarily consist of injection-based medications.
Presently, three FDA-authorized therapies exist for treating this disorder: AbbVie’s Humira, Novartis’ Cosentyx, and UCB’s Bimzelx.
According to Incyte, the most commonly reported adverse reactions included acne breakouts, throat and nasal inflammation, and upper respiratory system infections.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration reports that hidradenitis suppurativa impacts approximately 1% to 4% of the American population, with disproportionately higher rates affecting individuals from racial and ethnic minority communities.
Incyte stated that regulatory submissions requesting povorcitinib approval are presently being evaluated by both the FDA and the European Medicines Agency.
