President Donald Trump has requested that roughly seven nations deploy naval vessels to ensure the Strait of Hormuz remains accessible for shipping, while Iranian attacks persist against Gulf region nations during the early hours of Monday.
Operations at Dubai International Airport, which handles more air traffic than any other facility globally, were temporarily halted following a drone attack on a fuel storage tank that ignited a blaze. Officials reported the fire was rapidly extinguished with no casualties.
Iran has alleged that the United States is utilizing “ports, docks and hideouts” within the United Arab Emirates to conduct attacks on Kharg Island, the location of Iran’s primary oil export facility, though no evidence was presented for these claims as petroleum prices climbed.
The President indicated the U.S. is in discussions with nations that depend heavily on Middle Eastern petroleum to form an alliance that would patrol the shipping channel through which approximately 20% of global oil trade typically passes, though he refused to identify these countries.
Simultaneously, Israeli military actions have worsened Lebanon’s humanitarian situation, resulting in more than 850 fatalities and displacing over 850,000 individuals.
The UAE’s Defense Ministry reported that military forces were actively countering Iranian missiles and unmanned aircraft Monday morning.
Trump indicated he might postpone his highly anticipated China visit scheduled for month’s end as he intensifies efforts to pressure Beijing into assisting with reopening the Strait of Hormuz and stabilizing oil markets.
During a Sunday interview with the Financial Times, Trump noted that China’s dependence on Middle Eastern oil should motivate its participation in his proposed coalition aimed at restoring oil tanker movement through the strait following Iranian threats that have disrupted global petroleum flows.
“We’d like to know” before the trip whether Beijing will help, Trump stated.
“We may delay,” Trump said in the interview.
These remarks from Trump occurred while U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent conducted meetings with Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng in Paris on Monday for renewed trade discussions intended to prepare for Trump’s planned Beijing visit.
Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Ministry announced in an early Monday statement that Mohammed bin Salman and Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan held a telephone conversation regarding current regional developments.
Both leaders characterized the ongoing “Iranian attacks against Gulf Cooperation Council countries” as “a dangerous escalation that threatens regional security and stability,” while affirming that GCC nations will maintain defensive efforts for their territories.
UAE officials have blocked the primary roadway and tunnel accessing Dubai International Airport.
Dubai Police advised motorists to utilize alternate routes.
Officials previously confirmed a drone struck an airport fuel tank, creating a fire without causing injuries.
Saudi Arabia’s Defense Ministry announced early Monday that forces successfully intercepted an additional wave of 35 drones over the kingdom’s eastern territory, a sparsely populated area near Iran containing significant oil facilities.
This increases the total drone interceptions to no fewer than 60 within recent hours.
The ministry has not yet disclosed information about casualties or property damage.
Australia’s government stated it will not dispatch a warship to the Middle East for maintaining Strait of Hormuz shipping access.
Following Trump’s announcement that he requested approximately seven countries to send warships for keeping the strait operational amid continued Iranian strikes on Gulf nations, Australia’s Transport Minister Catherine King informed Australian Broadcasting Corp. on Monday that she was unaware of Australia receiving such a request.
“We won’t be sending a ship to the Strait of Hormuz. We know how incredibly important that is, but that’s not something that we’ve been asked or that we’re contributing to,” King said.
Australia announced last week it would supply the UAE with an air force surveillance aircraft and air-to-air missiles for defense against Iranian attacks.
However, a government statement clarified Australia was “not taking offensive action against Iran.”
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump is considering postponing his planned visit to China at month’s end while pushing Beijing to assist with reopening the Strait of Hormuz amid rising oil costs during the ongoing Iran conflict.
During a Sunday Financial Times interview, Trump pointed to China’s dependence on Middle Eastern oil as reason for their involvement in his proposed coalition aimed at restoring oil tanker passage through the strait following Iranian threats that have disrupted global petroleum flows. Trump indicated he wants to know Beijing’s position before traveling. “We may delay,” Trump stated during the interview.
This development highlights how significantly the recent U.S.-Israeli military actions against Iran have altered international relations over the past two weeks. Canceling the planned meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping could trigger substantial economic repercussions, given the already strained Washington-Beijing relationship marked by mutual tariff threats throughout the past year.
The White House has not yet provided comment on the matter.
Trump’s remarks coincided with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent’s Monday meeting in Paris with Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng for trade discussions designed to prepare for Trump’s Beijing visit. While both nations have maintained a truce preventing reciprocal tariff implementation, significant risks remain.
Initially, Trump had announced U.S. naval vessels would provide tanker escorts through the strait while minimizing Iran’s threat level. However, escalating oil prices have prompted his administration to explore alternative approaches, including this weekend’s proposal for international military cooperation. No countries have officially committed to participation yet.
Speaking to reporters on Air Force One during his return from Florida, Trump revealed discussions with “about seven” nations regarding military assistance. He declined to identify these countries and avoided direct questions about China, though later implied extending such an invitation to Beijing.
“China’s an interesting case study,” he observed, referencing their Gulf oil dependency. “So I said, ‘Would you like to come in’ and we’ll find out. Maybe they will, maybe they won’t.”
The Iranian conflict has driven oil prices sharply higher, increasing costs for American consumers as midterm elections approach. China faces its own economic challenges, recently reducing its 2026 growth projection to 4.5-5%, marking the slowest anticipated expansion since 1991. Extended strait disruptions could significantly impact Beijing’s long-term economic outlook.
Prior to Trump’s trip postponement suggestion, a Chinese Embassy spokesperson in Washington remained noncommittal regarding Trump’s request for international strait assistance.
“The Strait of Hormuz and waters nearby are an important route for international goods and energy trade. Keeping the region safe and stable serves the common interests of the international community,” the spokesperson stated. “All parties have the responsibility to ensure stable and unimpeded energy supply.”
The spokesperson continued: “As a sincere friend and strategic partner of Middle Eastern countries, China will continue to strengthen communication with relevant parties, including parties to the conflict, and play a constructive role for de-escalation and restoration of peace.”
A Colorado woman who assisted in one of the nation’s most disturbing funeral home scandals will learn her fate Monday as she faces potential decades behind bars for defrauding grieving families.
Carie Hallford, 48, could receive up to 20 years in federal prison after admitting to stealing more than $130,000 from families while operating a fraudulent funeral business. In many instances, bereaved relatives received urns containing concrete powder rather than their loved ones’ ashes. Investigators also discovered that incorrect bodies were buried in two separate cases.
The shocking scheme unraveled when authorities discovered nearly 200 rotting corpses at the Return to Nature funeral home in Colorado Springs in 2023. Bodies were stacked so densely they blocked doorways, with insects and maggots present throughout the facility. Containers had been positioned to collect bodily fluids leaking from the remains.
In August, Hallford entered a guilty plea to conspiracy to commit wire fraud, acknowledging that she and former husband Jon Hallford not only deceived customers but also illegally obtained almost $900,000 in federal pandemic relief funds.
Hallford’s defense attorney, Robert Charles Melihercik, argues his client was a victim of domestic abuse who acted out of “fear and severe anxiety.” According to court filings, Carie Hallford filed for divorce in November 2024 after being jailed, which freed her from her ex-husband’s constant communication and allowed the “fog in her mind from the years of abuse” to clear.
The defense claims Jon Hallford employed “classic instruments of domestic violence” to maintain control, including threats of suicide and murder. Melihercik contends these tactics motivated his client’s participation in the scheme.
However, federal prosecutors are pushing for a 15-year sentence, arguing that Hallford exploited families during their most vulnerable moments. While sentencing guidelines suggest up to eight years due to her clean criminal record, government lawyers want harsher punishment given the severity of the crimes.
The former couple had marketed “green burials” without embalming but instead used the pandemic loan money for luxury purchases including vehicles, cryptocurrency, high-end items from Gucci and Tiffany & Co., and cosmetic procedures.
Victims of the scheme have endured lasting psychological trauma, experiencing guilt, shame, nightmares, and panic attacks since learning the truth about their loved ones’ treatment.
Emma Williams, whose family used the funeral home for her father’s services in 2022, rejects the abuse defense. “She continued to stay with the business and take advantage of us out her own greed,” Williams stated.
Crystina Page, whose son’s remains were abandoned at the facility after his 2019 death, believes Hallford spent four years “feeding the monster” by continuing to accept new clients. “She is just as guilty as he is, except that he couldn’t have done it without her bringing him the bodies,” Page said.
Defense documents claim much of the extravagant spending resulted from “love-bombing” as Jon Hallford tried to make amends. While Carie Hallford reportedly urged purchasing cremation equipment with the loan funds, she was allegedly too frightened to insist on it.
“Although she will be behind bars for the next decade or more, she finally feels free,” Melihercik wrote, adding that a reduced sentence would enable Hallford to eventually work and compensate victims.
Hallford also faces 25 to 35 years when sentenced on state charges next month. Both she and her ex-husband pleaded guilty in December to nearly 200 counts of corpse abuse in state court, with plea agreements allowing concurrent federal and state sentences.
Jon Hallford received 20 years federally and 40 years in state court. During his state sentencing, he expressed remorse, saying: “I had so many chances to put a stop to everything and walk away, but I did not. My mistakes will echo for a generation. Everything I did was wrong.”
PARK CITY, Utah — Final arguments are scheduled for Monday in the murder trial of a Utah woman who authored a children’s book about coping with loss following her husband’s death, only to later face charges for allegedly killing him.
The trial, originally planned to span five weeks, concluded unexpectedly last week when Kouri Richins chose not to take the stand and her defense team suddenly ended their case without presenting any witnesses. Her lawyers expressed confidence that the prosecution failed to present sufficient evidence during three weeks of testimony to secure a murder conviction.
According to prosecutors, 35-year-old Richins mixed five times the deadly amount of fentanyl into a drink she prepared for her husband Eric Richins, leading to his death in March 2022 at their residence near the upscale ski community of Park City.
Additional charges include fraudulent insurance claims following her husband’s death, an alleged earlier murder attempt on Valentine’s Day using a fentanyl-laced sandwich that caused him to lose consciousness, and several other felony counts, court records show. Richins has entered not guilty pleas to every charge.
The primary charge of aggravated murder could result in a prison sentence ranging from 25 years to life.
The prosecution plans to emphasize their theory that Richins murdered her husband for financial gain while planning a life with her alleged lover.
Defense lawyers are anticipated to contend that the state’s case contains significant gaps and relies heavily on conjecture.
Prosecutors revealed that Richins, who worked in real estate focusing on property renovation, owed $4.5 million and incorrectly assumed she would inherit her husband’s estate valued at over $4 million upon his death. Without his awareness, she had secured multiple life insurance policies on her husband totaling approximately $2 million in benefits, according to prosecutors.
The jury viewed text exchanges between Richins and Robert Josh Grossman, the man she allegedly had an affair with, where she discussed dreams of leaving her marriage, obtaining millions through divorce, and eventually marrying Grossman.
A computer forensics expert presented internet searches from Richins’ device, including queries for “what is a lethal.dose.of.fetanayl” [sic], “luxury prisons for the rich America,” and “if someone is poisned” [sic] what does it go down on the death certificate as.”
Before her arrest in May 2023, Richins independently published a children’s book about loss designed to help her sons understand their father’s passing. Her promotion of “Are You with Me?” on regional television and radio programs has been cited by prosecutors as evidence of premeditation and an attempted cover-up.
Summit County Sheriff’s detective Jeff O’Driscoll, who led the investigation, testified that Richins hired a professional writing service to create the book.
O’Driscoll revealed that authorities received an unmarked package following Richins’ arrest containing the book and an accompanying message: “There are two sides to every story. This is a true Kouri, a devoted wife and adoring mother. Thought you should know.”
Amazon records later revealed that Richins’ mother had sent the package.
The defense team worked to undermine the credibility of the prosecution’s primary witness, Carmen Lauber, the family’s housekeeper who testified about selling fentanyl to Richins multiple times.
Defense attorney Wendy Lewis argued that Lauber never dealt fentanyl and was incentivized to provide false testimony for legal benefits. The defense highlighted that Lauber initially denied selling the synthetic opioid but changed her story after investigators revealed Eric Richins died from a fentanyl overdose.
At the time of her arrest in this case, Lauber was participating in drug court as an alternative to jail time for separate charges and had violated certain program requirements.
The defense presented footage of law enforcement telling Lauber they could revoke her drug court arrangement and that she might receive an extended prison term.
“Give us the details that will ensure Kouri gets convicted of murder,” a voice in the recording stated.
Lauber received immunity in exchange for her cooperation and testified that she felt compelled to “step up and take accountability of my part in this.”
Prosecutors presented portions of a document discovered in Richins’ jail cell that they claim contains instructions for testimony from her mother and brother. The six-page document directs her brother to inform her previous lawyer that Eric Richins had told him about obtaining fentanyl from Mexico and “gets high every night.”
Defense attorneys maintained the document was part of a fictional story Richins was developing. They have claimed that Eric Richins struggled with painkiller addiction and requested his wife to obtain opioids for him.
Nevertheless, body camera evidence shown in court revealed that Richins told officers on the evening of her husband’s death that he had no background with illegal drug use.
Delaware Department of Transportation officials have implemented temporary speed reductions along Interstate 495 as rainfall creates potentially hazardous driving conditions throughout the area.
The speed limit has been lowered to 55 miles per hour on the major highway as a safety precaution while wet weather persists. Transportation authorities routinely adjust speed limits during adverse weather events to help prevent accidents and protect motorists.
Drivers traveling on I-495 should expect the reduced speed limits to remain in effect until weather conditions improve and roadways are deemed safe for normal traffic speeds.
DelDOT encourages all motorists to exercise extra caution when driving in wet conditions, maintain safe following distances, and adjust their speed according to road conditions regardless of posted limits.
The current conflict in Iran serves as a stark warning about the dangers of fossil fuel dependency, according to the United Nations’ top climate official who addressed European Union leaders on Monday.
Simon Stiell, who heads the UN’s climate change division UNFCCC, spoke to EU officials and government ministers in Brussels about how the Middle Eastern crisis has sent shockwaves through global energy markets. European gas prices have climbed 50% since the two-week conflict began, despite Europe being thousands of miles from the fighting.
“Fossil fuel dependency is ripping away national security and sovereignty, and replacing it with subservience and rising costs,” Stiell told the gathering of European leaders.
The UN official pointed out that Europe faces particular vulnerability in this area. “Europe is more reliant on fossil fuel imports than almost any other major economy,” he stated, warning that this dependence leaves consumers “at the mercy of geopolitical shocks and price volatility.”
The numbers support his concerns. The European Union purchases more than 90% of its oil from other countries and imports 80% of its natural gas supply.
European leaders are now scrambling to develop emergency plans to protect consumers from the latest energy price surge. They hope to prevent a repeat of the 2022 energy emergency, when Russia dramatically reduced gas shipments to Europe, causing prices to reach unprecedented levels.
The European Commission believes its long-term climate strategy offers a solution. By transitioning from fossil fuels to domestically produced renewable and nuclear energy, officials say member countries can achieve energy independence while avoiding unpredictable fuel costs.
However, some European governments, including Italy and Hungary, are pushing Brussels to scale back climate policies to provide immediate financial relief for businesses and industries.
Stiell strongly opposed this approach, calling such moves “completely delusional.” He argued that embracing renewable energy sources like wind and solar power would deliver lower energy costs, create employment in emerging clean-technology sectors, and guarantee reliable energy supplies.
“Meek dependence on fossil fuel imports will leave Europe forever lurching from crisis to crisis,” the UN climate secretary warned. “Renewables turn the tables. Sunlight doesn’t depend on narrow and vulnerable shipping straits.”
Myanmar’s legislative body held its first meeting Monday since military forces overthrew the civilian government five years ago, marking another step in what critics call a superficial transition back to democratic governance while the armed forces maintain firm authority.
The parliamentary session follows recent elections where the military-supported Union Solidarity and Development Party secured overwhelming victories amid sparse voter participation and an absence of meaningful opposition candidates.
Retired brigadier-general Khin Yi, who chairs the USDP, secured the position of lower house speaker during Monday’s proceedings. Political observers had anticipated his selection for this key role, which analysts view as crucial for military leadership to pursue their political objectives.
The Southeast Asian nation has endured ongoing civil conflict and a widespread humanitarian emergency impacting millions of citizens since military commanders executed their 2021 takeover against Nobel Prize winner Aung San Suu Kyi’s administration, which had been preparing to begin its second term after winning decisive electoral support.
International governments across the West have condemned the recent voting process as fraudulent theater intended to solidify military authority and provide legitimacy to generals who have faced isolation, economic penalties, and exclusion from major global gatherings for half a decade.
The military-established USDP, founded in 2010, captured 81% of contested legislative positions and will share the two-chamber parliament with numerous military personnel directly chosen by the armed forces, which constitutional provisions guarantee one-fourth of all legislative positions.
This substantial military presence combined with their sway over the USDP essentially places the legislature under armed forces direction, providing military leadership the authority to select the president, with junta leader and coup architect Min Aung Hlaing anticipated to claim the position.
“This level of control makes it clear that one can expect nothing substantial from this body; it is evidently a parliament that will operate solely at the whim of the military leader,” said Htin Kyaw Aye, an independent analyst.
“It is merely a manoeuvre by the military leadership to shift power from their left hand to their right hand,” he said.
Additionally, military leadership plans to create a five-person committee called the Union Consultative Council, which experts have labeled a “superbody” designed to allow Min Aung Hlaing to preserve his authority over both military and civilian governance structures.
Military leadership has rejected international criticism of their electoral process, claiming it accurately represented citizen preferences. They have announced plans to establish a new government in April while predicting reduced sanctions and improved international relations and foreign business investment.
Monday’s state-controlled Global New Light of Myanmar published commentary regarding parliament’s formation, stating the nation hopes for optimal political circumstances prioritizing national interests.
“In carrying out political activities, they must act courageously for the good of the nation, free from personal bias, party bias, and feelings of favouritism or hostility,” it said.
Transportation company inDrive announced strong financial performance for the past year, with CEO and founder Arsen Tomsky reporting net revenue climbed nearly one-third as the company improved its profit margins per trip following years of aggressive growth.
The privately-owned company, based in the United States, is now pursuing expansion into delivery services across developing nations through strategic purchases, having already acquired online grocery delivery platforms in Pakistan and Kazakhstan over the past two years, Tomsky explained during a Friday interview.
“Gradually, through these purchases, we are entering this new sphere,” he said.
The platform distinguishes itself from competitors like Uber and Grab by enabling passengers and drivers to bargain over trip prices, attracting budget-minded customers in emerging economies.
Annual revenue climbed 31% to reach $601.6 million in 2025 versus the previous year, according to Tomsky.
“Our primary region is Latin America. Slightly more than half of our entire business is located there,” he said.
“We are a better fit for people who want to keep everything under control. People for whom it is very important to save money, who value every cent. And for this reason, we started in developing countries.”
The company operates one of its major employee centers in Kazakhstan, where Tomsky – a Russia-born executive who gave up his Russian citizenship in 2024 – has obtained Kazakh citizenship.
Since launching in 2013, inDrive reports its transportation app has been downloaded over 400 million times globally.
A star-studded psychological thriller featuring Elisabeth Moss, Kerry Washington and Kate Mara is launching on Apple TV under the title “Imperfect Women,” while fresh musical releases from both BTS and Luke Combs highlight this week’s new entertainment arrivals across streaming platforms.
Additional noteworthy content hitting your screens includes a brand new “Peaky Blinders” film titled “The Immortal Man,” the season’s most anticipated video game release called Crimson Desert, and Bradley Cooper’s latest directorial effort “Is This Thing On?” featuring Will Arnett and Laura Dern.
Cillian Murphy returns as Tommy Shelby in “The Immortal Man,” the latest “Peaky Blinders” installment arriving on Netflix Friday, March 20. Series originator Steven Knight penned the screenplay while Tom Harper took the director’s chair, with Rebecca Ferguson and Barry Keoghan joining the cast. All six previous seasons remain available on Netflix for viewers wanting to revisit or catch up on the series.
Bradley Cooper takes on directing duties for “Is This Thing On?,” his third directorial project starring Will Arnett and Laura Dern in a story about a divorcing man who discovers stand-up comedy. The film draws inspiration from Manchester comedian Joseph Bishop’s real experiences. Associated Press reviewer Jocelyn Noveck described it as “a deeply felt film about one teetering marriage, and a work whose power sneaks up on you slowly.” The movie debuts on Hulu Friday, March 20.
“Wicked: For Good,” the dramatic finale of Jon M. Chu’s two-part adaptation, arrives on Peacock Friday, March 20. The cast returns with Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Michelle Yeoh, Jonathan Bailey, Jeff Goldblum and others for this darker second installment, which received less favorable reviews than its predecessor and garnered no Oscar nominations. AP Film Writer Jake Coyle noted in his review that “‘Wicked: For Good,’ rather than conjuring Oz anew, always feels like it’s jumping from one set piece to another. Maybe this is a silly gripe for a fantasyland. (‘I don’t have any idea where the offices of the Lollipop Guild are!’) But I rarely found myself lifted into a movie world, but rather sat watching it — sometimes with admiration, rarely with delight — from the mezzanine. The rub of going for maximum effect all the time is that the actors never have a chance to simply be.”
The highly awaited return of BTS happens Friday, March 20, with “ARIRANG” marking their first complete album since all seven members—RM, Jin, Jimin, V, Suga, Jung Kook and j-hope—finished South Korea’s required military service. Their devoted fanbase, known as ARMY, has reached peak excitement levels. Adding to the celebration, supporters can watch their live comeback show on Netflix Saturday, called “BTS THE COMEBACK LIVE ‘ARIRANG,’” broadcasting from Seoul’s Gwanghwamun Square.
Luke Combs faces the challenge of matching his own massive success, having achieved pop crossover status largely through his widely popular version of Tracy Chapman’s “Fast Car.” His answer comes in the form of a new album, “The Way I Am,” releasing Friday. The tracks “Be By You” and “Sleepless in a Hotel Room” have already become country radio favorites, positioning the album to become one of the year’s major country releases.
“Imperfect Women” brings together Elisabeth Moss, Kerry Washington and Kate Mara in an Apple TV psychological thriller about three close friends whose relationship crumbles following a criminal incident. Moss and Washington serve as executive producers for this series adapted from Araminta Hall’s novel. The supporting cast features Joel Kinnaman, Corey Stoll, Leslie Odom Jr., Sheryl Lee Ralph and Ana Ortiz. The eight-episode series launches Wednesday with its first two episodes.
“The Lady” debuts Wednesday on Britbox as a limited series dramatizing Jane Andrews’ true story—a former dresser for the Duchess of York who was imprisoned for killing her boyfriend. This four-part production stars Mia McKenna-Bruce as Andrews and Natalie Dormer as Sarah Ferguson.
Following the success of the awkward yet brilliant comedy “Jury Duty” in 2023, many questioned whether a second season could work. The original followed Ronald, who believed he was serving on an actual jury for a real case being filmed by documentarians, unaware that everyone except him were actors. Season two introduces Anthony, a temporary worker at a family hot sauce company who doesn’t realize his coworkers are performers and every situation is scripted during a company retreat. “Jury Duty Presents: Company Retreat” premieres Wednesday on Prime Video.
The beloved Hallmark series “When Calls the Heart” gets a prequel called “Hope Valley: 1874” exclusively for Hallmark+. Bethany Joy Lenz portrays Rebecca Clarke, a Chicago woman who travels with her daughter to start fresh in the Canadian frontier. When their wagon fails, she must rely on assistance from an unmarried local rancher. Jill Hennessy co-stars in this series premiering Saturday, March 21 on Hallmark+.
Lisa Kudrow reprises her role as struggling actress Valerie Cherish in HBO’s “The Comeback” for a third and final season. Each of the show’s three seasons has been separated by roughly a decade, chronicling a woman’s efforts to remain relevant in Hollywood’s constantly evolving entertainment industry. The new episodes find Cherish starring in an AI-written television series. This dark comedy begins streaming Sunday, March 22 on HBO Max.
Crimson Desert represents spring’s most talked-about gaming release, an expansive role-playing adventure from South Korean developer Pearl Abyss. Players follow Kliff, a warrior in the medieval-inspired realm of Pywel who embarks on a revenge quest after he and his allies are attacked. Expect battles against typical fantasy enemies including witches, demons, ogres and dragons, with promotional footage even showing a flying mechanical unit. The game launches Thursday for PlayStation 5, Xbox X/S and PC.
Baseball enthusiasts received an early season bonus with this year’s World Baseball Classic, making it fitting that Team USA captain Aaron Judge graces the cover of MLB The Show 26. This year’s version allows players to recreate the WBC alongside unlimited Major League seasons, whether controlling an entire organization or developing a single player from minor leagues to the Hall of Fame. New additions include “Bear Down Pitching” and “Big Zone Hitting” for crucial moments, plus the ability to dispute ball and strike calls. The game releases Monday for PlayStation 5, Xbox X/S and Switch.
France is significantly expanding its naval operations in the Middle East, sending an aircraft carrier along with additional warships to the region as President Emmanuel Macron conducts diplomatic outreach with regional powers, including Iran, to secure France’s role in upcoming peace discussions.
The French president emphasized that his nation’s military deployment serves purely “defensive” purposes and is designed to prevent France from becoming directly involved in the conflict.
Following the death of a French service member in a Thursday drone strike in Iraq, Macron reinforced this stance.
“We are not at war with anyone,” Macron declared.
However, France’s extensive naval deployment — which Macron characterized as “unprecedented” — has established the country as Europe’s most visible military presence in the region.
During a recent visit to the Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier, Macron stated that its Mediterranean positioning showcases “France’s strength: a balancing power, a force for peace.”
The French military deployment encompasses eight warships, two helicopter carriers, and the nuclear-powered Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier equipped with 20 Rafale fighter aircraft in the eastern Mediterranean and broader Middle East region.
The French vessel Languedoc has positioned itself near Cyprus, a European Union partner nation, to strengthen drone and missile defense capabilities. France and Cyprus established a new strategic alliance in December. Additionally, Macron confirmed that two French frigates have been sent to the Red Sea to support maritime security and protect shipping lanes.
According to Macron, the naval deployment enables France “to respond to emergency situations” and conduct evacuations of French citizens when needed.
France maintains the largest European civilian population in the Middle East with over 400,000 nationals — including more than half residing in Israel and approximately 60,000 in the United Arab Emirates.
Several European nations, including Spain, Italy, the Netherlands, and Greece, have also positioned frigates in the area.
France’s rapid naval response stands in contrast to the United Kingdom’s delayed deployment of the HMS Dragon destroyer, which departed Portsmouth, England, on March 10.
British opposition leaders have criticized Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s administration for responding too slowly to protect British installations in Cyprus and regional allies. The U.K. has also deployed Typhoon and F-35 aircraft, helicopters, and air defense equipment to help intercept Iranian missiles and drones.
France maintains crucial defense partnerships with multiple regional nations, including Qatar, Kuwait, and the UAE, where it operates a permanent military installation in Abu Dhabi. French military forces, including air and naval units, have increased their Rafale fighter presence at the base from six to 12 aircraft.
French officials confirmed that Rafale aircraft have intercepted drones targeting the UAE since the conflict began.
“We stand by the side of our allies and our friends,” Macron stated during his Charles de Gaulle visit. “There have been some interceptions that have continued in recent days.”
“We do so within the framework of our partnerships,” he added, declining to provide additional specifics.
French military personnel are also stationed in Jordan and Iraq.
A French soldier was killed Thursday with several others wounded in a drone attack near Irbil in northern Iraq. The troops were conducting training operations with Iraqi forces as part of an international counterterrorism mission.
Former President François Hollande, who served from 2012 to 2017, acknowledged the importance of France demonstrating its ability to safeguard its citizens and support allies, while cautioning about potential dangers.
“We must be careful — it’s always a risky operation — to make sure our warships are not targeted,” Hollande warned. “Because if they are attacked, we have to fire back.”
Macron is spearheading diplomatic initiatives to end the Lebanese conflict, where more than 850 people have died and hundreds of thousands have been displaced as Hezbollah militants engage in renewed combat with Israel. Macron has called on Hezbollah to cease hostilities and urged Israel to abandon plans for a ground invasion.
France backs the Lebanese military as officials have committed to “take control” of Hezbollah-held territories and assume complete security responsibilities, Macron explained. Hezbollah’s weapons stockpile includes explosive drones similar to those employed by Iran.
France has historically served as Lebanon’s primary international supporter, given Lebanon’s past as a French protectorate, and contributes 800 personnel to the U.N. peacekeeping mission there. The French government has supplied the country with armored vehicles and operational military assistance.
French authorities reported sending 60 tons of emergency supplies to Lebanon last week via humanitarian aircraft to Beirut. The shipment contained medical supplies, equipment, a portable health facility, shelter materials, essential items, and baby formula.
Macron became the first Western leader to communicate with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian since the conflict started.
He reported urging Iran to stop attacking regional countries. Since their March 8 telephone conversation, this request has received no response.
Macron emphasized that “a diplomatic solution” is essential to halt the escalation and noted that he and Pezeshkian agreed to maintain communication.
Macron has also held discussions with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. President Donald Trump, though no signs of reduced tensions have emerged.
France anticipates that diplomatic initiatives may succeed once the conflict’s most intense period ends, which could require weeks or months.
Macron is also advocating for an international initiative to protect the Strait of Hormuz, a vital energy passage, ensuring oil, gas, and goods can move freely again “when circumstances permit.” He has proposed that nations could deploy warships to escort tankers and cargo vessels once fighting diminishes.
Political expert Bertrand Badie, an international relations professor at Sciences Po Paris, noted that Macron has consistently worked to strengthen France’s global influence.
With declining domestic approval ratings and approximately one year remaining in his presidency, Macron may benefit more than other European leaders from pursuing diplomatic solutions, Badie observed.
“At this point, we are forced to scale back our expectations — drastically,” he stated. “From a diplomatic standpoint, what leverage does France really have?”
“My assessment is that this crisis cannot be resolved by French remedies,” Badie concluded. “There is no point in having any illusions.”
Daily cross-border commerce worth more than $4 billion flows between the United States and its North American neighbors — from auto components traveling to Mexican manufacturing plants to Canadian aluminum processed into soup cans and Mexican avocados shipped to California grocery stores.
This extensive duty-free trade operates under the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), a deal President Donald Trump secured with neighboring countries during his initial presidency.
However, uncertainty surrounds the USMCA’s future, which became effective on July 1, 2020, as the three nations embark on what may prove to be challenging renewal discussions this year. American officials are seeking modifications to the agreement, with the chief U.S. trade representative telling Politico in December that Trump would consider withdrawing from the arrangement if his demands aren’t met. Trump also floated the possibility last autumn of pursuing individual agreements with Canada and Mexico, potentially dismantling the North American trading partnership that earlier administrations viewed as essential for economic competition against China and the European Union.
Discussions commence Monday between American and Mexican trade representatives.
The North American partners could choose to extend the USMCA unchanged for an additional 16 years — though this outcome seems doubtful. Alternatively, they could continue working toward improvements; the complex renewal framework gives them until 2036 to reach consensus or face expiration.
Meanwhile, any participating nation may exit the agreement with six months’ advance notification — an option that Canada and Mexico, both heavily reliant on American trade, worry the unpredictable Trump might ultimately select.
The negotiations involve $1.6 trillion in yearly merchandise trade between America and its USMCA allies. Mexico and Canada significantly outpace China in both shipments to and purchases from the United States. American agricultural producers particularly want the agreement renewed: they exported almost $31 billion in farm products to Mexico and $28 billion to Canada last year.
Canadian and Mexican imports largely avoided Trump’s 2025 tariff increases; numerous USMCA-compliant products continued entering America without duties. However, certain items didn’t receive protection from U.S. levies, including medium and heavy trucks facing 25% tariffs. A 50% tariff on steel, aluminum and copper stays active, along with a 17% levy on Mexican tomatoes.
The USMCA superseded the 1994 North American Free Trade Agreement that President George H.W. Bush negotiated and President Bill Clinton enacted.
Trump and other opponents had denounced NAFTA as destructive to American employment because it incentivized U.S. businesses to move operations south of the border for cheaper Mexican wages while shipping products back to America tariff-free.
The USMCA, approved by Congress with unusual bipartisan backing, closely resembled NAFTA. However, it included measures intended to promote higher regional wages and ensure greater North American content in manufactured goods.
The updated agreement modernized North American commerce regulations for the internet era. The USMCA prohibits the United States, Mexico and Canada from imposing import duties on electronically distributed music, software, games and similar products.
Trump proudly called the USMCA “the fairest, most balanced and beneficial trade agreement we have ever signed.”
Yet the president’s support appears diminished. In January, he showed minimal interest in the approaching renewal discussions. The process, he stated, offered “no real advantage to us. It’s irrelevant to me.”
The USMCA failed to address one of Trump’s primary concerns: America’s goods trade deficit with Mexico, which reached a record $197 billion last year as the United States decreased Chinese import dependence. The U.S. also maintained a merchandise trade deficit with Canada of $46.4 billion last year, down from 2024.
“Improvements are required for it to deliver the high-wage U.S. manufacturing powerhouse and balanced trade (Trump) promised and we need,” said Lori Wallach, director of the Rethink Trade program at the American Economic Liberties Project.
America plans to advocate for several modifications, including enhanced provisions to prevent Chinese goods from entering the United States through USMCA channels; to promote increased domestic production; and to secure greater access to Canada’s restricted dairy market for U.S. farmers.
Mexico’s primary objectives include preventing major agreement revisions and creating more flexible origin requirements — permitting component imports from beyond North America when regional sources are unavailable. Mexican negotiators also seek guarantees that any agreements will remain stable, protecting against Trump’s volatility and his preference for tariffs.
Mexico aims to reduce tariffs wherever possible. Mexican Economy Secretary Marcelo Ebrard said Mexico wants to strengthen the existing treaty dispute resolution mechanism. While this wouldn’t eliminate tariff possibilities, it would establish clear, rapid channels for addressing problems when they emerge, he explained.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum’s government must simultaneously handle current security challenges, which continue following the late February killing of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel’s leader, and these issues could affect economic discussions.
Mexico expects Canada to participate in talks eventually, but its immediate focus involves reaching agreements and preserving duty-free trade with the United States, its primary commercial ally.
Mexico promotes the concept that the treaty benefits America as well. “The integration of our countries is an absolute prerequisite for the United States to remain competitive,” Ebrard said recently. “We must move forward together; otherwise, we will not succeed.”
Rising fuel costs continue to strain household budgets across the nation, making every trip to the gas station more expensive. However, automotive specialists say drivers can combat higher prices by adopting smarter driving techniques that maximize fuel efficiency.
“It’s a hard one to swallow, right? You gotta put gas in to go about your day and get to work and pick the kids up from school,” explained Michael Crossen, who manages auto testing at Consumer Reports.
Industry professionals have compiled seven practical strategies to help motorists get more miles from each tank:
**Maintain Optimal Highway Speeds**
Cars perform most efficiently at moderate highway velocities, according to Sean Tucker, who serves as managing editor for vehicle categories at Kelley Blue Book.
“Stick to 65 (mph, 105 kph) on the highway,” Tucker advised. “Today’s cars are geared to be most efficient at that speed, and you lose quite a bit of fuel efficiency the faster you go.”
Research indicates that reducing speed can boost gas mileage by as much as 14 percent.
“If you have a hard time doing that, cruise control is your friend,” Tucker noted. This technology maintains consistent vehicle velocity, reducing the need for gas pedal adjustments and preventing wasteful acceleration patterns or sudden braking.
Specialists also suggest gliding toward traffic signals, whether approaching a red light or a green signal likely to change.
**Utilize Start-Stop Technology**
Automotive professionals recommend taking advantage of automatic start-stop systems that turn off engines during idle periods and restart when the accelerator is engaged.
“If you’re stuck in traffic and you see it bumper to bumper for a while and you have start-stop, don’t turn that off,” stated David Bennett, senior automotive manager at AAA. “Allow the engine to turn on and off as it’s needed.”
This approach proves particularly effective when air conditioning isn’t essential during extended waiting periods.
**Remove External Accessories**
Roof carriers and rear-mounted bike racks create aerodynamic resistance that significantly impacts fuel consumption, potentially costing several miles per gallon.
“If you’re not actually using those devices, it’s like dragging a parachute behind your car,” Crossen observed. “Any other type of accessories that basically cause drag, you want to lose those.”
Additionally, removing unnecessary heavy items from passenger areas, trunks, or truck beds can improve efficiency.
**Monitor Tire Pressure**
Proper tire inflation, based on manufacturer specifications, plays a crucial role in fuel economy. Experts suggest checking tire pressure every second fill-up.
“Lower-inflated tires will increase the resistance on the road, so properly inflated, the vehicle is going to drive a little bit smoother and be able to accelerate properly,” Bennett explained. Incorrect tire pressure can impact gas mileage by up to 10 percent.
**Schedule Vehicle Maintenance**
Auto service centers can implement basic adjustments to enhance fuel performance.
“If you’re finding that you are not getting close to what you’re supposed to, then you need to go to the mechanic,” Tucker recommended.
Technicians might replace air filters or oxygen sensors that regulate fuel mixture ratios.
**Plan Efficient Routes**
Organizing carpools effectively divides transportation costs among participants.
Strategic trip planning can also minimize overall driving requirements.
“Don’t make unnecessary stops. Don’t drive all the way across town just to save a dollar on eggs,” Crossen advised. “Plan your trips. Don’t drive if you don’t have to.”
**Choose Appropriate Fuel Grade**
While some vehicles require premium gasoline, many drivers purchase higher-octane fuel unnecessarily when regular grade would perform adequately, experts say.
Regardless of octane selection, motorists should consider stations offering “Top Tier gas” – fuel containing additives designed to remove carbon buildup from engines. Though not essential during price spikes, this choice benefits long-term vehicle health.
Mobile applications like GasBuddy help compare local fuel prices and costs along travel routes.
Professionals advise refueling around the half-tank mark, providing flexibility to monitor for better prices.
**Consider Vehicle Upgrades**
With average vehicle age reaching approximately 12 years, newer models offer superior fuel efficiency compared to older alternatives. While new car purchases aren’t feasible for everyone, shoppers might consider hybrid options as a stepping stone before fully electric vehicles.
For those ready to eliminate gasoline dependence entirely, electric vehicles – including numerous used models – are increasingly available.
GREELEY, Colo. — Nearly 4,000 employees at a major beef processing facility in Colorado launched a strike Monday morning, marking what union leaders describe as the first work stoppage at an American beef slaughterhouse in nearly four decades.
Workers at the Swift Beef Co. facility in Greeley began their walkout at 5:30 a.m. Mountain Time, according to Kim Cordova, who leads United Food and Commercial Workers Local 7 representing the employees.
The work stoppage stems from union allegations that plant owner JBS USA engaged in retaliation against employees and violated labor laws during contract talks. The previous labor agreement expired at midnight Sunday.
This labor dispute unfolds as America’s cattle herds have shrunk to their smallest size in 75 years, with inventory reaching just 86.2 million head as of January 1 — a 1% decline from the previous year. Rising beef costs have contributed to consumer concerns about food prices, prompting the Trump administration to pursue trade agreements with Argentina aimed at reducing meat costs.
The situation follows January’s shutdown of a meat processing plant in Lexington, Nebraska, which sent economic shockwaves through that community.
Union officials allege the company attempted to pressure employees into abandoning union membership through individual meetings, according to union general counsel Matt Shechter.
Workers overwhelmingly supported the strike action, with Cordova reporting that 99% voted to authorize the walkout. Weekend negotiations never materialized after the company declined the union’s Saturday bargaining request, Shechter stated.
JBS USA responded in a written statement, indicating that employees choosing not to participate in the strike would continue working and receiving pay. The company plans to run two production shifts Monday and will shift operations to other JBS locations as necessary.
The company emphasized its adherence to all federal and state employment regulations.
“Our goal is to minimize impact to our customers, our partners, and the broader marketplace while we work toward a fair resolution in Greeley,” the company stated.
This represents the first strike at an American slaughterhouse since employees walked off the job at a Hormel facility in Minnesota in 1985, Cordova noted. That work stoppage extended beyond a year and featured violent clashes between law enforcement and demonstrators, according to Minnesota Historical Society records.
A dangerous weather system continued its march across the eastern United States Monday, bringing the threat of tornadoes and destructive winds to Mid-Atlantic communities while dumping heavy snow across the Upper Midwest.
Weather officials identified the Mid-Atlantic region and the nation’s capital as facing the highest risk for powerful winds and tornado activity. The weather front is forecast to clear the East Coast by Tuesday, ushering in much colder temperatures behind it.
This winter weather event occurs while Hawaii deals with ongoing impacts from a different storm system that brought devastating floods over the weekend.
The National Weather Service issued warnings about a line of dangerous storms carrying destructive winds moving across the eastern portion of the country. After developing Sunday, the weather system moved through the Mississippi, Tennessee and Ohio river valleys.
The storm danger was forecast to reach the Appalachian Mountains before advancing toward coastal areas, where meteorologists predicted “severe thunderstorms with widespread damaging winds and several tornadoes.”
A corridor extending from portions of South Carolina northward to Maryland faced the highest probability of experiencing the most destructive winds Monday afternoon, according to the weather service. Major cities including Raleigh, North Carolina, Richmond, Virginia, and Washington D.C. fell within this zone.
Authorities announced that schools in Raleigh and Chapel Hill, North Carolina, would remain closed Monday. Governor Josh Stein encouraged residents to activate emergency notifications on their mobile devices in advance of anticipated wind gusts reaching 74 mph.
In addition to risks to human safety and property damage, “whether it’s wind gusts from a squall line, blizzard or snow, or just wind because of the storm, you’re looking at several major airports being impacted,” explained AccuWeather senior meteorologist Tyler Roys.
A region stretching from central Wisconsin through Michigan’s Upper Peninsula was projected to receive more than 2 feet of snow, with some isolated areas on the peninsula potentially seeing even higher totals, Roys noted. Smaller snow amounts in cities like Chicago and Milwaukee were still expected to create significant problems for Monday commuters, he said.
Jim Allen, 45, a resident of the Upper Peninsula, explained that his family purchased essential supplies and he prepared to remove snow multiple times Sunday using both a shovel and snowblower.
“We’re basically prepared to just kind of hunker down for a few days if we need to,” Allen said.
Over 600 flights faced cancellation at Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport, based on data from FlightAware, which monitors air travel disruptions. Additional dozens of flights through Detroit were also cancelled. Chicago’s O’Hare and Midway international airports reported more than 850 cancellations combined.
More than 210,000 electricity customers across six Great Lakes states lost power Sunday, according to PowerOutage.us. Some outages began Friday when wind gusts in the area reached 85 mph. Extensive power failures were also documented in sections of Pennsylvania and Arkansas.
In Nebraska, approximately 30 National Guard personnel were sent to fight multiple wildfires burning across extensive rangeland and grassland areas, state authorities reported. Officials confirmed one fire-related death.
Rainfall persisted Sunday in Hawaii, where extensive farmland and residential areas have experienced flooding, roadways have been shut down and emergency shelters have opened. Certain areas of Maui recorded over 20 inches of rain, Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen reported through social media.
Maui County subsequently reduced an evacuation order Sunday and announced that crews were operating pumps to remove water from retention basins to maintain safe water levels.
Local resident and real estate professional Jesse Wald, who captured video footage of a coastal road collapsing Saturday, noted that other sections of the roadway were blocked by flooding, mud and debris.
“In the 20 years I’ve been here I’ve never seen this much rain,” he said.
WASHINGTON — Three weeks into America’s military conflict with Iran, congressional lawmakers have yet to hold public hearings examining the Trump administration’s justification for the war.
GOP members of Congress have avoided public discussions about the military action, while Senate Democrats exhaust every available mechanism to demand testimony from administration officials. Growing impatient with Republican resistance, Democrats plan to force multiple votes this week on war-related measures, hoping to disrupt the Senate’s schedule enough to compel GOP action.
“We’ve had no oversight whatsoever over what the executive is doing as we’re spending a billion dollars a day, and we have failed to have any real substantive debate or discussion,” said Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J.
The congressional role in war oversight carries significant implications, as legislators possess authority to influence the conflict’s direction amid mounting costs and casualties. The war has claimed 13 service members’ lives and consumed billions in taxpayer funds, yet President Donald Trump has not requested congressional authorization for the Iranian strikes.
On the conflict’s 17th day Monday, GOP legislators continued opposing immediate public congressional testimony.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune informed reporters last week that he anticipated no dedicated Iran war hearings, though acknowledged the topic would surface during routine military policy and spending testimony.
“They have briefed us,” Thune, R-S.D., said, referencing classified Trump administration briefings. These closed-door sessions typically see lawmakers refusing to reveal discussion details beyond general subjects.
Thune also highlighted regular press briefings by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. They are “answering the hard questions that are being asked,” Thune said.
Republican committee chairs overseeing national security matters have similarly indicated no immediate war-specific hearing plans, though some acknowledged the importance of legislative questioning.
Sen. Roger Wicker, who leads the Senate Armed Services Committee, contended that standard Capitol Hill hearings would offer sufficient questioning opportunities.
“We’re going to conduct generous oversight, thorough oversight,” said Wicker, R-Miss.
Several Republicans anticipate a supplemental budget proposal from the Trump administration covering war expenses. However, this request remains weeks away and confronts challenging congressional passage prospects.
Democrats note the Pentagon already secured additional resources through Republicans’ signature tax reduction legislation enacted last year, which funded various GOP priorities including defense spending.
Nevertheless, frustration among some Republicans regarding inadequate high-level administration responses is emerging, particularly as they prepare for substantial war expenditure requests.
“I don’t want to just be given the invoice from the Department of Defense, saying this is what it’s going to cost,” said Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska. “I want them to be engaged with us.”
She emphasized lawmakers need information through both classified briefings and public hearings “so that the public can better understand this, too.”
Louisiana GOP Sen. John Kennedy, who serves on the influential Appropriations Committee, departed a classified briefing last week frustrated it was a “total waste of time” because officials couldn’t provide answers that Cabinet-level leaders could deliver.
Republicans have nearly universally supported Trump’s Iranian attack decision, though many express concern about prolonged engagement. Trump has shifted between various war objectives, from degrading Iran’s military capacity to demanding “unconditional surrender.”
“I think we have to let the objective play out as far as we can, and if then the effort gets murky on how to get to the objective, that might be a good time to have some hearings, but it’s too early,” said Sen. Cynthis Lummis, a Wyoming Republican.
With midterm elections approaching, Republicans recognize lukewarm public war support.
“I wish we could disclose a lot of this publicly because it would make it a whole lot easier to explain to the American people,” said Sen. Mike Rounds, R-S.D., noting classified briefings protect deployed service members.
Democrats meanwhile pledge to utilize all available tools highlighting the war, including repeatedly forcing unsuccessful votes.
Six Democratic senators announced that without scheduled hearings featuring Hegseth, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and other Cabinet members, they’ll initiate daily votes on war powers measures requiring Trump to seek congressional approval before additional Iranian attacks. Both congressional chambers in Republican control have already defeated similar proposals.
These votes would consume precious Senate floor time and establish conflict debate grounds as Republicans plan to advance Trump’s priority legislation mandating strict citizenship verification for voting.
The Democratic group also suggested employing additional tactics to obstruct other Senate business.
Sen. Chris Murphy, a Connecticut Democrat, informed reporters that without public hearing commitments, “We’re not going to let the Senate go on with business as usual. We’re not going to let the Senate be silenced.”
Warner Bros dominated Sunday night’s Academy Awards ceremony, claiming 11 Oscars in what proved to be a celebration tinged with uncertainty due to an impending $110 billion acquisition by Paramount Skydance that will transform Hollywood’s studio system.
The entertainment giant’s success was anchored by “One Battle After Another,” a story depicting violent uprising in a dystopian American setting, which captured six awards including best picture, director and supporting actor. Meanwhile, “Sinners,” Warner Bros’ boundary-pushing fantasy drama taking place during the Jim Crow era, earned four Oscars including lead actor.
Michael B. Jordan, who claimed the best actor award for his dual role as twin brothers in “Sinners,” expressed gratitude during his acceptance speech. “I want to thank Warner Bros,” Jordan stated, praising the studio for “betting on original ideas and artistry.”
The studio found itself at the center of an extended acquisition battle between Paramount Skydance and Netflix, both vying to purchase Warner Bros Discovery, the studio’s parent company. Paramount CEO David Ellison ultimately secured the deal with a superior offer, supported financially by his father Larry Ellison, the billionaire co-founder of Oracle.
This transaction will combine two legendary Hollywood institutions, reducing the number of major film studios during a period marked by rapid consolidation and increasing challenges from streaming competitors, workforce disputes and rising production expenses.
Veteran Hollywood marketing executive Terry Press reflected on the industry implications. “It will be impossible to ignore that we will be celebrating the achievements of filmmaking with one less studio on the horizon,” Press commented. “It’s gut-wrenching.”
The entertainment industry continues to grapple with the aftermath of prolonged labor strikes and concerns about artificial intelligence displacing workers. The possibility of further studio mergers has created anxiety throughout Hollywood, particularly as Paramount targets $6 billion in cost reductions through this acquisition.
Ellison has committed to producing 30 films annually, distributed equally between Paramount and Warner Bros, which achieved significant box office success last year with hits like “Superman” and “A Minecraft Movie.”
Streaming platform Netflix earned seven Academy Awards total, with Guillermo del Toro’s interpretation of Mary Shelley’s classic “Frankenstein” leading the way. The film secured three Oscars for hair and makeup, production design and costume design. Netflix also claimed the animated feature film award for “KPop Demon Hunters” and best song from the same production.
NBCUniversal garnered 13 total Oscar nominations spanning three Focus Features films, plus one nomination for Universal Pictures’ “Jurassic World Rebirth.” The Focus Features division won the lead actress award for Jessie Buckley’s performance as Agnes in “Hamnet.”
Independent film studio A24’s ping-pong themed “Marty Supreme” received nine nominations including best picture, director and lead actor, but failed to convert any into wins.
Walt Disney’s 20th Century Studios earned one visual effects Oscar for “Avatar: Fire and Ash” from five total nominations. Technology company Apple, which set a record with 15 Primetime Emmy Awards last fall, received an Academy Award for best sound.
China’s second-largest semiconductor manufacturer, Hua Hong Group, has successfully created sophisticated chip production technology capable of manufacturing artificial intelligence processors, according to four sources with knowledge of the development.
The company’s contract manufacturing division, Huali Microelectronics, is preparing to launch 7-nanometer chip production at its Shanghai facility, sources revealed. This achievement would position Hua Hong as the second Chinese manufacturer to possess such cutting-edge capabilities.
Currently, SMIC stands as China’s only domestic producer with the ability to manufacture 7-nanometer chips, making this development particularly significant for Beijing’s technology independence goals.
This advancement follows Washington’s partial relaxation of technology export restrictions last year, which permitted Nvidia to market its second-tier AI processors to Chinese companies.
However, despite these regulatory changes, Beijing continues pushing domestic companies to choose locally-produced alternatives as part of its strategy to reduce dependence on international suppliers.
Reuters was unable to confirm the specific methods Hua Hong used to achieve this manufacturing breakthrough, the production efficiency levels, or which equipment suppliers participated in the development process.
Three sources indicated that Chinese technology leader Huawei Technologies has been working alongside the chipmaker on these 7-nanometer technologies. All sources requested anonymity due to the confidential nature of the information.
Neither Hua Hong Group, Huali, sister company Hua Hong Semiconductor, nor Huawei provided responses to comment requests.
Industry analysts note that while SMIC employs Dutch equipment manufacturer ASML’s immersion systems for 7-nanometer chip production, their manufacturing yields—the percentage of functional chips produced per silicon wafer—continue to underperform.
ASML declined to discuss delivery-related inquiries.
Development work on Huali’s 7-nanometer chips at the Hua Hong Fab 6 facility commenced last year, with assistance from Chinese equipment providers including SiCarrier, which has Huawei backing. SiCarrier conducted equipment trials at a Shenzhen location in 2023, according to an additional source. SiCarrier did not respond to comment requests.
This progress came after Hua Hong Semiconductor announced in December its intention to purchase a majority interest in Huali while securing an additional 7.56 billion yuan ($1.10 billion) for technology improvements and foundry research.
Two sources report that Huali expects to achieve initial 7-nanometer production capacity of several thousand wafers monthly by December, with plans for subsequent expansion.
Chinese graphics processing unit developer Biren is utilizing Huali’s 7-nanometer production line for tape-out procedures, where chip designs are converted into physical prototypes for testing prior to full-scale manufacturing, one source confirmed.
After being added to a U.S. trade restriction list in 2023, Biren lost manufacturing access to TSMC services. Biren did not provide comment responses.
The Hua Hong Fab 6 represents the most sophisticated of seven manufacturing facilities within the Hua Hong Group and currently produces logic chips using 22-nanometer and 28-nanometer processes, company information shows.
In comparison, the company’s Fab 5 facility creates chips using established technologies spanning 40-nanometer to 55-nanometer processes.
A devastating fire claimed the lives of 10 patients at a hospital in eastern India’s Odisha state during the early morning hours of Monday, according to local authorities.
The blaze erupted in the facility’s trauma care unit, where 23 patients were receiving intensive medical treatment at the time of the incident. The victims died during evacuation efforts as medical personnel worked to move patients to safety away from the flames.
State Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, who visited the hospital following the tragedy, indicated that an electrical malfunction likely triggered the deadly fire. Five additional individuals sustained critical injuries, though officials have not determined whether these wounds resulted from the fire itself or from previous medical conditions.
Hospital staff and security workers put themselves in harm’s way during rescue operations, with several sustaining injuries while helping patients escape the dangerous situation. “Medical staff and security personnel risked their lives in rescuing the patients; during this, they too sustained injuries, and they too are under treatment,” Majhi told members of the press.
The incident occurred in Bhubaneswar, highlighting ongoing safety concerns at medical facilities across the region.
A highly anticipated soccer showdown between European champions Spain and South American champions Argentina has been scrapped due to ongoing tensions in the Middle East, according to UEFA’s announcement on Sunday.
The match, known as the “Finalissima,” was originally slated for March 27 in Qatar, but regional conflicts have made hosting the event there impossible.
Despite rumors suggesting otherwise, ESPN sources confirmed Sunday evening that Argentine superstar Lionel Messi of Inter Miami played no part in calling off the game. According to reports, Messi actually welcomed the opportunity to compete for another championship and saw it as valuable preparation ahead of the upcoming World Cup.
The contest would have brought together Spain, who claimed the 2024 UEFA EURO title, against Argentina, the 2024 CONMEBOL Copa America champions. This setup mirrors the 2022 pre-World Cup encounter that featured then-European champion Italy facing off against Argentina following their 2021 Copa America victory. The match also would have marked the first meeting between Spain’s 18-year-old rising star Lamine Yamal and 38-year-old veteran Messi.
However, recent military actions involving the U.S. and Israel against Iran, along with resulting regional instability, led organizers to deem Qatar an unsuitable venue for the event.
Officials from UEFA, CONMEBOL, and local organizing committees attempted to secure an alternative location and potentially reschedule the fixture, but these efforts ultimately failed to produce an acceptable solution.
“After much discussion between UEFA and the organizing authorities in Qatar, it is announced today that due to the current political situation in the region, the Finalissima cannot be played as hoped in Qatar,” UEFA stated in their Sunday announcement. “UEFA explored other feasible alternatives but each ultimately proved unacceptable to the Argentinian Football Association.”
UEFA noted that Argentina suggested postponing the match until after the World Cup concludes, but Spain’s schedule would not accommodate such a delay.
Previous versions of the Finalissima took place in 1985 and 1993.
As defending World Cup champions, Argentina will kick off their 2026 World Cup campaign against Algeria in Kansas City on June 16. They’ll compete in Group J alongside Austria and Jordan. Spain begins their tournament run against Cape Verde in Atlanta on June 15, with additional Group G matches against Saudi Arabia and Uruguay on their schedule.
The 2026 World Cup will be jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Tournament play begins June 11, with the championship game scheduled for MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on July 19.
Four universities have been selected to serve as top seeds in the National Invitation Tournament, with Auburn leading the group after being the second squad excluded from this year’s NCAA Tournament field.
The Tigers (17-16) will be joined by New Mexico (23-10), Wake Forest (17-16), and Tulsa (26-7) as the No. 1 seeds in the 32-team postseason competition that kicks off Tuesday. These top-seeded teams will have the advantage of playing all games at home through the semifinals, provided they continue advancing.
While Auburn chose to participate in the NIT, three other teams that narrowly missed NCAA Tournament selection – Oklahoma, San Diego State, and Indiana – turned down their invitations. Additional programs including Virginia Tech, Florida State, Belmont, and Seton Hall also declined to participate.
Auburn will face South Alabama in their opening matchup Tuesday. Their potential second-round opponent will emerge from the contest between No. 4 seed Seattle and St. Thomas (Minnesota). The region also features No. 2 Nevada welcoming Murray State and No. 3 George Mason hosting Liberty.
New Mexico’s region begins with the Lobos taking on Sam Houston, while No. 4 Utah Valley welcomes George Washington, second-seeded California hosts UIC, and No. 3 Colorado State meets Saint Joseph’s Wednesday.
Wake Forest anchors the Winston-Salem region and will host Navy, while No. 2 Dayton faces Bradley, third-seeded Yale meets UNC Wilmington, and No. 4 Illinois State battles Kent State. Most regional games are scheduled for Wednesday, with the exception of Tuesday’s Yale-UNC Wilmington matchup.
The final region features Tulsa hosting Stephen F. Austin, No. 2 Oklahoma State taking on Davidson, No. 3 Wichita State facing Wyoming, and fourth-seeded UC Irvine welcoming UNLV on Tuesday.
Several teams in this year’s bracket have claimed NIT championships in the past, including George Washington (2016), Wichita State (2011), Dayton (2010, 1968, 1962), Tulsa (2001, 1981), Wake Forest (2000), California (1999), and Bradley (1982, 1964, 1960, 1957). UC Irvine reached last year’s championship game but fell to Chattanooga.
The tournament’s opening rounds (March 17-18) and second round (March 21-22), along with quarterfinal action (March 24-25), will take place on the home courts of higher seeds. The semifinals are set for April 2, with the championship game scheduled for April 5, both in Indianapolis.
A massive and unpredictable weather system unleashed chaos across the United States on Sunday, bringing heavy snowfall that made travel impossible in the Upper Midwest while destructive winds swept through the Plains states.
Hawaii remained under siege from dangerous flooding conditions.
Areas across the mid-South braced for powerful thunderstorms expected later in the day.
Weather experts predicted the storm system would move eastward by Monday, putting mid-Atlantic regions and the nation’s capital at highest risk for powerful winds and tornado activity.
Multiple waves of snow, wind and dangerous weather were positioned to strike the eastern United States, according to AccuWeather senior meteorologist Tyler Roys.
In addition to threats to human safety and property damage, “whether it’s wind gusts from a squall line, blizzard or snow, or just wind because of the storm, you’re looking at several major airports being impacted,” Roys explained.
Heavy Snow Blankets Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan
A region stretching from central Wisconsin to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula was forecast to receive more than 2 feet of snow, with even higher amounts possible in isolated areas of the peninsula, Roys noted. Smaller snow totals in cities like Chicago and Milwaukee were still expected to cause significant problems for Monday morning commuters, he said.
More than 20 inches of snow had already accumulated in parts of southeastern Minnesota and western Wisconsin by Sunday afternoon, based on National Weather Service data. Transportation authorities issued warnings about deteriorating conditions with poor visibility and snow-covered roads.
Wisconsin snowplow operator Aaron Haas described it as among the most severe storms he had witnessed in years. Working around Marshfield on Sunday, Haas was creating snow piles as tall as his truck.
“You can’t see anything when you’re on the highways outside of the city,” he stated.
Jim Allen, a 45-year-old Upper Peninsula resident, said his family gathered essential supplies and he prepared to clear snow multiple times Sunday using both a shovel and snowblower.
“We’re basically prepared to just kind of hunker down for a few days if we need to,” Allen explained.
FlightAware, which monitors flight disruptions, reported over 600 canceled flights at Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport on Sunday. Detroit also saw dozens of additional cancellations. Chicago’s O’Hare and Midway international airports, where rain and snow were forecast overnight into Monday, experienced more than 850 flight cancellations.
Landslides, Rescues, Home Collapse on Maui
Rainfall persisted Sunday in Hawaii, where vast areas of farmland and residential properties have been inundated, roadways have been shut down and emergency shelters established. PowerOutage.us, which monitors nationwide electrical disruptions, showed nearly 40,000 Hawaii customers without power by midday Sunday.
Flash flooding has created major challenges recently across Maui, Molokai and the Big Island, where precipitation was falling at rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour overnight, the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency reported.
Certain areas of Maui recorded over 20 inches of rainfall, Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen announced in a late Saturday social media update.
“We’re seeing flooding, landslides, sinkholes, debris and downed power lines across the county,” he stated. Using Hawaiian language to express appreciation, the mayor added, “mahalo for continuing to look out for one another.”
Video content accompanying Bissen’s message displayed washed-out or collapsed roadways, a vehicle trapped by floodwaters and raging waterways. National Guard personnel and fire department crews conducted numerous floodwater rescues, Bissen reported.
Tom and Carrie Bashaw said they were powerless to stop part of their Maui home in Iao Valley from collapsing under rising waters. On Friday, the water’s strength began overwhelming nearby trees.
“When we lost the mango and monkey pod, we started throwing stuff in bags and packing up,” Tom Bashaw told HawaiiNewsNow. They returned Saturday morning and “the whole backside of the house” was gone, he said.
Maui resident and real estate professional Jesse Wald, who captured video of a coastal road’s collapse Saturday, said other road sections were flooded with mud and sediment.
“In the 20 years I’ve been here I’ve never seen this much rain,” Wald said. “I’m from Wisconsin and we get thunderstorms, you know pretty often in the summer, so it felt like a Wisconsin thunderstorm but times 10.”
Maui County later Sunday reduced an evacuation notice and reported crews were removing water from retention basins to maintain safe levels.
Power Outages Continue, Some From Earlier High Winds
Over 210,000 utility customers across six Great Lakes states remained without power Sunday afternoon, PowerOutage.us data showed. Some outages began Friday when regional wind gusts reached 85 mph.
In Nebraska, approximately 30 National Guard personnel were deployed to fight multiple wildfires burning across extensive rangeland and grassland areas, state officials announced.
The three largest wildfires had affected more than 900 square miles by Saturday, officials reported. One fire-related death occurred Friday. Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen encouraged residents to follow local evacuation orders, noting that winds were “supposed to be extraordinary.”
The weather service issued high-wind warnings for most of Nebraska, with gusts up to 60 mph possible alongside falling snow. Roys said strong winds would impact an area from the U.S.-Mexico border to the Great Lakes, and from Denver east to the Appalachian Mountains.
Forecasters Issue Storm Line, Tornado Warnings
The weather service cautioned that a line of severe storms with destructive winds would cross much of the Eastern United States by late Monday. The system was set to begin Sunday afternoon and move through the Mississippi, Tennessee and Ohio valleys.
The storm threat was expected to reach the Appalachians early Monday, then advance toward the East Coast, where “severe thunderstorms with widespread damaging winds and several tornadoes” were forecast for Monday, the service stated.
An area from parts of South Carolina to Maryland appeared most likely to experience the strongest damaging winds Monday afternoon, the weather service indicated. This could affect Raleigh, North Carolina; Richmond, Virginia, and Washington D.C. An elevated but lower risk extended north to New York and south to Florida, with thunderstorms possible in New England.
Officials announced that schools in Raleigh and Chapel Hill, North Carolina would remain closed Monday and the state’s governor encouraged residents to activate emergency alerts on their phones ahead of expected wind gusts of 74 mph.
LOS ANGELES – The Academy Awards ceremony on Sunday night saw the dark comedy thriller ‘One Battle After Another’ take home the top honor of Best Picture, edging out the vampire film ‘Sinners’ in what was considered a tight race for Hollywood’s most prestigious award.
Michael B. Jordan secured the Best Actor award for his performance playing twin brothers in ‘Sinners.’ Meanwhile, Jessie Buckley claimed the Best Actress trophy for her portrayal of Agnes Hathaway, William Shakespeare’s wife, in the film ‘Hamnet.’
Sean Penn received the Best Supporting Actor award for his performance as a military officer consumed by obsession in ‘One Battle After Another.’ This marks Penn’s third Oscar win. The actor, known for frequently missing industry award ceremonies, was absent from the Dolby Theatre.
‘Sean Penn couldn’t be here, or didn’t want to, so I’ll accept the award on his behalf,’ presenter Kieran Culkin, who won supporting actor last year, told the audience.
Amy Madigan, 75, won Best Supporting Actress for playing the eccentric Aunt Gladys in the horror movie ‘Weapons.’ The victory came four decades after her initial Oscar nomination, marking her first win.
During her acceptance speech, Madigan expressed gratitude to ‘Weapons’ director Zach Cregger.
‘He just wrote a dream part and he just let me grab it by the throat,’ Madigan stated.
The Netflix film ‘KPop Demon Hunters,’ which became a worldwide sensation, received the Best Animated Feature award.
The evening’s festivities paused for solemn tributes to two legendary filmmakers who passed away – directors Robert Redford and Rob Reiner.
Billy Crystal, known for ‘When Harry Met Sally,’ praised Reiner’s body of work including ‘A Few Good Men’ and ‘This Is Spinal Tap,’ saying these films would ‘last for lifetimes.’ He was accompanied on stage by Demi Moore, Meg Ryan, and other actors from Reiner’s notable films.
Barbra Streisand, Redford’s co-star in ‘The Way We Were,’ described him as a ‘brilliant, subtle actor’ and an ‘intellectual cowboy.’ She concluded her tribute by performing several lines from the film’s famous theme song.
Conan O’Brien kicked off the evening as host, making light of his role by saying he was proud to serve as ‘the last human host’ during a time when Hollywood fears artificial intelligence might replace human workers.
The star-studded event, considered Hollywood’s most extravagant annual celebration, occurred while the United States is engaged in military conflict with Iran.
Enhanced security measures surrounded the ceremony. Event organizers confirmed collaboration with federal agents and local law enforcement following government warnings about potential Iranian threats against California, although officials stressed no specific or credible danger to the Oscar ceremony had been identified. Guests navigated multiple security checkpoints and metal detectors before entering the venue.
Behind the glamorous facade, the film industry continues grappling with concerns about production moving away from traditional Hollywood locations as studios seek better tax benefits and reduced expenses in other states and countries, diminishing Hollywood’s control over filmmaking.
Warner Bros., which produced both ‘One Battle’ and ‘Sinners,’ is currently being acquired by Paramount Skydance in a transaction that will reduce the number of major film distribution companies. The advocacy organization Free Press operated a mobile billboard throughout Hollywood during the weekend expressing opposition to this corporate merger.
The golden Oscar statues are awarded based on votes from approximately 10,000 entertainment industry professionals including actors, producers, directors, and technical specialists who comprise the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences membership.
This year, the Academy implemented new measures aimed at ensuring voters actually view the films before casting ballots. The digital voting platform now monitors whether voters have streamed each nominated movie. However, voters can still indicate they viewed films through other means outside the Academy’s streaming service.
President Donald Trump leveled accusations against Iran on Sunday, claiming the nation is weaponizing artificial intelligence technology to create misleading propaganda about military achievements and public support.
Speaking to reporters while traveling on Air Force One, Trump warned about AI’s potential risks. “AI can be very dangerous, we have to be very careful with it,” the president stated. His airborne comments followed a post on his Truth Social platform where he alleged, without providing evidence, that Western news organizations were working closely with Iran to distribute AI-created false information.
These allegations surface as friction intensifies between the Federal Communications Commission and television broadcasters following Trump’s criticism of media reporting on the ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran. FCC Chairman Brendan Carr issued warnings Saturday, threatening to revoke broadcasting licenses for stations that failed to modify their reporting approach.
The president has a history of challenging news organizations when their coverage appears unfavorable to his administration, previously demanding the removal of broadcast licenses from outlets he considers biased.
During Sunday’s social media activity and press interactions, Trump outlined three specific cases where he alleged Iran employed AI technology to deceive audiences.
In his Truth Social message, Trump claimed Iran displayed non-existent “kamikaze boats.” He additionally asserted that Iran used artificial intelligence to create false imagery of a successful strike against the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier, suggesting that news outlets spreading such reports should face treason charges.
Reuters independently confirmed footage from Iraq’s Basra port showing Iranian vessels loaded with explosives apparently targeting two fuel tankers, resulting in at least one fatality among crew members. While Iranian government media did report their military had attacked the USS Abraham Lincoln, Western news sources largely ignored these claims.
Trump further alleged that photographs depicting “250,000” Iranian citizens rallying in support of new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei were “totally AI generated” and that such a gathering “never took place.”
Multiple pro-government rallies have indeed occurred throughout Iran since the conflict began, though Reuters searches found no Western news reports citing the 250,000 attendance figure. Various news organizations, including Reuters, have published authentic photographs showing crowds gathering in Tehran following Khamenei’s leadership appointment.
The president did not specify which particular Iranian news reports prompted his allegations.
President Donald Trump is reportedly building an international alliance aimed at reopening the strategically important Strait of Hormuz, according to a Sunday report from Axios.
The news outlet, citing four unnamed sources, said Trump is actively working to bring together multiple nations for this coalition and may reveal the partnership before the week ends.
The Strait of Hormuz serves as a critical waterway for global oil shipments and international trade in the Middle East region.
President Donald Trump reached out to international partners this past weekend, requesting naval assistance to help secure the strategically important Strait of Hormuz following ongoing Iranian military actions in the waterway during the third week of the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran.
While Trump confirmed his administration has made contact with seven nations, he did not reveal their identities. However, in a previous social media message, the president expressed hope that nations including China, France, Japan, South Korea, and Britain would join the effort.
Iranian forces have successfully blocked the Strait, which runs between Iran and Oman, creating the most significant disruption to global oil markets in history by cutting off approximately 20% of the world’s petroleum supply.
Several nations have already provided their responses to Washington’s maritime security request:
JAPAN
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi announced Monday that her country has no current intentions of deploying warships to provide escort services in Middle Eastern waters.
Speaking to parliament, Takaichi stated: “We have not made any decisions whatsoever about dispatching escort ships. We are continuing to examine what Japan can do independently and what can be done within the legal framework.”
AUSTRALIA
Australian officials confirmed Monday they will not be contributing naval vessels to efforts aimed at reopening the blocked strait.
Cabinet member Catherine King told the state broadcaster ABC: “We won’t be sending a ship to the Strait of Hormuz. We know how incredibly important that is, but that’s not something that we’ve been asked or that we’re contributing to.”
SOUTH KOREA
South Korean leadership indicated they are taking time to evaluate the situation before making a commitment.
“We will communicate closely with the U.S. regarding this matter and make a decision after careful review,” representatives from South Korea’s presidential office announced Sunday.
BRITAIN
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer engaged in discussions with Trump about the importance of restoring access to the strait to address the global shipping crisis, according to a Downing Street representative who spoke Sunday.
The spokesperson also noted that Starmer held talks with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, with both leaders agreeing to continue their Middle East discussions during a scheduled Monday meeting.
Nebraska officials are confronting an unprecedented wildfire crisis as multiple blazes have consumed over 600,000 acres statewide, marking the most destructive fire season in the state’s recorded history.
The devastating Morrill Fire, which stands as Nebraska’s largest wildfire on record, has claimed one life while destroying 460,000 acres as of Saturday, according to Governor Jim Pillen. This massive blaze, along with three additional major fires burning across central and western portions of the state, remains completely uncontained, state authorities reported.
Firefighting operations have faced significant challenges due to harsh weather conditions stemming from a powerful winter storm system affecting the Midwest. The federal National Interagency Fire Center announced Sunday it has taken control of managing the two most extensive fires – the Morrill Fire and the Cottonwood Fire.
The Cottonwood blaze has consumed over 100,000 acres according to Saturday’s joint statement from the governor’s office, Nebraska National Guard, and Nebraska Emergency Management Agency.
Governor Pillen issued an emergency declaration Friday, deploying National Guard troops and aviation resources to combat the fires. The blazes ignited Thursday amid dangerous conditions including strong winds, minimal humidity, and drought-like circumstances. By Friday, the fires had overwhelmed local firefighting capabilities, prompting the emergency response.
Collaborative firefighting efforts now include federal personnel working alongside local and state teams from Nebraska, plus additional crews from Colorado, South Dakota, and Wyoming. Fire departments from Nebraska’s largest metropolitan areas, Omaha and Lincoln, have also deployed crews following the governor’s request for assistance.
Weather forecasters predict wind speeds exceeding 50 miles per hour on Sunday, which will keep firefighting aircraft grounded. Despite snowfall from the winter storm system, officials warn the powerful winds may prevent the precipitation from providing meaningful relief to the fire zones.
As a precautionary measure, Governor Pillen has implemented a statewide prohibition on outdoor burning that will remain in effect through March 27.
TAIPEI, Taiwan – Memory chip manufacturer Micron Technology announced Monday its intention to construct a second production facility in Taiwan at a Tongluo location the company recently purchased from Powerchip Semiconductor Manufacturing Corp.
The additional facility will enable the company to increase production of advanced DRAM products and high-bandwidth memory (HBM) to meet the rapidly growing demand from artificial intelligence applications, according to Micron’s announcement.
The U.S.-based company confirmed it has finalized the purchase of PSMC’s Tongluo P5 location and stated the planned second facility will match the size and scale of its current manufacturing plant in Miaoli County.
Company officials indicated construction activities are expected to commence before the conclusion of fiscal year 2026.
LAS VEGAS — When the NCAA Tournament bracket was unveiled, the top-seeded teams once again established themselves as clear frontrunners, mirroring last season’s pattern where all four No. 1 seeds advanced to the Final Four.
The four No. 1 seeds this year — Duke, Arizona, Michigan, and reigning national champion Florida — hold the best championship odds at BetMGM Sportsbook according to early betting lines.
WagerTalk/Gold Sheet handicapper Bruce Marshall believes a few other programs could potentially crash the top seeds’ party in Indianapolis.
“I don’t think we’ll see all of them (No. 1 seeds) in the Final Four,” Marshall said. “Maybe somebody sneaks through on the three-line. I’d watch Virginia possibly. They’ve got a pretty good potential road in their region. That’s Michigan’s region. I think Michigan is beatable now.”
However, Marshall noted this year’s tournament landscape resembles last season’s, where only a handful of programs possess legitimate championship potential.
The selection committee’s first-round pairings appear well-balanced based on betting markets. Just two opening-round contests feature lower seeds as favorites — both 8-9 matchups where Utah State is favored by 2.5 points against Villanova, and Iowa holds the same advantage over Clemson.
“We’re expecting a fairly chalky tournament this year, similar to what we saw last season,” said Patrick Berbert, college basketball trader at Caesars Sportsbook. “The NIL era has really widened the gap between the top programs and the rest of the field. From a betting standpoint, we’re projecting record engagement again.”
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi announced Monday that her nation has no immediate plans to send naval vessels to protect ships traveling through Middle Eastern waters, following President Donald Trump’s request for allied assistance in safeguarding the Strait of Hormuz.
Speaking to parliament, Takaichi stated: “We have not made any decisions whatsoever about dispatching escort ships. We are continuing to examine what Japan can do independently and what can be done within the legal framework.”
The American president’s social media appeal for help from allies, including Japan, to safeguard oil and gas transport through the crucial shipping route creates a challenging situation for Tokyo. Japan’s pacifist constitution significantly restricts the types of military operations the country can undertake abroad.
According to Takaichi, the United States has not yet submitted an official request for military assistance in the region.
The women’s NCAA Tournament bracket was revealed Sunday evening, with UConn, UCLA, Texas, and South Carolina claiming the four top seeds heading into March Madness.
Despite ongoing debate, undefeated UConn secured the overall #1 seed position ahead of UCLA, which suffered just one loss this season. The Bruins had faced a more challenging schedule and recorded 19 Quad 1 victories compared to UConn’s nine, but the Huskies held the top spot in the NET rankings while UCLA ranked second.
“We watched a whole lot of good basketball between those two teams,” committee chair Amanda Braun said on ESPN. “The debate was pretty close the whole time … It went to a committee vote, and we watched a lot of UConn, we watched a lot of UCLA as a group. The vote ultimately gave the edge to UConn.”
Coach Geno Auriemma and the Huskies bring a perfect 34-0 record and 50-game winning streak into the tournament as they seek to repeat as national champions. National Player of the Year candidate Sarah Strong leads the squad.
UConn will welcome 16th-seeded UTSA (18-15) for Saturday’s opening round in Storrs, Connecticut. A victory would set up a second-round matchup against either eighth-seeded Iowa State or ninth-seeded Syracuse.
The Fort Worth Regional 1 also features second-seeded Vanderbilt (27-4), third-seeded Ohio State (26-7), and fourth-seeded North Carolina (26-7). Campus sites will host first and second-round games for the tournament’s top 16 overall seeds.
UCLA (31-1) heads the Sacramento Regional 2 bracket and opens Saturday against 16th-seeded Cal Baptist (23-10). That region includes second-seeded LSU (27-5) under coach Kim Mulkey, third-seeded Duke (24-8) – the Atlantic Coast Conference champions – and fourth-seeded Minnesota (22-8).
Texas (31-3) claimed the third #1 seed position over South Carolina after defeating the Gamecocks twice in three matchups this season, including a dominant 78-61 victory in the Southeastern Conference championship game. The Longhorns await the winner of a First Four matchup between Missouri State and Stephen F. Austin.
Fort Worth Regional 3 also includes second-seeded Michigan (25-6), third-seeded Louisville (27-7), and fourth-seeded West Virginia (27-6), which captured the Big 12 title.
South Carolina (31-3) anchors Sacramento Regional 4 and will face whichever team emerges from the First Four game between Southern and Samford. Second-seeded Iowa (26-6), third-seeded TCU (29-5), and fourth-seeded Oklahoma (24-7) complete that bracket section.
The final four teams to make the tournament field were Virginia, Arizona State, Nebraska, and Richmond. Virginia and Arizona State will compete in a First Four game for a 10th seed and the opportunity to face seventh-seeded Georgia, while Nebraska and Richmond battle for an 11th seed and a matchup with sixth-seeded Baylor.
INDIAN WELLS, California – Italy’s Jannik Sinner captured his first Indian Wells championship on Sunday, overcoming Russia’s Daniil Medvedev 7-6(6) 7-6(4) in an impressive performance on the California desert courts.
The 24-year-old Italian dominated the match statistically, recording 28 winning shots, 10 aces, and converting all eight opportunities when approaching the net.
This historic victory places Sinner among elite company as just the third tennis player ever to capture all six ATP Masters 1000 hard-court championships, joining tennis legends Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer in this exclusive group.
The championship also marked Sinner’s first tournament victory of 2024 and made him the first competitor since 1990 to claim back-to-back Masters 1000 tournaments without losing a single set. His current winning streak in this tournament category now stands at 11 consecutive matches, stretching back to his Paris victory in November.
The opening set featured aggressive play from Medvedev, who applied early pressure and built momentum to reach 6-5. However, Sinner managed to push the set into a tiebreaker situation.
During the crucial tiebreak, Sinner demonstrated superior execution under pressure. The four-time Grand Slam winner capitalized when Medvedev made an error on a forehand volley at 5-4, then successfully converted his second opportunity to claim the opening set.
The second set developed along similar lines, with Sinner working to establish control and managing to break Medvedev’s serve in the fifth game to take a 3-2 lead. The Russian fighter responded by equalizing after Sinner had moved ahead 6-5, forcing a second tiebreaker.
Medvedev appeared poised to extend the match to a deciding third set after jumping out to a dominant 4-0 advantage in the tiebreak. However, Sinner mounted a remarkable comeback, drawing even at 4-4 before ultimately prevailing 7-4 to secure the championship.
“I kept believing and kept pushing,” Sinner commented following his victory. “I went for my shots a little more. A third set, we would have started even, so I tried my best to close it out and I am very happy. It was an incredible ending.”
“It was a very, very tough match,” Sinner continued. “It is great to see Daniil back playing this level. I am very happy. I came here from day one, training really hard and this result makes me very happy.”
Medvedev had entered the final in excellent form after delivering a stunning semifinal upset over world number one Carlos Alcaraz, ending the Australian Open champion’s flawless 16-match winning streak to start the season. Despite his strong tournament run, this defeat marks Medvedev’s third loss in an Indian Wells final.
The NCAA men’s basketball tournament field has been revealed, with Duke claiming the coveted top overall seed position. Joining the Blue Devils on the number one seed line are Arizona, Michigan, and Florida as March Madness prepares to tip off.
In a surprising inclusion, Miami University of Ohio earned an 11th seed despite their underwhelming strength of schedule. The RedHawks had started their campaign with an impressive 31-0 record before stumbling in their conference tournament. They’ll face SMU in a First Four matchup on Wednesday. Tournament action kicks off Tuesday with additional play-in contests, including a showdown between Texas and North Carolina State.
On the women’s side, the University of Connecticut secured the overall top seed while maintaining their perfect record. The Huskies enter the tournament at 34-0 and need just six more wins to achieve their seventh undefeated season in program history. UConn is pursuing their 13th national championship and would become the first program to capture back-to-back titles since their own four-year championship run from 2013-2016. UCLA, Texas, and South Carolina round out the top seeds in women’s play.
At TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, Cameron Young finally broke through for his first major championship victory at The Players Championship. The dramatic finish saw Young sink a crucial 10-foot birdie putt on the notorious 17th hole island green to draw even with Matt Fitzpatrick. Young then delivered a powerful drive on 18 that positioned him for an easy par, claiming victory when Fitzpatrick missed an 8-foot par attempt that would have forced a playoff. The triumph earned Young a massive $4.5 million payday after his final-round 68.
Swedish golfer Ludvig Aberg experienced a devastating collapse after entering the final round with a commanding three-shot advantage. Aberg maintained his lead until disaster struck on consecutive holes during the back nine, finding water hazards on both the 11th and 12th holes. The double blow resulted in a bogey and double-bogey that derailed his championship hopes. Aberg struggled to a 40 on the back nine, finishing with a disappointing 76. Following his collapse, Aberg acknowledged that he “got a little quick on the swings that cost him three shots.”
At Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Denny Hamlin bounced back from a difficult period to capture his 61st NASCAR Cup Series victory. Despite facing an early speeding penalty, Hamlin rallied for a commanding win that helped put a challenging offseason behind him. The victory comes after Hamlin endured heartbreak losing last year’s championship at Phoenix, followed by a turbulent period that included winning a federal lawsuit against NASCAR and the tragic loss of his father in a house fire. The triumph marked Toyota’s fourth victory in the season’s first five races, with Joe Gibbs Racing teammates Christopher Bell and Ty Gibbs finishing fourth and fifth respectively.
Major League Baseball faces potential complications for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics as labor negotiations loom. The new head of the players’ union warned that a work stoppage during the 2027 season could interfere with plans to feature big league players in the Olympic baseball competition. The six-team tournament is scheduled for Dodger Stadium from July 13-19, potentially during an extended All-Star break. Both MLB and the players’ association are preparing for contract negotiations beginning in April or May, as the current five-year agreement expires December 1st. A management lockout is anticipated to begin December 2nd.
The WNBA and its players’ union continued intensive negotiations for their sixth consecutive day, working to finalize a new collective bargaining agreement before the upcoming season. The marathon bargaining sessions have totaled more than 60 hours since Tuesday’s initial in-person meeting. Sunday’s discussions began around noon with prominent players Nneka Ogwumike, Breanna Stewart, Napheesa Collier, and Alysha Clark representing the union, with Brianna Turner joining later. Revenue sharing arrangements and housing provisions remain the primary obstacles to reaching an agreement.
Olympic skiing champion Lindsey Vonn remains undecided about her competitive future as she recovers from a severe crash at the Milan Cortina Olympics. The 41-year-old addressed speculation about her return in a social media statement Sunday, saying “only time will tell. Please stop telling me what I should or should not do. I’ll let you know when I decide.” Vonn is healing from a complex tibia fracture in her left leg sustained when she crashed just 13 seconds into her Olympic downhill run on February 8th.
At Indian Wells, California, both Jannik Sinner and Aryna Sabalenka claimed their maiden titles at the prestigious desert tournament. Sinner defeated Daniil Medvedev 7-6 (6), 7-6 (4) in the men’s final, completing the tournament without dropping a single set. The Italian staged a remarkable comeback in the second-set tiebreak, winning seven consecutive points after falling behind 4-0. In the women’s championship, world number one Sabalenka overcame Elena Rybakina 3-6, 6-3, 7-6 (6) for her first BNP Paribas Open title. Sabalenka, who had been runner-up in 2023 and 2025, sealed the victory with a powerful serve that Rybakina returned long, despite sweltering temperatures reaching into the 90s.
Senior economic representatives from the United States and China finished their negotiations in Paris on Monday, working toward potential agreements on farming products, essential minerals, and trade oversight that could be presented during an anticipated meeting between President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping in Beijing, according to individuals with knowledge of the discussions.
These sources informed Reuters that the discussions, described as “remarkably stable,” were headed by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng. The negotiations would establish possible outcomes for Trump’s planned visit to China at the end of March for discussions with Xi.
However, the sources noted that final decisions on any proposals would rest with the two leaders.
In a Sunday interview with the Financial Times, Trump indicated he might postpone his meeting with Xi this month while pushing Beijing to assist in reopening the vital Strait of Hormuz, which Iran has blocked.
“We may delay,” Trump stated regarding the planned trip.
The American and Chinese teams conducted more than six hours of discussions on Sunday at the Paris headquarters of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development, an organization of primarily wealthy democratic nations that does not include China as a member.
Throughout these negotiations, Chinese representatives demonstrated willingness to consider additional purchases of American farm products such as poultry, beef, and various row crops beyond soybeans, according to one source. The same source noted that China remains committed to purchasing 25 million metric tons of U.S. soybeans annually for the next three years under the Trump-Xi trade agreement from October 2025.
Representatives from the Treasury Department and the U.S. Trade Representative’s office refused to discuss the nature of the talks, while Chinese officials departed the negotiations on Sunday without addressing reporters.
China’s state-controlled Xinhua news agency commented on Sunday that “meaningful” advancement in U.S.-China economic collaboration could rebuild trust in an increasingly unstable global economy.
These Paris discussions follow multiple meetings throughout the previous year aimed at reducing tensions between Bessent, He, Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, and China’s primary trade negotiator Li Chenggang.
The two nations explored creating new official systems to oversee trade and investment between the world’s largest economies, which Trump and Xi may review in Beijing, sources revealed. Technical discussions regarding the proposed U.S.-China “Board of Trade” and “Board of Investment” were scheduled for Monday.
One source explained that the Board of Trade concept was more advanced and would focus on identifying products and industries where both countries could expand trade in a balanced manner without threatening national security or critical supply networks.
The Board of Investment would not establish broad investment strategies but would handle specific investment disputes that might emerge between the nations, the source added.
Sources also reported that American officials addressed the supply of Chinese-manufactured critical minerals to U.S. businesses and expressed concerns about limited access to yttrium from China, which is essential for jet engine turbines and other uses in the aerospace sector.
One source mentioned that both sides “found some ways to loosen up” more difficult aspects of critical minerals access, though specific details were not provided.
Prior to the talks, Greer told CNBC on Friday that the United States sought “to make sure that we continue to get the rare earths we need for our manufacturing base, that they keep buying the kinds of things they should be buying from us, and that the leaders have a chance to get together and make sure that the relationship is going the way we want it to go.”
Greer and Bessent also stressed during negotiations the American interest in having China increase purchases of Boeing aircraft and U.S. coal, oil, and natural gas, topics that could receive further attention on Monday, sources indicated.
However, with limited preparation time and Washington’s focus on the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran, trade experts suggested that significant trade advances were unlikely, either in Paris or during the Beijing summit.
“Given that the leaders may meet up to four times this year, these deliverables maybe can be spread out, rolled out over the year,” explained Wendy Cutler, a former U.S. trade negotiator who currently leads the Asia Society’s Washington policy center.
Potential future meetings include a possible Washington visit by Xi, a China-hosted APEC summit in November, and a U.S.-hosted G20 summit in December.
Markets across Asia displayed cautious trading Monday as continuing conflicts in the Gulf region maintained pressure on oil prices, creating complications for central banks preparing for key policy decisions this week.
A potential development emerged when the Wall Street Journal reported that the Trump administration may announce within days that several nations have committed to forming a coalition for escorting vessels through the Strait of Hormuz.
Speaking to the Financial Times, President Donald Trump warned that NATO’s future would be severely impacted if allied nations failed to provide assistance.
European Union foreign ministers are scheduled to meet Monday to consider strengthening their limited naval presence in the Middle East, though any operations in the Strait would carry significant dangers.
Energy markets remained unsettled with Brent crude climbing 0.1% to reach $103.27 per barrel, while U.S. crude dropped 0.7% to $97.99.
Central bank officials from the United States, United Kingdom, Europe, Japan, Australia, Canada, Switzerland and Sweden are convening their first comprehensive meetings since hostilities began, with energy costs casting a shadow over all discussions.
JPMorgan’s chief economist Bruce Kasman explained the situation: “Central bank forecasts will immediately bias towards higher inflation and lower growth. Consistent with this view, we have pushed back or removed action for most central banks that were expected to move in March and April.”
Kasman added: “Developments on the ground highlight the potential for further price increases and the likelihood that the risk premium will remain elevated.”
Japan’s Nikkei index declined 0.1%, while South Korean markets gained 0.9% following losses in the previous week. MSCI’s comprehensive Asia-Pacific index excluding Japan rose marginally by 0.1%.
Within the region, attention will center on Chinese economic statistics released Monday, with retail sales expected to improve in February following a weak beginning to the year, while industrial output growth is projected to maintain approximately 5%.
Senior officials from the United States and China are also convening in Paris to explore potential agreements covering agriculture, essential minerals and managed trade arrangements for Presidents Trump and Xi Jinping to review during meetings in Beijing.
S&P 500 and Nasdaq futures rebounded 0.4% during volatile trading sessions. Although earnings season has concluded, artificial intelligence concerns will dominate attention as Nvidia presents its GTC conference in Silicon Valley this week, where the company plans to unveil cutting-edge chip and AI infrastructure developments.
The anticipated energy crisis, coupled with budget pressures from increased defense expenditures, caused global bond yields to experience double-digit jumps last week.
Ten-year Treasury yields reached 4.26%, climbing 32 basis points since the conflict started, while futures markets have dramatically reduced expectations for upcoming rate reductions.
The Federal Reserve is virtually certain to maintain current rates Wednesday, with the probability of easing by June falling to just 26%, down from 69% one month ago.
Market participants will focus on the statement’s language and press conference, monitoring whether the median “dot plot” forecasts from policymakers eliminate any additional easing for the remainder of this year.
A cautiously stable result is anticipated from all other central bank meetings, except the Reserve Bank of Australia, which is likely to raise its cash rate by a quarter point to 4.1% as it confronts renewed domestic inflation.
The increased market volatility has generally favored the U.S. dollar as a liquidity refuge. The United States also maintains net energy exporter status, providing advantages over Europe and much of Asia, which depend on energy imports.
The dollar traded slightly lower early Monday, responding partly to reports about potential escort services through the Strait of Hormuz.
The dollar weakened to 159.47 yen, just below a 20-month peak of 159.75, with investors remaining cautious as a break above 160.00 could prompt additional intervention warnings from Japan.
The euro remained near a seven-month low at $1.1440, approaching a potential break of significant chart support at $1.1392 that could trigger a decline toward $1.1065.
In commodity trading, gold held steady at $5,022 per ounce, receiving limited support despite its traditional roles as a safe haven and inflation hedge.
President Donald Trump revealed Sunday that diplomatic discussions with Cuba are progressing and suggested the United States may soon either finalize an agreement with the island nation or pursue alternative measures.
Speaking to members of the press aboard Air Force One, Trump stated: “Cuba also wants to make a deal, and I think we will pretty soon either make a deal or do whatever we have to do. We’re talking to Cuba, but we’re going to do Iran before Cuba.”
These remarks follow heightened tensions between Washington and Havana that have persisted through years of economic sanctions, diplomatic disputes, and disagreements over migration and security issues, with regional partners and business interests monitoring closely for potential policy changes.
Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel confirmed Friday that his nation has initiated discussions with the United States while the Caribbean island confronts one of its worst economic downturns in recent memory.
Speaking in a broadcast on government-controlled television, Díaz-Canel explained: “These talks have been aimed at finding solutions through dialogue to the bilateral differences we have between the two nations.”
The Cuban leader expressed optimism that the diplomatic efforts would guide the historically adversarial nations “away from confrontation.”
Cuba’s financial struggles have intensified due to interruptions in oil imports, which the nation depends on for electricity generation and transportation systems. Energy shortages have compelled officials to implement rotating power cuts nationwide and restrict certain government services.
In recent weeks, Trump has issued multiple public statements claiming Cuba is nearing economic collapse or is anxious to negotiate with the United States. Earlier this week, he suggested Cuba could face a “friendly takeover,” before adding: “it may not be a friendly takeover.”
Even with renewed diplomatic communication, substantial disagreements persist between both administrations. American officials have indicated that any reduction in economic pressure would probably require political and economic compromises from Havana, while Cuban leadership maintains that any negotiations must honor the nation’s sovereignty.
Aryna Sabalenka broke through at Indian Wells on Sunday, capturing her first title at the California desert tournament after defeating Elena Rybakina in a marathon three-set final, 3-6 6-3 7-6(6). The victory delivered Sabalenka her 23rd career championship after years of disappointment at the venue.
The Kazakhstani Rybakina controlled the match early, seizing the first set by attacking Sabalenka’s backhand side and breaking serve to establish a 4-2 advantage before closing out the opener. This marked the first set the Belarusian had lost during her entire tournament run.
Sabalenka’s struggles continued into the second set as Rybakina immediately broke her serve in the first game, prompting an audible cry of frustration from the four-time Grand Slam winner. However, Sabalenka found her rhythm and fought back to claim the second set 6-3, forcing a decisive third set.
The final set delivered drama worthy of a championship match. Sabalenka gained an early advantage with a break to lead 3-1, but Rybakina mounted a comeback to even the score at 5-5 and briefly took her first lead of the set. Sabalenka immediately answered to push the match into a tiebreaker, where both players battled to a 6-6 deadlock before Sabalenka ultimately prevailed 8-6.
As the winning shot crossed the net, Sabalenka collapsed to her knees in pure relief, finally achieving the Indian Wells triumph that had eluded her through three previous final appearances over the past three years.
Chinese online retail powerhouse JD.com made its European debut Monday by introducing its Joybuy digital marketplace to six nations including the United Kingdom, Germany, France, the Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg, marking a direct challenge to Amazon’s dominance in the region.
The expansion represents part of JD.com’s broader strategy to grow beyond China’s borders. The company previously invested 2.2 billion euros ($2.52 billion) last year to acquire German electronics chain Ceconomy, which operates the well-known MediaMarkt and Saturn retail brands.
This European launch reflects a growing trend among Chinese companies seeking opportunities outside their domestic market, where intense competition and sluggish consumer spending have created challenging business conditions.
The new Joybuy platform will offer merchandise spanning multiple categories including electronics, home appliances, cosmetics, household items, and food products.
Major brand partnerships have already been established, with dedicated online storefronts for L’Oreal, Braun, DeLonghi, BRITA, and Bodum appearing on the marketplace.
According to JD.com, customers can expect “competitive” pricing across all product categories.
Speed of delivery will serve as a primary competitive advantage, explained Matthew Nobbs, who leads Joybuy’s UK operations. Customers placing orders before 11 a.m. will receive their purchases the same day, while those ordering before 11 p.m. can expect next-day delivery.
From the initial launch, same-day delivery coverage will reach more than 15 million European and UK households. Free shipping applies to purchases exceeding 29 euros ($33.21) or 29 pounds ($38.52). The company is also introducing “JoyPlus,” a subscription service offering unlimited free delivery for an introductory monthly fee of 3.99 euros or 3.99 pounds, positioning it as a direct competitor to Amazon Prime.
Nobbs refused to disclose the total investment amount for this European venture, which encompasses 60 distribution centers and warehouses throughout the region, plus JD.com’s proprietary final-mile delivery network.
JD.com has previously attempted other European acquisitions, including exploring a potential purchase of UK electronics retailer Currys in 2024, though the company ultimately withdrew from those negotiations. Similar discussions regarding the acquisition of Argos from supermarket chain Sainsbury’s also concluded without a deal last year.
As you prepare your March Madness brackets, knowing which players can step up in crucial tournament moments could make all the difference in your predictions.
From the Blue Devils’ star big man to Purdue’s veteran leader and Houston’s clutch performer, these are the athletes who could shape the outcome of this year’s tournament.
Darius Acuff, Arkansas
Acuff captured national attention with his spectacular SEC tournament performance, highlighted by a championship game where he scored 30 points and dished out 11 assists. The guard possesses exceptional scoring ability at every level of the court, combining creative shot-making with remarkable composure under pressure. His hot streak has powered Arkansas to five straight victories heading into the tournament.
Donovan Atwell, Texas Tech
Tournament success often depends on guard play, and Atwell dominated from beyond the arc this season like no other player in college basketball. The sharpshooter connected on 3.9 three-pointers per contest while maintaining an impressive 45.4% accuracy rate from long range.
Cam Boozer, Duke
The frontrunner for Player of the Year honors posted averages of 22.5 points and 10.2 rebounds throughout the season. Standing 6-foot-10, Boozer moves with surprising agility for his 250-pound frame and consistently delivered in high-pressure situations, including an 18-point, 10-rebound, seven-assist performance in Duke’s victory over Michigan. Despite a challenging shooting night in Saturday’s ACC championship game where he went 3-of-17 from the field, Boozer still contributed eight rebounds and eight assists while making key plays down the stretch after playing heavy minutes three consecutive nights.
Jaden Bradley, Arizona
When Arizona needs a crucial basket in crunch time, Bradley will have the ball in his hands. The composed point guard excels at both creating his own scoring opportunities and facilitating for teammates, maintaining steady control regardless of game pressure.
AJ Dybantsa, BYU
Projected as the top selection in the 2026 NBA Draft, Dybantsa elevated BYU’s ceiling and gives the Cougars a fighting chance against any opponent. The freshman phenom led all college players in scoring at 25.3 points per game while earning first-team All-American honors and Big 12 Freshman of the Year recognition. His combination of size (6-9, 215 pounds) and explosive scoring ability from all areas of the court, plus his 50% field goal percentage, makes him extremely difficult to defend.
Jeremy Fears, Michigan State
The senior point guard embodies the classic Tom Izzo floor general, leading the nation in assists with 9.2 per game while barely edging Purdue’s Braden Smith (9.0). Though his aggressive style and reputation for questionable plays make him unpopular outside East Lansing, Fears possesses exceptional court vision and thrives in pressure situations.
Thomas Haugh, Florida
After serving in a backup role on last season’s national championship squad, Haugh stepped into a primary scoring position for this year’s Gators team. The 6-9 forward brings reliable shooting ability and versatility to Florida’s attack.
Joshua Jefferson, Iowa State
Jefferson stands out among big men for his ability to contribute across all statistical categories. He recorded two double-doubles during conference tournament action and delivered a spectacular triple-double performance against UCF earlier this season with 17 points, 10 rebounds, and 12 assists.
Trey Kaufman-Renn, Purdue
While teammate Braden Smith approaches the NCAA all-time assists record (trailing Bobby Hurley by just one) and Fletcher Loyer provides deadly three-point shooting, Kaufman-Renn anchors Purdue’s frontcourt. The senior scored 20 points in the Big Ten tournament championship victory over Michigan and maintained over 57% field goal shooting for the second straight season. His tournament experience includes nine games over the past two years, including two 20-point performances in last year’s NCAA Tournament.
Yaxel Lendeborg, Michigan
Leading scorer for a balanced Wolverines attack that features five players averaging at least 9.7 points per game, Lendeborg recorded his seventh 20-point game of the season during the Big Ten championship loss to Purdue. While not always a high-volume scorer, he showed his capability with 27 points to complete a season sweep of Michigan State. His versatility was on display when he hit the game-winning three-pointer against Wisconsin in the semifinals.
Labaron Philon, Alabama
Only one opponent managed to hold Philon below double figures this season, and he consistently threatens to reach 20 points in any game. His explosive potential was evident in a 35-point, seven-assist performance during Alabama’s double-overtime victory over Arkansas.
Milos Uzan, Houston
The ultimate team player for the Cougars, Uzan leads a defensively minded squad with valuable tournament experience from last March. His game-winning shot against Purdue sent Houston to the Elite Eight, and he expertly orchestrates the offense while setting up teammates like freshman Kingston Flemings (16.4 points per game) and Emanuel Sharp (15.3 points per game).
Keaton Wagler, Illinois
Another freshman performing beyond his years, Wagler handles increased ball-handling responsibilities due to his court vision and ability to create off the dribble. Though his jump shot may not be picture-perfect, his shooting range and slashing ability to the basket create matchup problems for opposing defenses.
Crude oil prices continued their steep climb Monday as an escalating conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran enters its third week, creating the largest disruption to global oil supplies on record.
Brent crude futures rose $2.01, reaching $105.15 per barrel by late Monday, representing a 1.95% increase from Friday’s close, which had already gained $2.68.
West Texas Intermediate crude also climbed $1.61 to $100.32 per barrel, a 1.63% jump following nearly $3 in gains during the previous trading session.
Both oil benchmarks have skyrocketed more than 40% throughout March, hitting their highest prices since 2022. The dramatic surge follows Iranian authorities blocking all shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz after coordinated U.S.-Israeli military strikes on Iranian targets.
President Donald Trump has warned of additional attacks targeting Iran’s Kharg Island oil export facility after weekend strikes on military installations, prompting Tehran to promise further retaliation. The Kharg Island terminal processes approximately 90% of Iran’s oil exports.
Iranian drone attacks subsequently struck an important oil terminal in Fujairah within the United Arab Emirates following the Kharg Island strikes. While oil loading has reportedly restarted at Fujairah according to four industry sources, it remains uncertain whether operations have returned to full capacity.
The Fujairah terminal, located outside the Strait of Hormuz, serves as the export point for roughly 1 million barrels daily of the UAE’s primary Murban crude oil grade, equivalent to about 1% of global demand.
“The U.S. is weighing high-risk ground options including raiding nuclear sites for Iran’s enriched uranium, seizing the Kharg Island oil hub, and occupying southern Iran to protect the Strait of Hormuz,” SEB analyst Erik Meyersson said in a note.
“All of these imply significant escalation and require a tolerance for substantially higher risk.”
Trump has called on international partners to send naval vessels to help secure the critical waterway. According to a Wall Street Journal report Sunday, he plans to announce a coalition for escorting ships through the Strait of Hormuz within days.
In response to soaring prices, the International Energy Agency announced Sunday that more than 400 million barrels from strategic oil reserves will enter the market soon, marking a record release designed to counter price increases from the Middle Eastern conflict.
Asian and Oceania reserves will become available immediately, while European and American stockpiles will be released by the end of March, the agency stated.
Despite diplomatic efforts by Middle Eastern allies to initiate peace talks, the Trump administration has rejected these attempts according to three sources with knowledge of the situation. Iran has also dismissed any possibility of a ceasefire until U.S. and Israeli attacks cease, reducing prospects for a rapid resolution.
“As the conflict enters its third week, the lack of a clear denouement has left global markets increasingly worried about an uncontrollable escalatory spiral,” SEB’s Meyersson said.
However, U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright expressed optimism Sunday, stating he anticipates the conflict with Iran will conclude within “the next few weeks,” followed by recovering oil supplies and decreasing energy costs.
Ongoing Middle East conflicts have sparked concerns in diplomatic and business communities about whether warfare might disrupt the growing economic connections between India, Israel, and Gulf nations. However, industry insiders suggest the opposite is occurring—the current crisis is demonstrating just how deeply rooted these partnerships have become and how challenging they would be to dissolve.
Ayush Singh, who founded the New Delhi-based cyber intelligence company ARPSyndicate, believes these relationships have evolved beyond dependence on any single administration or political climate.
“This partnership is not dependent on political leadership,” Singh explained to The Media Line. “It’s going to continue, and honestly, we can’t even predict how deep it will go.”
Some aspects of this framework are clearly visible. Trade agreements between the UAE and India, the Israel-UAE deal that emerged from the Abraham Accords—the 2020 diplomatic normalization between Israel and multiple Arab nations—and the EU-India agreement signed in January have created fresh commercial pathways throughout the region. Singh notes that beneath the surface lies a more complex network: military partnerships, acquisition processes, government approvals, and trust relationships developed over many years.
According to Singh, these connections existed before the Abraham Accords. Indian security personnel collaborated with Israeli colleagues in joint missions, built operational confidence, and subsequently brought those relationships into private industry after leaving government service.
Israeli companies recruited some of these former officials, leading to technology sharing arrangements. Singh emphasized these weren’t merely symbolic gestures or experimental startups. They emerged from established professional connections and received authorization from Israel’s Ministry of Defense, which must approve exports of offensive cyber technologies.
This development has created a specialized market in India. Singh reports that approximately 15 to 20 lawful interception suppliers—companies that provide surveillance and communications monitoring technology to governments—are now competing in that space. He says Israeli firms maintain preferred vendor status partly because they have invested years addressing specific operational challenges for Indian agencies.
“Every ministry, every agency has a gap in what they can do,” he noted. “Not everyone knows about these gaps. Only people at the leadership level know. But when you share one of those gaps with an Israeli vendor, they will pour money and resources into solving it, because they take the challenges Indians face seriously in a way that domestic vendors or American companies simply don’t match.”
While Singh describes the current foundation, Israeli investor and entrepreneur Erel Margalit is working to construct something more ambitious on that base.
“War cannot be won just on the battlefield,” Margalit stated in a phone conversation with The Media Line. “You need a diplomatic move at the end.”
Margalit envisions expanding bilateral relationships into a comprehensive India-Israel-UAE economic alliance connecting technology, investment capital, and infrastructure. He contends that India, Israel, and the UAE could serve as the foundation for a broader regional network combining Israeli innovation, Indian engineering capabilities, and Gulf financing.
“India, Israel, and the UAE hold the key to the next phase of the region,” he declared.
Two months before the current war started, Margalit assembled 450 entrepreneurs, investors, and technology leaders from Israel, Europe, the United States, and the UAE in Dubai to explore this concept. The group included founders and executive teams from Israeli artificial intelligence and cybersecurity companies, such as ControlUp, ThetaRay, Chain Reaction, and Quali. He said the most notable aspect was how Indian participants were already envisioning their role.
“The one thing that really stuck out was that in a lot of these conversations, we had Indian partners who said, ‘Yes, and we need to tie this to an ecosystem here. It’s a three-and-a-half-hour flight to India,’” Margalit recalled. “I found the conversations very engaging and eye-opening about what can be done.”
For Margalit, this represented part of an ongoing effort, not a single event. He remembered that shortly after the Abraham Accords, before regular commercial flights between Israel and the UAE had begun, he chartered an aircraft and traveled there with his companies.
“We didn’t come for symbolism,” he said. “We came to bring real value through technology and business.”
His current priority involves what he terms micro-vertical AI: specialized systems designed for specific sectors including banking, insurance, cybersecurity, and critical infrastructure. In simpler terms, he’s discussing customized AI systems integrated into the essential operations of major industries, rather than consumer-oriented applications. India’s engineering capacity, he argues, makes it a logical partner, while Abu Dhabi provides a practical pathway for expanding business relationships even without complete political normalization between India and Israel.
Some of this expansion is already evident. Jonathan Zanger, chief technology officer at Israeli cybersecurity company Check Point Software Technologies, told The Media Line that India has become a significant center in the company’s worldwide engineering operations, with Israeli and Indian engineers working together on fundamental products.
“India is a central engineering and capability-building hub for us,” Zanger confirmed.
The partnership is also extending beyond cybersecurity. Earlier this year, more than 550 representatives from international infrastructure firms met in Tel Aviv to discuss contracts for the $50 billion Tel Aviv Metro project. Multiple Indian companies participated, including the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation, indicating a broader transition from technology collaboration to physical infrastructure development.
This same reasoning drives interest in the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, or IMEC, a proposed network of ports, railways, energy connections, and digital infrastructure designed to link India to Europe through the Gulf and Israel. Given current warfare and threats to major shipping routes, the project has gained additional strategic importance as governments seek secure alternative pathways.
Speaking at the Raisina Dialogue, the annual geopolitical conference hosted by India’s Observer Research Foundation, former Indian Ambassador to the UAE Sanjay Sudhir said momentum behind the corridor remains strong. An intergovernmental framework agreement has been signed, a digital trade platform to simplify customs is functioning, and feasibility studies are proceeding for projects including undersea power connections between India and the Gulf.
Harsh Pant, vice president for studies and foreign policy at the Observer Research Foundation, said the war has delayed implementation but hasn’t altered the overall direction.
“We have not seen a declining commitment,” Pant observed. “It’s just that things have happened in the region.”
The war, however, is testing more than physical trade routes. Corridors like IMEC depend as heavily on digital systems as on ports, rail, and power connections. This is where the conflict is revealing another layer of vulnerability. Zanger cautioned that geopolitical tensions are increasingly affecting the cyber realm, where attacks can disable the systems modern economies rely upon.
“I don’t think the world is very protected,” he warned. “This mega cybersecurity incident based on AI has not happened yet. But my concern is that it is going to happen.”
Singh provided a more specific example. He said Iran has invested years studying vulnerabilities in surveillance cameras, most of which are manufactured in China. If those weaknesses are being shared, he explained, Tehran can purchase access rather than develop reconnaissance capabilities independently.
“They can buy a single exploit and gain visibility into a location,” Singh said. “We’ve seen this in practice.”
In his assessment, this type of attack matters both militarily and economically. Inexpensive cyber tools and low-cost reconnaissance methods can compel governments to respond with far more costly defenses.
“They’re using very cheap methods. They fail a lot. But when they succeed, they succeed cheaply, and you’re countering those cheap weapons with expensive ones. Economically, you’re the one taking the hit.”
He argued that India cannot approach this conflict the way it handled the Russia-Ukraine war—as a significant international crisis with limited direct impact. India’s connections to the Middle East run deeper, affecting workers, services, trade routes, and supply chains.
“In wars, that kind of damage rarely gets counted,” he said. “But it’s real.”
Singh said only the United States and Israel currently provide the modeling capabilities India requires to understand that exposure in real time.
“They’re the ones who can model actual collateral—if we do X and it goes wrong, what’s the damage? That’s not a calculation a person makes anymore. It requires algorithms, advanced systems. India can’t go anywhere else for that.”
When asked whether the war will ultimately accelerate or complicate the regional integration he has promoted for years, Margalit said the outcome will depend on whether political and business leaders view this moment as an opportunity rather than merely a crisis.
“Military victory is only the first step,” Margalit said. “Wars are ultimately won through diplomatic clarity, agreements, and alliances that can move the region forward.”
He said the next phase must be built on new alliances, economic cooperation, and a shared strategic vision connecting the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Jordan, and Egypt with Israel and the United States.
This perspective is finding support in Europe as well. Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, speaking after a Monday call with India’s Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar about the partial Hormuz blockade, said the crisis demonstrated why secure infrastructure and alternative routes are important. He referenced IMEC as the framework and is scheduled to open an IMEC forum in Trieste on Tuesday.
For Margalit, the strategic reasoning is already advancing faster than the diplomacy. Since Iran began attacking Gulf infrastructure, Israel has engaged in active security cooperation with nations with which it maintains no formal diplomatic relations.
“The next step is to take it to more of a formal alliance,” Margalit said. “I think it is already being discussed.”
In this context, the war may not be dismantling the India-Israel-Gulf network at all. It may be increasing pressure to formalize relationships that, in business, technology, and security, already function in practice.
Military leaders from Israel’s Defense Forces report that coordinated operations with American forces against Iranian targets could extend for a minimum of three additional weeks, with planning potentially reaching beyond that timeframe.
Brigadier General Effie Defrin, speaking as the IDF’s official spokesperson, told CNN that Israeli forces are organizing for an extended campaign working alongside United States military personnel. His comments came two weeks following the start of current hostilities.
“We have thousands of targets ahead. We are ready, in coordination with our US allies, with plans through at least the Jewish holiday of Passover, about three weeks from now. And we have deeper plans for even three weeks beyond that,” Defrin stated.
Defrin emphasized that the military campaign follows strategic goals rather than predetermined timelines. He explained that the IDF “is not working according to a stopwatch, or a timetable, but rather to achieve our goals,” with the primary objective being to “weaken the Iranian regime severely.”
President Donald Trump has indicated that American military strikes may escalate further. U.S. forces conducted attacks on Saturday against military installations on Kharg Island, a crucial Persian Gulf location that handles approximately 90% of Iran’s oil exports.
During an interview with NBC News, Trump hinted at potential future strikes on the same location. The president remarked that the U.S. might consider bombing the island “once more, just for fun.”
“Iran wants to make a deal, and I don’t want to make it because the terms aren’t good enough yet,” Trump said.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi rejected claims that Tehran was seeking negotiations with Washington during his television appearance.
“We don’t see any reason why we should talk with Americans, because we were talking with them when they decided to attack us,” he told CBS News’ Face the Nation program.
“This is a war of choice by President Trump and the United States, and we are going to continue our self-defense.”
Iran’s recently appointed Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei issued a written declaration threatening to close the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime passage that facilitates the transport of approximately 20% of global oil supplies.
The expanding conflict between Iran, Israel, and the United States is creating significant challenges for Arab nations across the Middle East, forcing them to deal with military threats and economic disruption even as they try to stay out of the wider war.
Countries like Jordan and Saudi Arabia are facing direct security challenges with missile interceptions and civilian injuries, while Egypt is experiencing financial strain through currency instability, reduced tourism, and disrupted trade routes.
These nations are working to manage the crisis fallout while attempting to prevent being drawn deeper into the regional confrontation.
Jordan Works to Limit Military Spillover
Jordan finds itself among the nations most directly affected by the conflict’s expansion. Tehran’s retaliatory strikes throughout the region have repeatedly violated the kingdom’s airspace, activating its air defense systems and requiring urgent coordination with international allies.
Government officials report that over 100 missiles and drones entered or threatened Jordanian airspace during the conflict’s opening week, with most being destroyed by defense systems. Falling debris from these interceptions has caused injuries and minor property damage in multiple locations.
Despite the heightened security situation, everyday life within the country has remained relatively normal, with officials working to maintain stability while security forces stay on high alert.
“The most immediate impact has been on aviation and tourism due to temporary airspace restrictions and reduced regional flights. Business activity inside Jordan continues largely as normal,” Mai Anati, the managing editor of The Jordan Times, told The Media Line.
However, regional tensions are creating economic ripple effects. In a nation that imports most of its energy, global market fluctuations are quickly felt by consumers.
“However, regional tensions tend to push oil prices higher, which can affect fuel costs and energy imports in a country like Jordan that relies heavily on imported energy,” she said.
Jordan has also become a key transit route as the conflict disrupts regional travel patterns. Foreign citizens looking to exit Israel and surrounding areas are increasingly using Amman as their departure point.
“So far, there are no indications of large-scale population movements into Jordan. Some foreign nationals have used Jordan as a transit point to leave the region through Amman,” Anati said. She noted that Jordan’s Foreign Ministry has also been assisting Jordanians in the Gulf with overland returns through embassy coordination.
“Daily life in major cities such as Amman, Irbid, and Zarqa continues largely as usual, with normal activity in schools, workplaces, and markets,” Anati said, explaining that authorities have implemented precautionary coordination and security measures while working to maintain normal daily routines.
Behind the scenes, Jordan’s security forces have elevated their readiness level to handle potential spillover incidents.
“Jordan has activated early warning systems and precautionary civil protection measures,” she explained. “Security institutions and civil defense remain on high alert, and authorities have issued public guidance on safety procedures to ensure rapid response in case of emergencies.”
To date, the direct impact within Jordan has remained contained.
“The impact inside Jordan has so far been limited,” Anati said, citing minor injuries from falling debris and minor property damage in several locations.
Nevertheless, the volume of intercepted threats demonstrates the kingdom’s vulnerability to the regional escalation.
“According to a statement by the Jordanian Armed Forces, since the beginning of the regional conflict, Iran has targeted Jordanian territory with 119 missiles and drones that were heading toward vital sites in the kingdom. Air defense systems intercepted and destroyed 108 of those missiles and drones,” she noted.
Despite these incidents, Jordan’s strategic approach has remained unchanged: protect national sovereignty while avoiding deeper participation in the conflict.
“Jordan is primarily focused on defending its sovereignty and protecting its airspace while continuing to call for regional de-escalation and diplomatic solutions,” Anati said.
“The kingdom’s position is clear: Jordan will not become a battlefield for any regional conflict,” she concluded.
Saudi Arabia Balances Defense and Caution
To the south, Saudi Arabia has also been forced to navigate the regional confrontation’s consequences. Iranian missile and drone strikes targeting strategic facilities across the Gulf have elevated the kingdom’s security stance and activated its air defense networks.
Multiple projectiles from Iran were intercepted above Saudi territory, including threats directed at crucial locations such as the Ras Tanura energy facility, the US Embassy in Riyadh, Prince Sultan Air Base, and Riyadh airport. While interceptions prevented major damage in most instances, falling debris in civilian areas resulted in two casualties, demonstrating the vulnerability of even well-protected infrastructure.
Riyadh’s official stance has stressed deterrence while maintaining a clear desire to avoid a broader regional war.
“Saudi Arabia’s official position has consistently emphasized the importance of protecting its sovereignty while avoiding escalation that could further destabilize the region,” Abdulaziz Alshaabani, a Saudi political analyst, told The Media Line. He said the kingdom has denounced attacks threatening its territory or security as violations of international law that undermine regional stability.
The implications for Saudi Arabia extend well beyond the immediate military aspects of the conflict. Gulf instability carries economic consequences far beyond the region, given Saudi Arabia’s position as one of the world’s largest energy producers and a central hub in global trade networks.
“From Riyadh’s perspective, the broader concern is not only the immediate security dimension but also the wider regional risks. Any escalation in the Gulf could disrupt critical supply chains, including food imports and energy production, both of which are essential not only for Gulf countries but also for global markets,” Alshaabani said.
Safeguarding shipping lanes and energy facilities remains a strategic priority as the kingdom attempts to maintain market confidence and prevent the conflict from expanding.
“The stability of shipping routes, energy infrastructure, and regional trade flows remains a top priority for the kingdom,” he noted.
Saudi Arabia has responded by strengthening air defenses while maintaining diplomatic channels.
“As for a direct response, Saudi policy has generally focused on strengthening defensive capabilities, coordinating with regional and international partners, and pursuing diplomatic channels to prevent further escalation,” Alshaabani said.
“The kingdom has repeatedly indicated that its goal is to safeguard its security and economic stability while avoiding steps that could expand the conflict or endanger the broader region,” he concluded.
Egypt Bears the Economic Impact
Unlike Jordan and Saudi Arabia, which have faced direct security threats, Egypt has experienced the conflict primarily through economic and strategic consequences. Cairo has not been directly attacked by missiles or drones, yet regional instability is already putting pressure on crucial sectors of its economy.
“Egypt’s economic exposure to this conflict is almost entirely indirect—but no less damaging for that,” Samir Ragheb, a retired Egyptian army brigadier general and president of the Arab Foundation for Development and Strategic Studies, told The Media Line.
“The country is being hit through what might be called the ‘anxiety premium’: investor sentiment, shipping insurance rates, flight rerouting decisions, and tourist cancellation patterns all respond to regional instability as a whole, not just to whether Egyptian soil has been struck,” he noted.
Financial markets were among the first sectors to respond.
“The Egyptian pound has come under renewed pressure almost immediately. The currency had only recently stabilized following the IMF-backed reform program and the painful 2024 devaluation. The war reversed that trajectory within days,” Ragheb said. He added that “hot money,” or short-term portfolio inflows, had flowed out just as sharply, with some Egyptian analysts estimating capital flight at more than $2 billion in the opening week alone.
In response, the central bank has used reserves to support the pound. Meanwhile, rising global energy prices are adding strain to an economy already stressed by International Monetary Fund-linked reforms and subsidy reductions.
“The central bank has been spending reserves to defend the pound’s trading band, but that is a finite buffer,” he noted.
For average Egyptians, the effects are likely to appear gradually through rising prices.
“The downstream effect on ordinary Egyptians is real: higher transport costs, higher logistics costs for goods, and a secondary inflation wave that hasn’t yet shown up in official CPI figures but will,” he said.
Trade routes and regional supply networks have also started to adjust as the conflict disrupts established pathways.
“Regional land crossings have also been disrupted. The Rafah crossing between Egypt and Gaza, already politically complicated, has seen further constraints,” Ragheb said. He said the Taba crossing has been used mainly for outbound traffic and that trade flows through the Aqaba-Nuweiba ferry route have also slowed.
However, the most significant economic vulnerability remains the Suez Canal.
“The Suez Canal wound is the deepest,” Ragheb said, noting that revenues had already dropped from more than $10 billion annually to about $4 billion by the end of 2025 because of the Houthi campaign in the Red Sea. Hopes that the Gaza ceasefire would restore normal shipping routes in 2026, he said, have now been indefinitely postponed.
Tourism, one of Egypt’s most critical sources of foreign currency, is extremely sensitive to regional instability and has already started to feel the effects.
Ragheb said tourism is not just a revenue source for Egypt but also a political stabilizer. The sector, he said, employs millions, supports key regional economies, and had reached roughly 19 million visitors in 2025.
“The cancellations since the escalation began have been real and measurable. Travel agencies across Europe—Egypt’s main tourism markets are Germany, Russia, Italy, and the UK—reported cancellation spikes within the first 72 hours of the conflict,” he noted.
According to Ragheb, the perception of risk can be almost as important as actual security conditions.
“Many travelers and travel insurers do not distinguish between Egypt being targeted and Egypt being adjacent to a region that is,” he said.
How persistent those economic shocks become will depend largely on the conflict’s duration.
“The critical threshold is duration,” Ragheb said.
“A conflict that ends or de-escalates within four to six weeks likely produces a manageable tourism downturn—perhaps a 15 to 20 percent dip for the season, with recovery possible before peak summer arrivals. A conflict that drags into April and May, or escalates further, would devastate the spring-summer booking cycle,” he noted.
At the security level, Egyptian planners are less worried about direct missile attacks than about indirect destabilizing effects.
“The concern within Egyptian security circles is real but calibrated,” Ragheb said, adding that officials are more worried about secondary effects, including the possibility that Islamic State’s Sinai Province could regain strength.
“That scenario—not Iranian missiles—is what Egyptian security planners lose sleep over,” he said.
Diplomatically, Cairo has attempted to position itself as a mediator while avoiding direct involvement in the conflict.
Ragheb said, “President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi has adopted the most activist diplomatic posture he has taken on any regional crisis in years—and that itself is significant.”
“President el-Sisi personally stated that Egypt had spent months attempting to prevent the war by bridging US and Iranian positions. That is not a routine diplomatic formulation—it is a political claim of effort and legitimacy that positions Egypt as a good-faith broker with channels to both sides,” he concluded.
Throughout the region, Jordan is protecting its airspace, Saudi Arabia is securing critical infrastructure, and Egypt is preparing for deeper economic pressure as neighboring governments attempt to contain an expanding conflict.
MILWAUKEE — Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo exited Sunday’s contest against Indiana following an uncomfortable landing after completing a slam dunk during the final moments of the third quarter in the team’s 134-123 win over the Pacers.
The star forward stayed on the court momentarily and managed another dunk on Milwaukee’s following offensive play. After getting fouled on the subsequent possession, he shot two free throws before making his way to the locker room.
Antetokounmpo did not return for the remainder of the contest. The forward finished with an impressive stat line of 31 points, 14 rebounds and eight assists across 30 minutes of action.
“My guess is he hyperextended his knee, but I’m guessing,” Bucks coach Doc Rivers said.
The Greek star indicated he wasn’t considering medical imaging at this time. The two-time Most Valuable Player explained he felt capable of continuing to play but decided to heed the guidance of Milwaukee’s medical personnel.
“I’m just going to go back home, sleep, see how I feel tomorrow, try to lift some weights,” Antetokounmpo said. “If I have a little bit of discomfort, then I’ll go from there. As of now, I’m not really bothered.”
The 31-year-old forward has been sidelined for a career-high 31 contests this season. He has endured two lengthy periods away from the court due to right calf muscle strains. Antetokounmpo was also held out of Milwaukee’s 122-99 defeat in Atlanta on Saturday due to a sprained left ankle.
MIAMI — Major League Baseball’s upcoming labor negotiations could threaten the participation of professional players in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, according to the sport’s newly appointed union leader.
Bruce Meyer, the acting head of the Major League Baseball Players Association, warned that any work stoppage resulting in missed games during the 2027 season would jeopardize current discussions about having big league talent compete in the Olympic baseball tournament.
The players’ association is currently in talks with MLB, the International Olympic Committee, the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic organizing committee, and the World Baseball Softball Confederation regarding the six-team tournament. The event is planned for Dodger Stadium from July 13-19, potentially during an extended All-Star break.
Meanwhile, both the league and union are gearing up for contract negotiations beginning in April or May to replace their current five-year deal, which ends December 1. A management lockout is anticipated to commence December 2.
“It can be on a separate track, but I’m sure it will come up in the course of negotiations,” Meyer stated Sunday evening during the World Baseball Classic. “If we’re in a situation where games are being missed in ’27, that could have an impact on playing the Olympics after that.”
Meyer was direct about the consequences of a lost 2027 season, saying it would eliminate big leaguers from the 2028 Olympics.
“If we don’t have a season, we’re not going to play in the Olympics,” he declared.
Major League Baseball has avoided losing regular-season games to labor disputes since 1995.
Several logistical challenges still need resolution before MLB players can participate in the Olympics, including insurance coverage and player accommodations. The World Baseball Classic model splits expenses proportionally among stakeholders, with MLB and the players’ union holding the largest equal shares, while the WBSC, Nippon Professional Baseball, and Korea Baseball Organization maintain smaller ownership stakes.
“The federations involved, the IOC, we still have a lot of issues to work out with the league,” Meyer explained. “I don’t have any reason to believe that that’s going to be a significant impediment in any way, but we still do have a lot of issues to be worked out, pretty much everything other than the qualifying — issues like insurance, transportation, and a whole variety of issues. … Housing, lodging, security is all still under discussion.”
The current player contract guarantees “first-class jet air and hotel accommodations” during the regular season, and players would likely resist staying in typical Olympic dormitory-style housing.
For athletes not participating in the Olympics, officials are exploring options for exhibition games between teams or against minor league affiliates.
Meyer delivered his comments at the Miami Marlins’ loanDepot park before the United States faced the Dominican Republic for a spot in Tuesday’s World Baseball Classic championship game against either Venezuela or Italy.
Saturday night’s quarterfinal saw 34,548 fans witness Venezuela’s surprising 8-5 victory over Japan. In contrast, the Marlins attracted only 1.16 million home attendees last season, ranking 28th among 30 teams, with 29 games drawing fewer than 10,000 spectators.
“In this market, in Miami, you can see the the fan interest in baseball, which unfortunately is perhaps not maximized by the franchise here,” Meyer observed.
Both MLB and the union are exploring exhibition game possibilities during an extended 2028 break for players not competing in the Olympics.
The Dominican Republic and Venezuela have already secured Olympic berths alongside host United States. One Asian team and one European/Oceania team can qualify through November’s WBSC Premier 12 tournament.
A final qualifying competition will occur no later than March 2028, featuring the top two unqualified teams from recent Asia and European championships, plus the highest-ranked unqualified teams from the latest Africa and Oceania championships.
Meyer assumed his acting leadership role last month after Tony Clark’s forced departure. Clark, a former All-Star first baseman who had guided the players since 2013, resigned following an investigation by the union’s external legal counsel that uncovered evidence of an inappropriate relationship with his sister-in-law, a union employee since 2023.
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — The San Francisco Giants came tantalizingly close to baseball perfection during Sunday’s spring training matchup, nearly completing a perfect game before the Milwaukee Brewers spoiled the historic bid in the final inning.
With just one out needed for perfection, Giants pitcher Gregory Santos issued a walk to Cooper Pratt in the ninth inning. The drama continued as Blake Burke stepped to the plate and, with a two-strike count against him, smashed a run-scoring double to break up both the perfect game and no-hit attempt. Santos recovered to strike out José Anderson and seal the victory.
The near-miss capped off a dominant pitching performance in San Francisco’s 7-1 triumph. Left-handed starter Robbie Ray worked five innings and recorded eight strikeouts, combining with four relief pitchers to fan 11 Milwaukee batters total. Ray has been impressive this spring, posting a 1.23 ERA while striking out 15 batters across five appearances.
No-hitters during spring training games remain uncommon occurrences. Last March, the Baltimore Orioles managed to complete one against Pittsburgh.
The outstanding pitching display came amid concerning news about Giants prospect Hayden Birdsong, whose MRI results showed a Grade 2 strained right forearm and sprained ulnar collateral ligament, according to multiple reports. The young pitcher is currently considering his treatment options, MLB.com reported.
“It’s certainly not best-case scenario, but hopefully we get best-case scenario of the unfortunate circumstances,” manager Tony Vitello commented Sunday morning, according to NBC Sports Bay Area.
Despite facing nationwide criticism and questions about their strength of schedule, Miami (Ohio) RedHawks have secured their spot in the 2026 NCAA Tournament.
The RedHawks (31-1) managed to claim one of the last four spots in the March Madness field announced Sunday, earning a matchup against SMU (20-13) in the First Four at Dayton – just 42 miles from their campus.
Miami’s tournament hopes appeared uncertain after falling to UMass in their first Mid-American Conference tournament game. Akron ultimately captured the MAC’s automatic qualification.
The selection committee awarded the four top seeds to Duke, Arizona, Michigan, and Florida.
Duke (32-2) claims the East region’s No. 1 position, with UConn (29-5) as the second seed, Michigan State (25-7) third, and Kansas (23-10) fourth. The Blue Devils hope to return to the Final Four for consecutive years when they meet 16th-seeded Siena (23-11) Thursday in Greenville, South Carolina. UConn captured consecutive national championships in 2023-24.
Arizona (32-2) earned the West’s top spot as they attempt to end a lengthy Final Four drought dating back to their 2001 national championship game loss. The Wildcats open Friday against 16th-seeded Long Island (24-10) in San Diego. Purdue (27-8) holds the second seed, with Gonzaga (30-3) third and Arkansas (26-8) fourth.
Michigan (31-3) received the Midwest’s No. 1 seed, followed by Iowa State (27-7), Virginia (29-5), and Alabama (23-9). The Wolverines await the winner of the First Four contest between UMBC and Howard. UMBC returns to the tournament for the first time since their historic upset of Virginia in 2018.
Santa Clara (26-8) earned a 10th seed in the Midwest, marking their first tournament appearance since 1996 during the Steve Nash era.
Defending champion Florida (26-7) captured the South’s top seed and will face either Lehigh or Prairie View A&M. Houston (28-6), last year’s runner-up to the Gators, holds the second seed. Illinois (24-8) and Nebraska (26-6) round out the top four. The Cornhuskers remain winless in eight NCAA Tournament games, most recently falling to Texas A&M in 2024.
The first four teams excluded were Oklahoma (19-15), Auburn (17-16), San Diego State (22-11), and Indiana (18-14). Former Auburn coach Bruce Pearl had strongly advocated for the Tigers’ inclusion over Miami.
This marks Miami’s first NCAA Tournament appearance since 2007.
The remaining First Four matchup features North Carolina State (20-13) against Texas (18-14) on the 11-seed line.
The Miami University RedHawks claimed the final position in the 2026 NCAA Tournament bracket announced Sunday evening, though they face an additional hurdle before joining the main tournament field.
Earning an 11th seed in the Midwest Region, the RedHawks must first overcome SMU in a First Four matchup in Dayton, Ohio. The victorious squad will then travel to Philadelphia to face sixth-seeded Tennessee in the opening round.
The RedHawks dominated early in the season as Mid-American Conference regular-season champions, stringing together 31 straight victories before suffering a shocking defeat in their conference tournament quarterfinals. Akron captured the MAC championship for the third consecutive year, raising questions about whether the selection committee would award the conference multiple tournament berths.
During a CBS Sports interview Sunday, selection committee chairman Keith Gill revealed that Miami wasn’t actually the final team considered during the initial selection deliberations.
“They came in before NC State, Texas and SMU,” Gill said, “and when we did our scrubbing process, those teams scrubbed above them relative to the predictive metrics and also the difference in the quality of the wins, so they scrubbed up above them. And with regards to VCU, (the RedHawks) would not have been in the field if (VCU) had not won the Atlantic 10 automatic qualifier.”
The selection marks a historic moment for the MAC, as this represents the first at-large tournament invitation extended to the conference since 1999. Typically, only the conference tournament winner receives an automatic qualification.
Miami earned their tournament spot despite holding a NET rating of 64, which ranked below both Oklahoma at 38 and Auburn at 44. Auburn boasted victories against Florida, St. John’s and Arkansas but failed to secure one of the 10 Southeastern Conference bids awarded this year.
Atlanta continued their dominant spring training performance on Sunday, securing a narrow 1-0 win against Philadelphia in Clearwater, Florida, to maintain the best record in Major League Baseball at 15-5.
The game remained scoreless until the ninth inning when Tyler Tolve connected for a clutch home run with one out against Genesis Cabrera (0-2), providing the decisive blow for the visiting Braves.
Relief pitcher JR Ritchie (1-1) delivered an outstanding performance on the mound, blanking the Phillies across the final four frames. The right-hander allowed zero hits while recording six strikeouts and issuing no walks, bringing his spring ERA down to 2.25 through four appearances covering 12 innings.
Brett Wisely contributed offensively for Atlanta, collecting two hits in four at-bats from the leadoff position.
Philadelphia received excellent pitching from starter Taijuan Walker, who worked five solid innings without allowing a run. Walker surrendered just three hits while walking two and striking out three batters, reducing his ERA to 1.29 across two starts and seven total innings this spring.
Tigers 12, Yankees (ss) 1
Detroit overwhelmed a New York split squad in Tampa, collecting 18 hits in a dominant offensive display. Trei Cruz, Dillon Dingler, and Javier Baez each recorded two hits for the Tigers.
Pinch-hitter Jordan Yost capped the scoring with a grand slam, while Detroit also got home runs from Spencer Torkelson (three-run), Matt Vierling (two-run), and Riley Greene (solo).
Yankees starter Luis Gil (2-1) struggled through three innings, allowing seven runs on nine hits. Jonathan Ornelas provided New York’s only run with an RBI single in the ninth.
Cardinals 6, Nationals 3
Nelson Velazquez powered St. Louis past Washington in Jupiter, Florida, belting his fourth spring home run and driving in four runs. His three-run blast in the opening inning set the tone for the Cardinals’ victory.
Velazquez is having an impressive spring, batting .333 with nine RBIs in 33 at-bats. Winning pitcher Richard Fitts (2-1) allowed two runs and one hit across 4 2/3 innings, walking three and striking out five.
Washington committed four errors in the loss but got a bright spot from Joey Wiemer, who hit a three-run homer in the second inning.
Rays 6, Pirates 1
Cedric Mullins led Tampa Bay’s offensive attack with a 3-for-4 performance, including a solo home run and four RBIs. Jake Fraley also had a perfect day at the plate, going 3-for-3 with two runs scored in Port Charlotte, Florida.
Shane McClanahan (2-0) earned the victory with a dominant start, throwing 3 2/3 no-hit innings with seven strikeouts and no runs allowed.
Pittsburgh managed just four hits and scored their lone run on a ninth-inning homer by Konnor Griffin.
Red Sox 7, Twins 2
Boston collected 10 hits in their victory over Minnesota in Fort Myers, Florida. Caleb Durbin contributed two hits, while Jason Delay homered in his only plate appearance.
Durbin has been impressive this spring, batting .400 with seven RBIs and three stolen bases in 30 at-bats.
Minnesota’s Alan Roden went 2-for-3 with an RBI, while starter Zebby Matthews (0-2) pitched five innings, allowing two unearned runs on four hits.
Astros 1, Marlins 0
Houston managed just one hit in their victory over Miami in West Palm Beach, Florida, but Shay Whitcomb made it count with an eighth-inning RBI double that provided the game’s only run.
Astros starter Cristian Javier threw four shutout innings, allowing two hits with five strikeouts and one walk. AJ Blubaugh, the fifth Houston pitcher, earned his first spring decision after two hitless innings with three strikeouts.
Miami’s Eury Perez matched Javier with four hitless innings, walking one and striking out five.
Mets 8, Blue Jays 1
New York dominated Toronto in a rain-shortened six-inning game in Port St. Lucie, Florida. Mike Tauchman went 2-for-3 with two RBIs, while Marcus Semien homered and drove in three runs, including a solo shot in the first inning.
Toronto managed only four hits and got poor pitching from starter Grant Rogers, who surrendered eight runs (five earned) on seven hits in 2 1/3 innings, dropping to 0-2 with an 8.59 ERA this spring.
Electric vehicle manufacturer Tesla and Australian mining company Syrah Resources announced Monday they have reached their fourth agreement to postpone a resolution deadline for a disputed graphite supply contract until June 1st.
According to Syrah Resources, Tesla had issued a formal complaint claiming the mining company did not fulfill its contractual duty to supply proper natural graphite active anode material samples from Syrah’s Louisiana-based Vidalia processing plant.
Tesla’s formal complaint set March 16 as the deadline for Syrah to fix the claimed breach, with the electric car company holding the right to cancel their supply agreement for Syrah’s 11.25 kilotons-per-year facility in Vidalia if the issue remained unresolved.
Both companies have now modified their agreement to push the resolution deadline to June 1st, pending authorization from the U.S. Department of Energy.
The original 2021 supply deal between the two companies calls for Tesla to purchase 8,000 tons of graphite annually over four years, forming the foundation of Syrah’s Vidalia operations and the company’s larger goal to establish itself as a leading American source of graphite not sourced from China.
The Texas-based automaker first raised concerns in July 2025, claiming Syrah had not delivered acceptable active anode material samples from the Vidalia plant for use in electric vehicle battery production.
In Monday’s announcement, Syrah stated it disputes Tesla’s default claims but confirmed both parties have mutually agreed to extend the resolution timeframe to June 1st while they collaborate on addressing the concerns.
Following the announcement, Syrah’s stock price climbed 2.9% to A$0.175 as of 2302 GMT.
French President Emmanuel Macron delivered a stern message to Iranian leadership on Sunday, demanding an immediate halt to military operations targeting Middle Eastern nations both directly and through allied forces, particularly in Lebanon and Iraq.
In a social media statement, Macron revealed he had personally conveyed these demands to Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian during recent discussions.
“I reminded him that France is acting within a strictly defensive framework aimed at protecting its interests, its regional partners, and freedom of navigation, and that it is unacceptable for our country to be targeted,” Macron wrote on X.
The French leader also emphasized the urgent need to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway for global shipping that has faced disruptions.
“Freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz must be restored as soon as possible,” he stated.
Looking toward long-term solutions, Macron outlined his vision for regional stability, calling for comprehensive diplomatic measures that would address Iran’s nuclear program, missile development, and military activities throughout the region.
“Only a new political and security framework can ensure peace and security for all,” Macron declared, emphasizing that any agreement must include guarantees preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons.
European Union foreign ministers are set to convene Monday in Brussels to consider strengthening their naval operations in Middle Eastern waters, though expansion into the critical Strait of Hormuz remains unlikely, according to diplomatic sources.
The EU launched its Aspides naval mission in 2024 to safeguard commercial vessels from attacks by Houthi rebels from Yemen targeting ships in the Red Sea. The operation currently operates with Italian and Greek vessels under direct command, plus French and additional Italian ships available for backup support.
Since late February, when American and Israeli forces began military operations against Iran on February 28, the Strait of Hormuz has become largely impassable. This development has prompted some European leaders to consider whether their naval mission might help restore safe passage through the Gulf waterway.
The strait serves as a crucial pathway for approximately 20% of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas shipments, making Iran’s ability to block this route a significant concern for global economic stability.
However, diplomatic sources indicate Monday’s ministerial discussions will center on EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas’s proposal to increase the number of ships participating in the current mission.
“The conversation on Monday will be about trying to have more member states contribute further capacities,” said a senior EU official, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss internal deliberations.
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul expressed doubt about expanding the mission’s scope during a Sunday interview. He argued that Aspides – which takes its name from the Greek term meaning “shields” – hasn’t proven successful in its existing responsibilities.
“That is why I am very sceptical that extending Aspides to the Strait of Hormuz would provide greater security,” he told Germany’s ARD television.
Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump issued a Saturday appeal for international cooperation, urging China, France, Japan, South Korea, Britain and other nations affected by the oil supply disruptions to join efforts reopening the shipping routes.
French officials have been working to build a coalition focused on securing the strait once conditions stabilize, while British representatives are exploring various options with allied nations to ensure maritime shipping safety, according to official sources.
Diplomatic sources say it’s premature to determine whether the European Union might participate as a unified entity in such initiatives. Any modification to the Aspides mission’s mandate would require unanimous agreement from all 27 EU member nations.
“Protecting ships in the Strait of Hormuz in the current situation is a decision that won’t be taken lightly by ministers,” said an EU diplomat.
North Korea conducted elections Sunday for its Supreme People’s Assembly, the nation’s legislative body responsible for formally endorsing government policies and selecting top officials, according to state media reports from KCNA.
State media announced that approximately 99.99% of qualified voters had participated in the election by 6 p.m. local time on Sunday.
The country’s leader Kim Jong Un participated in the voting process at a coal mining facility operated by young workers, where he emphasized that the coal sector plays a crucial role in advancing the nation’s economy and supporting his five-year economic development strategy, KCNA reported.
Citizens of North Korea residing in China and other socialist nations also participated in the voting process, according to the state media outlet.
While the assembly has the authority to create legislation and oversee policies across all government sectors, its endorsement serves merely as a procedural step for decisions already made by the dominant Workers’ Party, which maintains absolute authority. Kim Jong Un governs the nation through multiple leadership roles: general secretary of the Workers’ Party, president of the State Affairs Commission, and supreme commander of the Armed Forces.
MIAMI — Team USA manager Mark DeRosa has chosen Baltimore Orioles standout Gunnar Henderson to man third base instead of Alex Bregman for Sunday’s World Baseball Classic semifinal clash with the Dominican Republic, citing favorable matchup numbers against Dominican starter Luis Severino as the deciding factor.
The Orioles shortstop boasts exceptional numbers against the right-handed Severino, going 7-for-9 lifetime with one home run, a double, and four RBIs. In contrast, Bregman has struggled against the Dominican pitcher during regular season play, managing just 5 hits in 21 at-bats with one homer and three RBIs.
Henderson has maintained his hot streak throughout the tournament, collecting 5 hits in 10 at-bats across two WBC appearances, including a double and home run.
“Playing the hot hand right?” DeRosa explained before Sunday’s semifinal matchup. “Gunnar’s got numbers against Severino.”
The manager revealed he discussed the lineup change with Bregman on Saturday, noting the Houston Astros star has managed only 2 hits in 11 at-bats through four tournament games.
“These guys like the lineup out the night before, so I was able to do that, and he was good with it,” DeRosa explained. “It’s game on.”
Behind the plate, Will Smith will get the starting nod over Cal Raleigh, who has failed to record a hit in nine WBC plate appearances.
Sunday’s semifinal promises to deliver elite-level competition, featuring the Dominican Republic’s tournament-leading offense against what many consider baseball’s premier pitcher in Paul Skenes.
The Dominican squad enters with a perfect 5-0 record, having dominated opponents by a combined score of 51-10 while posting a .312 team batting average. Their 14 home runs have matched the WBC record established by Mexico in 2009.
“Skenes is one of the best pitchers today in the major leagues,” Dominican manager Albert Pujols acknowledged. “But we also have one of the best offenses in this tournament, so it’s going to be power versus power. We’ll try to win.”
Should the Dominican Republic advance to Tuesday’s championship game, Pujols has already committed to starting Miami Marlins ace Sandy Alcantara, regardless of whether they face Italy or Venezuela.
“Alcantara will be our pitcher no matter what,” Pujols declared. “If God gives us that opportunity, if we move to the final, Alcantara will be the starter. I’m not going to change it no matter what, no matter if it is Italy or Venezuela. … I trust Sandy, and I hope to be here talking with you on Tuesday.”
MEXICO CITY — Nearly 10,000 soccer fans gathered in Mexico City’s historic main plaza on Sunday, shattering the global record for the world’s biggest soccer training session as the nation gears up to host this June’s World Cup opening match.
The iconic Zocalo square transformed into an enormous outdoor training facility where 9,500 participants followed along with instructors in coordinated soccer exercises. The massive crowd practiced ball-handling skills and participated in synchronized drills designed to celebrate athletics and bring the community together.
Guinness World Records official Alfredo Arista Rueda was on hand to verify the achievement during Sunday’s event.
“You are officially amazing. Officially Amazing! Congratulations!,” Rueda announced to the enthusiastic crowd, who responded with cheers and threw confetti skyward.
Event organizers noted that Sunday’s turnout demolished the previous world record established in Seattle during June 2025, where 1,038 people participated in a similar soccer training session.
Attendees expressed excitement that the record-setting event helps build anticipation for the upcoming World Cup.
“The Azteca Stadium has hosted Pelé and Maradona; the World Cup here is magical,” commented soccer instructor Mario Alberto Álvarez Acosta.
Mexico previously welcomed World Cup tournaments in 1970 and 1996, events where both the Brazilian and Argentine soccer legends claimed championship victories.
Local resident Sandra López Figueroa, who described herself as a housewife, said she thoroughly enjoyed the experience.
“I had fun; I did things I didn’t even know I could do,” López Figueroa shared.
Leading executives from America’s largest petroleum companies have alerted President Donald Trump’s administration that the current energy crisis stemming from conflict involving Iran is expected to intensify, according to a Wall Street Journal report published Sunday.
Top officials from Exxon, Chevron, and ConocoPhillips delivered these warnings during White House meetings held last Wednesday, as well as in recent discussions with Energy Secretary Chris Wright and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, the newspaper reported, citing sources with knowledge of the conversations.
The oil industry leaders expressed concerns that ongoing interference with energy transportation through the strategically important Strait of Hormuz shipping channel will persist in causing instability across worldwide energy markets, according to the report.
Reuters has not been able to independently confirm these details at this time.
SYDNEY – Another member of Iran’s women’s soccer team has rejected Australia’s offer of asylum and will head back to Iran, according to Australian media reports released Monday.
Last week, Australia provided humanitarian visas to six players and one staff member from Iran’s national team after they requested protection due to concerns about potential persecution back home. Their worries stemmed from their refusal to sing Iran’s national anthem during a Women’s Asian Cup game.
On Sunday, three delegation members decided to reject the asylum opportunity. Combined with another team member who changed her mind the previous week, this leaves just two individuals remaining in Australia.
“This is a very complex situation,” Australian Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs Matt Thistlethwaite said during a Sky News interview Monday.
Thistlethwaite explained that the government honors the choices of those returning to Iran while maintaining assistance for the two team members who have stayed in Australia.
According to Iran’s Football Association, the individuals declining Australia’s asylum protection plan to meet up with their teammates in Malaysia before departing for Tehran, where they will “to once again be embraced by their families and homeland.”
Iran’s Asian Cup participation began during the same period when U.S. and Israeli forces conducted airstrikes against Iran, resulting in the death of the Islamic Republic’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The team was knocked out of the competition one week ago.
U.S. President Donald Trump commended Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese for permitting the women to remain, posting on social media that America stood ready to accept the players if Australia declined to do so.
The U.S. military has secured a major supply agreement for critical materials used in modern technology, signing a four-year contract worth approximately $96 million with Australian mining company Lynas Rare Earths.
The Pentagon announced Monday that Lynas USA LLC has committed to providing both light and heavy rare earth oxide materials under a binding agreement that establishes a minimum price of $110 per kilogram for NdPr oxide products.
According to the company, this four-year supply arrangement is designed to strengthen American national security and improve supply chain stability for essential materials.
The agreement replaces an earlier arrangement between the two parties, which was modified due to questions surrounding a proposed heavy rare earth processing plant in Seadrift, Texas.
“Through this agreement, the U.S. Defense Industrial Base will continue to have access to Light and Heavy Rare Earth oxides that are essential for modern manufacturing,” stated Lynas CEO Amanda Lacaze.
These specialized materials and the magnets created from them play crucial roles in countless devices, from consumer electronics like iPhones and home appliances to advanced military equipment including F-35 fighter jets and electric vehicle systems.
The contract comes as the United States works to secure reliable sources of critical minerals while decreasing dependence on China, which currently controls approximately 90% of global rare earth magnet production.
Lynas operates as the world’s leading rare earth producer outside of Chinese control.
Senior economic officials from the United States and China conducted what sources described as exceptionally productive discussions in Paris on Sunday, laying groundwork for potential agreements that Presidents Donald Trump and Xi Jinping could finalize during their upcoming Beijing meeting.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent led the American delegation in talks with Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng at the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development headquarters. Two sources with knowledge of the negotiations characterized the discussions as both frank and constructive.
“All these meetings were to create stability, and today was remarkably stable,” one source told reporters following the conclusion of the talks.
The negotiations covered several key areas, including expanded agricultural trade opportunities. Chinese representatives indicated willingness to consider increased purchases of American poultry, beef, and various row crops beyond soybeans, according to one source. China also reaffirmed its commitment to purchasing 25 million metric tons of U.S. soybeans annually for the next three years.
Both delegations explored establishing formal mechanisms to better manage trade and investment relations between the world’s two largest economies. Technical discussions regarding proposed “Board of Trade” and “Board of Investment” frameworks were scheduled to continue Monday.
The Board of Trade concept appeared more fully developed, designed to identify products and sectors where both nations could expand balanced trade without compromising national security or critical supply chains, sources explained. The investment board would focus on addressing specific investment disputes rather than setting broad policy.
Critical mineral supply chains dominated another portion of the discussions. American officials expressed concerns about limited access to yttrium from China, an essential component in jet engine turbines. Sources indicated both sides identified potential solutions to ease restrictions in challenging mineral sectors, though specific details were not disclosed.
U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and Secretary Bessent also emphasized American interest in expanded Chinese purchases of Boeing aircraft and U.S. energy products including coal, oil, and natural gas. These topics were expected to receive further attention in Monday’s continued discussions.
The Paris meeting follows several previous sessions throughout the past year aimed at reducing tensions between Bessent, He, Greer, and Chinese chief trade negotiator Li Chenggang. Chinese officials departed without making public statements to waiting reporters.
Treasury and Trade Representative office spokespersons declined to provide characterizations of Sunday’s discussions when contacted. Sources emphasized that final decisions on any proposed agreements would rest with the two presidents during their anticipated late-March summit in Beijing.
The University of Delaware women’s tennis team delivered a commanding performance on Sunday, shutting out LIU in a dominant 7-0 victory at Wilmington Country Club in Newark.
The Blue Hens’ impressive showing extends their current winning streak to seven matches, demonstrating the team’s strong momentum as they continue their season. The complete sweep against LIU showcased Delaware’s depth and skill across all matches played.
Sunday’s match took place at the Wilmington Country Club, where the Blue Hens controlled play from start to finish to secure the shutout victory.
Leaders from America’s biggest airlines are calling on lawmakers to end the current partial government shutdown and ensure federal aviation workers receive their paychecks.
In a public letter published Sunday in The Washington Post, executives from major carriers including American, Delta, Southwest and JetBlue expressed frustration with the ongoing funding crisis affecting airport operations.
“Once again, air travel is the political football amid another government shutdown,” the airline leaders stated in their joint message to Congress.
The letter also received signatures from shipping giants UPS, FedEx and Atlas Air. These business leaders are pushing for passage of three specific bills: the Aviation Funding Solvency Act, Aviation Funding Stability Act, and Keep America Flying Act. These measures would ensure continuous pay for air traffic controllers and TSA security personnel regardless of government funding disputes.
The executives emphasized the human cost of the shutdown, writing: “It’s difficult, if not impossible, to put food on the table, put gas in the car and pay rent when you are not getting paid.”
This latest shutdown targets only the Department of Homeland Security, which oversees TSA operations. Congressional Democrats have blocked funding for the agency due to disagreements over immigration enforcement policies. The standoff follows fatal shootings of Alex Pretti and Renee Good in Minneapolis this year, prompting Democratic demands for new limits on federal immigration activities.
The timing couldn’t be worse for the travel industry, according to the airline CEOs. With spring break travel in full swing, preparations underway for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and America’s 250th anniversary celebrations planned throughout the year, airlines anticipate serving 171 million passengers this spring alone.
The shutdown’s impact is already visible at airports nationwide, where travelers are experiencing increasingly lengthy security checkpoint delays.
Both TSA and Homeland Security officials have pointed fingers at Democratic lawmakers for the extended wait times and operational challenges.
According to a recent Homeland Security social media post, more than 300 TSA agents have resigned since this shutdown began, further straining airport security operations.
Australian financial services company Perpetual Limited announced Monday it has reached an agreement to divest its wealth management division to private equity giant Bain Capital in a deal worth A$500 million ($350 million) in immediate cash.
The transaction structure includes possible additional upfront compensation based on how well the advisory business performs before the deal closes, plus potential earn-out payments of up to A$50 million tied to post-completion performance of the accounting and wealth operations.
This sale comes after Perpetual Limited had previously announced a massive A$2.18 billion agreement with KKR in 2024 to offload both its wealth management and corporate trust divisions. However, the company later ended those negotiations with KKR and decided to pursue selling the wealth management business separately.
Company Chief Executive Bernard Reilly stated Monday that this deal represents a crucial milestone in the firm’s strategy to simplify its organizational structure and concentrate on its two primary business areas.
The company anticipates finalizing this transaction by late 2026, according to Perpetual’s announcement.
Philadelphia Eagles tight end Dallas Goedert will remain with the franchise through 2026 after reportedly signing a new contract on Sunday.
The 31-year-old veteran agreed to a one-year deal worth $7 million, according to contract details obtained by ESPN.
Over his eight seasons in Philadelphia, Goedert has established himself as the franchise’s current leader in catches among active players, recording 409 receptions. Last season, he topped the Eagles’ roster with 11 touchdown catches while hauling in 60 passes for 591 receiving yards.
Contract negotiations between Philadelphia and Goedert had been ongoing for multiple weeks, with both sides working to finalize terms before he entered free agency. This approach helped the Eagles avoid taking a $20 million dead money penalty against their salary cap.
The signing provides Philadelphia with additional roster flexibility as speculation continues around potential trades involving wide receiver A.J. Brown this offseason. Moving Brown before June 1 would create a salary cap burden exceeding $40 million, though that figure would decrease to approximately $20 million for any deal completed after that deadline.
Last year, Goedert accepted a restructured contract that reduced his annual earnings from $14 million down to $10 million.
Since being selected in the second round of the NFL Draft, Goedert has accumulated 4,676 receiving yards and scored 35 touchdowns throughout his professional career.
In a stunning display of clutch shooting, TJ Power exploded for 44 points to propel Penn past Yale 88-84 in overtime during Sunday’s Ivy League tournament championship in Ithaca, New York, securing the Quakers’ spot in March Madness.
Power’s remarkable performance included two crucial 3-pointers in the game’s final seven seconds of regulation time. The standout guard also grabbed 14 rebounds while shooting an impressive 14-of-26 from the field, including 7-of-14 from beyond the arc. His 44-point outburst marks the highest-scoring game in Ivy League tournament history. Cam Thrower contributed 19 points for Penn (18-11).
Yale (24-6) received strong offensive contributions from Trevor Mullin’s 22 points, while Casey Simmons, Nick Townsend, and Isaac Celiscar each tallied 17 points. Celiscar also pulled down 11 rebounds for the Bulldogs.
The dramatic finish unfolded when Yale appeared to have the game in hand, leading 73-69 following two Mullin free throws with just 12 seconds on the clock. Power responded immediately with a difficult 3-pointer, cutting the deficit to 73-72. After Mullin sank two more free throws with five seconds remaining, Power struck again from long range with one second left, knotting the score at 75-75 and forcing overtime.
During the extra period, Power added four more points from the free-throw line, helping Penn reach the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2018. The victory comes in the inaugural season under head coach Fran McCaffery and represents just the Quakers’ second tournament appearance since 2008.
In other championship action, VCU defeated Dayton 70-62 for the Atlantic 10 title, with Nyk Lewis recording 17 points and 11 rebounds. The second-seeded Rams (27-7) successfully defended their conference tournament crown and earned their 21st NCAA Tournament berth.
Meanwhile, South Florida captured the American Conference championship with a 70-55 victory over Wichita State. Wes Enis led the top-seeded Bulls with 19 points as they secured their first NCAA Tournament appearance since 2012 under first-year coach Bryan Hodgson.
Good evening, Delmarva! We’re tracking an active weather pattern moving through the peninsula tonight and into Monday.
Tonight will be quite eventful weather-wise. Rain is expected to begin around 10 PM, transitioning to thunderstorms between 2 and 4 AM before tapering to scattered showers. Temperatures will actually rise overnight from 49 to around 59 degrees – unusual but not uncommon during active storm systems. Winds will be gusty from the southeast at 15 mph with gusts up to 30 mph. We could see a quarter to half inch of rainfall.
Monday brings continued shower and thunderstorm activity with highs reaching 68 degrees. However, get ready for a dramatic change Monday night as a cold front pushes through, bringing more storms and sending temperatures plummeting to just 32 degrees by Tuesday morning.
Tuesday looks much better with mostly sunny skies and highs rebounding to 43 degrees – typical March weather returning to the region.
Stay weather-aware tonight and tomorrow, and keep that umbrella handy! This is your TV Delmarva weather team keeping you prepared.
SALISBURY, Md. – Salisbury University’s nationally second-ranked baseball squad caught fire with a massive eight-run explosion in the fourth inning, steamrolling past Oswego State 12-2 in a seven-inning contest Sunday afternoon at Donnie Williams Sea Gull Baseball Stadium.
The Sea Gulls used the dominant fourth-inning outburst to pull away from the visiting Lakers, ending the game early due to the mercy rule. The victory continues Salisbury’s strong season as they maintain their position among the nation’s elite college baseball programs.
Sunday’s commanding performance showcased the offensive firepower that has helped establish the Sea Gulls as one of the top teams in collegiate baseball this season.
Basketball enthusiasts across the country are preparing for one of the most anticipated days in college sports as the NCAA prepares to announce the tournament fields for both men’s and women’s basketball.
The men’s tournament bracket is expected to feature Duke University as the overall number one seed following their impressive 74-70 victory against Virginia in Saturday’s Atlantic Coast Conference championship game. The Blue Devils have positioned themselves at the top of the rankings heading into the tournament selection process.
On the women’s side, the University of Connecticut Huskies are anticipated to receive the top overall seeding after maintaining their perfect record throughout the season. The undefeated squad has dominated opponents and earned recognition as the premier team entering the tournament.
Today’s bracket announcements will officially kick off the tournament known as March Madness, setting the stage for weeks of intense competition as teams compete for national championships in both divisions.
MEXICO CITY – A massive gathering in Mexico’s capital has earned the country a spot in the record books, as roughly 9,500 soccer enthusiasts participated in a 40-minute training session at the iconic Zocalo Plaza on Sunday, establishing a new Guinness World Record.
The impressive turnout surpassed the previous record holder from Seattle in 2025 by more than 1,000 participants, coming at a significant time as Mexico prepares to co-host the 2026 World Cup with the United States and Canada beginning June 11.
Guinness World Records official Alfredo Arista made the announcement at the session’s conclusion, telling the crowd: “We registered 9,500 people today, so I have the fortune of telling you that as of now, you are ‘officially amazing’, congratulations.”
Mexico City Mayor Clara Brugada celebrated the achievement after accepting the official recognition, stating: “Today we broke this great Guinness World Record, more than 9,000 people gathered and showed that we are capable of achieving the extraordinary and the impossible.”
The mayor emphasized the broader significance of the event, declaring: “With this record, the city sends a message to the world: ‘Sport, soccer, is the universal language, a language of peace that needs no translation.’ Congratulations Mexico City, today we kick off the World Cup.”
Participants of various ages and backgrounds followed along as instructors and former Mexican national team players led the massive group through soccer drills and exercises from an elevated platform overlooking the crowd.
PARIS, March 15 – Exit polling data released Sunday revealed a razor-thin contest between the current leftist mayor Benoit Payan and National Rally representative Franck Allisio in the opening round of Marseille’s mayoral race, with both candidates running nearly even in France’s second-most populous city.
The National Rally, a far-right political party, has positioned this Marseille contest as a crucial gauge of their political momentum leading up to France’s 2027 presidential campaign.
The University of Maryland Eastern Shore Hawks defeated Stonehill 9-6 in a baseball matchup highlighted by outstanding individual performances from two key players.
Ansel Carson powered the Hawks’ offensive attack with a grand slam home run, contributing five runs batted in during the victory. His performance at the plate proved to be the difference-maker in the nine-run output for UME.
On the pitching side, Torres delivered a strong showing on the mound, throwing five innings without allowing a run. His scoreless performance helped establish the foundation for the Hawks’ win over their opponents.
The victory showcased the Hawks’ ability to combine effective pitching with timely hitting, as Carson’s five-RBI performance complemented Torres’ shutdown pitching to secure the three-run victory.
The University of Maryland Eastern Shore softball team completed a successful comeback against Howard University, winning 8-3 to close out their Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference opening series.
The Hawks demonstrated resilience by mounting a significant rally in the later innings to secure the victory over their conference rivals. The win marks a strong start to MEAC play for the UMES squad.
The eight-run offensive performance helped the Hawks overcome an early deficit and establish control of the game. The team’s ability to generate runs when needed proved to be the difference maker in the conference matchup.
This victory gives UMES momentum as they continue their conference schedule, having successfully navigated their first MEAC series of the season with a win over Howard.
The Goldey-Beacom Lightning capped off a dominant series performance by defeating Caldwell University 11-7 in Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference action at their home field in Hockessin on Saturday.
The Lightning established their advantage early in the contest and successfully protected their lead to secure the victory at Doyle Field. The win completed a clean sweep of the three-game series against the visiting Cougars.
With the conference victory, Goldey-Beacom continues to build momentum in CACC play as they look ahead to upcoming matchups in their spring schedule.
Motorists traveling on southbound Interstate 95 are experiencing significant delays after a vehicle accident resulted in the closure of two traffic lanes near the Welcome Center.
Delaware Department of Transportation officials report that the collision has blocked multiple lanes, creating a bottleneck for drivers heading south on the major interstate corridor.
Traffic is being directed around the crash scene while emergency crews work to clear the roadway. Drivers are advised to expect delays and consider alternate routes if possible.
The duration of the lane closures has not yet been determined as authorities continue to manage the incident and investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash.
JERUSALEM – Two Israeli officials announced Sunday that diplomatic negotiations between Israel and Lebanon may commence within days, with the goal of establishing a lasting ceasefire that would include the disarmament of Hezbollah.
While Beirut is assembling a negotiating team, no specific date has been scheduled for the discussions. According to three Lebanese officials who spoke Saturday, Lebanon requires assurance that Israel will honor President Joseph Aoun’s primary condition – implementing a complete ceasefire to enable negotiations to proceed.
The potential diplomatic talks were initially disclosed by Israel’s Haaretz newspaper on Saturday.
A Lebanese official stated Sunday that Lebanon has not yet received formal notice from Israel regarding the proposed discussions.
The Israeli officials indicated that Ron Dermer, a close advisor to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, will spearhead Israel’s negotiating efforts, with France participating in the diplomatic initiative.
Israel’s Army Radio reported Sunday that Dermer, who formerly held the position of strategic affairs minister, traveled to Saudi Arabia last week to discuss the negotiations that would commence after the current military operations against the Iran-supported Hezbollah organization conclude.
Netanyahu’s office has not responded to requests for comment. Foreign Minister Gideon Saar denied earlier Sunday that any discussions with Lebanon were currently underway.
Lebanon became involved in the Middle Eastern conflict on March 2 when Hezbollah launched attacks against Israel, claiming the action was retaliation for the assassination of Iran’s supreme leader. Israel’s military response has resulted in over 800 Lebanese deaths and displaced more than 800,000 residents from their homes.
Aoun has indicated the Lebanese government’s willingness to engage in direct negotiations with Israel to achieve an end to the hostilities.
Lebanon’s openness to talks with Israel coincides with increasing internal tensions regarding Hezbollah’s armed status. The Beirut government prohibited Hezbollah’s military operations this month, but the organization dismissed the directive and continued fighting, launching hundreds of rockets toward Israel.
A Reuters report from Friday quoted an Israeli official stating that military operations against Hezbollah would likely intensify and persist even after attacks on Iran subside.
New Zealand’s largest dairy cooperative announced Monday that its top executive is stepping down after nearly a decade at the helm of the company.
Miles Hurrell has decided to leave his position as Chief Executive Officer of Fonterra Co-operative Group following eight years of leadership and a quarter-century with the dairy giant, according to company officials.
The executive, who took over the CEO position in 2018, will continue working for the next six months to ensure a smooth transition as company leaders search for his replacement, Fonterra announced.
Company directors have already started looking for Hurrell’s successor and anticipate making an appointment within the next few months, the cooperative stated.
During his tenure, Hurrell spearheaded a major strategic overhaul that redirected the dairy cooperative toward its core competencies in New Zealand’s grass-fed milk production systems, environmental sustainability initiatives, and premium dairy ingredient manufacturing.
Before becoming CEO, Hurrell served in multiple executive positions throughout the cooperative’s international operations, including leadership roles as chief operating officer for Farm Source and regional general manager overseeing Middle East, Africa, Russia and Eastern Europe markets.
Citizens of Kazakhstan have endorsed a revised constitution through Sunday’s referendum, with early polling data suggesting the changes could potentially enable President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to extend his tenure beyond the scheduled 2029 conclusion of his term in the energy-rich Central Asian nation.
Exit polling indicated approximately 87% of participants supported the constitutional revisions, while election officials reported voter participation reached 73%.
The updated constitution reorganizes the nation’s legislative body and reestablishes the vice presidential position, which had been eliminated in 1996. Under the new framework, the president gains authority to select the vice president along with numerous other senior government positions.
The rapid development of these constitutional changes led some political observers within Kazakhstan to speculate that Tokayev might be positioning to either designate a successor as vice president before stepping down early, or potentially use the new constitution to reset his term limitations and remain in office.
The previous constitution and the newly adopted version both restrict presidents to a single seven-year term, a constraint that Tokayev implemented in 2022.
Following his vote in the capital city of Astana, when questioned by media about whether the constitutional changes would enable a power transition, Tokayev stated that the upcoming presidential contest would occur in 2029 at the conclusion of his current term.
“Some experts suggest that competition for power in Kazakhstan is reportedly intensifying, and that various trends giving rise to concern are on the rise,” Tokayev said. “However, there are absolutely no grounds for worry that this will have a negative impact on society.”
Resistance to the constitutional revision remained minimal, with government-sanctioned polling organizations reporting substantial majorities supporting the new document. Since gaining independence from Soviet rule in 1991, Kazakhstan’s leadership has exercised strict oversight of political activities in the nation of 20 million residents.
In an uncommon public declaration, Nursultan Nazarbayev, who served as Kazakhstan’s president from 1991 through 2019, announced his support for the new constitution.
Through a statement posted on his official website, the 85-year-old Nazarbayev wrote: “Some time ago, I made the choice to entrust (the presidency) to Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, and I stand by that choice forever. It is my hope that this Constitution will serve the well-being of our Kazakhstan and the welfare of our people.”
Nazarbayev, who previously served as Tokayev’s political mentor, lost his remaining official roles and authority following violent unrest in January 2022 that resulted in hundreds of deaths.
Tokayev has characterized the January 2022 violence as an attempted overthrow orchestrated by security service members who remained loyal to his predecessor. Multiple long-serving associates of Nazarbayev have faced imprisonment since the 2022 disturbances.
Tennis superstar Novak Djokovic will not compete in the Miami Open after suffering a right shoulder injury, according to tournament officials who announced the withdrawal on Sunday.
The Serbian tennis legend, age 38, recently participated in last week’s Indian Wells tournament, where he suffered a defeat to defending champion Jack Draper after losing from a one-set advantage on Wednesday. Before his elimination, Djokovic also teamed up with Stefanos Tsitsipas for doubles competition in the California tournament, but the pair was knocked out in the second round.
With 24 Grand Slam titles to his name, Djokovic holds the distinction of being the most dominant male player in Miami Open history, having claimed victory six times at the event. His absence means he won’t have the opportunity to pursue a historic seventh title, particularly after advancing to last year’s championship match where he fell to Czech competitor Jakub Mensik.
Tournament play is scheduled to commence on Wednesday, with qualifying rounds starting Monday.
SALISBURY, Md. – Salisbury University’s softball team capped off an impressive performance on the concluding day of the Margie Knight Classic tournament held at Henry S. Parker Athletic Complex.
The Sea Gulls secured victories in both of their Sunday matchups, first defeating Carnegie Mellon University 7-6 in dramatic walk-off fashion, followed by a 6-4 triumph over SUNY New Paltz.
The double-header success concluded what proved to be a strong showing for the university’s softball program in the tournament competition.
ARLINGTON, Texas — Kyle Kirkwood continues his mastery of IndyCar street racing, capturing victory at the debut Grand Prix of Arlington and seizing the championship points lead in the process.
The 27-year-old Jupiter, Florida native executed a bold move underneath four-time series champion Alex Palou with 15 laps remaining, maintaining his position through the finish to claim the checkered flag under caution conditions Sunday. The triumph marked Kirkwood’s sixth career victory and his fifth on a street circuit.
Despite experiencing pit road difficulties, including an extended stop for Kirkwood, Andretti Global dominated the event with all three Honda entries securing top-four finishes and controlling 47 of the race’s 70 laps. Will Power claimed the final podium spot in third, while Marcus Ericsson, making his first pole position start in 171 series appearances, commanded 15 laps before settling for fourth place.
Kirkwood’s race-winning maneuver occurred on the final of 14 corners along the temporary 2.73-mile track situated between the Dallas Cowboys’ and Texas Rangers’ home venues.
“Awesome,” was how Palou characterized Kirkwood’s decisive pass after finishing as runner-up.
Despite matching Kirkwood and Power with a race-leading 16 laps out front, Palou failed to reclaim the championship lead he had held since June 2024 before his early exit in Phoenix the previous weekend. The three-time defending champion did advance from fifth to second in the standings behind new leader Kirkwood.
Following his recovery from a deficit exceeding five seconds, Kirkwood built his own five-second advantage before two late caution periods compressed the field.
A final dash to the finish never developed due to a collision at the rear of the pack during the restart as Kirkwood and Palou entered the concluding lap. The incident in the narrow 14th corner prompted a full-course caution, with safety personnel still working when the leaders completed their final circuit nearly two minutes later to reach the finish line.
HAJI OMERAN, Iraq (AP) — When the border between Iraq and Iran reopened on Sunday for the first time since warfare began affecting the region, dozens of Iranian citizens immediately made the journey into northern Iraq seeking basic necessities, internet connections, communication with family members, and employment opportunities.
Those making the crossing described increasingly dire conditions within Iran, where continuous aerial bombardments and dramatically rising food costs have created desperate circumstances for residents.
Long lines of commercial vehicles carrying merchandise moved through the Haji Omeran border crossing from Iraq’s Kurdish territory, providing much-needed relief from the elevated prices Iranian citizens face at home.
The connection between these regions predates the current conflict, as Iranian Kurds have historically maintained regular contact with Iraqi Kurdistan due to shared family connections, cultural bonds, and economic relationships facilitated by borders that allow consistent commerce and family visits. The Iraqi Kurdish region now serves as an essential connection point for Iranians seeking contact with the broader world during wartime.
“When this border was closed, it affected everyone. Poor people, rich people, workers,” said Khider Chomani, a truck driver on his way to Iran carrying goods.
Border authorities had suspended operations due to escalating military tensions in the region. Iraqi Kurdish officials had been awaiting Iranian approval to resume crossing operations.
Nearly every Iranian Kurd who spoke with The Associated Press requested anonymity, expressing concerns about personal safety and potential retaliation from Iranian intelligence services, which they claim monitor individuals who communicate with news organizations.
According to these sources, numerous Iranian military installations, intelligence facilities, and security locations have suffered destruction. The bombing campaigns have limited security personnel movements, with officers avoiding government buildings and instead taking shelter in civilian locations like educational institutions and medical facilities, or remaining mobile in vehicles rather than reporting to traditional posts.
One Kurdish woman from Piranshahr made the 15-kilometer journey across the border on Sunday to reach family members and purchase necessary supplies.
“I came here to make a phone call. In most of Iran there is no internet,” she said. “For more than 16 days my relatives haven’t heard from me, and they are worried about me.”
She explained that many Iranians purchase Iraqi mobile phone cards and travel to border areas to establish connections and contact relatives overseas due to widespread internet disruptions throughout the country. Her trip allowed her to obtain communication services and update her family on her situation.
She proceeded to the marketplace in the border town to purchase food items at significantly reduced prices compared to her hometown of Piranshahr. She focused on essential items including rice and cooking oil, which have become unaffordable in Iran due to wartime price increases.
“The situation In Iran is terrible. People don’t feel safe, things are expensive, people don’t want to leave their homes,” she said.
Approximately thirty minutes later, she returned across the border carrying two shopping bags filled with groceries, explaining that her children were waiting for her return.
An elderly woman wearing a black head covering and light clothing despite heavy rainfall walked alone across the border checkpoint. She had traveled from Sardasht in Iran’s West Azerbaijan province and planned to continue to Choman in Iraq’s Kurdish region, approximately 40 kilometers from the border, to locate distant family members and request assistance.
Her son, who had earned income through cross-border smuggling of cigarettes and other merchandise, was fatally shot by Iranian military personnel 14 months earlier. Such smuggling activities are common in this porous border region. As the family’s only income source, his death left them without resources while caring for three children, the oldest being five years old.
With food costs climbing, she struggles to provide meals and has fallen two months behind on rent, owing approximately $200. “I don’t have anyone there to help me survive,” she said through tears. “The war made things worse — everything is more expensive.”
Unable to contact her relatives in advance, she hoped they would provide assistance. “I am powerless, but the kids are hungry and I must do my best for them,” she said. She was later seen standing in the rain seeking transportation from passing vehicles.
A group of Iranian workers from three different cities shared a taxi as they returned from visiting home, heading back to their employment in the Iraqi Kurdish region. The men work for the same construction company and planned to remain for one month to earn sufficient income to address increasing costs in their home communities.
“The situation will only become worse and civilians will be the only ones affected,” one worker said. “We left our kids and wives just to come and work here and make some money, otherwise we would not have left them alone.”
Iranian Kurds residing near locations used by Iranian government forces reported being forced to evacuate to safer areas to avoid bombardment.
A house painter who lives in the Iranian city of Urmia but works in Irbil, northern Iraq, described constant bombardment as a regular occurrence. He had briefly returned home after his mother expressed fear about the explosions, and he assured her that the family had no connections to Iranian authorities and faced no direct threat.
Conditions had become so severe that another Iranian Kurdish factory worker specializing in metalwork and living in the Iraqi Kurdish region urged his family in Urmia to relocate and join him. His family, including his wife and three children, arrived on Sunday and rested at a roadside restaurant.
He reported that security forces no longer use their bases following repeated attacks. Many military, intelligence and police facilities have been destroyed, and personnel avoid stationary positions.
“They don’t stay in their offices,” he said. “They stay in their cars, under bridges, in schools and hospitals. They drive around. Their bases are destroyed.”
The University of Delaware baseball team wrapped up their Conference USA series against Louisiana Tech this weekend, marking the end of their road trip to Louisiana.
The Blue Hens completed their three-game set with the Bulldogs as part of their ongoing Conference USA competition schedule.
Delaware continues to work through their conference slate as they compete in their inaugural season in Conference USA after joining the league this academic year.
The team will return home to continue their conference schedule in the coming weeks.
PARIS – French counterterrorism officials have formally charged two brothers with orchestrating what prosecutors describe as a “lethal anti-Jewish” terrorist plot, according to a statement released Sunday by the national counterterrorism prosecutor’s office.
The siblings – a 22-year-old engineering student and his 20-year-old unemployed brother – were taken into custody last Tuesday following a routine traffic stop near a correctional facility in northern France. During the stop, law enforcement officers discovered a semi-automatic weapon, a container of acid, and an ISIS banner inside their vehicle, prosecutors revealed. Officials have not disclosed specific details about the intended target or the nature of the planned assault.
Both men now face formal charges including terrorist conspiracy and weapons possession related to terrorist activities. They remain in custody pending trial, with authorities withholding their complete names from public release.
The arrests come amid heightened global concerns about potential violence against Jewish communities following recent military actions involving the United States, Israel, and Iran, along with Tehran’s retaliatory response.
Recent incidents have underscored these security fears. A gunman drove his vehicle into a synagogue in the Detroit metropolitan area last Thursday. In Europe, an explosion caused minimal damage to a Jewish educational facility in Amsterdam on Saturday, while another blast ignited a fire at a Belgian synagogue earlier this week.
French interior officials responded by increasing protective measures around Jewish religious sites throughout early March.
Investigators report finding extremist jihadist materials on the suspects’ electronic devices, with one brother having recorded a video declaring loyalty to the Islamic State terrorist organization.
International officials and civil rights organizations have documented increasing incidents of antisemitism, anti-Islamic sentiment, and anti-Arab prejudice worldwide since Hamas launched its attack in 2023 and Israel’s subsequent military campaign in Gaza began.
France’s national human rights monitoring body, the CNCDH, has observed that antisemitic incidents within France typically spike following Israeli military operations in Palestinian areas. While such incidents reached unprecedented levels after the 2023 Hamas assault, they decreased by 16% in 2025 compared to the previous year.
Professional golfer Chad Ramey achieved his inaugural hole-in-one on the PGA Tour during Sunday’s final round at the Players Championship in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida.
The 33-year-old golfer made the ace from a distance of 169 yards on the par-3 13th hole at TPC Sawgrass. His shot cleared the sand trap and touched down in the middle of the green, where the ball picked up momentum as it rolled down the slope before dropping into the hole.
According to PGA Tour Communications, Ramey’s achievement marked the 45th hole-in-one in Players Championship history and the 41st recorded at TPC Sawgrass. The most recent ace at the tournament occurred last year when Keegan Bradley accomplished the feat, also during the final round on the same 13th hole.
Olympic skiing champion Lindsey Vonn is making it clear she’ll decide when to call it quits, not anyone else.
The 41-year-old athlete is pushing back against mounting pressure to retire following a devastating crash that brought her dangerously close to losing her left leg. During a heated social media discussion, Vonn wasn’t having any of the retirement speculation.
The conversation around ending her career has intensified due to her age, extensive injury history, and accomplished competitive record.
Since her terrifying accident on February 8 during the women’s downhill at the Milan Cortina Olympics, Vonn has endured five surgical procedures. The crash occurred just 13 seconds into her run when she caught a gate and flew off the course, resulting in a severe left tibia fracture.
Nevertheless, Vonn maintains her unwavering commitment to continue competing.
“Who said I was retiring?” she responded during the online discussion.
A critic fired back with harsh words: “The ego is so strong with this one. Take your medicine Lindsey. You nearly lost your leg. Put your feet up and be done.”
Vonn’s response revealed her true motivation.
“[I] think you’re mistaking my ego for joy,” she replied. “I’ve said it my whole life; I love skiing. I’ll put my feet up when I’m good and ready thank you.”
Her determination may not please her father Alan Kildow, who publicly urged her to step away from the sport last month.
“She’s 41 years old and this is the end of her career,” Kildow told the Associated Press in February. “There will be no more ski races for Lindsey Vonn, as long as I have anything to say about it.”
Vonn had returned from previous retirement with a reconstructed right knee and was expected to compete for Olympic medals before her latest setback. During a World Cup race one week prior to the Olympics, she suffered a torn left ACL but insisted she could still participate in the Games.
The skiing legend was pursuing her second Olympic gold in downhill, having claimed victory in Vancouver in 2010. Her Olympic collection also includes two bronze medals. Throughout her career, she has secured 84 World Cup wins, with two victories coming this season alone.
A former Afghan soldier who served with American military forces has died while in federal immigration custody, marking at least the 12th such death this year during the current administration’s immigration enforcement efforts.
Mohammad Nazeer Paktyawal, 41, passed away on Saturday from undetermined causes, according to Shawn VanDiver, president of the veteran-led advocacy organization AfghanEvac. Federal agents had taken Paktyawal into custody Friday morning outside his apartment in a Dallas suburb as he was escorting his children to school.
The father of six was residing in Richardson, Texas, with his family while awaiting a decision on his asylum application. VanDiver reported that Paktyawal’s relatives were informed he was transported to a Dallas hospital Friday evening and remained alive Saturday morning before his death occurred.
“It is highly unusual for an otherwise healthy 41-year-old man to die less than a day after being taken into government custody,” VanDiver stated, calling for an immediate investigation into the circumstances.
Paktyawal had served as an Afghan special forces member, collaborating with U.S. Army Special Forces beginning in 2005. He and his family were among those evacuated from Afghanistan in 2021 during the American military withdrawal following two decades of conflict, according to VanDiver.
In Texas, Paktyawal worked at an Afghan halal market and served as the main income earner for his household, which included an 18-month-old baby, VanDiver explained.
This death contributes to rising fatality numbers in immigration detention facilities, with 31 people dying in ICE custody last year – the highest total in twenty years. Current detention numbers have reached unprecedented levels, with approximately 68,000 individuals held in ICE facilities as of early February.
More than 70,000 Afghan nationals entered America through the previous administration’s Operation Allies Welcome program after the Taliban regained control of Kabul in 2021, according to Department of Homeland Security data. The current administration has moved to end temporary protected status that had been granted to roughly 14,600 Afghans for humanitarian reasons, potentially subjecting them to deportation proceedings.
The Department of Homeland Security, ICE’s parent agency, indicated it requires additional time to provide a response to media inquiries about the incident.
The teenage son of golf superstar Tiger Woods struggled through a challenging weekend at one of junior golf’s most prestigious tournaments, placing last among all 36 competitors at the Junior Invitational held at Sage Valley in Graniteville, South Carolina.
Charlie Woods, age 17 and currently a junior at a Palm Beach, Florida high school, closed out the tournament with a difficult final round of 8-over 80 on Saturday. His closing round included two birdies and two bogeys that balanced each other out, but he also recorded four double bogeys that hurt his overall score.
The young golfer’s four-round totals of 75-76-83-80 left him at 26-over 314 for the tournament, placing him 10 shots behind the golfer who finished in 35th position.
Friday’s third round proved particularly challenging for Woods, as his scorecard showed one triple bogey, one double bogey, seven bogeys and just a single birdie, resulting in an 11-over 83.
Taking the boys’ division title was Miles Russell from Jacksonville Beach, Florida, who finished at an impressive 15-under par. Russell holds the top spot in American Junior Golf Association rankings and, like Woods who sits at No. 20, has made a commitment to attend Florida State University.
Woods previously claimed victory at the AJGA Team TaylorMade Invitational in May and is set to join the Seminoles’ golf program in 2027.
The Junior Invitational has produced several notable champions who went on to professional success, including current World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler who won in 2014, along with Austin Eckroat (2016), Joaquin Niemann (2017) and Akshay Bhatia (2018).
In the girls’ competition, Asterisk Talley claimed the championship after shooting a final round 67 to reach 8-under for the tournament.
The 17-year-old from California previously won the Annika Invitational in Florida by five strokes in 2025 and placed second at the Augusta National Women’s Amateur. She also represented Team USA on the Junior Solheim Team in 2024.
Chicago Cubs outfielder Seiya Suzuki faces uncertainty about his upcoming season availability after sustaining a right knee injury during Japan’s World Baseball Classic campaign that concluded Saturday.
The injury occurred during the opening inning of Japan’s tournament-ending loss to Venezuela as Suzuki attempted to advance to second base on a stolen base attempt. He was forced to exit the contest immediately due to what team officials described as right knee discomfort.
During his World Baseball Classic performance, Suzuki compiled impressive statistics, recording three hits in nine at-bats while contributing two home runs, five runs batted in, and drawing six walks. He served as Japan’s primary center fielder, starting in that position for five of the team’s six tournament contests.
Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani, who also represented Team Japan, addressed Suzuki’s condition following the game. “He hasn’t had any imaging done yet so right now it’s just based on how he feels,” Ohtani told USA Today. “I’m just hoping it turns out to be something positive and that it won’t affect his season.”
The timing creates concern as Chicago prepares to begin their regular season schedule on March 26 with a home opener against the Washington Nationals.
Last season marked a career year for the 31-year-old Suzuki, who launched a personal-best 32 home runs while driving in 103 runs as the Cubs reached the National League Division Series. Throughout his four-year tenure with Chicago spanning 532 games, he has maintained a .269 batting average with an .818 on-base plus slugging percentage, accumulating 87 home runs and 296 RBIs.
Six American military personnel lost their lives when their aerial refueling aircraft went down in western Iraq last week during anti-Iran operations, including a Kentucky mother who leaves behind two young children.
Among those killed was Tech Sgt. Ashley B. Pruitt, 34, who came from Bardstown, Kentucky, and took immense pride in her military service, according to her husband Gregory Pruitt, who spoke Sunday.
“I’ll give you something brief — in a word, radiant,” Gregory Pruitt said during a telephone conversation while fighting back emotion. “If there was a light in the room, she was it.”
Ashley Pruitt is survived by the couple’s 3-year-old daughter and her stepson.
She had been serving with the 99th Air Refueling Squadron at Sumpter Smith Joint National Guard Base in Birmingham, Alabama, where she worked as an assistant flight chief of operations and trained others to operate the KC-135’s refueling boom.
Ashley enlisted nine years ago and had completed three previous overseas deployments. Her record included nearly 900 combat flight hours and two associate degrees from the Community College of the Air Force.
Military officials released the names of all six victims Saturday night, revealing that three were stationed at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, Florida, and Sumpter Smith, while the remaining three served at an Ohio Air National Guard facility in Columbus.
“To lose a member of the Air Force family is excruciatingly painful, especially to those who know them as son, daughter, brother, sister, spouse, mom, or dad,” U.S. Air Force Col. Ed Szczepanik, commander of the 6th Air Refueling Wing, stated in an official release. “To lose them at the same time is unimaginable.”
Maj. Gen. Matthew S. Woodruff, Ohio’s adjutant general, described the three Columbus-based victims as “remarkable Airmen whose service and commitment embodied the very best of our Ohio National Guard. Their impact on their teammates and our mission will not be forgotten.”
According to U.S. Central Command, the aircraft was operating in “friendly” airspace Thursday when an undisclosed incident involving another plane occurred. Military officials confirmed the second aircraft landed without incident, and investigators are examining the crash.
The KC-135 aircraft specializes in mid-air refueling operations, enabling other planes to extend their flight range and maintain operations without landing. Military specialists note the aircraft can also transport injured personnel and conduct surveillance operations.
According to the Congressional Research Service, the Air Force operated 376 KC-135s last year, with 151 on active duty, 163 in the Air National Guard, and 62 in the Air Force Reserve. The aircraft has remained in service for over six decades.
Maj. John A. “Alex” Klinner, 33, had received his promotion to major just this January and had been deployed for less than a week when the tragedy occurred, his brother-in-law revealed.
The pilot leaves behind three young children: twin infants aged 7 months and a 2-year-old son, according to his brother-in-law James Harrill.
Klinner graduated from Auburn University and served eight years in the U.S. Air Force from Birmingham, Alabama. He had recently relocated his family to a new residence, his wife Libby Klinner shared in a social media post mourning his loss.
He held the position of chief of squadron standards and evaluations at the Birmingham air facility.
Known as an outdoor enthusiast who loved hiking, Klinner was always willing to assist others. During their last meeting in January, Klinner had helped Harrill dig his vehicle out of snow at a family wedding.
“Alex was one of those guys that had this steady command about him,” Harrill, an Atlanta resident who established a GoFundMe campaign for Klinner’s family, explained. “He was literally one of the most kindest, giving people.”
In her social media tribute, Libby Klinner expressed her heartbreak for their children, who will mature without knowing their father.
“They won’t get to see firsthand the way he would jump up to help in any way he could,” she posted. “They won’t see how goofy and funny he was. They won’t witness his selflessness, the way he thought about everyone else before himself. They won’t get to feel the deep love he had for them.”
Klinner had completed four deployments since 2019, accumulating 362 combat hours and 181 combat support hours.
Tech Sgt. Tyler Simmons, 28, worked with the Ohio Air National Guard’s 166th Air Refueling Squadron as a boom operator handling fuel transfer from tanker to receiving aircraft, his Air Force biography shows.
His mother, Cheryl Simmons, confirmed Saturday that she was arranging funeral services for her son, a Columbus resident.
In a statement provided to WCMH-TV in Columbus, Tyler Simmons’ relatives expressed their immeasurable sadness over the fatal incident.
“Tyler’s smile could light up any room, his strong presence would fill it. His parents, grandparents, family and friends are grief stricken for the loss of life,” the family stated.
Simmons enlisted in 2017 and obtained an associate degree from the Community College of the Air Force. He became a refueling specialist in 2022 and earned technical sergeant rank in 2023. His service included three deployments over the past decade with 230 combat hours.
Capt. Ariana G. Savino, 31, served as a pilot with the 99th Air Refueling Squadron and held the role of chief of current operations. Her responsibilities included overseeing the flying hour program and managing daily flight scheduling, among other tasks.
Savino, originally from Covington, Washington, came through the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps program at Central Washington University, receiving her active duty commission in 2017.
Her assignments took her to bases in Georgia and Mississippi, where she logged over 300 combat hours. She achieved captain rank in 2021.
Capt. Seth R. Koval, 38, worked as an instructor pilot for the KC135R Stratotanker with 19 years of military service, the Ohio National Guard reported.
Koval lived in Stoutsville, Ohio, and served as an aircraft commander with the 121st Air Refueling Wing at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base in Columbus. Military records show he trained pilots in air refueling, aeromedical, cargo and passenger operations.
Government records indicated Koval originally came from Mooresville, Indiana.
He earned a bachelor’s degree in aviation operations from Purdue University and completed five deployments over the past 12 years. His assignments included locations in Indiana, Ohio, Alabama, Texas and Oklahoma.
The Ohio Guard reported Koval had logged over 2,000 flight hours, including 443 in combat situations. He received his captain promotion in 2022.
Capt. Curtis J. Angst, 30, served for ten years after earning a bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering from the University of Cincinnati. He joined the Ohio Air National Guard in 2015, with deployments in 2015 and this year.
Angst flew KC-135R aircraft with the 166th Air Refueling Squadron and resided in Columbus. Federal records indicated he originally came from Wilmington, Ohio.
His flight record included 880 hours, with 67 in combat situations. Angst received his captain promotion this past November.
FRANKFURT – Germany’s Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul voiced concerns Sunday about proposals to extend the European Union’s naval protection mission beyond its current scope.
The minister criticized the existing Aspides operation, which aims to safeguard commercial vessels traveling through Red Sea shipping lanes, calling it “not effective.”
Speaking during a television interview on Germany’s ARD network, Wadephul expressed his reservations about broadening the mission’s reach to include the Strait of Hormuz waterway.
“And that is why I am very sceptical that extending Aspides to the Strait of Hormuz would provide greater security,” the minister stated during the broadcast.
ANTANANARIVO, March 15 – President Michael Randrianirina of Madagascar revealed his selection of Mamitiana Rajaonarison for the position of prime minister during a state television broadcast on Sunday. The announcement follows the president’s decision to remove his previous prime minister along with all cabinet members on Monday.
Iran’s top diplomat in Saudi Arabia is calling for a comprehensive reassessment of Middle Eastern relationships as regional tensions continue to escalate, according to a Reuters interview published Sunday.
Ambassador Alireza Enayati told the news agency that neighboring countries in the Gulf region must conduct a thorough examination of their diplomatic ties in response to what he described as ongoing U.S.-Israeli military actions against Iran.
When questioned about potential damage to regional relationships, Enayati responded: “It’s a valid question, and the answer may be simple. We are neighbors and we cannot do without each other; we will need a serious review.”
The Iranian representative criticized what he called decades of divisive policies and over-dependence on foreign powers in the region. In his written responses to questions, he advocated for stronger connections between the Gulf Cooperation Council’s six nations, plus Iraq and Iran.
“What the region has witnessed over the past five decades is the result of an exclusionary approach [within the region] and an excessive reliance on external powers,” Enayati stated.
Gulf Arab nations have endured more than 2,000 missile and drone strikes since hostilities began on February 28, according to the report. These attacks have targeted American diplomatic facilities and military installations, as well as vital oil infrastructure, ports, airports, hotels, and civilian buildings throughout the region.
The United Arab Emirates, which established diplomatic relations with Israel in 2020, has experienced the most severe attacks. However, all Gulf Arab states have been affected and have publicly criticized Iran’s actions.
Regional analysts and sources indicate growing private frustration with the United States, traditionally viewed as the area’s security protector, for involving Gulf states in a conflict they didn’t support but are suffering consequences from.
In Saudi Arabia specifically, strikes have focused on the eastern provinces where the kingdom produces most of its oil, the Prince Sultan Airbase housing U.S. personnel east of Riyadh, and the Diplomatic Quarter in the capital’s western section, according to Saudi defense ministry reports.
Saudi Arabia and Iran restored complete diplomatic relations in 2023, ending years of hostility during which both countries supported opposing political and military groups across the region.
Regarding attacks on Saudi oil infrastructure, including the Ras Tanura refinery on the eastern coast and numerous drone attempts on the Shaybah oil field near the UAE border, Enayati firmly denied Iranian responsibility.
“Iran is not the party responsible for these attacks, and if Iran had carried them out, it would have announced it,” the ambassador declared, though he didn’t identify who he believes conducted the strikes.
Saudi Defense Ministry statements have not attributed responsibility for specific incidents. Enayati maintained that Iran only targets U.S. and Israeli assets and interests.
The ambassador reported maintaining regular communication with Saudi officials, describing relations as “progressing naturally” in multiple areas. He praised Saudi cooperation in helping Iranian religious pilgrims leave the kingdom and providing medical assistance to others.
Enayati confirmed Tehran has been in contact with Riyadh regarding Saudi Arabia’s public commitment not to allow its territory, waters, or airspace to be used for attacks against Iran, though he didn’t elaborate on those discussions.
His message to Gulf nations emphasized that the current conflict “has been imposed on us and the region.”
To end the hostilities, Enayati said the United States and Israel must stop their attacks, regional countries should remain uninvolved, and international guarantees must be established to prevent future conflicts.
“Only then can we focus on building a prosperous region,” he concluded.
JERUSALEM, March 15 – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu filmed himself enjoying coffee at a Jerusalem area cafe on Sunday to counter false death rumors that originated from Iranian state television and circulated across Iranian social media platforms.
The video, which Netanyahu shared on his Telegram social media account, shows him at a cafe on Jerusalem’s outskirts where his assistant brings up the circulating rumors about his supposed death.
Using a play on words in Hebrew where “dead” can also mean being enthusiastic about something, Netanyahu made light of the false reports while reaching for his coffee cup.
“I’m crazy about coffee. You know what? I’m crazy about my people,” Netanyahu said to his aide in the recording.
Reuters confirmed the video’s authenticity by matching the cafe’s interior with archived images of the location. The timing was also verified through multiple posts and photographs the cafe shared on Sunday documenting Netanyahu’s visit.
Following the joint U.S.-Israeli strikes against Iran on February 28, Netanyahu has made public appearances at Iranian missile impact sites in two communities, along with visits to a medical facility, shipping port, and military installations. However, media coverage of these visits has been limited, with video content distributed exclusively through his official office.
The Israeli leader, who seldom grants interviews to domestic journalists or conducts press briefings, held his first media conference since the conflict began on Thursday via video connection. This mirrored the remote format he employed during Israel’s 12-day conflict with Iran last June.
Wartime emergency protocols currently in effect throughout Israel prohibit large public gatherings and have resulted in most citizens remaining near their homes, shelters, or designated safe areas. Educational institutions remain closed across the majority of the nation.
The World Health Organization announced Sunday that it has distributed $2 million in emergency funding to three Middle Eastern nations experiencing severe health crises due to ongoing regional conflicts.
Lebanon will receive $1 million of the emergency allocation to enhance WHO’s crisis coordination through its Public Health Emergency Operations Centre, expand trauma treatment capabilities, bolster disease monitoring systems, and acquire critical medical equipment and pharmaceuticals, according to the organization’s announcement.
Both Iraq and Syria will each receive $500,000 to bolster emergency response coordination and mass-casualty treatment protocols, obtain vital medical supplies and medications, deliver healthcare to displaced communities, and enhance disease tracking and public outreach efforts.
The funding comes as the region faces massive population displacement, with WHO estimates showing over 100,000 people have been forced to relocate in Iran, while as many as 700,000 individuals have been internally displaced within Lebanon due to the escalating conflict.
“At a time when health services are already facing significant challenges, support is essential to sustain frontline health workers and maintain critical care services,” stated Hanan Balkhy, WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean.
The emergency funds were drawn from WHO’s Contingency Fund for Emergencies, which is designed to provide rapid financial assistance during humanitarian crises.
A potentially dangerous severe weather outbreak is expected to unfold Monday across parts of the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic, including Virginia, Maryland, and the Delmarva Peninsula. Forecasters warn that conditions may support widespread severe thunderstorms capable of producing destructive winds and tornadoes, some of which could be strong.
The Storm Prediction Center has placed portions of the region in a Moderate Risk (Level 4 of 5) for severe thunderstorms. This level of risk is relatively uncommon and indicates a higher likelihood of significant severe weather, including the potential for strong tornadoes and widespread damaging wind events.
Powerful Storm System Moving Into the East
The severe threat will be driven by a powerful storm system developing over the central United States. An expansive upper-level trough stretching from the Midwest into the southern Plains will rapidly intensify as it moves northeast toward the Appalachian Mountains. At the surface, a deep area of low pressure over the Great Lakes will track into eastern Canada while dragging a sharp cold front across the eastern United States.
Ahead of this cold front, warm and humid air will surge northward along the East Coast. Dew points climbing into the mid to upper 60s will provide ample moisture for thunderstorm development, while strong winds throughout the atmosphere will create an environment favorable for organized severe storms.
Tornadoes and Damaging Winds Possible
Across the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic, thunderstorms are expected to develop along and ahead of the advancing cold front during the day Monday. Some storms may initially form as discrete supercells, which are capable of producing large hail and tornadoes, including the potential for strong tornadoes.
As the afternoon progresses, storms are expected to organize into a line of thunderstorms, often referred to as a quasi-linear convective system (QLCS). This type of storm structure can produce widespread damaging wind gusts, while still maintaining the potential for embedded tornadoes within the line.
Strong winds just above the surface will enhance the rotation potential within storms. Even with only modest instability, these strong wind fields could allow storms to intensify quickly and produce severe weather across a large portion of the region.
Mid-Atlantic Threat Developing During the Afternoon
Farther north into Virginia, Maryland, and nearby areas, the amount of instability remains somewhat uncertain due to possible cloud cover and earlier precipitation. However, even relatively weak instability combined with very strong wind shear may still be sufficient to support severe thunderstorms.
Storms are expected to organize into a broad line extending from parts of New York and Pennsylvania southward through Virginia and North Carolina during the midday and afternoon hours. Within this line, embedded rotating storms could produce tornadoes and pockets of intense wind damage.
Severe Threat May Diminish Near the Coast by Evening
As the line of storms pushes east toward the Atlantic coastline Monday evening, the severe threat may gradually weaken as storms interact with cooler marine air near the coast. However, damaging winds and isolated tornadoes could still occur before the storms move offshore around sunset.
Preparedness Encouraged
With the potential for widespread severe weather, residents across the region should remain alert to changing conditions Monday. Multiple rounds of storms may occur, and warnings could be issued with little lead time if tornadoes develop.
Make sure you have multiple ways to receive weather alerts and be prepared to take shelter quickly if severe thunderstorms or tornado warnings are issued.
Dangerous weather conditions created havoc across multiple regions of the United States on Sunday, as heavy snowfall blanketed areas of the Upper Midwest and destructive winds caused damage throughout the Plains states.
The unpredictable weather pattern brought a mix of hazardous conditions to different parts of the country, creating challenges for residents and emergency responders dealing with the varied threats.
A massive weather system unleashed chaos across the United States on Sunday, blanketing the Upper Midwest with heavy snowfall while powerful winds tore through the Plains states. The severe conditions even reached Hawaii, where significant flooding struck multiple areas.
Weather forecasters warned that dangerous thunderstorms developing Sunday evening in the mid-South will move eastward, creating a serious tornado and high wind threat for much of the Eastern United States by Monday. The mid-Atlantic region, particularly around Washington D.C., faces the greatest danger.
“This system is going to impact the eastern half of the United States,” explained Tyler Roys, a senior meteorologist with AccuWeather. He warned that beyond risks to people and property, “whether it’s wind gusts from a squall line, blizzard or snow, or just wind because of the storm, you’re looking at several major airports being impacted.”
By Sunday morning, snowfall exceeded 12 inches across parts of Minnesota and Wisconsin, with the National Weather Service predicting several additional inches for the Minneapolis region under active blizzard warnings.
Travel became treacherous throughout Minnesota, Michigan, and Wisconsin as transportation authorities issued alerts about dangerous road conditions, poor visibility, and snow-covered highways.
“Roads are becoming impassable in many of Wisconsin’s northern counties,” the Wisconsin Department of Transportation posted on social media. “Please stay off the roads to keep yourself and others safe.”
Air travel suffered major disruptions, with FlightAware reporting over 600 flight cancellations at Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport on Sunday. Detroit’s airport also saw dozens of flights scrapped.
Central Wisconsin and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula could receive more than 24 inches of snow, with some isolated areas seeing even higher totals, according to Roys. He noted that even lighter accumulations expected in Chicago and Milwaukee through Monday will likely cause significant commuter problems.
Power outages from the weekend storm remained limited as of Sunday, but approximately 150,000 customers across Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Michigan were still without electricity following Friday’s winds that reached 85 mph, according to PowerOutage.us.
In Nebraska, about 30 National Guard members were activated to battle multiple wildfires spreading across rangeland and grasslands, the state’s Emergency Management Agency announced.
The three largest fires have scorched more than 900 square miles, including the Morrill County fire that has consumed over 700 square miles, officials reported.
One fire-related death occurred Friday, prompting Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen to urge residents to heed evacuation orders. He warned that Sunday’s winds were “supposed to be extraordinary.”
The National Weather Service issued high wind warnings for most of Nebraska Sunday, with gusts potentially reaching 60 mph combined with falling snow. Roys indicated that strong winds would affect areas from the U.S.-Mexico border to the Great Lakes, stretching from Denver east to the Appalachian Mountains.
Forecasters predicted a line of severe storms with destructive winds would sweep across much of the Eastern United States by late Monday, beginning Sunday afternoon in the Mississippi, Tennessee, and Ohio river valleys.
The storm system was expected to reach the Appalachians late Sunday and early Monday before advancing toward the East Coast, where “severe thunderstorms with widespread damaging winds and several tornadoes” were forecast for Monday daytime hours.
The National Weather Service identified a zone from parts of South Carolina to Maryland as most likely to experience particularly destructive winds Monday afternoon, potentially affecting Raleigh, North Carolina; Richmond, Virginia; and Washington D.C. An elevated but lower risk extended north into portions of New York and south to northern Florida.
Meanwhile, rain continued falling across Hawaii, where flooding has inundated farmland and homes, forced road closures, and opened emergency shelters.
Flash flooding has plagued Maui, Molokai, and the Big Island in recent days, with rainfall rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour overnight, the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency reported.
Approximately 48,000 electrical customers in Hawaii remained without power as of early Sunday, PowerOutage.us data showed.
Families displaced by warfare in Lebanon are struggling to stay dry during severe weather, with many forced to create improvised shelters after official facilities reached capacity.
In the coastal city of Sidon, Hussain Murtada and his seven family members have taken refuge in the bed of a pickup truck, using rope to secure a plastic tarp against Sunday’s downpour. A baby could be seen among the blankets and belongings packed into their temporary home along the waterfront.
“We are putting tarp over it because we’re soaked,” Murtada explained while adjusting the makeshift covering. The father had evacuated his family from Hanawiya, located just eight miles from Israel’s border.
“I asked here at the schools and they are full, they’re all full,” he said. “What should I ask for? I just want a shelter for me and the children.”
The current crisis has forced more than 800,000 Lebanese residents—roughly 15 percent of the nation’s total population—to abandon their homes. The exodus began after Hezbollah launched attacks against Israel on March 2 in solidarity with Iran, prompting Israeli military responses that have pulled Lebanon into the broader Middle Eastern conflict just over a year after the previous Israel-Hezbollah confrontation ended.
Government officials report that only about 132,000 displaced individuals have found spaces in organized evacuation centers. The remaining hundreds of thousands have scattered across the country, staying with family members, occupying unfinished construction sites, or living outdoors.
Mohammad Marie, who evacuated from Nabatieh in Lebanon’s south, has been camping beneath a tree along Beirut’s famous Corniche waterfront promenade. His plastic covering was torn away by wind, leaving him completely exposed to the elements.
“It might keep raining for a week, so where will I go? I will stay here, what else can I do? I have no shelter except here, under this tree,” Marie said, his clothing thoroughly soaked. “I don’t have a tent, I don’t have anything, and my financial situation is very difficult. I have no money to rent a house.”
International aid organizations responded Friday when the United Nations announced a $308 million emergency funding request to assist Lebanon with the humanitarian crisis.
Lebanese health officials reported Sunday that Israeli military operations have resulted in 850 deaths and over 2,100 injuries since March 2, including 107 children and 66 women among the casualties. The ministry’s statistics do not distinguish between civilian and military deaths.
Israeli forces have lost two soldiers during operations in southern Lebanon, while no Israeli civilian deaths have been recorded from Hezbollah rocket and drone strikes since the conflict began March 2.
The legendary University of Connecticut women’s basketball coach Geno Auriemma has confirmed he will be back on the sidelines for the 2026-27 season, marking his 42nd year leading the Huskies program.
Auriemma shared this announcement with the Hartford Courant in an extensive profile piece that was published on Sunday.
At 71 years old, with his 72nd birthday approaching on March 23, Auriemma continues to embrace the demanding nature of collegiate coaching. His enthusiasm makes sense given his current success.
The top-ranked Huskies boast a perfect 34-0 record heading into Sunday night’s NCAA Tournament selection show, where they’re expected to earn a number one seed. As the reigning national champions, Auriemma will pursue what would be his 13th championship title during the upcoming tournament.
Auriemma’s commitment to the program remains unwavering. Following his team’s Big East tournament victory on Monday, he was already traveling by Tuesday morning to the Midwest for a recruiting visit with a potential 2027 prospect, according to his interview with the Courant.
“Well, I mean, something could come up,” he explained, “but there isn’t anything right now where I’d say, ‘It’s up in the air whether I’ll be back next year.’ No. That’s not what I’m thinking. I would not have been on that plane Tuesday if I was not planning to be here.”
The veteran coach revealed he has previously turned down “two great opportunities” to leave the UConn program.
“So I don’t know why in God’s name I’m defying him, I don’t know why,” Auriemma shared with the publication. “It’s a big risk. You come back again next year, and you’re not undefeated, you’re not one of the top two or three teams in the country and it’s, ‘Oh, the game’s passed him by, he’s old now.’ We listened to that for eight years, so I wonder if that narrative has left now.”
That eight-year period refers to the gap between UConn’s championship victories in 2016 and their recent 2025 title.
Auriemma began his tenure at UConn prior to the 1985-86 season when he was just 31 years old, inheriting a program that had achieved only a single winning season in its history.
Throughout his four decades with the Huskies, the program has reached 24 Final Four appearances, with hopes of adding another this season.
Auriemma’s coaching record stands at an impressive 1,284-165, representing a .886 winning percentage and the highest victory total in NCAA Division I basketball history for both men’s and women’s programs.
Seven-time Formula One champion Lewis Hamilton believes his first victory with Ferrari is within reach after securing third place at the Chinese Grand Prix in Shanghai on Sunday, marking his initial podium appearance with the Italian racing team.
The 41-year-old racing legend crossed the finish line behind two Mercedes drivers in what he described as potentially his most satisfying race experience. This marked Hamilton’s return to the podium for the first time since his 2024 season with Mercedes.
“I definitely feel like I’m back to my best, both mentally and physically,” Hamilton stated. “I still think there’s room to improve.”
Since switching to Ferrari in January of last year, Hamilton had struggled through an entire season without reaching the podium – a first in his illustrious career. However, Sunday’s performance has renewed his optimism about future victories.
“I definitely feel that I could say that it’s more in sight than ever before,” Hamilton expressed regarding his prospects for a maiden win with Ferrari. “Last year it couldn’t have been further from view.”
“I really do believe in everyone back in Maranello and that it’s not an impossible feat to overcome. So yeah, forza Ferrari, we’ve just got to keep pushing.”
YOUNG STAR CLAIMS MAIDEN VICTORY
The race belonged to 19-year-old Italian driver Kimi Antonelli, who captured his first Formula One victory in the seat Hamilton previously occupied at Mercedes. George Russell finished second, creating a podium that represented Mercedes’ past, present, and future generations.
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff described the podium ceremony as among the most emotional moments of his career, with Hamilton’s former race engineer Peter Bonnington joining the celebration as Antonelli’s current engineer to collect the constructors’ trophy.
Hamilton offered congratulations to Antonelli and his former team, with whom he claimed six of his seven championship titles.
“I had so much fun and we had a great start. I wasn’t able to keep these guys behind, but to stay in the fight, it was one of the most enjoyable races I’ve had in a long time, if ever,” the British driver explained, referencing his intense battle with Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc.
This marked Mercedes’ second consecutive one-two finish, with Russell maintaining his championship lead by four points over Antonelli following their victory in Australia the previous weekend.
Hamilton, whose mother attended the race on British Mother’s Day, briefly held the lead at the start and credited lessons learned from his fourth-place finish in Melbourne.
“We learned a lot in the main race (in Melbourne), brought it into this race,” Hamilton told Sky Sports television.
“Still some improvements to be made but my race pace has been really good, particularly on the hard tyres in these first two races.”
“To fight back and get to third was a hell of a push but just a massive big thank you to Ferrari for my first podium for them. It’s a huge moment for me.”
Hamilton praised his wheel-to-wheel combat with Leclerc, during which their cars made brief contact, calling it the essence of motorsport. He expressed enthusiasm for the current generation of Formula One cars.
“The cars are easier to follow, much better than past years. You can get very close. There’s not a bad wake where you’re losing too much downforce. I think it’s the best racing that I’ve ever experienced in Formula One,” he noted.
“Hopefully it was an exciting race to watch for you guys because it was awesome in the car. It felt like go-karting, back and forth, back and forth, and you could really position your car in a nice way.”
Following 19-year-old Kimi Antonelli’s dominant debut Formula One victory at the Chinese Grand Prix on Sunday, Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff is working to keep expectations realistic for his young Italian driver who now finds himself in championship contention.
The Austrian team boss expressed concern about the mounting excitement surrounding Antonelli’s breakthrough performance in Shanghai on March 15th, particularly from Italian media outlets.
“You can kind of see the hype that is going to start now. Especially in Italy, I see already the headlines: ‘World Champion Grand Kimi’, and whatever, and that’s really not good because those mistakes are going to come,” Wolff explained to media members. “He’s just a kid, and it’s too early to even think about the championship.”
Antonelli’s youth and inexperience showed during the race’s final stages when he locked his front brakes and went off course, despite holding a comfortable lead. Wolff noted this error demonstrated his driver’s inability to resist pushing for faster lap times even when victory was virtually secured.
“I said to Bono (Antonelli’s race engineer), ‘come on, let’s tell him to calm down… we don’t want him to lose this race!’” Wolff recalled.
“We are going to have other moments this year where there will be mistakes, because he’s still just a very young man.”
The Mercedes chief made headlines when he selected Antonelli to fill the seat left vacant by seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, who stunned the racing world by announcing his move to Ferrari for the 2025 season. Many observers expected Wolff to choose a more seasoned driver for the coveted position.
When questioned about potential friction between Antonelli and teammate George Russell as both pursue their first world championship, Wolff remained optimistic about team dynamics.
“At the moment (we have) a car that is capable of winning, both (drivers) have equal opportunity,” he stated.
Wolff indicated he doesn’t foresee a repeat of the intense competition that characterized the relationship between Hamilton and Nico Rosberg during their partnership from 2013 to 2016.
The team leader commended Russell for assuming Hamilton’s leadership role and suggested Antonelli has an excellent mentor in the British driver.
Discussing what impresses him most about Antonelli’s abilities, Wolff highlighted the teenager’s natural speed.
“You can never learn raw speed,” Wolff observed. “He has that, and there’s not many that have that.
“But to become a really big champion… it needs the maturity, the personality, needs the humility, the intelligence, the empathy around the team, there’s like 20 factors that matter to become a great world champion.
“But there’s one you can’t learn, and that’s the talent.”
