The Miami Heat will receive a second-round draft selection from the Charlotte Hornets as additional compensation stemming from their Terry Rozier trade dispute two years ago.
Charlotte will transfer the better of either Golden State’s or Denver’s second-round picks to Miami. League general managers learned of this arrangement on Monday, which resolves disagreements about Rozier’s trade circumstances and his current federal gambling case.
Rozier remains under contract with Miami for this final season but hasn’t played since the team’s season opener in Orlando last October. Federal authorities arrested him the following day on charges of providing non-public information about his playing availability to assist gamblers.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver described Rozier’s situation in December as “an unprecedented situation” while noting the player occupies $26.6 million in Heat salary cap space this season. Silver stated the league was working “to try to work something through, work this out with them.”
Silver’s objective was achieving “satisfactory relief,” which ultimately resulted in the second-round pick settlement. Both organizations declined to provide immediate statements.
Miami obtained Rozier from Charlotte on January 23, 2024, trading Kyle Lowry and a 2027 first-round selection that Miami must still deliver. The NBA had previously identified suspicious prop betting patterns around Rozier’s performance during a March 2023 Charlotte game against New Orleans, with sportsbooks flagging the activity that same afternoon. However, the league’s investigation at that time found no grounds to prevent him from participating.
During that March 23, 2023 contest, Rozier started for Charlotte and performed adequately in his 9½ minutes, recording five points, four rebounds, two assists and one steal. This marked just one of two occasions in his career achieving those statistical benchmarks in an opening quarter.
Rozier left that game citing foot discomfort and never returned. Bettors who wagered against his prop bet lines won their wagers.
Charlotte has not disclosed whether they knew about any federal investigations into Rozier’s actions during that period.
Miami was not informed about the federal investigation details when completing the trade. The Heat likely would not have proceeded with the transaction if they had known about potential criminal charges.
Throughout his career with Boston, Charlotte, and Miami, Rozier has maintained a 13.9 points per game average. He participated in 95 games wearing a Heat uniform.
A source close to contract negotiations revealed Monday that Kansas City Chiefs star Travis Kelce is on the verge of signing an agreement to return for his 14th NFL campaign.
The individual, who requested anonymity since the contract remains unsigned, confirmed discussions between the team and the veteran tight end are progressing toward completion.
The 36-year-old veteran had previously indicated he would reach a retirement decision by early March, providing Kansas City management clarity as they work to reconstruct their lineup. Monday marked the opening of free agency negotiations, with the official league year starting Wednesday when trades and signings become official.
Kansas City is simultaneously preparing for next month’s draft. Following last week’s trade that sent cornerback Trent McDuffie to Los Angeles, the team now holds two first-round selections: their original ninth overall pick and the 29th selection acquired from the Rams.
“I think we’ve kind of taken a different approach with Travis in the sense that we’ve prepared for either scenario,” Chiefs general manager Brett Veach explained during last month’s scouting combine. “Coach (Andy Reid) had mentioned on Friday he’s had great dialogue with Travis. On our end, myself, (assistant general manager) Chris Shea and Travis’ crew, we’ve had some good dialogue there.
“Travis is the best, he’s an icon and hopefully he comes back and we’ll just let that process play out.”
Beyond football, Kelce maintains numerous pursuits, including co-hosting the “New Heights” podcast alongside his brother, former Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce, plus various entertainment projects. His engagement to pop superstar Taylor Swift has also garnered significant attention, with their wedding anticipated in the near future.
Despite these outside interests, Kelce has consistently emphasized football’s continued importance in his personal life.
Retirement considerations first surfaced two seasons ago, but he returned last year largely motivated by not wanting his career to conclude with a disappointing Super Bowl defeat to Philadelphia. Similar feelings likely influenced his decision to continue after Kansas City’s recent 6-11 campaign — their poorest record since 2012.
Another significant factor is his desire to play alongside quarterback Patrick Mahomes for at least one more season.
Mahomes, one of Kelce’s closest friends, missed the final three games after suffering an ACL tear during a loss to the Chargers that ended Kansas City’s playoff hopes. The two-time MVP underwent surgery immediately afterward and publicly committed to being ready for the season opener.
Last season saw Kelce return in excellent physical condition. Though his 76 receptions marked his lowest total since 2015, he still accumulated 851 receiving yards and five touchdowns — statistics that placed him among the league’s top tight ends.
Kelce, who turns 37 in October, has compiled 1,080 career catches for 13,002 yards and 82 touchdowns across 192 regular-season contests, ranking fourth all-time among tight ends in receptions and third in receiving yards. His postseason resume includes 178 catches for 2,078 yards and 20 touchdowns, contributing to five AFC championships and three Super Bowl victories.
A groundbreaking initiative to address racial bias in medical testing that prevented Black patients from receiving timely kidney transplants is showing positive results, according to new research.
Scientists announced Monday that more than 21,000 Black transplant candidates have received additional waiting list credits to compensate for time lost due to discriminatory testing practices, advancing their position in line for organ transplants as part of a restorative justice approach.
The problematic test employed a race-based calculation to assess kidney function levels. This flawed methodology caused Black patients’ kidney health to appear better than the actual condition, postponing critical diagnoses of organ failure and transplant referrals.
Following the elimination of race-based testing from the U.S. transplant network, medical facilities were mandated to review their transplant rosters and identify Black patients who should have qualified for kidney transplants earlier by examining historical medical data for previously biased results, then awarding appropriate time credits.
Medical researchers from Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, and Boston Medical Center examined transplant data spanning January 2022 through June 2025, evaluating transplant statistics before and after the January 2023 policy revision.
The research team found that among Black transplant candidates who received waiting time adjustments, the typical credit was 1.7 years, according to findings published in JAMA Internal Medicine. This represents significant time considering kidney transplant waits typically range from three to five years, though some regions experience much longer delays.
Following the policy implementation, Black patients experienced an immediate boost in transplant rates by 5.3 transplants per 1,000 listings before stabilizing. The overall kidney transplant rate grew throughout the research period, while transplant rates for non-Black patients showed no significant changes under the updated policy, with white patients maintaining the highest rates, researchers found.
“The results suggest that improving transplant care for Black individuals did not harm individuals of other races,” wrote Dr. L. Ebony Boulware of Wake Forest University School of Medicine, who was not part of the research team, in a related commentary advocating for similar measures to address damage from other incorrectly race-based medical assessments.
“Hopefully this policy helps move the needle toward equity,” stated Dr. Rohan Khazanchi of Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Boston Medical Center, the study’s lead researcher, during an interview.
Receiving wait-time credits did not result in instant transplants — 7,484 patients obtained new kidneys during the research timeframe.
The discriminatory kidney assessment relied on measuring how rapidly creatinine, a waste product, gets eliminated from the bloodstream. In 1999, the calculation formula was altered to modify Black patients’ results compared to other groups, drawing from limited studies involving small numbers of Black participants and an outdated incorrect theory regarding creatinine level differences.
This biased testing worsened existing inequalities that already put Black Americans at higher risk for needing kidney replacement while reducing their chances of receiving one. They face over three times the likelihood of kidney failure compared to white individuals and represent approximately 30% of kidney transplant candidates.
Khazanchi expressed surprise that fewer than one in three Black transplant candidates received waiting time adjustments.
This could stem from some patients not being diagnosed with kidney disease until organ failure occurred, a critical situation medical professionals term “crashing onto dialysis.” However, Khazanchi suggested another explanation might be that certain transplant facilities had better resources than others to search through historical medical files — laboratory results conducted years earlier and potentially at different healthcare systems across the country — to identify all eligible individuals.
Although the mandated review to modify wait times occurred in 2023, Black patients recently added to transplant lists should inquire about potential eligibility, he recommended.
As military operations involving Iran, Israel and Lebanon continue for a second week, Associated Press photographers are capturing images from across the conflict zones.
The visual documentation shows conditions on the ground as tensions remain high in the region. Meanwhile, political changes are occurring with leadership transitions taking place.
The collection of photographs has been assembled by Associated Press photo editors to provide a visual record of current events in the affected areas.
The president of Arizona’s state Senate reports that he has satisfied a court order issued last week demanding documents related to a controversial Republican examination of 2020 voting results in Maricopa County.
The legislative leader stated he has turned over the requested materials connected to what has been characterized as a problematic audit of the presidential election results.
The subpoena targeted records from the GOP-sponsored investigation that scrutinized ballots and voting procedures in Arizona’s most populous county following the 2020 presidential contest.
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Kansas City has reached an agreement with Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker on a three-year contract valued at up to $45 million, bringing the former Seattle Seahawks running back to the Chiefs, according to a source with knowledge of the negotiations who spoke to The Associated Press on Monday.
The contract features $28.7 million in guaranteed money and carries a base value of $43.05 million, according to the source, who requested anonymity since deals cannot be finalized until the new league year officially starts on Wednesday.
This signing addresses what may be Kansas City’s most pressing roster concern as the franchise attempts to recover from a disappointing 6-11 campaign. With top rushers Kareem Hunt and Isiah Pacheco both entering free agency, the Chiefs had only sophomore player Brashard Smith remaining under contract at the position.
The Walker acquisition comes as Kansas City moves closer to securing four-time All-Pro tight end Travis Kelce for his 14th season, according to another source familiar with those discussions who also spoke anonymously to the AP due to the preliminary nature of the agreement.
Selected in the second round of the 2022 draft, Walker accumulated 3,555 rushing yards and 29 touchdowns during his four seasons in Seattle. This past regular season, he posted 1,027 yards and five touchdowns, but elevated his performance in the postseason with 116 yards and three scores against San Francisco, another touchdown versus Los Angeles, and 135 yards in Kansas City’s 29-13 Super Bowl victory over New England.
Walker becomes only the fourth Super Bowl MVP to switch teams the season after winning the award, joining Larry Brown (Cowboys to Raiders), Desmond Howard (Packers to Raiders), and Dexter Jackson (Buccaneers to Cardinals).
Kansas City has historically relied on a combination of late-round draft selections and budget-friendly free agents at running back. However, the team desperately needed upgrades after finishing 25th in the league in rushing offense, averaging just 106.6 yards per game on the ground.
Hunt led the team with 661 rushing yards while Pacheco contributed 462 yards. Remarkably, quarterback Patrick Mahomes ranked as the team’s third-leading rusher with 422 yards and five touchdowns before missing the season’s final three games due to a torn knee ligament.
Kansas City had been connected to Notre Dame’s Jeremiyah Love in the upcoming NFL draft, but his impressive showing at the scouting combine may have elevated his draft stock beyond the Chiefs’ reach when they select ninth overall.
The franchise also holds the 29th pick in the first round as part of the trade that sent cornerback Trent McDuffie to Los Angeles. With Walker now in the fold, Kansas City gains greater draft flexibility to address other areas of need, including pass rush, interior defensive line depth, offensive line reinforcements, and wide receiver.
A London courtroom became the stage Monday for allegations against Gerry Adams, the former head of Sinn Féin, as three bombing victims claim he held leadership positions within the Irish Republican Army during deadly attacks in England.
The civil lawsuit filed in London’s High Court alleges Adams bore direct responsibility for Provisional IRA decisions to carry out explosive attacks in England during 1973 and 1996.
Attorney Anne Studd, representing the three injured men, told the court that Adams made false distinctions between his roles. “The defendant carefully draws a distinction between being a member of ‘the Army’ and being a member of Sinn Féin,” Studd stated. “That was a distinction without a difference.”
While these accusations against Adams have circulated for years, this marks the first instance where a court will determine their validity.
Adams served as a pivotal figure during Northern Ireland’s violent era, heading the IRA-associated Sinn Féin party from 1983 through 2018 and playing a crucial role in negotiating the 1998 Good Friday peace agreement. Despite consistent denials of IRA membership, several former associates have claimed he held leadership roles within the organization.
“There is no doubt that the defendant contributed to the peace in Northern Ireland, but the claimants say that on the evidence, he also contributed to the war,” Studd argued.
The three plaintiffs seek acknowledgment rather than financial compensation, pursuing damages of just one pound ($1.33) from Adams.
Their lawsuit claims Adams served on the IRA’s governing Army Council and shares equal responsibility with those who physically planted explosives during “the Troubles” – three decades of bloodshed involving Irish republican militants, British loyalist groups, and UK military forces. This period claimed approximately 3,600 lives, primarily in Northern Ireland, though IRA operations extended to England.
Police officer John Clark sustained shrapnel wounds to his head and hand during the 1973 Old Bailey courthouse attack in London. Jonathan Ganesh experienced psychological trauma from the 1996 London Docklands explosion. Barry Laycock suffered 50% disability, emotional distress, and financial hardship following the 1996 Arndale shopping center bombing in Manchester.
Defense attorney Edward Craven stated that Adams, who plans to testify during the jury-free trial scheduled to end next week, “emphatically, unequivocally and categorically denies that he was ever a member of the IRA.”
Craven emphasized that the 77-year-old was never formally charged with these bombings or even detained on suspicion of involvement.
Adams faced IRA membership charges in 1978, though prosecutors later abandoned the case due to insufficient evidence.
Last year, Adams secured a £100,000 ($116,000) libel judgment against the BBC regarding a television documentary’s assertion that he approved killing an informant within Irish republican circles.
Craven described the plaintiffs’ burden of proof as insurmountable, saying they “had a mountain to climb to prove their case and they had not even arrived at the foothills.”
The defense acknowledged that Adams supported IRA objectives and attempted to rationalize their actions, though he didn’t endorse every operation.
“That makes him, in the eyes of some people, a deeply controversial figure,” Craven explained. “It does not mean he was factually responsible for the bombings.”
SALISBURY, Md. – Salisbury University had reason to celebrate this week as three of its student-athletes earned prestigious weekly honors from their athletic conferences for performances between March 2-8, 2026.
The Sea Gulls dominated the weekly awards, capturing Jersey Mike’s A Sub Above Player of the Week recognition across two different conferences. Blake Malamphy from the men’s lacrosse team claimed Coastal Lacrosse Conference (CLC) Defensive Player of the Week honors for his outstanding defensive performance.
Meanwhile, the women’s lacrosse program contributed two award winners to the honors list. Miranda Mears and Regan McDonnell both received Coast-to-Coast Athletic Conference (C2C) recognition, helping Salisbury University complete another impressive sweep of conference weekly awards.
The multiple honors highlight the continued excellence of Salisbury University’s athletic programs and the individual achievements of these standout student-athletes during the early portion of the spring sports season.
Drivers in Wilmington should prepare for significant construction activity as the Delaware Department of Transportation prepares to launch major roadway improvements along North Adams Street.
DelDOT officials have announced that construction crews will begin work on Monday, March 16th, focusing on the stretch of North Adams Street that runs from 6th Street to Delaware Avenue. The extensive project is anticipated to wrap up in early 2027, meaning motorists can expect nearly two years of construction-related impacts in the area.
The transportation department is advising drivers who regularly travel through this section of Wilmington to plan for potential delays and consider alternate routes during the construction period.
Delaware Capitol Police will welcome a team of evaluators from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. (CALEA®) on March 30, 2026, according to an announcement made today by Chief William R. Thompson.
The assessment team will examine every facet of the department’s policies, procedures, management practices, daily operations, and support systems as part of the accreditation process.
This evaluation represents a voluntary effort by the Capitol Police to earn CALEA® accreditation, which stands as a nationally respected standard of excellence in public safety. To achieve this recognition, law enforcement agencies must demonstrate compliance with 193 strict and detailed standards that cover all aspects of police operations.
Drivers in New Castle County should prepare for a week-long road closure beginning Tuesday morning as state transportation officials work to upgrade drainage infrastructure.
DelDOT officials say Allendale Road will be completely shut down near the 2111 Allendale Road location starting at 6:00 am on Tuesday, March 17th. The closure is scheduled to remain in effect until 5:00 pm on Tuesday, March 24th while construction crews replace crossroad drainage pipes.
State transportation workers will post detour signs to guide motorists around the work zone during the seven-day closure period.
A major offshore wind development that faced federal opposition has started delivering electricity to New England’s power grid, according to an announcement Friday from the project’s developer.
Danish energy company Orsted announced that Revolution Wind has commenced power generation and will gradually increase output over the coming weeks until reaching full capacity. The project is a joint venture between Orsted and Skyborn Renewables, owned by Global Infrastructure Partners, designed to supply clean electricity to Rhode Island and Connecticut residents and businesses – sufficient to serve more than 350,000 properties.
Revolution Wind was among five major offshore wind developments along the East Coast that faced construction suspensions from the Trump administration just before Christmas, with officials citing national security issues. Project developers and affected states filed lawsuits challenging the decision, and federal courts permitted all five projects to continue building, determining that the government failed to demonstrate an urgent national security threat requiring immediate work stoppage.
The previous Biden administration had prioritized offshore wind development as part of its climate change mitigation strategy.
However, President Donald Trump, who frequently expresses opposition to wind energy, has stated his intention to prevent any new “windmills” from being constructed. He has issued multiple executive orders designed to promote oil, gas and coal production.
White House spokesperson Taylor Rogers stated Friday evening that Trump “reversed course on Joe Biden’s costly green energy agenda that gave preferential treatment to intermittent, unreliable energy sources and instead is aggressively unleashing reliable and affordable energy sources to lower energy bills, improve our grid stability and protect our national security.” Rogers added that the administration “looks forward to ultimate victory on this issue.”
Orsted emphasized that during a period of increasing energy needs, Revolution Wind will deliver cost predictability and grid stability, referencing preliminary Connecticut state analysis projecting wholesale energy cost reductions of approximately $500 million annually by 2028.
“Revolution Wind is adding affordable, reliable American-made energy to New England’s grid, helping to meet growing energy demand and lower consumer costs,” stated Amanda Dasch, Orsted’s chief development officer.
Chris Kearns, acting commissioner of Rhode Island’s Office of Energy Resources, described the initial power delivery as a “significant moment for the state’s clean energy landscape.”
Orsted launched construction in 2024 approximately 15 miles south of Rhode Island’s coastline. The facility features 65 Siemens Gamesa turbines rated at 11 megawatts each, with more than 1,000 workers involved in the project.
Connecticut Democratic Representative Joe Courtney noted that because this wind energy originates directly off New England’s coast, “its price will not be at the mercy of uncertain global energy markets.” He referenced how the Iran conflict is affecting worldwide energy supplies, economic stability and international transportation.
Courtney also stated that Friday’s achievement “never would have happened without talented Connecticut building trades workers, who persevered through the Trump administration’s illegal halt work orders.”
The December suspension marked the second time the current administration stopped Revolution Wind construction. Work had previously been paused on August 22 due to national security concerns, before a federal judge authorized project resumption one month later.
Drivers traveling through the area should plan for alternate routes as construction activities have forced the closure of the eastbound lane on Harmons Hill Road at its intersection with Indian Mission Road.
According to DelDOT traffic reports, the lane restriction will remain active until 4:30 PM today. Motorists are advised to allow extra travel time and exercise caution when navigating through the construction zone.
Traffic may experience delays during the closure period as vehicles merge into the remaining open lanes.
ANNAPOLIS, MD (March 9, 2026) – Applications are now being accepted by the Maryland Department of Agriculture for their 2026 Food and Agricultural Resiliency Mechanism Grant Program, known as MFARM.
The competitive funding initiative aims to tackle food insecurity in communities throughout the state while simultaneously creating dependable sales opportunities for Maryland’s agricultural producers.
The program represents the state’s effort to address two critical issues: ensuring vulnerable populations have access to nutritious food while supporting the economic stability of local farming operations.
Maryland Governor Wes Moore revealed today that the state’s oyster population experienced unprecedented growth in 2025, with reproduction rates soaring to levels not seen in nearly three decades. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources reported that young oyster concentrations reached nearly six times the historical average, representing the second-highest numbers ever documented in four decades of monitoring.
“Oysters are the bedrock of the ecosystem in the Chesapeake Bay and provide economic opportunities for communities throughout the state,” Moore stated. “Maryland is now seeing the best news for our oysters in decades; our robust and growing oyster population will help make sure we pass our Bay along to future generations as an heirloom—both as an economic driver for our seafood industry and for the environmental health of our waterways.”
The survey findings mark a significant milestone in Chesapeake Bay restoration efforts. Scientists documented that Maryland’s oyster populations are expanding across state waters at unprecedented rates, while death rates and disease levels remain minimal.
Key findings from the annual assessment reveal remarkable statistics. Researchers counted an average of 250 juvenile oysters per bushel at primary monitoring locations, the highest reproductive success recorded since 1997 and more than triple the strong reproduction seen in 2023. The historical average stands at just 42.2 young oysters per bushel.
The study also documented the second-widest distribution of juvenile oysters since records began in 1985, trailing only the 1991 season. Certain areas showed exceptional concentrations, with Broad Creek producing 3,600 young oysters per bushel on two underwater bars and the St. Marys River restoration area yielding more than 2,100 per bushel.
Oyster death rates dropped to the third-lowest levels since 1985, continuing a sharp decline driven by reduced disease pressure. The presence and severity of Dermo disease reached among the lowest levels in 36 years during 2025, while preliminary data shows minimal occurrence of MSX, another major oyster ailment affecting the Bay.
State shellfish experts calculated that total oyster biomass—the combined weight of all oysters in Maryland waters—reached the highest point in 33 years of measurements. Current biomass exceeds the devastating 2002 low point by more than five times, when disease outbreaks decimated oyster populations.
Available oyster habitat also peaked, with the three-year average from 2025 matching the highest levels recorded in 21 years of hard-surface habitat monitoring by state biologists.
“This has been an exceptional year for the oysters of the Chesapeake Bay,” declared Maryland Department of Natural Resources Secretary Josh Kurtz. “In the past year, we learned that the state’s oyster populations have tripled in two decades and we also wrapped up major projects at our oyster restoration sanctuaries. Now we’re finding that oysters are reproducing at levels we haven’t seen in nearly 30 years. For an important species that’s struggled for many decades, these are great signs of recovery.”
Oysters represent a crucial economic driver for Maryland’s fishing industry, ranking second only to crabbing in waterfront value. Oyster harvesting has generated an average of more than $18 million annually over the past five years, with watermen collecting an average of 475,000 bushels annually from 2021 to 2025.
Earlier research by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science found that Maryland oyster populations had more than tripled since 2005, reaching over 7.6 billion adult oysters by 2023. In August, Governor Moore announced Maryland had finished initial restoration work on an ambitious project to rebuild oyster populations and habitats across five rivers by 2025.
“The continued strong reproduction and low mortality rates are great news for Maryland’s oyster population,” said University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science President Fernando Miralles-Wilhelm. “This continues the trend seen over the last 20 years and should fuel future increases in the number of oysters.”
The positive survey results come during challenging times for the Chesapeake Bay oyster market. This past winter, market conditions, weather impacts, and other factors caused market declines at the beginning of the 2025-2026 season. Frozen waterways prevented oyster boats from harvesting for extended periods, and the commercial oyster industry has experienced reduced market demand.
To assist watermen in recovering lost harvesting opportunities, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources extended this year’s commercial harvest season by two weeks. In February, the governor also requested a federal disaster declaration for the oyster fishery to support the industry’s long-term viability.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources, working with the Maryland Department of Health and the Maryland Department of the Environment, supervises the safety and quality of commercial shellfish production using strict national standards under the National Shellfish Sanitation Program to assess growing waters for commercial shellfish harvesting.
Oysters reproduce during summer months, with their larvae floating freely in the water before settling on hard surfaces—typically other oyster shells—where they develop and remain for life. Each fall, Maryland Department of Natural Resources scientists survey hundreds of locations and count the juvenile oysters growing on oyster shells, rocks, and other materials.
“These results show what’s possible when Maryland sustains its commitment to oyster restoration and responsible fishery management,” said Oyster Recovery Partnership Executive Director Ward Slacum. “Following the milestone of completing restoration in five Chesapeake tributaries, it’s encouraging to see such strong reproduction across the Bay. ORP is proud to work alongside the state and our partners, and we remain committed to building on this momentum to strengthen oyster reefs, support the seafood industry, and restore the health of the Chesapeake Bay.”
Juvenile oysters typically require one to three years to mature into adults. A fully grown oyster processes gallons of water each day, improving water quality and clarity by consuming algae. Oysters create extensive reef systems that serve as vital habitat for fish, crustaceans, and other marine species.
Maryland agencies have conducted annual underwater surveys of oyster reefs since 1939, representing one of the world’s longest-running monitoring programs of its type. The current standardized survey format has operated since 1985.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources presented the preliminary survey findings to the Oyster Advisory Commission this evening. The complete survey report and detailed results will be published on DNR’s fall oyster survey website.
China’s top diplomat has called on Afghanistan and Pakistan to pursue peaceful negotiations instead of military action as tensions between the neighboring nations continue to escalate.
During a telephone conversation on Friday, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi spoke with Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, emphasizing the need for diplomatic solutions over armed conflict, according to an official statement from China’s foreign ministry.
Wang stressed the importance of both nations maintaining composure and showing restraint while working toward immediate face-to-face negotiations. He advocated for an urgent ceasefire and emphasized that differences should be settled through diplomatic channels.
The Chinese foreign minister warned that continued military actions would only worsen the current crisis and heighten regional instability.
This diplomatic intervention follows Pakistan’s Friday bombing of a Kam Air fuel depot located near Kandahar airport in Afghanistan, representing a major escalation in what has become the most serious conflict between these neighbors in recent years. The attack occurred despite ongoing Chinese mediation efforts.
The two foreign ministers also discussed developments in Iran during their conversation, with Wang expressing Beijing’s readiness to collaborate with Afghanistan and other international partners to promote stability in Iran.
American soccer defender James Sands faces an uncertain path to the World Cup after undergoing ankle surgery following an injury that cut short his professional season in Germany.
The 25-year-old New York native went under the knife Friday in Munich, where his club team FC St. Pauli confirmed the procedure on his left ankle. Team officials have not provided any timeline for when Sands might return to competitive play.
Sands sustained the injury during last Sunday’s match when he was fouled during play against Eintracht Frankfurt. Medical scans conducted over several days following the incident revealed the severity of the ankle damage that required surgical intervention.
The defender has earned 14 caps with the national team since 2021, most recently taking the field as a starter during October’s exhibition victory over Australia.
Team USA is set to begin World Cup competition on June 12 when they face Paraguay at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California.
A physics conference held in the U.S. Virgin Islands during 2006, which included an excursion to Jeffrey Epstein’s private island, reveals how the convicted financier strategically deployed his vast wealth to forge connections with leading members of the scientific community.
The gathering of prominent physicists demonstrates Epstein’s calculated approach to rehabilitating his public image through association with Nobel Prize-winning researchers and other distinguished academics. By funding scientific research and hosting exclusive academic events, he sought to position himself as a patron of cutting-edge science.
The conference was orchestrated by theoretical physicist Lawrence Krauss and drew notable attendees including renowned physicist Stephen Hawking, among other celebrated scientists. The event took place against the backdrop of Epstein’s private Caribbean retreat, where he regularly entertained high-profile guests from various fields.
This scientific networking strategy formed part of Epstein’s broader effort to rebuild his standing following earlier legal troubles, using his financial resources to gain access to prestigious academic circles and respected intellectual figures.
Motorists traveling on Route 1 between Smyrna and Middletown should expect to see cleanup crews working along the roadway shoulder through 5 PM today.
The Delaware Department of Transportation has deployed litter removal teams to clear debris from the shoulder area of the busy corridor. Drivers are advised to use caution when passing through the work zone and give crews plenty of space while they complete their cleanup efforts.
The shoulder work is part of ongoing maintenance operations to keep Delaware’s roadways clean and safe for travelers.
The debut Fanatics Flag Football Classic featuring Tom Brady has relocated from its original Middle East venue to California, organizers announced. The March 21 competition will now take place at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles rather than the previously planned Kingdom Arena in Riyadh.
Event organizers cited ongoing conflicts in Iran and current travel warnings as reasons for the international venue change. The new Los Angeles location holds special significance as BMO Stadium is set to host flag football when the sport joins the Olympic program during the 2028 Summer Games.
The retired quarterback Brady, who captured seven Super Bowl championships, will make his first official comeback to competitive play since stepping away from the NFL in 2023. He’ll team up with Jalen Hurts as co-captains of the Founders FFC team, with Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton leading their sideline.
Their opponents, the Wildcats FFC, will be captained by rookie sensation Jayden Daniels alongside Cincinnati’s Joe Burrow, with San Francisco 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan calling the plays.
Both captains will select 12-player rosters from a star-studded pool that features running back Saquon Barkley, defensive end Myles Garrett, receiver Odell Beckham Jr., tight end Rob Gronkowski, and social media personality Logan Paul. Hall of Fame quarterbacks Drew Brees and Larry Fitzgerald will oversee the competition as commissioners.
A third squad consisting entirely of USA Football athletes will also participate, giving fans a unique opportunity to watch elite flag football specialists compete against professional tackle football players. Team USA will be led by co-captains Aamir Brown and Darrell “Housh” Doucette, with Jorge Cascudo serving as head coach.
Competition will follow adapted Olympic flag football regulations on a compact 50-by-25 yard field. Each game consists of two 15-minute periods with continuous clock operation. The three teams will compete in round-robin format, with the top two advancing to a championship finale.
Fanatics Studios will produce the event for broadcast on FOX Sports, FOX One, and streaming platform Tubi.
“This event features our world champion flag football athletes on the same field as some of the top current and former pro tackle stars, and I know our players are up for the challenge,” USA Football CEO and executive director Scott Hallenbeck stated.
A Charlotte, North Carolina man became the first defendant to admit guilt in a massive college basketball gambling conspiracy that federal prosecutors say generated millions through rigged games.
Jalen Smith entered guilty pleas to wire fraud and bribery charges during a federal court hearing in Philadelphia on Monday. He is the first among 26 defendants charged in the widespread betting operation to formally accept responsibility. The plea comes just days before March Madness kicks off, when billions will be wagered both legally and illegally on the 64-team tournament.
According to federal prosecutors, Smith leveraged his background training local basketball players for professional tryouts to build relationships that he later exploited as part of the gambling conspiracy.
Federal authorities unveiled charges against Smith and 25 co-defendants in January. The case encompasses not only the organizers who enlisted players and placed wagers, but also 17 former college athletes and four players who were still competing for their university teams this season.
Prosecutors revealed that over a dozen players attempted to manipulate game outcomes as recently as last season, with some actively recruiting additional participants into the scheme.
The scandal represents the most recent gambling controversy to emerge since the Supreme Court’s 2018 ruling triggered explosive growth in legal sports betting nationwide.
Federal authorities say Smith participated in game-fixing activities during both the 2023-24 and 2024-25 seasons, placing wagers while recruiting players with promises of substantial payments in return for deliberately poor performance.
The conspirators would then wager against those players’ teams during the manipulated contests, defrauding both sportsbooks and other bettors, according to investigators.
Prosecutors detailed how Smith frequently made personal trips to deliver cash payments directly to players. In one instance, authorities say he traveled to Louisiana to arrange the delivery of approximately $32,000 in cash to two players now facing charges in the case.
Smith also entered a guilty plea to a separate firearms violation following an FBI search of his North Carolina bedroom last May, where agents discovered a loaded gun hidden in a laundry hamper beneath clothing.
Due to a 2018 drug conviction, Smith was legally prohibited from possessing firearms. According to the plea agreement, he told agents he purchased the weapon from someone outside a Charlotte sneaker store, though investigators later determined it had been reported stolen.
The point-shaving operation initially began with two Chinese Basketball Association games in 2023, according to the federal indictment. After achieving success there, organizers brought Smith and two other recruiters into the conspiracy before expanding into NCAA games. Their final fixed game occurred in January 2025.
The scheme eventually encompassed more than 39 players across over 17 different NCAA Division I men’s basketball programs, who manipulated or attempted to manipulate more than 29 contests, prosecutors stated.
The conspirators wagered millions of dollars while generating substantial profits for themselves and paying hundreds of thousands in bribes to participating players. Individual player payments typically fell between $10,000 and $30,000 per game, authorities said.
Federal prosecutors identified more than 40 universities where games were allegedly targeted, including Tulane University and DePaul University.
The manipulated contests spanned major conferences and postseason play, including first-round Horizon League championship and second-round Southland Conference championship games, according to prosecutors.
Players often enlisted teammates to participate by performing poorly, sitting out plays, or preventing non-participating players from scoring opportunities. However, some attempted fixes failed, resulting in losses for the betting conspirators, prosecutors noted.
Motorists traveling on Route 1 between Smyrna and Middletown should be aware of ongoing cleanup activities along the roadway shoulder today.
Delaware Department of Transportation crews are currently conducting litter removal operations in the area, with work expected to continue until 5 PM this afternoon.
Drivers are advised to use caution when passing through the work zone and may experience minor delays as crews work to clear debris from the roadside.
ROME (AP) — Historic treasures beyond Michelangelo’s renowned marble Moses sculpture are getting much-needed attention at Rome’s San Pietro in Vincoli basilica.
European Union pandemic recovery dollars are driving an intensive wave of restoration work at religious, cultural and historic landmarks throughout Rome.
Restorer Melanie Khanthajan scaled multiple ladders Monday, carrying her equipment to scaffolding positioned 65 feet above the basilica floor near the ceiling. With surgical precision, she used a scalpel to carefully remove plaster layers from decorative serpentine elements surrounding a coat of arms on the vaulted ceiling, employing a method known as “descialbo.”
“Every removal of a layer surprises us because it allows us to understand what it is like, what emerges,” she explained. “So for us it’s wonderful, it’s a discovery every day.”
A $2.3 million EU recovery grant is funding comprehensive cleaning and restoration of the basilica’s ceilings, altar, tombs, marble columns and ornamental features, providing work for Khanthajan and 10 additional restoration specialists.
Rome secured $579 million in European funding for “Caput Mundi” initiatives covering more than 100 cultural renovation projects citywide. Ancient Romans used “Caput Mundi” to describe their city as “the head of the world.” European Union agreements require these funds to be spent by late 2026.
Located steps from Rome’s Colosseum, the basilica derives its name “vincoli” from the Latin “vincula,” meaning chains. Ancient chains believed to have bound St. Peter in Jerusalem are displayed in a glass case at the main altar. According to religious tradition, these chains miraculously joined with those used to restrain Peter during his imprisonment at Rome’s Mamertine prison.
Built during the 5th century under Eastern Roman rule, the basilica underwent partial reconstruction in the 16th century when Pope Julius II ordered renovations. The pope added his Della Rovere family crest featuring an oak tree throughout the ceilings, arches and chapels. These heraldic symbols and accompanying decorative elements are the restoration’s primary focus.
Michelangelo’s Moses sculpture, created in 1513 for Julius’s funeral monument, remains the basilica’s star attraction. While not included in the current restoration work, the statue will receive cleaning once the project concludes.
“The works started about eight months ago and will end by May 2026,” said Ilaria Sgarbozza, the scientific director of the restoration project. “Let’s say it’s a very fast pace.”
BRISBANE, Australia — Five players from Iran’s women’s national soccer team have received humanitarian protection in Australia, according to Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke, who announced the decision on Tuesday.
Australian federal police relocated the women from their Gold Coast hotel to a secure location during the early morning hours on Tuesday. Burke met with the players there and completed the processing of their humanitarian visas, he informed media representatives in Brisbane later that day.
The Iranian squad had traveled to Australia last month to compete in the Women’s Asian Cup, arriving before conflict erupted in their homeland. After being eliminated from the competition over the weekend, the team faced the possibility of returning to Iran amid ongoing bombardment.
Iran’s head coach Marziyeh Jafari stated on Sunday that her players “want to come back to Iran as soon as we can,” as reported by Australia’s AAP news service.
President Donald Trump had strongly criticized Australia’s handling of the situation on Monday, posting on social media that Australia was “making a terrible humanitarian mistake by allowing the … team to be forced back to Iran, where they will most likely be killed.”
Trump urged Australia to provide asylum for the team, stating: “The U.S. will take them if you won’t.”
Within two hours, Trump posted again praising Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, writing: “He’s on it! Five have already been taken care of, and the rest are on their way.”
The specific measures being implemented by Australia’s government remained unclear at the time.
Trump also noted that some players “feel they must go back because they are worried about the safety of their families, including threats to those family members if they don’t return.”
This asylum offer marked a notable shift for Trump, whose administration has worked to reduce the number of immigrants eligible for political asylum.
Throughout the tournament, team members largely avoided discussing the crisis in their country, though forward Sara Didar became emotional during a Wednesday press conference while expressing worry for their loved ones and fellow Iranians affected by the conflict.
The squad’s quiet stance during the national anthem before their opening defeat to South Korea was interpreted by some as defiance and by others as grief. The team has not clarified their intentions. During their final two games, they participated in singing and saluting during the anthem.
BIRMINGHAM, Alabama – Salisbury University’s track and field athletes delivered outstanding performances during the opening day of the Division III Indoor National Championships at Birmingham Crossplex.
The Sea Gulls made their mark early in the competition, with Mia Hill claiming second team All-American recognition for her performance in the long jump event. Meanwhile, teammates Kai Smith and Gavin Shaffer both secured their positions in tomorrow’s championship finals, setting up exciting opportunities for additional honors.
The strong showing on day one positions Salisbury University well as the national championships continue, with the team’s qualifiers preparing for their final events in pursuit of top honors at the prestigious competition.
The University of Delaware Blue Hens softball squad experienced a setback in their latest outing, falling to Louisiana Tech in collegiate competition.
The defeat marks another chapter in the Blue Hens’ ongoing season as the team works to build momentum in their athletic campaign. Player Karli Challburg was featured in connection with the team’s recent activities.
The Blue Hens will look to regroup and refocus as they prepare for upcoming contests in their schedule. The team continues to represent the university in competitive collegiate softball action.
The University of Delaware baseball squad encountered a setback on Friday as they fell to Louisiana Tech in the opening contest of their weekend series in Ruston, Louisiana.
The Blue Hens were unable to secure a victory in their first matchup against the Bulldogs, putting them in a position where they’ll need to regroup for the remainder of the series.
Delaware will have opportunities to even the series as they continue their road trip against Louisiana Tech over the weekend.
A recreational boater from Virginia has initiated a class-action lawsuit against DC Water following a catastrophic January incident that released massive amounts of untreated sewage into the Potomac River.
Dr. Nicholas Lailas filed the legal action Friday in federal court in Greenbelt, Maryland, several weeks after a sewage pipeline failure sent wastewater gushing from the ground into the river north of the nation’s capital. The environmental disaster sparked political tensions between former President Donald Trump and Maryland’s Democratic leadership in the area where the breach occurred.
Lailas, who uses the Potomac for recreational boating, is pursuing damages for individuals “whose property interests in and use and enjoyment of the Potomac River … have been impaired by Defendant’s conduct.”
The legal filing contends that DC Water, which owns and operates the failed pipeline called the Potomac Interceptor, had a duty to keep the infrastructure in “reasonably safe condition and to prevent foreseeable harm to persons and property.”
Initial estimates suggest thousands of individuals own property or watercraft in the impacted sections of the Potomac, according to the lawsuit.
Plaintiff attorney Andrew Levetown explained Monday that determining the complete scope of the affected class will require time, as property owners, business operators, and recreational users all face potential losses from the January 19 infrastructure failure. “You’re going to have businesses who lose business because instead of sitting next to the Potomac, their clients are sitting next to the open sewer,” he said.
The legal action does not specify monetary damages sought. DC Water has not yet provided a response to requests for comment.
Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser issued an emergency declaration on February 18 and asked former President Trump for federal assistance to combat the leak that discharged 250 million gallons of raw sewage into the Potomac during the initial phase. The president granted the emergency aid request several days later to support the city’s response efforts.
DC Water acknowledged awareness that the pipeline, originally constructed during the 1960s, was degrading. Rehabilitation efforts on a section approximately 400 meters from the rupture point started in September and concluded recently. The section that ultimately failed had been scheduled for repairs during the upcoming summer months.
Current DC Water reports indicate emergency repair work has passed the midpoint and no additional discharge is flowing into the river.
During a public briefing last week, utility representatives said they are investigating what caused the rupture, including whether the original construction methods played a role in the emergency. DC Water CEO David Gadis stated during that briefing that while conclusions remain premature, “we are seeing indication that this incident may have been highly unusual.”
Alexander Butterfield, the former White House official whose bombshell testimony about secret recordings helped topple President Richard Nixon during the Watergate crisis, has passed away at 99 years old.
Butterfield’s wife Kim and former Nixon White House counsel John Dean confirmed his death to news outlets. Dean praised Butterfield’s courage in revealing classified information.
“He had the heavy responsibility of revealing something he was sworn to secrecy on, which is the installation of the Nixon taping system,” Dean said. “He stood up and told the truth.”
Working as a deputy assistant to Nixon, Butterfield supervised a covert recording system linked to voice-activated devices installed in four separate locations, including Nixon’s Executive Office Building workspace and the Camp David presidential retreat.
According to Butterfield’s later statements, only a small circle knew about the recording equipment: himself, Nixon, Chief of Staff H.R. Haldeman, one of Haldeman’s assistants, and several Secret Service personnel.
“Everything was taped … as long as the president was in attendance,” Butterfield testified when questioned by Watergate investigators during a sworn preliminary interview.
These recordings ultimately revealed Nixon’s involvement in covering up the 1972 break-in at Democratic Party offices in the Watergate complex. Rather than face House impeachment proceedings, Nixon stepped down on August 9, 1974, less than 30 days after the Supreme Court ordered him to turn over relevant recordings to prosecutors.
Butterfield acknowledged his role in the president’s downfall. “I didn’t like to be the cause of that, but I felt that I was, in a lot of ways,” he reflected in a 2008 interview for the Nixon Presidential Library and Museum.
A UCLA classmate of Haldeman’s, Butterfield had reached out to his friend seeking opportunities in the incoming Nixon White House. From 1969 to 1973, he worked under Haldeman as deputy assistant, serving as Cabinet secretary and helping manage White House operations.
The Air Force veteran had already departed the White House to lead the Federal Aviation Administration when Senate investigators privately interviewed him on July 13, 1973, during their Watergate probe. A standard inquiry about potential recording systems arose from John Dean’s earlier testimony suggesting his Nixon conversation might have been captured.
After Butterfield confirmed the taping system’s existence, he appeared before a public Senate Select Committee hearing. His July 16, 1973 revelation of comprehensive presidential recording capabilities shocked both Nixon supporters and critics, promising investigators valuable evidence about the break-in knowledge.
Investigators’ efforts to obtain the recordings triggered a year-long court battle that concluded in July 1974 when the Supreme Court unanimously ordered Nixon to release them.
The thousands of hours of recordings released over time—now managed by the National Archives—offer an unprecedented, often unfavorable glimpse of Nixon, revealing his temper, crude language, prejudiced attitudes, and candid views on domestic and foreign leaders.
“I just thought, ‘When they hear those tapes …’ I mean, I knew what was on these tapes … they’re dynamite,” Butterfield told the Nixon Library. “I guess I didn’t foresee that the president might be put out of office or impeached, but I thought it would be a perilous few years for him. I guess I couldn’t conceive of (Nixon) being forced out of office. It had never happened before.”
Butterfield believed President Gerald Ford dismissed him as FAA administrator in 1975 as part of a deal between Nixon and Ford staff members. He claimed White House contacts informed him he became a target following his Senate testimony.
Following his FAA departure, Butterfield pursued business executive roles in California and completed a master’s degree at UC San Diego in 1994.
Born Alexander Porter Butterfield on April 6, 1926, in Pensacola, Florida, he left UCLA to join the Navy, later earning his bachelor’s from the University of Maryland in 1956 and a master’s from George Washington University in 1967.
He entered the Air Force in 1948, serving as an instructor near Las Vegas during the Korean War and later in Germany. In Washington, he assisted the defense secretary’s special assistant in 1965-1966 and served as senior military representative for Pacific Forces in Australia. He retired as a colonel after two decades of Air Force service.
In his later years, Butterfield harshly criticized his former boss. While acknowledging Nixon’s foreign policy successes, he called Nixon “not an honest man” and “a crook,” believing Nixon knew about the Watergate break-in beforehand and orchestrated the subsequent cover-up.
Butterfield admitted to “cheering … just cheering” when Nixon resigned, telling the Nixon Library that “justice had prevailed.”
“I didn’t think that it would for a while,” he said. “This guy was the ringleader.”
McALLEN, Texas — Immigration enforcement officials have detained members of a Mexican family, including two teenage sons who performed with an award-winning high school mariachi ensemble, drawing criticism from politicians on both sides of the aisle who say the action goes too far.
The Gámez-Cuéllar family was taken into custody on February 25th during what should have been a routine immigration check-in, according to family members and supporters who have started fundraising efforts online. The family includes brothers Antonio, 18, Joshua, 14, and a 12-year-old sibling, along with their parents.
The two older boys had earned recognition as key performers in McAllen High School’s Mariachi Oro ensemble, a group that has achieved remarkable success including White House appearances, Carnegie Hall performances, and eight state championship titles.
Antonio was freed from the Raymondville immigration detention facility on Monday afternoon, though he and his legal team declined to speak with media. His four family members remain held at a separate facility in Dilley, Texas, designed for families.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials have not yet provided a response to media inquiries about the case.
Politicians from different parties have expressed solidarity with the Mexican family, who had been seeking asylum through official U.S. immigration channels.
“The Gamez-Cuellar family’s story breaks my heart. South Texans know better than anyone that we can secure our border and still treat people with dignity — these are not competing values,” said Rep. Monica de la Cruz, a Republican congresswoman representing McAllen.
McAllen’s Republican mayor, Javier Villalobos, expressed his backing for the family while continuing his push for “responsible pathways for law abiding individuals who want to contribute to our economy, support their families, and become productive neighbors in McAllen.”
Democratic Representative Joaquin Castro of Texas made the trip to visit the four detained family members at the Dilley facility on Monday. Castro has previously advocated at the same location for the release of 5-year-old Liam Conejo Ramos from Minnesota and his Ecuadorian father.
New York Democratic Representative Adriano Espaillat, who leads the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, described the family’s detention as “outrageous.”
“This family followed the rules, showed up to their immigration appointment in good faith, and is now being torn apart by ICE, with their 18-year-old son separated from his parents and younger brothers,” he said.
The Pentagon confirmed Monday that a Kentucky soldier has become the seventh American service member to lose his life in the ongoing Iran conflict.
Army Sgt. Benjamin N. Pennington, 26, from Glendale, Kentucky, succumbed to injuries Sunday after being hurt in an attack on Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia on March 1, according to Pentagon officials.
Mike Bell, former pastor at Glendale Christian Church, said he had watched Pennington grow up since he was very young. Bell received a phone call from the soldier’s father, Tim, when his son was initially injured.
“I talked to Tim Saturday morning, and he was doing a little better, and they were talking about maybe moving him to Germany,” Bell explained. However, Bell said Tim Pennington reached out again that same evening requesting prayers as his son’s medical situation deteriorated, and later informed him that the young soldier had died from his wounds.
“He was just a quiet person,” Bell remembered, recalling how Pennington participated in the church’s after-school activities. “I mean, he never attracted attention because he was just steady doing what he needed to do to do it. Does that make sense?”
Pennington served with the 1st Space Battalion, 1st Space Brigade under the U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command, stationed at Fort Carson, Colorado.
According to their official website, the unit specializes in “missile warning, GPS, and long-haul satellite communications.”
“This just breaks my heart,” expressed Keith Taul, judge-executive of Hardin County where Pennington grew up, in a written statement to The Associated Press. “I have known the family for at least 30 years. I can’t imagine the pain and suffering they are experiencing. To lose a single service member is just a devastating blow. But when it is one of our own, we grieve as a community.”
Glendale is a small unincorporated community with approximately 300 residents, located south of Elizabethtown, the Hardin County seat.
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear honored Pennington on social media, describing him as “a hero who sacrificed everything serving our country.”
The previous six military deaths in this conflict involved Army reservists who were killed in Kuwait when an Iranian drone attacked an operations center at a civilian port facility.
President Donald Trump attended the dignified transfer ceremony at Dover Air Force Base on Saturday for those six fallen soldiers, joining their families during the solemn ritual.
The dignified transfer ceremony, which honors fallen service members by returning their remains home, represents one of the most serious responsibilities for any president. Trump previously described witnessing these transfers as “the toughest thing I have to do” during his first presidential term.
Pennington completed his education at Central Hardin High School in 2017, where he studied automotive technology, confirmed district spokesman John Wright to the AP. Tom Pitt, his former automotive technology teacher at Hardin County Early College and Career Center, praised him as “an American hero.”
“A lot of times as a teacher, you have students who are smart, you have students who are charismatic, who are likable, dare I say, enchanting,” Pitt shared, noting that Pennington, whom he knew as Nate, was also a Boy Scout. “Rarely do you have students who are all of those. And Ben Pennington was all of those. He was basically the quintessential all-American.”
Following graduation, Pennington joined the military as a unit supply specialist and was later transferred to the space and missile defense command on June 10, 2025, according to Army records.
His military honors included the Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and the Army Service Ribbon.
“The U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command is deeply saddened by the loss of Sgt. Pennington,” stated Lt. Gen. Sean A. Gainey, USASMDC commanding general. “He gave the ultimate sacrifice for the country he loved. That makes him nothing less than a hero, and he will always be remembered that way. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends.”
Col. Michael F. Dyer, commander of the 1st Space Brigade, characterized Pennington as “a dedicated and experienced noncommissioned officer who led with strength, professionalism and sense of duty.”
The Pentagon announced that Pennington will receive a posthumous promotion to staff sergeant.
A federal judge in Massachusetts has temporarily blocked the Trump administration’s effort to end deportation protections for immigrants from Somalia, just days before the program was set to expire.
U.S. District Judge Allison D. Burroughs issued the emergency ruling on Friday, stating that allowing Somalia’s Temporary Protected Status designation to end on Tuesday would have “weighty” consequences. Immigration advocates had rushed to court seeking the emergency halt after the Trump administration announced plans last month to terminate the program during an immigration enforcement operation in Minneapolis, home to a large Somali community.
The judge’s decision highlighted the serious risks facing affected individuals, stating that “Over one thousand people will face ‘a myriad of grave risks,’ including detention and deportation, physical violence if removed to Somalia, and forced separation from family members.”
Burroughs explained that issuing an administrative stay while postponing a final decision allows both legal teams time to submit detailed arguments on the emergency request.
“While the stay is in effect, the termination shall be null, void, and of no legal effect,” the court order stated, emphasizing that individuals with TPS status or pending applications will continue to have access to work permits and protection from deportation and detention.
The Department of Homeland Security responded with criticism of the ruling, calling it another instance of a judge appointed by former President Barack Obama blocking Trump from “restoring integrity” to America’s immigration system.
“Temporary means temporary,” the department’s statement declared. “Country conditions in Somalia have improved to the point that it no longer meets the law’s requirement for Temporary Protected Status. Allowing Somali nationals to remain temporarily in the United States is contrary to our national interests. The Trump administration is putting Americans first.”
Legal representatives for those challenging the termination expressed cautious optimism about the temporary victory. In their statement, they acknowledged that while the order is temporary and “many battles lie ahead,” they are “heartened by the interim protection today’s order affords all Somali people in the U.S. who have TPS or pending TPS applications.”
A National Transportation Safety Board official was terminated by the Trump administration following allegations of workplace misconduct, though Todd Inman strongly contests the accusations and pledges to pursue legal action.
Inman disclosed on Sunday that his employment was terminated Friday without any explanation provided, despite his board appointment extending through 2027’s conclusion. The Trump White House defended the decision on Monday, stating the termination was warranted.
White House spokesperson Kush Desai explained the administration’s position: “The White House lawfully removed Todd Inman from the NTSB after receiving highly concerning reports of inappropriate alcohol use on the job, harassment of staff, misuse of government resources, and failure to attend at least half of NTSB meetings. The Trump administration remains committed to maintaining safety and security for Americans in the air and on the ground.”
Initially, Inman hadn’t considered litigation regarding his dismissal, but now states: “I look forward to defending my reputation through all legal means possible.”
“I categorically deny the allegations made in the White House statement. It has become increasingly obvious this action was a political hit job,” declared Inman, a Republican who received his appointment in March 2024 under former President Joe Biden.
Following Inman’s termination and Vice Chair Alvin Brown’s surprising removal in May – a Biden-appointed Democrat – the NTSB’s website currently shows just three active members. However, the U.S. Senate has recently approved American Airlines executive John DeLeeuw, who will join as the board’s fourth member. The agency examines significant aviation, rail, highway, and pipeline accidents while currently handling over 1,000 active investigations, ultimately issuing prevention recommendations in final reports.
The NTSB has refused to provide commentary regarding Inman’s removal.
Inman served as the primary board representative at the scene of last year’s devastating midair collision near Washington, D.C., which claimed 67 lives when a commercial aircraft struck a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter. He also supervised the preliminary investigation into November’s UPS cargo aircraft crash in Kentucky that resulted in 15 fatalities.
Prior to recent events, dismissing independent agency board members was extraordinarily rare. Nevertheless, Trump has removed officials from the Federal Reserve Board, Surface Transportation Board, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, and Nuclear Regulatory Commission to install his preferred candidates.
The NTSB’s five-member structure traditionally includes three members from the president’s political party and two from the opposition. With Inman’s departure and DeLeeuw’s addition, the board now stands at an even 2-2 party split, allowing Trump to select a third Republican member.
Both Brown and Robert Primus, who previously served on the U.S. Surface Transportation Board, were the sole Black board members leading their respective independent agencies when terminated last year. Each has contested their dismissals in federal court, with legal advocacy organization Democracy Forward filing discrimination complaints on their behalf.
Travelers across the nation are facing dramatically extended delays at airport security screening areas as the partial federal government shutdown continues. Transportation Security Administration personnel are working their shifts despite not receiving their regular paychecks during the ongoing budget impasse.
The prolonged wait times at TSA checkpoints have become increasingly problematic at multiple airports throughout the country, creating frustration for passengers trying to reach their flights on schedule.
A Palestinian actor featured in an Academy Award-nominated film announced Friday that he will miss this weekend’s Oscars ceremony due to current U.S. travel restrictions affecting Palestinian citizens.
Motaz Malhees stars in “The Voice of Hind Rajab,” which earned a nomination for best international feature film. The movie tells the story of a five-year-old Palestinian girl who was killed by Israeli military forces in Gaza during 2024.
In his role, Malhees portrays a call center worker who tries to assist the young girl. However, he revealed on social media that he cannot travel to the United States for the ceremony.
“I am not allowed to enter the United States because of my Palestinian citizenship,” Malhees posted on Instagram, expressing that “it hurts” to miss the prestigious event.
The travel restrictions stem from a December proclamation by President Donald Trump that limits entry for individuals carrying Palestinian Authority travel documents. Trump stated he had “determined to fully restrict and limit the entry of individuals using travel documents issued or endorsed by the Palestinian Authority.”
Officials cited security concerns as the reason for the entry restrictions affecting certain countries.
The State Department has not yet provided a response regarding the actor’s situation.
The film draws from a tragic real-life incident where five members of Rajab’s family and two ambulance workers attempting a rescue were also killed by Israeli gunfire. Israeli authorities have indicated the incident remains under investigation.
The Seattle Seahawks’ success in building championship rosters through strategic drafting and free agency signings led them to a Super Bowl LX victory this past February. But a newly approved tax policy in Washington state may create significant challenges for future player acquisitions.
Washington state senators voted 27-21 on Wednesday to approve legislation implementing a 9.9% tax on annual income above $1 million. Governor Bob Ferguson, who has publicly backed the proposal, is expected to sign the measure into law. The tax obligation will begin in 2029.
While the legislation is projected to impact only half a percent of Washington residents, professional athletes represent a substantial portion of those affected earners.
Seahawks General Manager John Schneider expressed concerns about the tax’s impact during a KIRO-AM radio interview. “It’s gonna sting. There’s no question about it,” Schneider stated. “All the pro teams here in town, (not having a state income tax has) always been a huge attraction, especially competing with the California teams. It’s been a big deal for us. So, yeah, it’s going to sting from a recruiting standpoint.”
The timing creates particular challenges since the NFL’s 2026 minimum salary for players with at least one year of experience is scheduled at $1.005 million, placing virtually every potential recruit above the tax threshold. During this offseason, Seattle has signed three outside free agents to single-year contracts while losing notable players including Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III.
With this legislation, Washington becomes the seventh jurisdiction to implement a version of high-earner taxation, joining California, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, and the District of Columbia.
CONWAY, S.C. – Salisbury University’s track and field athletes delivered impressive results during the opening day of competition at the Myrtle Beach Collegiate Challenge, held at Doug Shaw Memorial Stadium as St. Patrick’s Day weekend began.
The standout performance came from Anna Bodmer, who broke the school record while competing in the 10,000-meter race. Her record-breaking run also secured her a gold medal finish, marking the third year in a row she has claimed the top spot in this event at the same competition.
Both the men’s and women’s track and field programs from Salisbury University participated in the meet, with athletes turning in strong showings across multiple events on the first day of competition.
Delaware Department of Transportation officials have implemented a right lane closure on Sussex Highway (Route 13) that will remain in effect until 7 PM today.
The closure spans the stretch of roadway between Brick Yard Road and Ockels Road in Sussex County, affecting traffic during the evening commute period.
Drivers traveling through this area should expect delays and plan for extra travel time while navigating around the lane restriction.
Motorists traveling on East 4th Street should expect delays today as construction crews have closed the right lane in both the northbound and southbound directions.
The lane restriction affects the stretch of roadway between Swedes Landing Road and Christina Avenue, with work scheduled to continue until 4 PM this afternoon.
Drivers are advised to plan for extra travel time and consider alternate routes if possible while the construction activity is underway.
Motorists traveling on Coastal Highway should expect delays this afternoon as construction crews have shut down the left lane of Route 1.
The Delaware Department of Transportation reports that the left lane closure is affecting the stretch of highway between Janice Road and Cave Neck Road due to ongoing construction activities.
Officials indicate the lane restriction will remain active until 5 PM today, potentially causing traffic backups during the afternoon commute.
Drivers are advised to allow extra travel time and use caution when passing through the construction zone.
Delaware State Police are working to identify two armed suspects who carried out a pair of robberies targeting visitors at Delaware Park Casino on Sunday evening.
The incidents unfolded around 10:30 p.m. on March 8, 2026, in the parking area of the gaming facility on Delaware Park Boulevard in Wilmington. According to investigators, two individuals armed with firearms emerged from a dark Nissan sedan and confronted two people making their way through the parking lot. The gunmen ordered the victims to hand over their belongings, which they did before the criminals escaped in their vehicle with cash and personal items.
Police say the same perpetrators returned to the casino parking lot shortly afterward and targeted a third victim who was also walking through the area. The armed suspects again brandished their weapons and demanded the person’s possessions. During this second robbery, one of the criminals used his firearm to strike the victim in the head before taking the person’s car keys. The suspects then left the scene driving both the stolen Nissan and the victim’s automobile. The assault victim, identified as a 24-year-old Avondale, Pennsylvania resident, received treatment at a nearby medical facility for injuries that were not considered life-threatening.
Law enforcement officers from Delaware State Police and New Castle County Police Department subsequently found the stolen vehicle within Wilmington city boundaries. When authorities attempted to stop the car, a short chase ensued before the driver abandoned the automobile and escaped on foot near the intersection of Bradford Street and B Street. The suspect remains at large.
The case has been assigned to the Delaware State Police Criminal Investigations Unit for further review. Detective B. Timmons is asking anyone who saw the incidents or has relevant details to call (302) 365-8434. Tips can also be submitted through private messages to the Delaware State Police Facebook page or by contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-847-3333.
Crime victims and witnesses seeking support can reach the Delaware State Police Victim Services Unit and Delaware Victim Center through their 24-hour helpline at 1-800-VICTIM-1 (1-800-842-8461) or by email at [email protected].
Motorists should plan alternate routes as a section of Centerville Road remains completely impassable due to emergency utility repairs taking place today.
The roadway is blocked to all traffic traveling in either direction between Campbell Road and Hillside Road, with the closure expected to last until 9 PM this evening.
DelDOT is advising drivers to seek alternative routes while crews complete the necessary utility work in the area.
California’s most productive agricultural area is confronting a groundwater emergency caused by excessive extraction from underground water sources. Legislation enacted in 2014 aimed at preventing the overuse of these underground water reserves is now being implemented across the region.
The new regulations are designed to address the critical situation created by years of drawing too much water from the aquifer systems that support the state’s agricultural industry. These enforcement measures represent the first major step in controlling groundwater usage in the area.
Colombian President Gustavo Petro’s political party emerged as the top vote-getter in weekend congressional elections, though the results fell short of providing the clear mandate needed to push through sweeping government reforms.
The Historical Pact secured nearly 25% of Senate positions and approximately 15% of House seats in Sunday’s voting, outpacing all rival parties. However, conservative opposition forces also strengthened their position, with the Democratic Center party of former President Álvaro Uribe claiming 17 of the Senate’s 103 seats.
Centrist political groups, including traditional Liberal and Conservative parties, saw their influence diminish, while the Green Party also experienced reduced representation.
“The country seems to be turning away from voices in the center, and it’s becoming more polarized,” observed Carlos Arias, a Bogota-based political consultant.
Jorge Restrepo, an economics professor at Javeriana University in Bogota, characterized the electoral outcome as evidence that Colombia is abandoning its historical resistance to populist movements after decades under technocratic, center-right leadership.
“The Petro administration has taken a series of measures that are popular in the short term” but lack long-term viability, Restrepo explained.
He cited substantial minimum wage increases, reduced fuel costs, and workplace law modifications that boosted overtime compensation as examples of policies designed for immediate political appeal.
“These decisions have helped to increase the popularity of the Historical Pact,” Restrepo noted. “And make its critics more unpopular.”
The legislative contest occurred two months ahead of Colombia’s presidential race, which will determine the future of current security strategies and economic policy directions.
Throughout Petro’s four-year tenure, his government has pursued diplomatic solutions with remaining insurgent organizations while implementing labor reforms, including a 23% minimum wage boost despite 5% annual inflation.
The president has advocated for government control of Colombia’s healthcare system, removing private insurers from social security administration. His administration has also promoted pension system modifications that would expand state oversight of retirement fund management.
Political opponents have vowed to reverse these policy changes, arguing they contribute to irresponsible government expenditures.
Critics have also indicated they would take a more aggressive stance against rebel organizations that continue threatening citizens through extortion, abduction, and violence while competing for territorial control and drug trafficking profits.
Sunday’s elections included a primary contest among center-right coalition parties, which selected Democratic Center Senator Paloma Valencia as their presidential nominee.
The coalition’s 5.7 million votes established Valencia as a formidable contender in the upcoming presidential campaign, according to Bogota political risk analyst Sergio Guzmán.
Constitutional restrictions prevent Petro from seeking reelection, but his party’s nominee, Senator Iván Cepeda, currently leads polling data. Ultra-conservative attorney Abelardo de la Espriella, who has expressed admiration for Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele, holds second place.
Valencia’s strong primary performance suggests she may now challenge De la Espriella for conservative voter support.
“Abelardo’s candidacy seems shaky now,” Guzmán assessed, noting that the attorney’s congressional slate received approximately 600,000 votes Sunday, representing just one-tenth of Valencia’s primary total.
May’s presidential election will feature at least six candidates, including representatives from smaller leftist parties.
A runoff between the top two finishers will occur in June if no candidate achieves a 50% majority.
Yan Basset, a political science instructor at Rosario University in Bogota, predicted that a conservative presidential victory would end current efforts to rewrite Colombia’s constitution.
Petro has maintained that constitutional revision is necessary to strengthen democratic participation and advance economic reforms previously rejected by the judiciary. However, opponents characterize the initiative as an attempt to consolidate power and reduce judicial supervision of executive actions.
Basset suggested that even if Cepeda wins the presidency, constitutional changes would face significant obstacles given Congress’s new composition.
“The left won, but they only had a quarter of the seats,” Basset explained. “I don’t think that there is the appetite among their potential coalition partners” to pursue constitutional reform.
OTTAWA, Canada (AP) — Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney will travel to Norway this Friday to witness a major NATO military training operation, followed by a visit to the United Kingdom, according to an announcement from his office on Monday.
Officials said Carney will observe the Cold Response exercise, which Norway leads for NATO. This biennial training event brings together approximately 25,000 military personnel from 14 different nations to conduct coordinated land, air and naval operations in harsh Arctic environments.
Participating countries include Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, the Netherlands, France, Sweden and Finland.
“Canada is, and forever will be, an Arctic nation. In the face of new threats, we are deepening defense collaboration with our Arctic partners to create a stronger, more prosperous, and more secure world for Canada and for all,” Carney stated.
During his time in Oslo, Carney is scheduled to hold discussions with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre covering topics such as trade, investment, clean energy initiatives, critical mineral resources and aerospace industry cooperation.
The Canadian leader will also participate in the Canada-Nordic Summit, where he will engage with other Nordic government officials to explore opportunities for strengthened geopolitical partnerships.
Following his Norway visit, Carney will travel to London for discussions with U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer focusing on defense matters and ongoing conflicts in the Middle East before returning home to Canada.
A former top Missouri lawmaker will spend nearly two years behind bars after admitting he fraudulently diverted hundreds of thousands of dollars in pandemic relief money for his own use.
John Diehl, who once held the position of Republican House Speaker in Missouri, was handed a 21-month federal prison sentence on Monday following his guilty plea to wire fraud charges. The case centered on his misappropriation of approximately $380,000 in federal assistance designed to help businesses survive the economic impact of COVID-19.
Between 2020 and 2022, Diehl obtained the federal loans for his legal practice through a program specifically created to assist companies with operational costs during the pandemic crisis. However, according to his September plea deal, he diverted these funds toward personal expenditures including membership fees at a country club, pool upkeep at his residence, mortgage payments, and car loans for luxury vehicles including a Tesla, Audi, and Jeep.
Federal prosecutors revealed that Diehl channeled more than half of the fraudulent funds into his law firm’s retirement benefit program, where he served as the sole beneficiary. He also used portions of the money to settle a civil lawsuit stemming from his tenure as House Speaker.
Diehl’s political career ended in scandal when he stepped down from his leadership role in 2015. His resignation came after The Kansas City Star published reports about inappropriate text communications he had sent to a college intern working at the state Capitol. Diehl publicly admitted at the time that sending those messages constituted “making a serious error in judgment.”
His legal troubles continued in 2023 when Missouri’s Ethics Commission hit him with approximately $47,000 in penalties for campaign finance infractions, including accusations that he spent nearly $6,800 in campaign donations on personal items.
Defense attorneys had urged the judge to avoid imposing jail time, emphasizing that Diehl had already repaid the entire amount to the Small Business Administration. However, federal prosecutors had sought a sentence ranging from 21 to 27 months behind bars.
Along with the prison term, the court imposed a $50,000 monetary penalty on Monday.
“Through his education and public office, Defendant had every privilege and opportunity, and to put it bluntly, he knew better than to engage in the charged fraud scheme,” Assistant U.S. Attorney Hal Goldsmith stated in court documents regarding Diehl’s case.
The Ig Nobel Awards, known for celebrating unusual scientific research with humor, are departing the United States for the first time in their 35-year history due to visa-related safety concerns for international participants, organizers revealed Monday.
The satirical science ceremony, sponsored by the Annals of Improbable Research publication, will hold its 36th annual event in Zurich rather than its traditional September location in the US, just ahead of the genuine Nobel Prize announcements.
“During the past year, it has become unsafe for our guests to visit the country,” said Marc Abrahams, the event’s host and magazine editor, in correspondence with The Associated Press. “We cannot in good conscience ask the new winners, or the international journalists who cover the event, to travel to the USA this year.”
The relocation follows President Donald Trump’s extensive immigration enforcement measures, which target both undocumented immigrants and individuals holding student or visitor exchange documentation.
For more than three decades, research winners have journeyed to America to accept their awards amid a shower of paper airplanes. Previous year’s honorees included Japanese scientists investigating whether zebra-stripe paint on cattle deters fly bites, and researchers from Africa and Europe examining lizards’ pizza preferences.
The current year’s recipients, recognized across ten categories, feature European scientists who discovered alcohol consumption can enhance foreign language speaking abilities, plus a researcher who monitored fingernail growth patterns for decades.
However, four out of ten winners declined to attend last year’s Boston ceremony. Past events have taken place at prestigious venues including Harvard University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and Boston University.
This year’s celebration is being coordinated with ETH Domain institutions, part of the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology network, along with the University of Zurich, according to Abrahams.
“Switzerland has nurtured many unexpected good things — Albert Einstein’s physics, the world economy, and the cuckoo clock leap to mind — and is again helping the world appreciate improbable people and ideas,” he noted.
Milo Puhan, a University of Zurich epidemiologist and 2017 Swiss Ig Nobel recipient, expressed enthusiasm for hosting the ceremony. “The Ig Nobel Prize makes research visible, and does so with a wink,” Puhan stated, referencing his award-winning work that “showed that playing the didgeridoo trains the muscles and structures that keep the upper airways open, thereby reducing nighttime snoring and the severity of sleep apnea syndrome.”
Abrahams announced the ceremony will alternate between Zurich every other year and various European cities in between years.
No current plans exist for returning the awards ceremony to American soil.
U.S. financial markets defied global trends Monday, recovering from opening declines to close higher despite ongoing turmoil from the Iran conflict that has pushed oil prices beyond $100 per barrel.
While Asian and European stock exchanges suffered significant losses as the Middle East war entered its second week, American markets reversed course after President Donald Trump suggested the conflict might conclude soon. Oil prices initially spiked as much as 30% before retreating later in the session.
The market analyst examining today’s trading noted Wall Street’s unusual strength compared to international exchanges. “As selling snowballs across other equity markets, why has the global avalanche not yet engulfed U.S. stocks? Are there reasonable explanations, or is complacency setting in?” the analyst questioned.
Trump reportedly told CBS News the war against Iran is “very complete,” helping calm investor fears about prolonged conflict.
Monday’s market performance showed stark regional differences. Asian markets were severely impacted and European indices tumbled, but major U.S. stock measures finished between 0.5% and 1.4% higher after overcoming early losses.
Within the S&P 500, nine sectors posted gains with technology leading at 1.6% higher, while energy dropped 1%. Notable individual stock movements included Caterpillar rising 3.5%, Nvidia gaining 2.7%, and Amgen up 2%. Declining stocks included Cisco falling 3%, Boeing down 2.6%, and IBM losing 2%.
Currency markets saw the dollar strengthen initially before reversing direction late in U.S. trading. Emerging market currencies bounced back with Brazilian real and South African rand each gaining 1.5%, while bitcoin jumped 3%.
Oil markets experienced extreme volatility, settling 4-7% higher after the dramatic 30% spike, then plummeting 7% in after-hours trading. Gold declined while other precious metals rose 2-3%.
The energy price surge following the February 28 joint U.S.-Israeli attack on Iran has created a challenging situation for central banks worldwide. Policymakers face difficult decisions between raising interest rates to combat inflation or maintaining accommodative policies to support economic growth amid rising unemployment risks.
Economic data released Monday revealed inflation pressures were building even before the Middle East crisis began. China’s consumer inflation reached a three-year high in February, Mexico’s inflation exceeded central bank targets, and Japan saw real wages increase for the first time in over a year.
With oil prices substantially higher than last year’s levels, inflation indicators continue pointing upward. U.S. consumer price data expected later this week is anticipated to show further increases above 3%.
Government officials worldwide are exploring options to mitigate economic impacts from $100 oil. While G7 nations discussed releasing strategic petroleum reserves Monday, they determined no immediate supply shortage exists. Alternative measures include China’s fuel price caps, South Korea considering similar controls for the first time in three decades, and Japan preparing possible crude releases and emergency spending.
Key factors that could influence Tuesday’s trading include Middle East developments, energy market movements, and economic data releases from Australia, Japan, Germany, and the United Kingdom. The U.S. Treasury will auction $58 billion in three-year notes, and existing home sales figures for February are scheduled for release.
NONTHABURI, Thailand — An unconventional festival in Thailand encourages attendees to face their own mortality while providing hands-on services and spiritual guidance for life’s final chapter.
This distinctive gathering, currently in its second year, tackles a topic many find difficult to discuss. The festival also reflects core Buddhist principles that influence Thai culture, addressing life’s unavoidable hardships: birth, aging, illness and death.
Sangduan Ngamvinijaroon brought her mother to the three-day festival on Friday in Nonthaburi province, located near Bangkok. She explained that discussing death was once challenging for her family, but after more than two decades of caring for sick relatives — including her stroke-affected husband and family members battling cancer — she has witnessed multiple deaths and now feels comfortable addressing the subject.
“It’s not just about dying well. It’s also about the present moment and taking good care of our lives while we’re still here,” she said about why she appreciated the festival.
The gathering united specialists and organizations from healthcare, financial planning, end-of-life care, burial services and memorial technology. Presentations and activities emphasized both death preparation and maintaining life quality through one’s final days.
“Death involves everybody. It’s not just about you,” explained Zcongklod Bangyikhan, The Cloud magazine’s editor-in-chief and a primary event organizer. “Instead of wondering what dying will be like, maybe we should think about how to make things easier for the people who remain after we’re gone.”
A widely visited display called “Test Die” allows guests to rest inside various coffins while viewing themselves in an overhead mirror. The activity aims to encourage contemplation rather than create fear.
Office employee Phinutda Seehad described the experience as peaceful.
“I don’t think I’m scared of death,” she shared. “I also don’t want to die, but when the time comes, I don’t think it will be that frightening.”
One business showcased an eco-friendly coffin constructed from mycelium — fungal root-like structures — which assists natural decomposition processes.
Company founder Jirawan Kumsao explained the design represents a more sustainable burial method. While she brought a human-sized version to the festival, her business primarily creates pet coffins.
“It gives people comfort to know they’ve cared for their pets until the very end,” she noted. “It looks like a spacecraft, a capsule, for sending them to another world.”
Noppasaward Panyajaray, who created the digital memorial service Sharesouls, has observed similar emotional connections. Her platform enables users to upload photos and share memories of deceased loved ones, establishing online spaces where friends and family can leave tributes and honor their memory.
She said she initially designed the platform to preserve family member memories. However, she was amazed to discover many users were building memorial pages for their pets.
“Many people sent me a message to say thank you, because nowadays we don’t really have any space to store stories or memories about their pets,” she explained. “Every pet is meaningful to their owners as much as a family member.”
FORT WORTH, Texas — Eight individuals were found guilty Friday on federal terrorism charges stemming from a shooting incident at a Texas immigration detention facility that prosecutors linked to the far-left antifa movement.
A federal jury also convicted one defendant of attempted murder after authorities say he fired shots last summer outside the Prairieland Detention Center near Fort Worth, injuring a police officer. Justice Department officials described the incident as a coordinated assault by antifa activists, though defense lawyers disputed this claim, arguing their clients were participating in a peaceful demonstration with fireworks when gunfire erupted.
The nearly three-week trial was overseen by U.S. District Judge Mark Pittman, a Trump appointee, and drew attention from legal observers who viewed it as a benchmark for how far federal authorities might go in prosecuting demonstrators.
According to FBI Director Kash Patel, this marked the first instance where material support for terrorism charges were brought against individuals allegedly connected to antifa.
“Today’s verdict on terrorism charges will not be the last as the Trump administration systematically dismantles Antifa and finally halts their violence on America’s streets,” U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi said.
Antifa, which stands for “anti-fascists,” represents a loose network of far-left militant groups that oppose neo-Nazis and white supremacists at rallies and demonstrations rather than a centralized organization.
Defense lawyers argued before jurors that no violent plan existed for the July 4 gathering outside the Alvarado facility.
Nine defendants faced trial total, with eight charged with providing material support to terrorists along with additional counts. Daniel Sanchez Estrada, the ninth defendant, was charged with corruptly concealing documents and conspiracy to conceal documents, receiving guilty verdicts on both counts.
Estrada’s lawyer, Christopher Weinbel, expressed disbelief at the jury’s decision. Weinbel, who served multiple Army deployments defending the United States, said he hoped his sacrifices “meant something.”
“But I feel like it turned its back on justice with this. … The U.S. lost today with this verdict,” Weinbel said.
During closing statements, prosecutor Shawn Smith argued that the defendants’ preparations — including bringing weapons, medical supplies, and protective gear — demonstrated malicious intentions. He claimed they employed “antifa tactics” and showed obsession with “operational security.”
Defense attorneys maintained there was no planned attack and that demonstrators who carried firearms did so purely for self-defense.
The terrorism charges came after Trump’s directive last fall declaring antifa a domestic terrorist organization. Unlike the State Department’s foreign terrorist organization list, no domestic equivalent exists, partly due to First Amendment protections for U.S.-based groups.
Legal experts worry the case’s outcome could significantly impact future protests.
“That opposition is something that the government wants to squash so a case like this helps the government kind of see how far they can go in criminalizing constitutionally protected protests and also helps them kind of intimidate, increase the fear, hoping that folks in other cities then will think twice over protesting,” said Suzanne Adely, interim president of the National Lawyers Guild, a progressive legal group.
Defense attorneys said most protesters had begun departing when two facility guards emerged, which occurred before any shooting started.
Prosecutors alleged that Benjamin Song, a former Marine Corps reservist, shouted “get to the rifles” before opening fire and wounding a police officer who had just arrived at the scene.
While Song was the shooter, prosecutors also charged several other protesters with attempted murder and firearm discharge, though jurors acquitted them of these charges. The prosecution argued that based on the group’s planning, the other defendants should have anticipated potential violence.
Alvarado Police Lt. Thomas Gross, the wounded officer, testified about responding to the scene and encountering a person dressed entirely in black with a covered face carrying a rifle. He told jurors a bullet entered his shoulder and exited through his neck.
Song’s attorney, Phillip Hayes, argued during closing statements that no call to violence occurred before Gross arrived and “aggressively” drew his weapon. Hayes contended that Song fired “suppressive fire” and that a ricocheting bullet struck the officer.
Before the trial began, several individuals pleaded guilty to providing material support to terrorists after being accused of supporting antifa. They could receive up to 15 years in prison when sentenced.
Some of these individuals testified for the prosecution, including Seth Sikes, who said he went to the detention center hoping to bring comfort to those detained inside.
“I felt like I was doing the right thing,” he said.
The University of Maryland Eastern Shore men’s volleyball squad experienced a challenging return to competition, falling to Saint Francis University by a 3-0 margin in their inaugural Northeast Conference road contest.
The Red Flash dominated the Hawks in straight sets during what represented UMES’s first competitive match since February 27th.
The defeat marks an early setback for the Hawks as they begin their NEC conference schedule on the road. The team will look to regroup following this shutout loss as they continue their season.
A fugitive fatally shot by Dallas SWAT officers this week had been working as part of the security team for U.S. Representative Jasmine Crockett while allegedly impersonating a law enforcement officer, according to a Friday report from CBS News Texas.
The individual, who publicly identified himself as Mike King, had been operating under false identities while running a company that connected police officers with off-duty security assignments, sources told the news outlet. Law enforcement officials have not disclosed the person’s actual identity.
Dallas police SWAT team members fatally shot the suspect Wednesday evening, according to department statements released earlier this week.
According to CBS News Texas, the man faced charges for pretending to be a police officer and had falsely claimed law enforcement credentials while operating Off Duty Police Services, a digital platform that matches North Texas officers with private security opportunities.
Neither Representative Crockett’s office nor the Dallas Police Department provided immediate responses to requests for comment on the matter.
The news station reported obtaining photographs showing King positioned near Crockett, a Democratic representative, during various public appearances and campaign activities related to her recent bid for a U.S. Senate position.
Investigators also discovered that he operated a vehicle designed to resemble an unmarked police car and had been using license plates that were stolen from vehicles parked outside a military recruitment facility, according to the report.
Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews will be out for the remainder of the hockey season after suffering a serious knee injury, the team announced Friday.
The 28-year-old star forward suffered a Grade 3 tear to his medial collateral ligament in his left knee, along with a bruised quadriceps muscle, according to team officials.
The injury occurred during the second period of Toronto’s matchup with the Anaheim Ducks when Matthews received a knee-on-knee collision from Ducks defenseman Radko Gudas. Matthews went down in obvious pain and required assistance from team medical staff.
Officials penalized Gudas with a five-minute major penalty and ejected him from the game for the hit.
Team medical staff will reassess Matthews in two weeks, with the organization planning to provide additional updates on the former Hart Memorial Trophy recipient at that time.
Despite the injury, Matthews managed to score a goal in Toronto’s 6-4 victory over Anaheim. His season concludes with 53 points, including 27 goals and 26 assists, across 60 games played.
Throughout his decade-long career with the Maple Leafs, Matthews has accumulated 428 goals and 780 points over 689 regular-season contests. The former Calder Trophy winner as rookie of the year has earned seven All-Star Game selections, participating in five events and capturing MVP honors in 2024. Previous injuries forced him to withdraw from the 2020 All-Star Game due to a wrist problem and the 2023 event because of knee issues.
Two major pharmaceutical companies will be partnering with the Trump administration’s prescription drug platform, according to a Friday report from Fox Business.
GSK and Amgen have agreed to include their medications on TrumpRX, the prescription drug platform created by President Donald Trump’s administration. The move represents a significant expansion of the government’s prescription drug initiative.
The announcement comes as the administration continues efforts to address prescription drug costs and accessibility for American consumers.
Facebook’s parent company Meta is reportedly considering major workforce reductions that could eliminate jobs for 20% or more of its employees, according to three sources with knowledge of the discussions.
The potential cuts stem from the company’s massive spending on artificial intelligence infrastructure and its belief that AI tools will make workers more productive, requiring fewer staff members overall.
Company executives have not established a timeline for the job eliminations, and the final scope remains undetermined, sources revealed. Senior leadership has begun briefing other executives about the plans and instructed them to start developing reduction strategies.
Meta spokesperson Andy Stone dismissed the reports, stating: “This is speculative reporting about theoretical approaches.”
Should Meta proceed with eliminating 20% of positions, it would mark the company’s largest workforce reduction since its major restructuring during late 2022 and early 2023, which executives called their “year of efficiency.” The social media giant employed approximately 79,000 workers at the end of December.
The company previously eliminated 11,000 positions in November 2022, representing roughly 13% of its staff at that time. Four months afterward, Meta announced an additional 10,000 job cuts.
Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg has been driving Meta to compete more aggressively in the generative artificial intelligence space over the past year. The company has offered compensation packages worth hundreds of millions of dollars across four-year periods to attract leading AI researchers to join a new superintelligence division.
Meta has committed to investing $600 billion in data center construction through 2028. This week, the company purchased Moltbook, a social networking platform designed for AI agents. Meta is also spending at least $2 billion to acquire Chinese AI startup Manus, according to previous reports.
Zuckerberg has referenced productivity improvements from these investments, noting in January that he was beginning to observe “projects that used to require big teams now be accomplished by a single very talented person.”
Meta’s workforce reduction plans mirror similar moves by other major American corporations, especially technology companies, throughout this year. Corporate leaders have cited recent advances in AI capabilities as justification for these changes.
Amazon confirmed in January that it would eliminate approximately 16,000 positions, representing nearly 10% of its workforce. Last month, financial technology company Block reduced its staff by nearly half, with CEO Jack Dorsey specifically citing AI tools and their increasing ability to help organizations operate with smaller teams.
Meta’s planned AI investments follow several challenges with its Llama 4 models last year, including criticism that early versions produced misleading benchmark results. The company canceled the release of the largest version of that model, dubbed Behemoth, which had been scheduled for summer release.
The superintelligence team has been working to restore the company’s reputation this year by developing a new model called Avocado, though that system’s performance has also fallen short of expectations.
SALISBURY, Md. – Salisbury University’s softball squad experienced both heartbreak and triumph during their season-opening doubleheader against the University of Lynchburg on Friday at Margie Knight Sea Gull Softball Stadium.
The Sea Gulls kicked off the Margie Knight Classic weekend with contrasting performances in their twin bill. In the opening contest, Salisbury suffered a tough 4-2 defeat that required eight innings to decide. However, the team quickly regrouped for the nightcap, delivering an impressive 10-2 victory that was completed in just five innings.
The doubleheader marked the beginning of what promises to be an exciting weekend of softball action at the home venue for the Sea Gulls program.
Georgetown, Del. (Mon., March 9, 2026): Emergency responders in Sussex County will have stronger radio communications during crises, thanks to a collaborative effort between county officials and a Rehoboth Beach hotel.
The Boardwalk Plaza Hotel in Rehoboth Beach has donated space at no cost to house radio equipment for Sussex AuxComm, the county’s volunteer amateur radio team that assists the Emergency Operations Center when disasters strike, including during recent winter storms. The new radio repeater will strengthen signal coverage and bolster emergency response capabilities throughout Delaware’s coastal areas.
AuxComm stands for auxiliary communication, a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) initiative that relies mainly on volunteer amateur radio operators, commonly called “hams,” to assist government agencies during emergency response and recovery efforts.
The recently installed repeater operates on 443.400+ MHz (PL 156.7) and will function as a crucial communication hub during emergency situations and AuxComm deployments. It offers dependable coverage for emergency coordinators, volunteers, and amateur radio operators across the area, especially when standard communication systems fail. All licensed amateur radio operators will have access to the system.
Tim Cooper, Sussex County’s emergency manager, praised the partnership. “This collaboration exemplifies the community partnership that makes Delaware strong,” Cooper stated. “Thanks to the generosity of the Zerby family, we’re able to expand our communication footprint and improve readiness for any emergency that impacts coastal Sussex County.”
Those interested in learning more about Sussex County AuxComm or getting involved with amateur radio emergency communications can visit www.sussexradio.com.
The University of Delaware men’s basketball program received major recognition Monday when sophomore Christian Bliss was honored as the 2025-26 Conference USA Freshman of the Year, according to an announcement from the league headquarters in Dallas.
The Blue Hens standout didn’t stop there, also securing spots on both the Second Team All-Conference roster and the All-Freshman squad. Meanwhile, teammate Justyn Fernandez captured All-Honorable Mention recognition from the conference.
The awards highlight a successful season for Delaware’s basketball program as they competed in Conference USA play. The league office made the official announcement recognizing the outstanding performances of both Blue Hens players throughout the campaign.
The University of Delaware Blue Hens baseball squad is set to make the trip north to Philadelphia for a midweek matchup against the University of Pennsylvania Quakers.
The Delaware team will face off against Penn in what promises to be an exciting contest between the two regional rivals. The game represents another opportunity for the Blue Hens to showcase their skills on the diamond during the current season.
Fans can follow the team’s progress as they take on this midweek challenge away from home. The matchup adds to Delaware’s busy schedule as the baseball season continues.
NEWARK, Del. – The Blue Hens men’s tennis program at the University of Delaware has made two adjustments to their competition calendar for the upcoming week.
The team revealed the scheduling modifications for their planned matches in the coming days, though specific details about the nature of the changes were not immediately provided.
The Goldey-Beacom College Lightning softball squad wrapped up their time in Melbourne, Florida with contrasting outcomes during a doubleheader on their concluding day of competition.
The Lightning experienced a challenging start to the day, suffering a shutout defeat against D’Youville by a score of 3-0 in their opening contest.
However, the team rebounded impressively in their second matchup, overwhelming Post University with a commanding 9-1 triumph to close out their Florida tournament on a positive note.
The split results capped off the Lightning’s southern trip as they prepare to return to regular season competition.
The University of Delaware women’s basketball program had reason to celebrate Monday as Conference USA announced its annual awards, with three Blue Hens players receiving recognition for their outstanding performances this season.
Leading the way was Ande’a Cherisier, who earned selection to the All-Conference USA Second Team. Her teammates Kailah Correa and Lay Fantroy both captured All-CUSA Honorable Mention recognition for their contributions throughout the campaign.
Correa, a first-year player, received additional recognition by being selected to the CUSA All-Freshman Team, highlighting her impressive debut season with the Blue Hens.
The announcements from the conference office in Dallas recognized the top performers across Conference USA women’s basketball programs for the season.
The University of Maryland Eastern Shore Hawks wrapped up their baseball series on a disappointing note, suffering a 13-6 defeat to the Blue Devils in Sunday’s finale.
Despite the lopsided final score, the Hawks showed some offensive spark with a pair of long balls. Both Gonzalez Perez and Brown found their power stroke, each launching home runs during the contest.
The loss caps off what proved to be a challenging series for the Hawks, who were unable to overcome the Blue Devils’ offensive output in the final game.
A multi-agency operation led to the arrest of a man suspected of home improvement fraud on Monday, March 9, 2026.
New Castle County police detectives collaborated with Cecil County Sheriff’s Office deputies to locate Richard Kirchner in the 800 block of Elk Mills Road in Cecil County, Maryland.
The criminal investigation targeting Kirchner was launched in January 2026 by New Castle County officers, though additional details about the specific nature of the alleged fraud scheme have not yet been released.
The joint law enforcement effort demonstrates cooperation between Delaware and Maryland authorities in pursuing suspects who may operate across state lines.
Multiple sources confirm that quarterback Tua Tagovailoa will ink a one-year agreement with the Atlanta Falcons following his expected release from the Miami Dolphins when the new NFL league year opens Wednesday.
Atlanta plans to part ways with veteran signal-caller Kirk Cousins before the new season begins, creating a quarterback room featuring two southpaw passers alongside Michael Penix Jr. With Penix still working back from a knee injury, the Week 1 starting role remains uncertain.
Penix, who was selected eighth overall in the 2024 draft and is now in his third campaign, tore his left ACL during Week 11 action. However, he has expressed confidence to media members that he’ll be cleared for the season kickoff.
After Penix’s injury, Cousins stepped in and led the Falcons to four consecutive victories, finishing 8-9 overall. Despite the late surge, Atlanta extended their playoff drought to eight years.
When Tagovailoa’s contract becomes finalized, he’ll be playing for a franchise with fresh leadership. Former Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan now serves as president of football operations, overseeing both the head coach and general manager positions filled by Kevin Stefanski and Ian Cunningham respectively. The organization dismissed previous head coach Raheem Morris and general manager Terry Fontenot following the 2025 campaign.
Miami’s decision to release Tagovailoa creates an unprecedented $99.2 million dead money hit against their salary cap. The move includes a post-June 1 designation for accounting benefits, allowing the dead money to be divided across two seasons. The Dolphins will absorb a $67.4 million cap penalty in 2026, with the remaining $31.8 million carrying over to 2027.
Miami selected Tagovailoa fifth overall in 2020, envisioning him as their franchise quarterback solution. He was the draft’s second quarterback chosen after Cincinnati’s selection of Joe Burrow at number one, and came off the board before Justin Herbert, who went to Los Angeles at sixth overall.
Tagovailoa earned Pro Bowl recognition in 2023 after guiding Miami to an 11-6 season and leading the NFL with 4,624 passing yards.
That campaign represented the sole season where he appeared in every contest, as his career has been marred by numerous concussions and additional injuries, including hip problems.
Despite these concerns, Miami committed to Tagovailoa with a four-year, $212.4 million extension in July 2024 that was scheduled to run through 2028.
His standing deteriorated during the previous season, with former head coach Mike McDaniel benching him for rookie Quinn Ewers in the final three games. Over his first 14 appearances, Tagovailoa posted a 6-8 record while throwing a career-worst 15 interceptions compared to 20 touchdown passes.
Washington Commanders have secured defensive end Odafe Oweh with a massive four-year contract worth $100 million, ESPN reports confirmed Monday.
The deal includes $68 million in guaranteed compensation for the 27-year-old pass rusher.
Over his last two NFL seasons, Oweh has tallied 17.5 quarterback sacks, with his best single-season performance coming in 2024 when he recorded 10 sacks while playing for Baltimore.
His 2024 campaign started slowly, failing to register any sacks through the season’s first five contests, leading Baltimore to ship him to Los Angeles via trade. Playing 12 regular season games with the Chargers, Oweh managed 7.5 sacks and contributed three more sacks plus two forced fumbles during a postseason defeat against New England.
Throughout his five-year professional career spanning 79 games with 27 starts, Oweh has accumulated 30.5 sacks, seven forced fumbles, and 176 total tackles.
Baltimore selected the Penn State product with the 31st overall selection in the 2021 NFL Draft.
Washington has also secured cornerback Amik Robertson on a two-year contract valued at $16 million, with $9.3 million guaranteed according to NFL Network sources.
The 27-year-old defensive back recorded a personal-best 52 tackles during his most recent season with Detroit, while also contributing one interception and two forced fumbles in his second campaign with the Lions.
Before joining Detroit, Robertson played four seasons with Las Vegas. His career statistics include 213 tackles, seven forced fumbles, and five interceptions across 86 games with 35 starts over six professional seasons.
Additionally, Washington reportedly finalized a two-year extension worth $60.2 million with returning left tackle Laremy Tunsil, featuring a $32.5 million signing bonus. This contract makes Tunsil the first NFL offensive lineman to earn an average annual salary exceeding $30 million.
A flag football competition spearheaded by Tom Brady and Fanatics has been relocated from the Middle East to California due to regional conflicts, organizers announced Monday.
The sporting event will proceed as scheduled on March 21, but will now take place at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles instead of its originally planned venue in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The Los Angeles stadium will serve as the host site for Olympic flag football during the 2028 Games.
The competition format will feature three squads of 12 players each. Team USA’s current world championship flag football roster will compete alongside two additional teams made up of current and former NFL players plus other athletes.
Brady will lead one squad alongside Jalen Hurts, with Sean Payton serving as head coach. A second team will be captained by Joe Burrow and Jayden Daniels under Kyle Shanahan’s coaching. Robert Saleh will work with both teams as a defensive coordinator.
The third squad will be led by captains Aamir Brown and Darrell “Housh” Doucette, with Jorge Cascudo coaching the team.
Fox Sports will continue broadcasting the competition, with comedian Kevin Hart serving as the event’s host.
Brady’s Shadow Lion studio is producing the event. A roster of 24 current and former NFL players and other athletes will be available for Wednesday’s draft, including notable names like Saquon Barkley, CeeDee Lamb, Christian McCaffrey, Myles Garrett, Maxx Crosby, Tyreek Hill, Odell Beckham Jr., and retired tight end Rob Gronkowski.
“With LA28 on the horizon, events like the Fanatics Flag Football Classic are exactly where Team USA Football belongs,” USA Football CEO and executive director Scott Hallenbeck said in a statement. “We’re ready to showcase world-class Olympic-style 5-on-5 flag football. This event features our world champion flag football athletes on the same field as some of the top current and former pro tackle stars, and I know our players are up for the challenge. We’re grateful to Fanatics Studios for making this possible and for supporting one of the world’s fastest-growing sports.”
The competition was initially set to occur at Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, but organizers made the decision to relocate following recent military strikes by the United States and Israel targeting Iran, which have intensified regional instability in the Middle East.
Center Tyler Linderbaum is taking his talents to Las Vegas after contract talks with the Baltimore Ravens collapsed, leading to a massive payday with the Raiders.
Multiple sources confirm that Linderbaum has committed to a three-year deal worth up to $81 million, announced Monday as unrestricted free agents became eligible to negotiate with new teams. While Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta had presented what he called a “market setting” proposal to Linderbaum back in February, the parties were unable to reach a final agreement.
At 25 years old, Linderbaum represents the initial addition in what’s expected to be a complete overhaul of Las Vegas’ offensive line unit.
During his four-year tenure in Baltimore, Linderbaum earned Pro Bowl honors in three seasons. The Ravens had the opportunity to secure Linderbaum’s services for 2026 by activating the fifth-year option available for former first-round selections. However, DeCosta chose not to exercise the $23.4 million option, expressing confidence that a long-term deal would be reached.
Las Vegas struggled with injuries along their interior offensive line last season, forcing them to rotate multiple players and position combinations throughout the year.
The Raiders were anticipated to make significant moves during free agency following their agreement to send pass rusher Maxx Crosby to Baltimore in a trade.
The team also secured cornerback Eric Stokes with a three-year, $30 million extension on Monday, according to published reports.
This deal prevents the former Green Bay first-round selection from entering free agency and guarantees him $20 million.
The 27-year-old Stokes appeared in 16 games as a starter during his inaugural Raiders campaign, recording 53 tackles and five pass breakups in 2025.
Stokes emerged as one of the few positives for Las Vegas during their disappointing 3-14 campaign, holding opposing quarterbacks to just a 54.5% completion percentage and an 85.3 passer rating when targeted.
MESA, Ariz. — The Oakland Athletics delivered a spectacular display of power hitting during their spring training clash with San Diego on Friday, as three batters launched consecutive home runs off Padres pitcher Michael King.
The remarkable sequence began in the fourth inning when Henry Bolte connected on a 0-1 offering from King, sending a three-run blast 401 feet into right field. Breyson Guedez stepped up next and crushed King’s first pitch even deeper, launching a mammoth 450-foot shot to right. King’s very next delivery found Nick Kurtz, who managed to clear the left-field fence to complete the unprecedented trio of consecutive long balls.
Despite the fireworks from Oakland’s offense, San Diego managed to secure a 13-9 victory in the exhibition contest.
Kurtz enters spring training looking to continue his exceptional momentum from 2025, when he captured American League Rookie of the Year recognition. His impressive debut campaign featured a .290 batting average, .383 on-base percentage, 36 home runs and 86 RBIs across 117 games.
A mysterious chemical odor disrupted air travel across the Washington DC region Friday evening, forcing aviation officials to suspend all flight operations at four major airports for more than an hour.
The Federal Aviation Administration ordered the flight suspension at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, Washington Dulles International Airport, Baltimore-Washington International Airport, and Richmond International Airport after the unidentified smell began affecting air traffic control operations, FAA Secretary Sean Duffy disclosed on social media Friday.
The disruption triggered flight delays stretching approximately two hours at some of the nation’s most heavily trafficked airports. While departures resumed after 7 p.m. Eastern Time on Friday, the ground stop preventing aircraft landings continued.
According to Duffy’s statement, the odor originated from the Potomac TRACON facility, which serves as the terminal radar approach control center overseeing air traffic operations for Washington DC, Baltimore, Richmond, Virginia, and the Richmond-Charlottesville regions, based on FAA information.
Federal aviation officials did not respond to requests for additional details about how the chemical smell was impacting air traffic controllers Friday evening.
Flight tracking data showed that between 25% and one-third of all departures from the four affected airports experienced delays following the ground stop order.
WASHINGTON (AP) — Federal officials have unveiled plans for a massive underground security facility at the White House designed to streamline visitor processing as part of ongoing renovations to the presidential complex.
Blueprints and architectural drawings for the 33,000-square-foot subterranean center were disclosed Friday in preliminary documents for an upcoming April federal commission meeting that must approve construction projects on government property in the nation’s capital.
The proposed security facility would be constructed underneath Sherman Park, positioned to the southeast of the White House complex and immediately south of the Treasury Department building.
For years, Sherman Park served as the staging area where White House visitors and tour groups would queue for security processing before passing through temporary trailer-like screening stations and proceeding to the East Wing entrance. Last fall, President Donald Trump demolished the East Wing to make way for a new ballroom, forcing visitors to now gather near Lafayette Park on the opposite side of Pennsylvania Avenue.
The proposed underground facility would feature seven separate processing lanes designed to speed up security checks and minimize waiting periods for guests. According to project timelines, construction work could commence as soon as August, with the White House targeting a July 2028 operational date — approximately six months before the end of Trump’s presidential term.
Project documents indicate that the monument honoring Union General William Tecumseh Sherman, which stands at the heart of Sherman Park, would remain untouched during construction. The initiative represents a joint effort between the Executive Office of the President, the U.S. Secret Service, and the National Park Service, which oversees White House grounds management.
The National Capital Planning Commission, the federal body responsible for reviewing government construction projects, has scheduled discussion of the proposal for its April 2 session, based on the preliminary meeting agenda distributed Friday.
Commission members will also consider and vote on the Republican president’s separate proposal to construct a 90,000-square-foot structure, featuring an expansive ballroom, on the former East Wing site.
A federal jury in Texas has delivered guilty verdicts against nine individuals connected to an armed assault on a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention facility last summer, according to the Justice Department.
Eight of those convicted face terrorism-related charges, including providing material support to terrorists, participating in a riot, conspiracy to use and transport explosives, and deploying explosive devices during civil unrest, according to local news reports.
The verdicts came after a 12-day federal trial examining the defendants’ roles in the July 4th incident in Alvarado, Texas, where a police officer was shot but survived.
Federal authorities said the group wore dark “military-style” uniforms with masks and head coverings during their assault on the immigration facility. The Trump administration has identified the defendants as participants in the antifa movement, which President Donald Trump classified as a domestic terrorist organization last year.
This marks the first instance where federal prosecutors have brought terrorism charges against individuals linked to antifa, a loosely organized far-left movement whose supporters typically oppose what they consider authoritarian or racist policies.
Attorney General Pam Bondi indicated after the convictions that similar prosecutions will continue under the Trump administration.
ICE Director Todd M. Lyons praised the jury’s decision, characterizing the summer incident as a violent act and “an abhorrent way for antifa terrorists to ‘protest.’”
Those found guilty include Cameron Arnold, Zachary Evetts, Benjamin Song, Savanna Batten, Bradford Morris, Maricela Rueda, Elizabeth Soto, Ines Soto and Daniel Rolando Sanchez-Estrada.
Most defense attorneys did not respond to requests for comment following the verdicts.
Cody Cofer, representing lead defendant Arnold, criticized the prosecution’s approach, stating: “We are thankful that the jury could see through the Government’s fear mongering antifa ‘ambush’ narrative.”
“We are afraid that our client’s guilty verdicts for Riot and related charges resulted from a compromise during deliberations or failure to consider our client’s individual conduct,” Cofer added.
The defense attorney announced plans to file an appeal in the case.
Iranian missiles damaged five American Air Force refueling aircraft during a recent attack on a military installation in Saudi Arabia, according to a Wall Street Journal report published Friday.
The refueling planes were struck while stationed on the ground at Prince Sultan air base, sustaining damage but avoiding complete destruction, the newspaper reported, citing information from two U.S. officials. Military personnel are currently working to repair the damaged aircraft.
No fatalities resulted from the missile attack, according to the Wall Street Journal’s sources.
The Reuters news agency noted they were unable to independently confirm the details of the reported incident at this time.
Spirit Aviation Holdings announced Friday its plans for a dramatic downsizing, revealing the budget airline will operate roughly one-third the number of aircraft it had before entering bankruptcy proceedings, according to new court documents.
The discount carrier has been actively marketing planes and seeking potential purchasers as it continues an extensive financial overhaul designed to reduce expenses and restore stability following two bankruptcy filings within 12 months.
When Spirit first sought Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection last August, the airline operated 214 planes. By October, the company had already eliminated approximately 100 aircraft through lease cancellations and aircraft retirements.
This week, a federal bankruptcy judge granted Spirit permission to begin auction proceedings for roughly 20 more planes from its current operating fleet of 114 aircraft. Friday’s announcement represents the next phase in the airline’s fleet reduction strategy.
“We are pleased to achieve another milestone that reflects the confidence our lenders and noteholders have in our future, with our plan better positioning Spirit to continue delivering value to American consumers,” Spirit’s President and CEO Dave Davis stated.
According to Friday’s court filing, Spirit intends to further decrease its fleet to between 76 and 80 aircraft by the third quarter of 2026, with the remaining planes primarily being Airbus A320 and A321ceo aircraft.
The restructuring plan calls for Spirit’s debt and lease commitments to drop to approximately $2 billion, down from $7.4 billion prior to the bankruptcy filing.
During a Wednesday court hearing, the airline cautioned that unpredictable fuel costs related to the Iran conflict have made negotiations for exiting Chapter 11 more challenging.
Spirit submitted both a restructuring support agreement and a proposed reorganization plan to the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York.
On Wednesday, U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Sean Lane authorized Spirit to proceed with bidding procedures featuring CSDS Asset Management as the initial “stalking-horse” bidder, establishing a baseline price of approximately $530 million while permitting other interested parties to submit higher bids through April 20.
During the hearing, Spirit’s attorney Marshall Huebner from Davis Polk & Wardwell explained that negotiations have extended beyond initial expectations partly due to fuel expenses becoming more difficult to predict amid geopolitical tensions surrounding the Iran war. This uncertainty has prompted creditors to question Spirit’s projected cash flow and liquidity estimates.
Judge Lane acknowledged these concerns as reasonable, observing that airlines face particular vulnerability to fuel price fluctuations caused by international events.
“Global uncertainty regarding fuel is just a fact of life for any airline,” Lane commented.
Huebner indicated Spirit is working toward confirming its Chapter 11 bankruptcy plan by late May or potentially June.
Moving forward, the airline plans to concentrate on its most successful routes and markets, which include Fort Lauderdale, Orlando, Detroit, and the New York City region.
Spirit also indicated it anticipates adding aircraft between 2027 and 2030 when profitable expansion opportunities arise, while planning to enhance its Spirit First and Premium Economy offerings by continuing the deployment of premium economy seating throughout its fleet.
NEWARK, Del. – The University of Delaware women’s tennis team delivered a flawless performance Friday afternoon, completely shutting out Hofstra University in a dominant 7-0 victory at Elkton Indoor Tennis.
The Blue Hens controlled every aspect of the match, with their players winning across all singles and doubles competitions without allowing Hofstra to claim a single point in the team scoring.
The comprehensive victory showcases the strength and depth of Delaware’s women’s tennis program as they continue their season with this impressive display of skill and teamwork.
NEWARK, Del. – The Blue Hens men’s tennis squad marked Senior Day with a dominant shutout victory, blanking Monmouth 4-0 during Friday afternoon action at the DFH Outdoor Courts.
The commanding win showcased Delaware’s strength as they honored their senior players in style. Following today’s match results, both the Blue Hens and Monmouth now hold matching 10-2 season records.
The Blue Hens celebrated five seniors during the special ceremony: Tobey Lock, Euan Mackenzie, Aristotelis Bezianis, Pablo Montana, and Nathan Perrone.
After more than a decade with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, star wide receiver Mike Evans is moving on to a new chapter with the San Francisco 49ers.
Multiple sources reported Monday that the 32-year-old veteran has agreed to a three-year deal with San Francisco, ending his dozen seasons in Tampa Bay colors.
The Glazer family, who own the Buccaneers, released a statement acknowledging the departure of their longtime star player.
“Saying goodbye to a legend such as Mike Evans is never easy, but today we are filled with appreciation and gratitude for all that he did during his extraordinary 12-year career as a Buccaneer,” the ownership group stated. “Our goal was always to ensure that Mike would play his entire career as a Buccaneer, but as we got further in the process it became clear he was looking for a new challenge.”
According to both Tampa Bay officials and Evans’ representative Deryk Gilmore, the veteran receiver’s quest for fresh opportunities drove his decision to leave, though the move won’t become official until Wednesday when the 2026 league year begins.
Gilmore emphasized in his statement to ESPN that financial considerations didn’t influence Evans’ choice to depart Tampa Bay.
“The Buccaneers made it clear they would have loved for Mike to finish his career in Tampa and potentially become just the fourth player in franchise history to spend his entire career as a Buccaneer and ultimately walk into Canton representing the organization,” Gilmore explained.
“Mike Evans’ decision to leave Tampa was never about money. The Buccaneers were extremely aggressive in their pursuit and presented a very strong offer, demonstrating how much they value him and everything he has meant to the franchise. In the end, this decision simply came down to Mike wanting a new challenge and a fresh opportunity while he still feels he has a great deal left to give the game.”
Tampa Bay chose Evans with the seventh pick in the 2014 NFL Draft. The receiver became instrumental in the franchise’s Super Bowl victory following the 2020 campaign alongside quarterback Tom Brady.
“Tampa Bay will always be a special place for Mike Evans, and his respect and gratitude for the organization and its fans will never change,” Gilmore’s statement continued.
The former Texas A&M standout achieved remarkable consistency throughout his career, surpassing 1,000 receiving yards in each of his initial 11 campaigns to establish an NFL milestone. However, injuries limited him to just eight games last season, where he managed 30 receptions for 368 yards and three scores. A hamstring problem sidelined him for three contests, while a fractured collarbone cost him six additional games, though he returned for the final month of the season.
Evans recently finished a two-year contract worth an average of $20.5 million annually.
Buccaneers General Manager Jason Licht reflected on selecting Evans as his inaugural draft choice in 2014.
“My first draft pick as general manager in 2014 was a 20-year-old Mike Evans,” Licht said. “From the moment he walked in the door, Mike made an immediate and lasting impact on our franchise. Over the years, we watched him grow, thrive and develop into a franchise icon whose legacy will carry on well past his playing days. He has always meant a great deal to me professionally and personally, so it’s difficult to see him go elsewhere.”
Throughout 176 career contests (175 as a starter), Evans accumulated 866 catches for 13,052 yards and 108 touchdowns. He holds Tampa Bay’s all-time records in each statistical category, plus overall scoring with 662 points.
The Glazer family praised Evans’ contributions beyond football statistics.
“He leaves as the most accomplished offensive player in franchise history — a six-time Pro Bowler and a Super Bowl champion — but it was his dedication to making a difference off the field that will define his lasting legacy in our community,” the ownership statement read.
Head Coach Todd Bowles, who worked with Evans during his final four seasons in Tampa Bay, offered his farewell thoughts.
“Mike Evans was a true competitor who always found a way to rise to the occasion for us. It’s hard to see him leave, but I respect his decision,” Bowles commented. “More than anything, I want to thank him for all the work he poured into making himself an elite player and the leadership he displayed during his outstanding 12-year run here. He provided all of us with special moments on and off the field that we won’t soon forget. I wish him well as he continues his Hall of Fame career.”
An HVAC company preparing to enter the stock market has revealed impressive financial growth in newly released public documents filed Monday.
Madison Air Solutions reported net sales climbing to $3.34 billion for the year ending December 31, representing a substantial increase from the previous year’s $2.62 billion. The company also posted net income of $124.3 million in 2025.
The announcement comes as Madison Air moves forward with plans for its initial public offering, though recent market turbulence has dampened earlier predictions of a banner year for new stock listings. Geopolitical concerns and technology stock declines have created uncertainty, making investors more cautious about new opportunities.
Despite these headwinds, financial experts indicate the market remains receptive to quality IPO candidates, though companies face heightened scrutiny from potential investors.
Madison Air operates well-known brands including Nortek Air Solutions and Nortek Data Center Cooling, specializing in air quality and temperature control systems for business, industrial, and data center customers.
The heating and cooling industry has experienced a boost from the expansion of data centers, as artificial intelligence and cloud computing growth creates greater need for sophisticated cooling technology to handle heat generated by high-powered servers.
Commercial operations generated 66% of Madison Air’s total sales in the most recent year, while residential customers contributed the remaining portion.
While the company hasn’t revealed specific details about the size or pricing of its stock offering, a January report from Bloomberg News suggested Madison Air might attempt to raise at least $2 billion through the public listing.
The company, which initially filed confidential IPO paperwork in December, intends to trade on the New York Stock Exchange using the symbol “MAIR.”
Madison Air was created through multiple acquisitions starting in 2017, according to company information. Goldman Sachs, Barclays, Jefferies, and Wells Fargo Securities are serving as primary underwriters for the stock market listing.
Virginia’s marine resource managers have granted emergency extensions to the state’s oyster harvesting season after watermen faced significant losses due to icy conditions and struggling market prices.
During their February 24th meeting, commissioners with the Virginia Marine Resources Commission approved schedule modifications designed to help harvesters make up for missed opportunities during the challenging season.
The emergency changes include extending the current season in Pocomoke and Tangier Sound Rotation Area 1 by two additional weeks, keeping those waters open until March 15th. Additionally, officials will reopen Rappahannock River Area 8 from March 1st through March 15th, providing another two-week harvesting window.
State regulators took the emergency action to help address financial difficulties facing Virginia’s oyster industry, which has been hit by dangerous ice buildup that made harvesting unsafe, combined with depressed market prices that have squeezed profits.
While the season extensions provide additional harvesting time, all existing rules governing equipment use and daily catch limits will continue to apply during the extended periods.
The NBA has blocked the Atlanta Hawks from moving forward with their controversial tribute night honoring Magic City, a well-known Atlanta strip club, after facing pushback from multiple sources within the league.
The Hawks revealed their promotional plans last month, describing their intention to honor what they called a significant “iconic cultural institution” through special menu items – including the venue’s signature lemon pepper wings that bear the name of former Hawks player Lou Williams – along with themed music and special merchandise.
The promotional event drew divided reactions from the public, with supporters and critics voicing strong opinions on both sides. San Antonio Spurs player Luke Kornet publicly criticized the strip club promotion and called on those involved to abandon the plan.
League officials apparently received similar feedback from numerous other sources.
“When we became aware of the Atlanta Hawks’ scheduled promotion, we reached out to Hawks leadership to better understand their plans and rationale,” NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said. “While we appreciate the team’s perspective and their desire to move forward, we have heard significant concerns from a broad array of league stakeholders, including fans, partners and employees.
“I believe canceling this promotion is the right decision for the broader NBA community.”
Hawks representatives did not immediately respond with a statement. The themed event had been planned for Monday’s matchup against the Orlando Magic.
The team has established connections to the entertainment venue. Team principal owner Jami Gertz served as a producer on a documentary series examining the club’s background, its significance within Black and hip-hop communities, and its role in Atlanta’s identity.
“This collaboration and theme night is very meaningful to me after all the work that we did to put together ‘Magic City: An American Fantasy,’” Gertz, who works as both a filmmaker and actor, said when announcing the original promotion. “The iconic Atlanta institution has made such an incredible impact on our city and its unique culture.”
The Hawks had also planned to record a Magic City-themed podcast with fans who arrived early to the game.
Dover Police are actively searching for a missing teenager after she vanished Friday evening from a residential neighborhood.
Authorities have activated a Gold Alert for 15-year-old Eliseyah Morales, who was last spotted around 5:32 p.m. on Friday, March 13th, 2026, in the 400 block of Harmony Lane in Dover.
Police report that efforts to reach or find Morales have been unsuccessful, prompting officials to express concern for the teenager’s safety and wellbeing.
The missing teen is described as an African American female standing 5 feet 6 inches tall and weighing approximately 110 pounds. When last seen, she was dressed entirely in black clothing and carrying a leopard print bag. She was also wearing Jordan brand sneakers and had long braided hair.
Morales is a Dover area resident, according to police reports.
The Dover Police Department is urging anyone with information about Morales’ location to contact them immediately at 302-736-7111.
The incident has been assigned case number 50-26-8338. Lieutenant Mark Hoffman, the department’s Public Information Officer, can be reached at [email protected] for additional information.
Miami will shoulder a historic financial burden after parting ways with quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, creating the largest dead money penalty in NFL history.
On Monday, the Dolphins revealed their decision to release Tagovailoa, creating a staggering $99.2 million dead cap hit that surpasses the previous record of $85 million when Denver released Russell Wilson two seasons ago. This comes barely two years after Miami committed $212 million to the quarterback through a contract extension.
Miami can divide this financial penalty between the 2026 and 2027 seasons by designating Tagovailoa as a post-June 1 cut, though the money must still count against their salary cap regardless of timing.
Dead money represents salary cap charges for players no longer with the team, typically stemming from signing bonuses already paid but spread across multiple years to reduce annual cap impacts. Teams may distribute these bonuses over five years with equal yearly charges, but releasing or trading a player accelerates all remaining bonus money to the current cap.
Beyond the bonus acceleration, Miami owes Tagovailoa $54 million in guaranteed 2026 salary, contributing to the massive dead money total. Meanwhile, a source familiar with the situation confirmed to The Associated Press that Tagovailoa has reached agreement with Atlanta on a one-year contract worth slightly more than the veteran minimum of $1 million. The deal cannot be official until Wednesday when the new league year begins.
The veteran minimum salary Tagovailoa receives from Atlanta will eventually offset some of Miami’s cap burden through league accounting rules.
Rising salary caps have made NFL franchises more comfortable absorbing large dead money hits in recent years, as the financial penalties become less restrictive relative to overall spending limits.
Tagovailoa provided minimal return on Miami’s substantial investment following his 2024 extension. Rather than extending him, the Dolphins could have kept him on his fifth-year rookie option worth $23.2 million in 2024 and applied a franchise tag of approximately $38 million for 2025.
Instead, Miami will pay nearly $125 million for one additional season where Tagovailoa started 14 games, completed 2,660 passing yards and 20 touchdowns while the team finished 7-10 and dismissed both general manager Chris Grier and head coach Mike McDaniel.
Denver’s situation with Wilson provides a similar cautionary tale. The Broncos surrendered two first-round and two second-round draft picks to acquire Wilson from Seattle in 2022, then immediately signed him to a five-year, $245 million extension despite having two contract years remaining. Wilson never reached his new deal, getting released after two disappointing seasons in Denver where he earned approximately $124 million before signing with Pittsburgh for minimum wage in 2024. Wilson’s dead money counted $53 million against Denver’s 2024 cap and $32 million in 2025, though the Broncos still secured the AFC’s top seed and reached the conference championship game.
Arizona created another major dead money situation last week by informing Kyler Murray of his release despite significant cap consequences. The 2019 first overall pick signed a five-year, $230.5 million extension in 2022 with $36.8 million guaranteed for 2026, plus additional bonus money, creating a $54.7 million dead cap charge for the Cardinals.
Atlanta previously experienced massive dead money when trading Matt Ryan to Indianapolis in 2022 after their relationship deteriorated during the team’s pursuit of Deshaun Watson. Ryan’s five-year, $150 million extension from 2018 had money repeatedly pushed into future years, forcing Atlanta to absorb all remaining charges in 2022 when they moved him.
The New York Giants recently joined this costly trend after rewarding Daniel Jones with a four-year, $160 million contract following their 2022 playoff run, while also franchise-tagging running back Saquon Barkley. Both players departed within two years, with Barkley joining division rival Philadelphia and helping the Eagles win a Super Bowl, while Jones was released mid-season. Jones had earned $36 million in 2024 when cut, with an additional $11.1 million in dead money that year and $22.2 million the following season.
WASHINGTON – The United States has formally condemned Afghanistan’s Taliban government for holding American citizens captive, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio announcing Monday that this action could trigger a complete travel prohibition for US passport holders visiting the nation.
In his official statement, Rubio classified Afghanistan’s current leadership as a “state sponsor of wrongful detention” and called for the immediate release of all detained Americans, specifically naming Mahmood Habibi and Dennis Coyle among those being held.
“The Taliban continues to use terrorist tactics, kidnapping individuals for ransom or to seek policy concessions. These despicable tactics need to end,” Rubio declared, explaining that he had determined the country poses too great a risk for American travelers due to the threat of unjust imprisonment.
According to sources with knowledge of the situation, Washington is also demanding the return of Paul Overby’s remains, a writer who disappeared near the Afghanistan-Pakistan border in 2014.
Officials indicated that passport restrictions for Afghanistan travel could be implemented if the Taliban fails to comply with US demands. Currently, only North Korea faces such travel limitations for American citizens.
This marks the second such designation under President Trump’s executive order from September, following a similar classification of Iran on February 27. While Rubio issued comparable warnings about potential Iran travel restrictions, no such measures have been enacted yet. The announcement preceded the US-Israel military action against Iran by one day.
The Afghan government could not be contacted for response to these developments.
Taliban officials have previously rejected claims that they are holding Habibi, who formerly served as Afghanistan’s civil aviation director.
CBS News initially broke the story about the potential designation earlier Monday.
Six people were wounded Monday when a Russian drone attack hit near a residential high-rise in Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city, according to local officials.
Mayor Ihor Terekhov confirmed that a young child was among those injured in the strike. The attack shattered windows throughout the area and ignited multiple vehicles.
The city of Kharkiv sits just 18 miles from the Russian border and has endured repeated aerial bombardments since successfully defending against Russian ground forces during the initial invasion that began in February 2022.
In a separate incident Monday, artillery fire targeted the southeastern Ukrainian city of Dnipro, wounding seven civilians, according to regional Governor Oleksandr Ganzha, who shared the update on Telegram. Ganzha published images showing debris scattered across streets and significant damage to building exteriors.
Alexander Butterfield, the former White House official whose testimony about President Richard Nixon’s secret recording devices became pivotal evidence in the Watergate scandal, has passed away at 99 years old.
Butterfield’s wife Kim confirmed his death to major news outlets. He died at his La Jolla, California residence, just one month before reaching his 100th birthday. No specific cause of death was provided.
The former aide’s disclosure about Nixon’s covert audio recording system triggered a fierce legal fight over presidential executive privilege and ultimately provided crucial evidence that led to Nixon’s downfall.
Butterfield previously expressed frustration about his historical legacy, telling journalist Alicia Shepard that he disliked being remembered solely as the person who revealed the tapes’ existence, as it suggested he had “eagerly and breathlessly” shared the information with congressional investigators.
Born in Pensacola, Florida, and raised in California, Butterfield studied at UCLA before enlisting in the U.S. Air Force in 1948. He served as a combat pilot in Vietnam, leading a tactical reconnaissance squadron, and later worked as a military assistant to senior Pentagon officials, which gave him initial White House experience.
After leaving military service, Butterfield joined Nixon’s White House team as deputy to Chief of Staff H.R. Haldeman, his former UCLA classmate. His responsibilities included maintaining presidential historical records, which involved supervising the installation of the voice-activated recording equipment.
By the time the investigation into the June 17, 1972, Democratic headquarters break-in at the Watergate complex intensified, Butterfield had already moved on to lead the Federal Aviation Administration.
As one of the few White House insiders aware of the recording system, Butterfield decided when facing Senate questioning that he would avoid lying while also not volunteering unnecessary information.
During a private preliminary interview, a Republican committee attorney directly asked whether the White House maintained a recording system. Butterfield reluctantly confirmed its existence.
PIVOTAL MOMENT
Three days following his initial private testimony, on July 16, 1973, Butterfield testified publicly before the televised Senate Watergate Committee hearing. Fred Thompson, then serving as Republican counsel and later an actor and senator, posed the same crucial question.
After a lengthy pause, Butterfield responded, “I was aware of listening devices, yes, sir.”
This revelation shocked the nation because it meant concrete evidence existed of Nixon’s conversations, including exactly what he said, when he said it, and to whom.
Butterfield explained that the recording equipment had been secretly capturing conversations and meetings in the Oval Office, Nixon’s Executive Office Building office, and the Cabinet room, plus four White House phone lines. He stated the recordings were intended for historical purposes.
In a 1975 People magazine interview, Butterfield revealed that Nixon frequently forgot about the recording devices and ignored recommendations to destroy the tapes, never anticipating the Watergate investigation would escalate to the point of requiring their surrender.
“I’m sure that he hates me as much as anyone can,” Butterfield said regarding his former boss, who died in 1994.
He believed Nixon should have stepped down sooner, stating, “I don’t feel awful about the president’s resignation. Not at all.”
THE SMOKING GUN
A recording from six days after the Watergate break-in became Nixon’s ultimate downfall – the “smoking gun” that demonstrated his knowledge of the cover-up. The tape captured him approving a plan to halt the break-in investigation citing national security concerns.
The Supreme Court eventually rejected the White House’s executive privilege claims and mandated Nixon surrender the subpoenaed recordings as his public and political support crumbled. Facing impeachment and Senate trial, he resigned on August 9, 1974.
Since Butterfield had no involvement in the break-in or subsequent cover-up, he faced no criminal charges, though his friend Haldeman joined several other Nixon associates in prison.
Butterfield became the subject of Bob Woodward’s 2015 book “The Last of the President’s Men.” The Washington Post reporter, who helped expose the Watergate story, received thousands of documents that Butterfield had secretly taken from Nixon administration offices.
These materials and Butterfield’s interviews revealed what the former aide called a “cesspool” within the administration and depicted Nixon as peculiar, isolated, and bitter.
Butterfield said he regularly faced hostility from Nixon supporters and told Time magazine that longtime Nixon secretary Rose Mary Woods, who claimed to have accidentally erased 18½ minutes of White House tapes, had called him a “son of a bitch” who had “destroyed the greatest leader this country ever had.”
Butterfield served as an advisor for Oliver Stone’s 1995 movie “Nixon” and appeared in a small role as a White House staff member.
His first marriage to Charlotte Maguire ended in divorce in 1985. He previously dated Audrey Geisel, widow of children’s author-illustrator Theodor Seuss Geisel, known as Dr. Seuss.
HOUSTON (AP) — Detroit Tigers star pitcher Tarik Skubal spent two sleepless nights wrestling with a difficult choice about his future with Team USA in the World Baseball Classic.
The two-time American League Cy Young Award winner ultimately chose to step away from additional pitching duties for the United States squad.
“My spring training start days were scripted out in January with the original plan being starting and then being done,” Skubal said. “And obviously when I got here my emotions kind of changed a little bit, my thought process changed a little bit and tried to make it work but just couldn’t. And I hate it, but it’s all right.”
The decision came after discussions with Detroit’s organization and manager A.J. Hinch, his representative Scott Boras, and fellow players both in Houston and at the Tigers’ Florida spring training facility.
“The resounding message was to kind of be done but still be around the team as much as I can,” Skubal said.
With free agency looming after this season and a potential contract worth over $100 million on the horizon, Skubal acknowledged the financial stakes influenced his choice. He admitted his decision would have “probably” been different without those contract considerations.
In Saturday night’s 9-1 triumph over Britain, Skubal surrendered a home run to Nate Eaton on his opening pitch but dominated afterward, allowing only one hit while recording five strikeouts across three innings.
Team USA manager Mark DeRosa expressed complete understanding and backing for Skubal’s choice.
“I know what’s at stake for him,” DeRosa said. “I’m over the moon he decided to show in the first place for us — I really am — and take the ball for us. I think it meant a lot to a lot of guys in that room. We know where his heart is. If he was in a different situation, he wouldn’t be leaving.”
Previously, Skubal had indicated he planned to make just one WBC appearance regardless of Team USA’s tournament progress, wanting to stick with his regular spring preparation routine for Detroit’s season opener.
However, he was caught off guard by the intense emotions he felt while pitching for his nation, which led him to reconsider his original plan.
“I totally misread how I would feel,” he said. “And I feel like I’m genuinely a guy that kind of understands emotions, I pitch with a lot of them, but, yeah, I missed it there, and that’s what made this decision tough.”
Despite stepping back from pitching duties, Skubal plans to travel from the Tigers’ Lakeland, Florida training facility to Miami to support his teammates should the United States reach the tournament’s final rounds.
When questioned about whether he felt comfortable with his decision, Skubal was candid.
“No, no, I’m still not,” he said. “I think the only way I’ll be at peace with it is in Miami celebrating after we win the whole (expletive) thing.”
Looking ahead, Skubal expressed enthusiasm about potentially representing the United States in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics if major league players receive approval to compete, and he’s already committed to participating in the next World Baseball Classic.
“I love America,” he said. “I love our country. I love everything that this tournament is about.”
ROME (AP) — Pope Leo XIV issued another restrained plea Monday for peace in the ongoing U.S.-Israel military conflict in Iran, while two prominent American cardinals strongly criticized the war and denounced its justification along with its “video game” presentation to the public.
Vatican spokesperson Matteo Bruni released a statement Monday evening expressing Leo’s “deep sorrow” following the death of Maronite Catholic priest Rev. Pierre El Raii in southern Lebanon. According to Vatican News, Raii, who served as pastor in Qlayaa, died in a bombing while attempting to help an injured member of his congregation.
The pontiff offered prayers for all victims of the violence, with particular concern for children who have lost their lives.
“He is following events with concern and prays for an end to hostilities as soon as possible,” Bruni stated in the evening announcement.
Since hostilities began a week ago, Leo has made several careful appeals for peaceful dialogue, apparently trying to avoid inflaming tensions further.
Italian publication La Repubblica highlighted an irony in Monday’s coverage: while the pope speaks in secular language about dialogue and diplomatic solutions, political figures invoke religious justifications and biblical references to support the military action.
Though Leo has avoided directly condemning the conflict, several bishops under his leadership have taken stronger stances.
Cardinal Robert McElroy, who leads the Washington archdiocese, declared that the United States and Israel have not satisfied basic moral requirements for justified warfare. He explained that legitimate military action requires responding to immediate danger, clear statements of objectives, and ensuring benefits exceed potential harm.
“Lebanon may fall into civil war. The world’s oil supply is under great strain. The potential disintegration of Iran could well produce new and dangerous realities. And the possibility of immense casualties on all sides is immense,” McElroy explained to his diocesan publication. “For all of these reasons, Catholic teaching leads to the conclusion that our entry into this war was not morally legitimate.”
Cardinal Blase Cupich, who oversees Leo’s native Chicago archdiocese, condemned the White House’s social media strategy of combining Hollywood action sequences with actual combat footage.
“A real war with real death and real suffering being treated like it’s a video game — it’s sickening,” Cupich declared in a weekend statement that Vatican Media later republished. “Our government is treating the suffering of the Iranian people as a backdrop for our own entertainment, as if it’s just another piece of content to be swiped through while we’re waiting in line at the grocery store.”
Both Cupich and McElroy received their appointments from Pope Francis and have previously challenged Trump administration immigration policies. They joined Newark Cardinal Joseph Tobin earlier this year in urging the Trump White House to pursue ethical foreign policy instead of causing global suffering.
Their concerns extend beyond American leadership. Filipino Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David, who serves as vice president of the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences, expressed similar concerns about how modern warfare is becoming disconnected from human consequences.
“From distant command centers, military operators stare at screens where maps, radar signals and algorithm-generated targets move like icons in a computer game. A cursor moves. A coordinate is selected. A click is made. And a missile is launched,” David observed in remarks carried by Vatican News.
While the Holy See maintains traditional diplomatic neutrality, Vatican leadership has rejected the Trump administration’s rationale for preemptive strikes against Iran.
“If states were to be recognized as having a right to ‘preventive war,’ according to their own criteria and without a supranational legal framework, the whole world would risk being set ablaze,” Vatican secretary of state Cardinal Pietro Parolin told Vatican Media last week.
The Vatican’s newly appointed U.S. ambassador, Archbishop Gabriele Caccia, will soon need to navigate these complex positions. Caccia received his appointment this weekend to a role that demands balancing Holy See relationships with both American bishops and the White House.
Massimo Faggioli, a Vatican observer and Trinity College Dublin professor, noted on social media that Caccia must handle fresh diplomatic challenges “between the Vatican of Leo XIV, the first pope from the USA, and this USA of Trump now at the head of a war fueled by a national-religious rhetoric.”
WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump announced Friday that American military forces launched strikes targeting military installations on Iran’s Kharg Island, a critical oil export facility in the Persian Gulf.
In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump stated he deliberately refrained from destroying the island’s oil facilities. “For reasons of decency, I have chosen NOT to wipe out the Oil Infrastructure on the Island,” the president wrote.
Trump issued a warning about potential future military action, writing: “However, should Iran, or anyone else, do anything to interfere with the Free and Safe Passage of Ships through the Strait of Hormuz, I will immediately reconsider this decision.”
The president described the operation as strikes against “every military target” located on the strategically important island, which serves as Iran’s primary oil export hub.
MOUNT HOOD NATIONAL FOREST, Oregon — A dramatic aerial rescue unfolded Thursday when an Oregon Army National Guard helicopter successfully extracted an injured logger from a dangerous situation in the remote wilderness of Mount Hood National Forest, located approximately 60 miles southeast of Portland.
The worker became trapped when a tree fell and pinned him during logging operations. Emergency officials from the Estacada Fire District reported that early assessments suggested the victim suffered a fractured leg along with potential additional injuries.
Fellow crew members at the worksite managed to cut through the fallen timber to free the trapped logger’s leg before emergency responders arrived, according to Estacada Battalion Chief Matt Aalto, who spoke with The Associated Press.
Fire department personnel reached the accident site after a challenging trek through fallen debris and steep mountainous terrain that significantly slowed their response time.
Once emergency crews arrived and provided medical stabilization, they discovered that a standard medical helicopter couldn’t land or safely approach the victim due to the difficult landscape and thick overhead tree coverage.
Officials determined that attempting to carry the injured worker out on foot would pose serious risks and consume too much critical time. The Oregon Army National Guard deployed an HH-60 Black Hawk helicopter equipped with hoisting equipment. Rescue teams secured the logger in a specialized basket and lifted him approximately 200 feet up through the forest canopy to the waiting aircraft. Medical personnel later reported the patient was in stable condition at a nearby hospital.
The rescue operation had a unique twist involving Lt. Tony Hadeed, a paramedic with the Estacada department who happened to be on duty when the emergency call arrived.
Hadeed previously served as a flight medic with the Army National Guard, specifically with the same unit that conducted Thursday’s rescue mission, Aalto explained.
“This was his first time being on the other side of a rescue for Tony, but because of his previous experience, he added additional value with team coordination, site preparation, and patient packaging,” Aalto said.
WASHINGTON — Three separate violent incidents within the past week have highlighted mounting terrorism concerns as the United States navigates ongoing conflicts with Iran while federal law enforcement agencies face significant staffing challenges.
In New York, federal investigators say two individuals motivated by the Islamic State attempted to detonate powerful homemade explosives at a far-right demonstration near the mayor’s residence. Meanwhile, a Lebanese-born naturalized citizen in Michigan drove his car into a synagogue before being shot by security personnel. In Virginia, an individual with a prior terrorism conviction shouted “Allahu akbar” before firing shots in a university classroom, an incident that concluded when students fatally stopped the attacker.
These events have emerged during a period when the nation’s anti-terrorism infrastructure faces strain due to departures of seasoned national security experts from the FBI and Justice Department. The exodus of personnel, combined with resource reallocations to address other administrative priorities over recent months, has raised questions about the government’s capacity to prevent a potential increase in security threats.
“So much experience has been decimated from the ranks,” said Frank Montoya, a retired senior FBI official. “The folks that were best-positioned to get to the bottom of it before something really bad happened” are in many cases no longer with the government, he said, meaning less experienced personnel assigned to the threat are “starting from way behind.”
The FBI declined to discuss staffing numbers and decisions but released a statement noting that “agents and staff are dedicated professionals working around the clock to defend the homeland and crush violent crime. The FBI continuously assesses and realigns our resources to ensure the safety of the American people.”
Iran has promised retaliation following the U.S. and Israeli killing of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and while military action has remained limited to Middle Eastern territories, the Islamic Republic has repeatedly declared its intent to conduct operations on American territory.
Following the 2020 killing of Gen. Qassem Soleimani during the previous Trump presidency, Iranian operatives attempted a failed assassination scheme targeting former national security adviser John Bolton.
Last week in New York, a Pakistani businessman claiming to follow orders from Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard was found guilty of attempting to recruit assassins in 2024 for murder plots against public figures, including President Donald Trump during his campaign.
While significant focus has centered on Iran’s use of intermediaries and hired operatives for attacks, the nation’s ability to execute large-scale assaults against the U.S. remains uncertain despite widespread concern. The FBI issued a recent alert to law enforcement regarding Iran’s potential plans for a drone strike in California, though officials later stressed the intelligence lacked verification and no concrete plot had been identified.
Following the September 11, 2001 attacks, the U.S. government restructured its intelligence and national security systems to prevent similar disasters. However, in subsequent years, individuals radicalized through online channels have still executed attacks, including the 2015 shooting spree at two military installations in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and a 2016 assault at an Orlando nightclub where a gunman killed 49 people while condemning the “filthy ways of the west.”
These self-directed plots have proven extremely challenging to stop and have occurred even when the FBI hasn’t experienced the firings and internal disruption seen during the current Trump administration’s first year.
“They’re self-directed,” said retired FBI official Edward Herbst. “That’s what makes them really lethal. You never know when they’re going to rise up. You never know when and where they’re going to attack.”
Terrorism worries typically escalate during international conflicts when overseas military operations coincide with heightened domestic vigilance, including increased agent outreach to informants, more active tip sharing between federal and local police, and enhanced coordination among FBI joint terrorism task forces, according to Claire Moravec, a former FBI national security official who served as deputy homeland security adviser in Illinois.
Authorities have stated there’s no evidence that the individuals arrested regarding the New York explosives or the person responsible for Thursday’s Old Dominion University shooting were directly motivated by the Iran conflict. The individual who crashed into Temple Israel synagogue near Detroit on Thursday had lost four relatives in an Israeli airstrike in his homeland of Lebanon the previous week, a Lebanese official confirmed.
Nevertheless, conflicts like the current Iran situation can serve as “accelerants,” amplifying the volume and intensity of grievances among disaffected individuals, Moravec explained.
“Ultimately, the goal during these periods is not ‘surveillance’ but maintaining a broad awareness of how international events could translate into domestic security risks, so that threats can be identified and disrupted early,” she said in an email.
The Justice Department’s National Security Division, created in 2006 to handle terrorism, espionage and related threats, has seen its lawyers reassigned over the past year to review Jeffrey Epstein documents for public release, while specialized units focused on prosecuting terrorists and apprehending spies have experienced significant turnover.
Approximately half of the division’s counterterrorism attorneys have departed since the Trump administration began, along with roughly one-third of senior leadership, based on estimates from Justice Connection, an organization of department veterans.
A Justice Department representative stated the division’s primary focus remains “keeping the American people safe from threats foreign and domestic” and that no known or credible threats to the homeland exist.
FBI Director Kash Patel has terminated dozens of agents, most recently dismissing approximately twelve employees who participated in the counterintelligence investigation into Trump’s retention of classified materials at his Mar-a-Lago Florida property.
“This is not an exaggeration to say that they are not as capable as they were a year and a half ago,” Matthew Olsen, who led the National Security Division during the Biden administration, said this week on the Lawfare podcast, adding that “they’ve lost, forced out, fired, the most capable, the most experienced FBI agents, FBI officials and DOJ prosecutors, that were working on the Iran threat.”
In national security work, where experience and source cultivation are essential, losing institutional knowledge and community connections can be devastating, according to Montoya, the former FBI official.
“There was no transition,” Montoya said of the agents who have been abruptly fired. “These guys were just walked out of the building. The new guys can call them and say, ‘Hey, can you tell me what you were doing?’” but even so, “you’re still introducing a brand new face into the equation.”
NEW YORK — A significant antitrust case against Live Nation and Ticketmaster will move forward Monday as more than 30 states rejected a federal settlement and chose to continue their legal battle against the entertainment conglomerate.
During a Friday court session in New York, attorneys informed the presiding judge that just seven states with Republican attorneys general — Arkansas, Iowa, Mississippi, Nebraska, Oklahoma, South Carolina and South Dakota — agreed to accept the Justice Department’s negotiated settlement with the concert industry powerhouse.
The remaining 32 states intend to press their case before a jury, alleging that Live Nation Entertainment and its ticketing division Ticketmaster use intimidation, retaliatory measures and other anti-competitive strategies to dominate nearly every facet of the live entertainment business, including concert promotion and ticket sales, ultimately inflating costs for consumers.
Live Nation maintains its innocence, arguing the company does not hold a monopoly position and that performers, athletic organizations and entertainment venues are responsible for setting ticket prices and determining sales methods.
The trial had already begun with witness testimony when the U.S. Justice Department, which initiated the lawsuit against Live Nation, announced it had negotiated an agreement with the company. The federal deal would allegedly benefit consumers by allowing Live Nation’s competitors access to certain ticket markets where they are currently shut out.
Numerous states expressed dissatisfaction with the federal agreement, claiming government negotiators failed to secure adequate concessions from the entertainment giant.
Court proceedings were suspended for one week to allow additional settlement discussions, but Judge Arun Subramanian announced Friday that the trial would proceed after no significant progress was achieved.
The judge also rejected Live Nation’s attempt to exclude certain trial evidence, including internal communications where a company worker described VIP pricing at a Tampa, Florida amphitheater as “outrageous,” called customers paying the fees “so stupid” and wrote “I almost feel bad taking advantage of them” followed by “BAHAHAHAHAHA.”
Live Nation’s legal team opposed including these materials, arguing the employees were making “passing references to non-ticket ancillary products — such as VIP club access, premier parking, or lawn chair rentals — sold to concertgoers at two amphitheaters” in Florida and Virginia.
Judge Subramanian determined that the complete fan experience relates to the connection between performers and their audiences, noting that some artists might refuse to perform if fans face excessive charges for lawn chairs or other amenities.
The judge drew a comparison to potential damage to the movie industry if theaters began charging $50 for concession items like beverages, candy and popcorn.
During Tuesday’s court hearing, Live Nation attorney Dan Wall informed the judge that the likelihood of all states resolving their claims during the week was “about zero.”
Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell is contemplating remaining as a board member when his leadership role concludes in May, according to court documents made public Friday in Washington.
The information emerged from legal filings connected to the Fed’s successful effort to prevent Justice Department subpoenas in a criminal probe examining Powell’s management of the central bank’s Washington headquarters renovation project. A federal district court judge sided with the Fed and blocked the subpoenas Friday.
During a January 29th meeting with U.S. District Attorney Jeannine Pirro, Powell’s legal team indicated their client’s thinking, according to Justice Department lawyers opposing the Fed’s legal motion. The attorneys stated: “The Chair (Powell) feels like he would not leave the Board when his term as Chair expires, if he was still under investigation; and while he could not say the converse is true, it would be a different look to the Chair if he was not facing criminal investigation and the Chair would be free to make a decision that would focus on his family.”
Powell’s lawyers also noted that President Donald Trump, who has pushed for lower interest rates, “does not have enough votes in the Senate to confirm a new Board Chair,” the documents showed.
Trump has nominated former Fed Governor Kevin Warsh to replace Powell, though Warsh encounters confirmation hurdles.
The 73-year-old Powell has not publicly announced his intentions regarding the conclusion of his chairmanship, but his potential continuation as a governor could prove significant. His position might serve as a crucial swing vote on the Fed’s seven-member governing panel.
Historically, Fed chairs step down from their board positions when successors assume leadership, but concerns about Federal Reserve independence and Trump’s potential influence through additional appointments have fueled speculation that Powell might break this tradition.
No precedent exists for how a former chair might operate while still participating in monetary policy discussions and votes, or how such an arrangement would affect relations with Warsh.
Powell’s governor appointment runs through January 2028, extending beyond November’s midterm elections and into Trump’s final presidential year.
The Federal Reserve declined to comment on the unsealed document contents.
Justice Department attorneys characterized Powell’s lawyers’ remarks as “strongarming” the U.S. attorney by suggesting he would depart the board if the investigation ended.
“By making this peculiar suggestion, the Board morphed the Subpoenas into the exact thing about which they complain,” by attempting to introduce politics into the matter, the legal filing argued.
The digital content aggregation platform Digg announced Friday it will reduce its workforce following what company leadership describes as overwhelming challenges from AI-powered automated accounts that have compromised the site’s core functionality.
In a Friday blog post, Chief Executive Officer Justin Mezzell explained the company will shrink to a minimal core team after struggling to compete effectively with major social media giants and establish a sustainable market position.
The platform has been battling what Mezzell characterized as an “unprecedented” wave of advanced artificial intelligence bots and fake accounts that have corrupted the site’s voting mechanisms and user interaction features.
“When you can’t trust that the votes, the comments, and the engagement you’re seeing are real, you’ve lost the foundation a community platform is built on,” Mezzell stated.
Company founder Kevin Rose had partnered with former competitor Alexis Ohanian to acquire Digg, banking on an artificial intelligence-enhanced revival of the service that previously attracted approximately 40 million users monthly.
According to Mezzell, Rose will resume full-time leadership responsibilities at Digg beginning in April to spearhead platform reconstruction efforts. “We’re not giving up. Digg isn’t going away,” he emphasized.
The company has not disclosed the specific number of employees affected by the downsizing when contacted for additional details.
Originally created in 2004 by Rose, who was 27 at the time, Digg earned recognition as the “homepage of the internet” and competed directly with Reddit, which Ohanian co-established.
New York technology incubator Betaworks purchased the platform in 2012, after Microsoft’s LinkedIn had already acquired its most valuable intellectual property and patent portfolio.
The Federal Reserve Board has enlisted Robert Hur, the former special counsel who probed President Biden’s classified documents case, to help fight a Justice Department investigation targeting Fed Chair Jerome Powell, according to court documents made public Friday.
The records became available after a Washington federal judge struck down Justice Department subpoenas in a criminal probe examining Powell’s oversight of historic building renovations at the central bank. The court determined the government “offered no evidence whatsoever that Powell committed any crime other than displeasing the President.”
President Trump has repeatedly demanded the Federal Reserve lower interest rates and has publicly criticized Powell for moving too slowly on rate cuts. Powell has characterized the Justice Department’s probe as politically motivated.
Hur, who holds conservative views, served as special counsel under Biden’s administration to examine his possession of classified materials discovered at his residence and office. While Hur chose not to file charges, he faced Democratic backlash for describing Biden as an “elderly man with a poor memory.”
During Trump’s initial presidency, Hur held the position of Maryland’s chief federal prosecutor. He currently works as a partner with the King & Spalding law firm. Jeffrey Bucholtz, another firm partner who has previously represented the Federal Reserve in court cases, is also working on this subpoena matter.
Neither Hur nor Bucholtz provided immediate responses to comment requests. A Federal Reserve Board of Governors representative refused to comment.
King & Spalding and Hur are also defending Harvard University in legal battles with the Trump administration concerning the university’s federal funding and international student enrollment.
Powell, whose legal team comes from Williams & Connolly, revealed in January that the Justice Department was examining a renovation project for historic structures at the Fed’s Washington headquarters. The subpoenas demanded details about the renovations and Powell’s July 2025 Senate Banking Committee appearance.
The Fed’s governing board sought to dismiss the subpoenas, claiming in a February 24 court document that they were designed to “aid the president’s quest to seize for himself a power specifically denied to him by federal law.”
Chief U.S. District Judge James Boasberg ruled in favor of the Fed’s Board of Governors Friday, stating there exists a “mountain of evidence” indicating the DOJ’s investigation aimed to force Powell to reduce rates or step down.
Washington, D.C. U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro, whose office leads the investigation, announced plans to appeal the decision.
The University of Delaware track and field squad made a strong statement to begin their outdoor campaign, establishing three new top-10 program records during Friday’s competition at Elon University’s Phoenix Opener in North Carolina.
The Blue Hens traveled to Elon, North Carolina, where they showcased their talent against other collegiate programs at the season-opening meet hosted by Elon University.
The impressive performances that earned spots in Delaware’s all-time top-10 lists demonstrate the program’s continued excellence and potential for the remainder of the outdoor season.
Friday’s meet marked the official beginning of outdoor competition for the Blue Hens after completing their indoor campaign earlier this year.
The University of Maryland Eastern Shore women’s basketball team’s postseason hopes came to an end Thursday as they fell to Norfolk State 60-51 in the MEAC Tournament semifinals.
The Hawks battled throughout the contest but were unable to overcome the Spartans’ offensive attack. Despite their efforts, UMES could not find enough scoring to match Norfolk State’s production on the court.
The loss concludes UMES’s run in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Tournament, ending their season in the semifinal round. The Hawks had advanced through earlier tournament rounds before meeting their match against Norfolk State.
Norfolk State advances to the MEAC Tournament championship game with the victory over the Hawks.
A spontaneous demonstration unfolded Monday on the campus steps of Havana University, where a small gathering of college students voiced frustration over how Cuba’s severe power shortage is disrupting their academic experience amid ongoing U.S. sanctions that have worsened the island’s energy supply problems.
Frequent electrical blackouts and transportation breakdowns have compelled the university to cancel numerous in-person classes or move them to virtual formats, though many students face additional challenges with Cuba’s sluggish and unreliable internet service.
“We aren’t martyrs for any side; we are university students. So, none of us intended to be here, but there has been no other way,” said one of protesters, who didn’t want to be identified by name due to fear of government reprisals.
First Deputy Minister of Higher Education Modesto Ricardo Gómez came outside to address the demonstrating students. He recognized the budget constraints impacting Cuba’s higher education system and blamed the current tensions with the Trump administration for making conditions worse.
“Today we have been tremendously affected by the criminal and genocidal blockade of the United States government, which, without a thought for the people or our youth, is truly massacring an entire society,” Gomez said.
Throughout Havana’s primary thoroughfares Monday, residents were forced to travel on foot to reach their jobs or complete errands. Fuel distribution is limited to 20 liters per vehicle, and obtaining gasoline requires a complex scheduling system that can stretch for weeks.
At a weekend gathering in Florida with conservative leaders from Latin America and the Caribbean, President Donald Trump indicated the U.S. would focus on Cuba following the conflict with Iran and hinted his administration might negotiate an agreement with Havana, highlighting Washington’s increasingly confrontational approach toward the island’s communist government.
“Great change will soon be coming to Cuba,” Trump said at the summit.
Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel on Saturday described the summit as “small, reactionary and neocolonial.”
Trump also said there are high-level talks happening between Cuba and the U.S. government.
The Cuban government hasn’t confirmed that meetings are happening.
The Florida conference, which the White House termed the “Shield of the Americas” summit, occurred just two months after Trump authorized a bold U.S. military mission to apprehend Venezuela’s former president, Nicolás Maduro, which ended Venezuela’s petroleum exports to Cuba.
After Maduro’s capture, Trump issued an executive directive imposing tariffs on imports from nations that sell or supply oil to Cuba, a decision that further devastated the island already facing a worsening energy shortage.
Since that time, Cuba has received no oil deliveries, despite producing only one-third of its domestic energy requirements.
GREENVILLE, Miss. — A federal jury has cleared a retired military engineer of criminal charges connected to a devastating 2017 aircraft accident that claimed the lives of 16 service members in Mississippi.
James Michael Fisher was declared not guilty on Thursday following an eight-day federal trial in Greenville, Mississippi. The charges against him included making false statements and obstructing justice during the criminal probe into the military aircraft disaster.
Fisher previously worked as the chief propulsion engineer at Warner Robins Air Logistics Complex in Georgia back in 2011. According to military investigators, civilian maintenance workers at that time missed critical defects in a damaged and deteriorated propeller blade that was later mounted on a KC-130T transport aircraft. The faulty propeller blade eventually failed during flight on July 10, 2017, as the New York-stationed aircraft traveled from Cherry Point, North Carolina to El Centro, California.
The propeller failure proved catastrophic when the broken blade struck the aircraft’s fuselage, creating a devastating impact that tore the plane apart mid-flight and sent debris crashing into Mississippi soybean fields near Itta Bena. The accident killed 15 Marines and one Navy corpsman.
Federal prosecutors brought an indictment against the already-retired Fisher in 2024. The charges claimed Fisher provided false information to federal agents regarding modifications to inspection protocols during a 2021 investigation, implying he participated in a conspiracy to place responsibility on maintenance workers.
However, Fisher’s attorney Steve Farese argued that another individual authorized technicians to modify propeller inspection methods while Fisher was traveling in Brazil. Therefore, Farese contended, Fisher was truthful when he informed investigators that no documentation approving maintenance modifications had been authorized in 2011. The defense also maintained that work on the problematic propeller occurred several days prior to the form’s approval, meaning the authorization document had no connection to the crash.
“Nobody did it intentionally,” Farese told The Associated Press in a phone interview Monday. “As one witness said, there were 10 different ways for that blade to have through inspection and be missed or put back in the system accidentally. There were 10 different ways it could have happened. So there was no clarity in the trial as to exactly what did happen.”
Prosecutors had not responded to requests for comment by Monday. The indictment claimed that engineers at the Georgia facility had authorized approximately 30 modifications to propeller inspection procedures between 2008 and 2017, despite Fisher’s earlier failure to provide documentation. Investigators reportedly concluded “they could no longer trust Fisher.”
The aircraft operated from Stewart Air National Guard Base in Newburgh, New York, and was transporting Marine special operations personnel from North Carolina to Arizona for training exercises. This incident marked the Marine Corps’ most devastating aviation accident since 2005, when a transport helicopter crashed in an Iraq sandstorm, resulting in 30 Marine and one sailor fatalities.
In the 2017 disaster, six Marines and the sailor belonged to an elite Marine Raider battalion stationed at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, and were en route to pre-deployment preparation in Yuma, Arizona, according to Marine Corps officials. The other nine Marines had been stationed in New York.
Wreckage scattered across two to three miles of agricultural land near the Mississippi Delta community of Itta Bena, approximately 85 miles north of Jackson, the state capital. Family members returned to the location one year later to unveil a memorial honoring Yanky 72, the aircraft’s radio call sign.
Following the accident, the Marine Corps, Navy and Air Force temporarily suspended operations of some or all C-130 aircraft, conducting thorough inspections and propeller blade replacements.
TRENTON, N.J. — A federal judge delivered a sharp rebuke to the Trump administration Monday, blocking three Justice Department officials from jointly overseeing New Jersey’s federal prosecutor office in what the court called an unconstitutional attempt to circumvent Senate approval.
U.S. District Judge Matthew Brann issued a blistering 130-page decision that marks another chapter in the ongoing legal battle between federal courts and President Donald Trump regarding the appointment process for U.S. attorneys, who typically must receive Senate confirmation to remain in their roles.
Last year, Judge Brann had already blocked Trump’s initial pick for U.S. attorney, former personal lawyer Alina Habba, ruling she had served beyond the legal time limit without Senate confirmation.
Monday’s decision rejected Attorney General Pam Bondi’s unprecedented move to install three Justice Department officials — Philip Lamparello, Jordan Fox and Ari Fontecchio — to collectively run the office that Habba had previously overseen on a temporary basis.
The judge determined that appointing this trio violated the Constitution’s Appointments Clause, which mandates Senate confirmation for such positions.
Brann characterized the administration’s actions as representing an “enormous assertion of Presidential power.”
“It is plain that President Trump and his top aides have chafed at the limits on their power set forth by law and the Constitution. To avoid these roadblocks, this administration frequently purports to have discovered enormous grants of executive power hidden in the vagaries and silences of the code,” Brann stated in his opinion.
Habba, who continues working at the Justice Department as a senior adviser, dismissed the court’s decision as “ridiculous.”
“Judges may continue to try and stop President Trump from carrying out what the American people voted for, but we will not be deterred,” she posted on social media. “The unconstitutionality of this complete overreach into the Executive Branch, time and time again, will not succeed.”
Federal law typically mandates Senate confirmation for U.S. attorneys and permits individuals to serve without such approval only for restricted timeframes.
However, under Trump’s administration, the Justice Department has attempted to keep unconfirmed prosecutors in place much longer through creative staffing arrangements that courts have subsequently deemed improper.
In his ruling, Brann noted there are “at least three undisputedly legal methods” available to the Trump administration for filling the New Jersey position and ending the dispute.
“With all these options remaining, why does the fate of thousands of criminal prosecutions in this District potentially rest on the legitimacy of an unprecedented and byzantine leadership structure?” he questioned. “The Government tells us: the President doesn’t like that he cannot simply appoint whomever he wants.”
Using an occasionally sharp and critical tone, the judge accused the Trump administration of caring “far more about who is running” New Jersey’s federal prosecutor office than “whether it is running at all.”
“I am not fooled by the Government’s superficial arguments,” he wrote elsewhere in the decision.
Similar court rulings have found that individuals placed as chief federal prosecutors in Nevada, Los Angeles and northern New York were all serving illegally.
Lindsey Halligan, who had pursued charges against two Trump opponents, stepped down from her role as acting U.S. attorney in Virginia following a November judicial determination that her appointment was unlawful. The court also ordered the dismissal of indictments she had filed against New York Attorney General Letitia James and former FBI Director James Comey.
In certain situations, judges have used their legal authority to name U.S. attorneys to run prosecutor offices until the president’s nominees receive Senate confirmation. The Justice Department has responded by immediately dismissing these court-appointed officials.
