Drivers across the Delmarva Peninsula should prepare for hazardous conditions Tuesday morning as the National Weather Service has issued a Dense Fog Advisory affecting much of our viewing area.
The advisory takes effect at 2 AM Tuesday and remains in place until 10 AM, with visibility expected to drop to just one-quarter to one-half mile in dense fog conditions.
Locally, New Castle, Kent, Queen Anne’s, Caroline, and Sussex counties will experience the most significant impacts. The advisory also extends into southeastern Pennsylvania, central New Jersey, and portions of Virginia’s Northern Neck, including Middlesex County.
“Low visibility could make driving conditions hazardous,” warns the Mount Holly Weather Service office.
If you must travel during the morning commute, meteorologists strongly recommend slowing down, using your headlights, and maintaining extra distance between vehicles. Allow additional time to reach your destination safely.
The fog is expected to gradually lift by mid-morning as temperatures warm and winds increase. Commuters should expect the worst conditions between 5 AM and 8 AM during peak travel times.
Stay with TV Delmarva for continued weather updates throughout the morning hours.
Drivers across the Delmarva Peninsula should prepare for hazardous conditions overnight as the National Weather Service has issued a Dense Fog Advisory effective from midnight tonight through 10 AM Tuesday morning.
Visibility could drop to just one quarter mile or less in dense fog, creating dangerous driving conditions throughout the region. The advisory affects Kent and Inland Sussex Counties in Delaware, along with Talbot County in Maryland. New Jersey areas under the advisory include Western Monmouth, Atlantic, Cumberland, Ocean, and Southeastern Burlington Counties.
The fog is expected to develop after midnight and persist through the Tuesday morning commute, potentially causing significant delays for drivers heading to work or school.
Motorists are strongly urged to take extra precautions if travel is necessary. The National Weather Service recommends slowing down, using headlights, and maintaining extra distance between vehicles. Drivers should also consider delaying non-essential travel until visibility improves.
The Dense Fog Advisory will remain in effect until 10 AM Tuesday, with conditions expected to gradually improve throughout the morning hours. Stay tuned to TV Delmarva for continuing coverage and updates on this developing weather situation affecting our region.
A Dense Fog Advisory is in effect for Delaware’s beaches and southern New Jersey coastal areas until 10 AM Tuesday morning, creating hazardous travel conditions with visibility dropping to just one-quarter to one-half mile.
The National Weather Service issued the advisory at 7:33 PM Monday evening, warning drivers to exercise extreme caution on roadways. The thick fog is impacting Delaware Beaches, along with Eastern Monmouth, Cape May, Atlantic Coastal Cape May, Coastal Atlantic, and Coastal Ocean counties in New Jersey.
Motorsts traveling through these areas should slow down significantly, turn on headlights, and maintain extra distance between vehicles. The poor visibility makes it difficult to see other cars, road signs, and potential hazards ahead.
‘Low visibility could make driving conditions hazardous,’ the Weather Service warns. Officials recommend avoiding unnecessary travel during overnight hours when the fog is expected to be most dense.
The fog advisory will remain in effect through Tuesday morning’s commute, with conditions expected to gradually improve after 10 AM as temperatures rise and winds increase. Commuters should plan extra time for their Tuesday morning travels and consider alternate routes if possible.
A Dense Fog Advisory is in effect for the Delaware beaches and several South Jersey coastal counties until 10:00 AM Tuesday morning, creating potentially hazardous driving conditions across the region.
The National Weather Service issued the advisory Monday evening, warning that visibility could drop to just one-quarter to one-half mile in the dense fog. The advisory affects Delaware’s coastal areas and several New Jersey counties, including Eastern Monmouth, Cape May, Atlantic Coastal Cape May, Coastal Atlantic, and Coastal Ocean counties.
Motorists traveling through these areas should exercise extreme caution during the overnight hours and Tuesday morning commute. The significantly reduced visibility could make driving conditions dangerous, particularly on coastal highways and bridges.
If you must drive in these conditions, the National Weather Service recommends slowing down, using your headlights, and leaving plenty of distance between your vehicle and others on the road. Consider delaying non-essential travel until visibility improves.
The fog is expected to gradually lift Tuesday morning, with the advisory set to expire at 10:00 AM. Commuters should allow extra time for their Tuesday morning travel and stay updated on current conditions before heading out.
Weather officials have issued a dense fog advisory for the region, warning residents of significantly reduced visibility conditions.
The National Weather Service office located in Mount Holly, New Jersey released the advisory on Saturday, March 9th at 7:33 PM Eastern Daylight Time. The warning will remain active until Sunday morning, March 10th at 10:00 AM EDT.
Motorists should exercise extreme caution when traveling during the advisory period, as thick fog can create hazardous driving conditions with visibility dropping to dangerously low levels.
Weather forecasters from the National Weather Service Mount Holly office have issued a dense fog advisory for the region, warning residents of hazardous visibility conditions.
The advisory took effect at 7:33 PM on Saturday, March 9th, and will remain in place until 10:00 AM on Sunday, March 10th.
Motorists are urged to exercise extreme caution during the advisory period, as thick fog can drastically reduce visibility on roadways. Drivers should reduce speed, use low-beam headlights, and maintain extra distance between vehicles.
The foggy conditions are expected to be most problematic during the overnight hours and Sunday morning commute, potentially causing delays for travelers throughout the region.
College basketball programs are receiving advisories from the NCAA regarding possible transportation complications as the men’s and women’s tournaments approach. Charter aircraft shortages, ongoing government shutdown effects, and international conflicts in the Middle East may create challenges for the 68-team brackets in both competitions. This situation isn’t unprecedented for tournament organizers. Bernadette McGlade, who serves as Atlantic 10 commissioner and previously directed the women’s tournament, recalls encountering similar logistical challenges in past years. Despite potential complications, the NCAA maintains its standard operational approach. McGlade emphasizes that tournament participation benefits significantly exceed any transportation difficulties that may arise.
Jordan Spieth delivered another unpredictable performance at The Players Championship in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. The golfer recorded five consecutive birdies to remain competitive while sinking lengthy putts from off the putting surface. However, his round also included striking three trees and needing spectator assistance to locate his ball on multiple occasions. His day concluded with another double bogey at TPC Sawgrass, marking the second consecutive day with that score. Spieth finished with a 68 after making six birdies across a seven-hole span. “I feel my game is close and it showed,” Spieth commented, “but there’s always one bad hole.”
Anaheim Ducks defender Radko Gudas could receive up to a five-game ban for his knee-to-knee contact that injured Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews. The 35-year-old player will participate in a Friday hearing with the NHL’s Department of Player Safety. Since the hearing will be conducted via conference call rather than video, league rules limit any potential suspension to five games maximum. Gudas received a five-minute major penalty and game ejection during Thursday night’s contest. Matthews required assistance leaving the ice and remained out for the game’s remainder.
Athletes at this month’s Milan Cortina Paralympics competed in summer clothing including shorts, T-shirts, and tank tops due to unusually warm conditions. One competitor described the environment as “tropical,” while a snowboarder expressed frustration with soft, sluggish snow that he believed created competitive disadvantages. Safety concerns have also emerged among participants. These conditions have prompted discussions similar to those within the International Olympic Committee about scheduling these events earlier in the year when colder temperatures are more dependable. The International Paralympic Committee acknowledges that date changes present more complexity than initially apparent but may become necessary to guarantee optimal competitive conditions.
Aday Mara contributed 17 points, with 13 coming after halftime, as third-ranked Michigan defeated Ohio State 71-67 in Big Ten Tournament quarterfinal action in Chicago. Elliot Cadeau added 15 points along with seven assists and three steals for the Wolverines, who extended their winning streak to five games. Trey McKenney contributed 12 points while Morez Johnson Jr. added 11 for Michigan. Mara led a defensive performance that contained Ohio State during the closing minutes. The top-seeded Wolverines played their tournament opener while the Buckeyes had advanced with Thursday’s 72-69 win over Iowa.
Louisiana Tech’s football program appears on both Sun Belt and Conference USA scheduling lists as the Bulldogs’ disputed conference transition continues. Tech announced its Sun Belt intentions last July with a stated deadline of July 1, 2027, though the university clearly preferred moving for the 2026-27 academic year. Negotiations between Louisiana Tech and Conference USA regarding financial compensation for the departure have stalled. The University of Louisiana System, which oversees Louisiana Tech, filed legal action last week requesting judicial intervention to compel Conference USA to permit the Bulldogs’ departure this summer.
Intelligence officials across the Persian Gulf region have uncovered extensive Iranian spy networks that are providing Tehran with sensitive military information and documenting attacks as they happen, according to a new report.
Tehran’s recent aerial bombardments targeting Gulf infrastructure have sparked worries that hidden networks operating within these nations may be supporting Iran’s military campaigns. These covert groups have been functioning in Gulf territories before current hostilities began, supplying Iran with precise locations of defense installations, recording military defensive measures, and capturing footage of Iranian ballistic weapon and unmanned aircraft operations.
An unnamed military intelligence official speaking to The Media Line confirmed that “Iranian sleeper cells in the Gulf belong to several nationalities, including Arab and Asian nationalities, as well as Sh’ite citizens of the Gulf.”
The official further specified that these operatives include “Indian, Pakistani, and Bangladeshi, in addition to several citizens of Algeria and Tunisia.”
The most compelling proof of Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) operatives working within Gulf territories comes from video recordings of aerial bombardments captured before the actual strikes occur.
Multiple recordings have emerged showing the exact moments of attacks before the weapons reach their intended locations. These recordings appear on social media platforms including X and Instagram immediately following strikes, often before government officials make any public announcements about attacks.
The footage, captured using both mobile devices and professional recording equipment, suggests advance knowledge about target selection, and this information did not come from security camera systems. Since military actions against Iran began, hundreds of new social media accounts have appeared on X, Instagram, and other platforms broadcasting similar live footage alongside false information and propaganda.
These activities have been documented in Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates, particularly across multiple Gulf urban areas.
Interior and Defense Ministry officials in Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia have released multiple public warnings against recording the results of Iranian bombardments or discussing target locations. These government agencies also cautioned against filming air defense systems, missile installations, military operations, or any related footage.
Multiple verified social media accounts connected to Bahraini opposition groups, which have represented their interests for years, have shared images of what they describe as “electronic operations rooms” with masked personnel.
According to these accounts, their purpose is to “support the Islamic Republic of Iran.” These opposition-affiliated accounts share attack footage and work to circulate various false claims that are later proven incorrect.
“Simultaneous investigations are currently underway in the Gulf states, and cooperation is taking place in these investigations to uncover all espionage and support networks operating on behalf of Iran in the Gulf,” the intelligence source added.
These Iranian operatives have shared precise coordinates of defense facilities and petroleum processing plants in Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, the UAE, Kuwait, and Qatar, along with various significant military and civilian structures.
They have also revealed locations of American community members in Bahrain, Qatar, the UAE, and Kuwait, resulting in attacks on apartment buildings, hotels, and other properties. Intelligence regarding crucial economic locations, financial institutions, oil processing facilities, and other important industrial and manufacturing sites has also been compromised.
Numerous Shi’ite residents in Gulf nations have not maintained neutrality but have instead shown support for Iran and defended its attacks on Gulf countries.
Mohammed Hassan, a Bahraini Shi’ite currently residing in Iraq, told The Media Line, “We support the Islamic Republic of Iran. If it falls, Israel will swallow up all the Arabs, and we know that the missiles were launched from the Gulf states toward Iran.”
He added, “We must avenge everyone who contributed to the killing of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, and they must meet the same fate. We cannot remain silent, even if it is my country.”
A Gulf media personality, identified only as A., who refused to reveal his nationality or complete name, told The Media Line, “We publish these videos to demonstrate Iran’s strength. It’s ridiculous to arrest people and accuse them of spying for Iran. Everything the military wants to know is available on Google Maps. This targeting of Shia citizens is simply an act of revenge.”
He continued, “This is unacceptable. Our opinions cannot be suppressed. We support the Islamic Republic of Iran, and that is our opinion. No one can confiscate it or accuse us of treason or being agents.”
Badr al-Aji, a Saudi military analyst, told The Media Line, “The Gulf states have known about the existence of such cells for some time, and some Gulf states have already taken steps, but the entire network only began to fall apart recently.”
He explained, “The network is large and far-reaching, and it operates in a decentralized manner. Most of its members are known only to their leader, for fear that the rest of the network will reveal their identities if one of them is arrested.”
Al-Aji noted, “These people are ideologically driven and consider Iran to be their spiritual father, and therefore they have no fear of punishment if they are arrested.”
Abdullah al-Khalidi, a Gulf political analyst, told The Media Line, “Now they will try to exert pressure through more operations within the Gulf states, attempting to distract security efforts to achieve the greatest possible outcome from these security strikes.”
He continued, “Iran’s missile stockpiles will soon run out, but the focus will remain on the fifth column—Iranian agents in the region—who will seek to sabotage. However, the fall of Iran will certainly mean the fall of these agents as well, for they do not plan; they merely execute orders.”
Multiple Gulf nations, including Bahrain, Kuwait, and Qatar, have detained various cells and individuals on espionage charges. Qatar officially announced the capture of two spy networks working for the Iranian Revolutionary Guard (IRGC). One network possessed photographs and coordinates of military locations, while the other was planning multiple bombings and hostile operations targeting critical infrastructure and aiming to destabilize security and stability, according to the Qatar News Agency.
Kuwait also announced in separate statements the detention of multiple individuals accused of recording and sharing footage of military movements and Iranian bombardment of Kuwait.
The Bahraini Ministry of Interior announces almost daily the detention of individuals accused of recording and sharing footage of Iranian missile and drone attacks on Bahrain, glorifying these actions that harm Bahrain’s interests, and publicizing military movements on the Gulf island.
The most notable announcement from the Bahraini Ministry of Interior was the arrest on Sunday of multiple individuals of Asian nationalities, including five Pakistanis and one Bangladeshi national, who had documented and shared information about the Iranian bombing of Bahrain and praised these actions.
On Thursday, March 12, the Bahraini Ministry of Interior announced the arrest of four Bahrainis and the identification of a fifth fugitive abroad, after they were found to be spying for the IRGC through terrorist elements located in Iran.
The Ministry of Interior statement listed the names of the four, aged between 22 and 36, including a woman named Sarah Abdulnabi. It indicated that they used high-resolution photography equipment and sent images and coordinates to the IRGC via encrypted software.
As trials began for those arrested by Bahrain, the Bahraini Public Prosecution, in the first session held on Monday, March 9, charged the detainees with espionage for Iran and demanded the maximum penalties, which under Bahraini law can reach the death penalty. This is considered an aggravating circumstance due to the state of war. The hearings will continue until a final verdict is reached.
The laws of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries generally stipulate the death penalty for espionage or the leaking of important information, especially during times of war. Therefore, it is expected that these individuals will receive what is called the maximum penalty, which is execution, as the Gulf states are currently considered to be in a state of war.
Pentagon officials announced that joint American and Israeli military operations have severely crippled Iran’s armed forces in what Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth called an unprecedented campaign of destruction.
During a briefing at the Pentagon with Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Gen. Dan Caine, Hegseth outlined the extensive damage inflicted on Iranian military infrastructure during the opening weeks of current hostilities.
“The United States is decimating the radical Iranian regime’s military in a way the world has never seen before,” Hegseth stated. “Never before has a modern, capable military … been so quickly destroyed and made combat ineffective.”
According to Hegseth, American and Israeli air forces working together have hit more than 15,000 military targets throughout Iran.
“The combination of the world’s two most powerful air forces is unprecedented and unbeatable,” Hegseth explained. “Between our Air Force and that of the Israelis, over 15,000 enemy targets have been struck.”
The Defense Secretary reported that Iran’s defensive systems, naval operations, and rocket capabilities have suffered extensive damage.
“Iran has no air defenses. Iran has no air force. Iran has no Navy,” he declared, noting that Iranian missile and drone operations have declined dramatically due to the ongoing strikes.
“Iran’s missile volume is down 90%,” he reported. “Their one way attack drones yesterday down 95%.”
Hegseth explained that attacks have also focused on Iran’s weapons manufacturing infrastructure to block the regime from rebuilding its military strength.
“As of two days ago, Iran’s entire ballistic missile production capacity … has been functionally defeated,” Hegseth said, noting that manufacturing plants, research centers, and assembly facilities nationwide have been eliminated.
The Secretary indicated that operations are expanding in scope.
“Today will be yet again the highest volume of strikes that America has put over the skies of Iran and Tehran,” Hegseth announced.
Hegseth also suggested Iran’s political leadership faces internal challenges following the death of the nation’s former supreme leader.
“We know the new so-called not so Supreme leader is wounded and likely disfigured,” he said, characterizing Iranian leadership as chaotic and unable to mount an effective response.
“The military capabilities of their evil regime are crumbling,” he added.
Gen. Dan Caine reported that American forces have now reached the 13th day of Operation Epic Fury and verified that U.S. military units continue targeting missile installations, unmanned aircraft, maritime assets, and weapons facilities across Iran.
“CENTCOM [US Central Command) continues to attack ballistic missile and drone capabilities so that they are no longer a threat to US forces, our bases or our partners,” Caine explained.
According to Caine, American forces have hit more than 6,000 locations and are conducting continuous air operations above Iran.
“CENTCOM is now persistently over the enemy,” he stated.
Caine reported that U.S. forces have also attacked Iran’s maritime forces and mine deployment systems in the Strait of Hormuz to ensure open shipping lanes.
“We’ve rendered the Iranian Navy combat ineffective,” he said.
He noted that America continues targeting ships and port facilities used to endanger merchant vessels.
“The only thing preventing commercial traffic and flow through the Straits right now … is Iran,” Caine said.
The military leaders also discussed an unrelated incident involving American personnel.
Caine verified that four crew members were rescued after a KC-135 fuel tanker crashed in western Iraq while conducting a combat operation.
“The incident occurred over friendly territory in western Iraq,” he said, emphasizing that it “was not the result of hostile or friendly fire.”
Caine said search and rescue efforts are ongoing and military officials will provide additional details when available.
Hegseth commended American military personnel participating in the operation and said the current administration remains focused on meeting its goals.
“President Trump holds the cards,” Hegseth concluded. “He’ll determine the pace, the tempo and the timing of this conflict.”
A ballistic missile launched from Iran made a direct impact on the northern Israeli community of Zarzir during nighttime hours, leaving approximately 60 people wounded and causing structural damage to close to 300 residential properties, according to reports from Ynet.
Medical officials report that one individual required hospitalization for moderate injuries, while the remaining casualties suffered minor wounds from the direct strike on the northern community, based on accounts from local residents. The projectile impacted a residential neighborhood, resulting in widespread destruction to houses, automobiles and nearby infrastructure.
Local residents reported receiving three emergency notifications from Israel’s Home Front Command alerting them to missile launches from Iranian territory, with warnings sent to mobile devices throughout the Galilee region, Golan Heights and surrounding valleys during the overnight period. The missile made direct contact with Zarzir just minutes following one of these emergency alerts.
The community, home to numerous young people who serve in the Israel Defense Forces, experienced significant destruction across multiple residential streets. Local residents described finding broken windows, damaged doorways and rooms covered with glass fragments and rubble after the explosion occurred.
Vehicles parked close to where the missile landed suffered severe damage, and property across the entire neighborhood felt the effects of the blast, residents reported to Ynet.
Families recounted frantically looking for their children in complete darkness after the strike knocked out electrical power and filled their homes with smoke and debris. Residents described hearing children crying out as community members navigated through damaged structures to help people who became trapped indoors.
Several residents explained that doorways needed to be broken open after the explosion warped entrances and prevented normal exits. Others described shouting for assistance from their windows while neighbors and family members hurried to provide aid.
According to residents, individuals who had taken shelter in protected areas escaped serious harm, while those who were outside designated safe rooms were among the casualties from the blast.
International anti-doping officials are exploring new regulations that could block President Donald Trump and other American government representatives from the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics over millions in unpaid membership fees.
The World Anti-Doping Agency will discuss the potential rule changes during next Tuesday’s executive committee session, marking the latest escalation in a multi-year financial standoff. America has refused to pay its annual contributions as part of a bipartisan government protest against how WADA handled cases involving Chinese swimmers and other controversies.
The Associated Press discovered the agenda item through internal communications between WADA and European agency officials. Two additional sources familiar with the meeting confirmed the rule proposal exists, though they weren’t permitted to discuss the unreleased agenda publicly.
WADA spokesperson James Fitzgerald downplayed the development, stating “there is nothing new here” and noting that conversations about non-paying governments have continued since 2020 and aren’t specifically targeting the United States.
Agency records show this proposal initially surfaced in 2024, when American officials successfully pushed for its rejection. Since then, the U.S. has lost its executive committee position.
“In spite of WADA’s increasing threats, we continue to stand firm in our demand for accountability and transparency from WADA to ensure fair competition in sport,” stated Sara Carter, who directs the U.S. Office of National Drug Control Policy.
Any such restriction would likely carry more symbolic weight than practical enforcement power, given the challenges an international sports organization would face trying to bar a sitting president from events within American territory.
“I have never heard of a $50-million-budget Swiss foundation being able to enforce a rule to, for example, prevent the United States president from going anywhere,” commented Rahul Gupta, Carter’s predecessor who previously served on WADA’s executive committee and opposed the proposal two years ago. “And the next question you have to ask is: How are you going to enforce it? Are they going to post a red notice from Interpol? It’s ludicrous. It’s clear they have not thought this through.”
The proposed sanctions would establish three levels of penalties for countries failing to meet their financial obligations. America currently owes approximately $3.7 million from last year plus another $3.6 million from 2024. The most severe punishments would involve “government representatives being excluded from participation in major events such as World Championships and Olympic & Paralympic Games.”
Such restrictions would potentially affect Trump, Vice President J.D. Vance, and congressional members who recently authorized hundreds of millions in funding for World Cup and LA Olympics security and logistics.
Fitzgerald indicated the WADA Foundation Board, which must formally approve any measures, won’t convene until November, suggesting the rules wouldn’t take effect before this summer’s World Cup. He didn’t immediately address questions about Trump’s World Cup attendance status.
However, in correspondence with European officials, WADA indicated flexibility on timing: “The proposal could be implemented without undue delay. If necessary, the Foundation Board could consider the proposal by circular or within the context of an extraordinary meeting.”
Draft language shows the regulations would target governments failing to pay dues by January 31st of the year following their billing. America hasn’t contributed to WADA since 2023.
Representatives from the International Olympic Committee, FIFA, and the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee didn’t respond to Associated Press requests for comment regarding potential enforcement of bans on Trump and other American officials.
WADA operates on a $57.5 million budget for 2025, receiving equal funding from the International Olympic Committee and global governments. Government contributions roughly correspond to their athletic team sizes, making America traditionally one of the largest contributors.
This conflict traces back to the first Trump presidency, rooted in American skepticism toward the global anti-doping framework. International scrutiny initially focused on WADA’s management of Russian doping scandals preceding the 2014 Sochi Games.
The dispute intensified in 2024 when reports emerged about 23 Chinese swimmers—including Paris Olympics team members—who competed despite positive tests. WADA accepted Chinese regulators’ explanation that athletes were contaminated by traces of prohibited heart medication from hotel kitchen sources.
Both Trump and Biden administrations, along with Congress, have withheld WADA payments over these concerns.
In recent developments, the government conditioned payments on WADA submitting to independent auditing. WADA defended its current audit procedures and renewed calls for American payment during last month’s Milan Cortina Games.
The agency now seeks additional pressure tactics to secure the outstanding funds.
“This initiative is aimed at better protecting WADA’s funding so that it can deliver on its mission to protect clean sport,” Fitzgerald explained. “If WADA’s funding is cut, it is ultimately athletes who will suffer. Indeed, athletes (including those on WADA’s Executive Committee and Foundation Board) have continuously expressed their support for this initiative.”
A Georgia district attorney has dismissed vehicular homicide charges against an 18-year-old student whose vehicle accidentally killed a high school teacher during a toilet papering incident, according to the teen’s attorney. The teacher’s family had urged prosecutors to abandon the case.
Jason Hughes, a 40-year-old educator, passed away at a medical facility in the early hours of March 7 following the tragic accident, Hall County Sheriff’s officials reported. Eighteen-year-old Jayden Ryan Wallace had been facing a felony vehicular homicide charge, while four additional students received misdemeanor citations.
Attorney Graham McKinnon, representing Wallace, announced Friday that prosecutors had dismissed all charges against his client.
According to sheriff’s investigators, the group of students arrived at Hughes’ residence at approximately 11:40 p.m. on March 6 to wrap his property’s trees with toilet paper. The teenagers attempted to flee when Hughes emerged from his home — though his family later revealed he had learned about the planned prank beforehand and wanted to catch them in the act.
During the students’ departure, “Hughes tripped and fell into the road and was run over,” sheriff’s officials stated.
Following the collision, the teenagers immediately stopped their vehicle and provided assistance until paramedics and other emergency personnel reached the scene, according to law enforcement.
McKinnon described the toilet papering as part of a “competitive game” that had become a longstanding custom among North Hall High School students.
The defense attorney argued that vehicular homicide charges were inappropriate since his client had not operated his vehicle in a reckless or improper manner.
“Jaden is still grieving deeply, but he’s determined eventually to carry on and live his life in a way that would make Coach Hughes proud,” McKinnon stated.
Hughes served as a mathematics instructor and assistant coach for golf, football and baseball teams at North Hall High School in Gainesville, and had been a “mentor” to Wallace, the attorney noted.
“I pledge to live out the remainder of my life in a manner that honors the memory of Coach Hughes by exemplifying Christ. He will never be forgotten,” Wallace stated in a family statement released Wednesday.
Earlier this week, Hughes’ relatives released their own statement explaining that the deceased educator had personal relationships with all five students and requesting that authorities dismiss the charges.
“This is a terrible tragedy, and our family is determined to prevent a separate tragedy from occurring, ruining the lives of these students,” the Hughes family declared. “This would be counter to Jason’s lifelong dedication of investing in the lives of these children.”
A Dense Fog Advisory is in effect for much of the Delmarva Peninsula from midnight tonight through 10 AM Tuesday morning, as thick fog is expected to reduce visibility to just a quarter mile or less.
The National Weather Service issued the advisory at 7:33 PM, warning that hazardous driving conditions are likely across Kent and Inland Sussex counties in Delaware, Talbot County in Maryland, and portions of southern New Jersey including Western Monmouth, Atlantic, Cumberland, Ocean, and Southeastern Burlington counties.
The dense fog will develop after midnight and persist through the Tuesday morning commute, creating potentially dangerous conditions for drivers heading to work or school.
Motorists are urged to take extra precautions if travel is necessary. The Weather Service recommends slowing down, using headlights, and maintaining plenty of distance between vehicles. Allow extra time for your commute and consider delaying non-essential travel until visibility improves.
The fog is expected to gradually lift and dissipate by mid-morning Tuesday, with the advisory set to expire at 10 AM. Stay tuned to TV Delmarva for updates on this developing weather situation and check road conditions before heading out.
Senior government officials from Colombia traveled to Caracas Friday for high-stakes discussions with Venezuelan leaders about energy partnerships, border security and commercial relations, marking a new chapter in diplomatic ties between the South American neighbors.
The meeting represents the first face-to-face diplomatic engagement since Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro was removed from office in early January, signaling a potential reset in bilateral relations.
Plans for a presidential summit between Colombian President Gustavo Petro and Venezuela’s acting President Delcy Rodriguez were scrapped due to what both governments described as “force majeure,” though no additional details were provided about the cancellation.
Colombian Defense Minister Pedro Sanchez sat down with Venezuelan counterpart Vladimir Padrino to develop coordinated security approaches for their shared 1,370-mile border. Meanwhile, Foreign Ministers Rosa Villavicencio of Colombia and Venezuela’s Yvan Gil worked on initiatives to “prioritize brotherhood and peaceful coexistence,” according to a statement from Rodriguez’s administration.
Commercial representatives explored opportunities in trade and tourism sectors, while energy officials including Colombian Energy Minister Edwin Palma focused on a recently announced collaboration between state petroleum companies Ecopetrol and PDVSA. The partnership aims to restore a damaged portion of a cross-border pipeline that would enable Colombia to receive natural gas imports from Venezuela.
Rodriguez, who previously served as vice president, has been working to draw investment in oil and mining sectors as she works to bring stability to the nation following Maduro’s detention by U.S. authorities. President Donald Trump has offered praise for her leadership, and she has opened doors to American officials and business interests in Caracas. The United States and Venezuela have also officially restored diplomatic relations.
While Petro maintained friendly relations with the former Maduro government, he has experienced tensions with Trump, though both leaders reported positive outcomes from a Washington meeting last month and held a constructive phone conversation Thursday focused on economic conditions along the Venezuela-Colombia border, Petro’s office reported.
Trump has consistently called for enhanced Colombian cooperation in anti-narcotics efforts. Petro points to unprecedented drug seizure numbers during his administration as evidence of progress.
The two nations share deep historical and cultural connections, particularly in border regions where many families hold citizenship in both countries. Approximately 3 million Venezuelan refugees have relocated to Colombia in recent years, escaping economic devastation in their homeland.
Colombian trade statistics show the country maintained a $973.4 million trade surplus with Venezuela in 2025, shipping products including food items, tobacco, chemicals, plastics and machinery. Venezuelan exports to Colombia totaled $98.3 million, consisting primarily of iron, steel, fertilizer and paper products.
The Venezuelan state petroleum company PDVSA will handle restoration work on the Antonio Ricaurte gas pipeline, which has remained out of service for several years, Colombia’s energy ministry announced Thursday.
The 140-mile pipeline system can transport up to 500 million cubic feet of natural gas daily when operational.
A decorated military officer who taught Army ROTC at Old Dominion University has been identified as the victim killed in Thursday’s campus shooting in Norfolk, Virginia.
Lieutenant Colonel Brandon Shah, age 42, lost his life to gunshot wounds during the incident at ODU. Shah, originally from Chesapeake, Virginia, served as the university’s Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps professor of military science.
University President Brian Hemphill praised Shah as a cherished and admired leader on campus. “Lt. Col. Shah was a beloved and respected leader at Old Dominion University. He personally guided students in the Army ROTC Monarch Battalion through his caring spirit and combat experience,” Hemphill stated.
The president further described Shah as someone who “embodied what it means to be a devoted family man, a revered leader, and heroic protector even in his final moments.”
Shah’s military career began when he joined the Army in 2003. Two years later, he became a student at Old Dominion University, where he would eventually work. He earned his commission as an officer and completed his bachelor’s degree in sociology in 2007.
During his service as an Army aviator, Shah piloted AH64 Apache helicopters during deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. According to President Hemphill, Shah accumulated more than 1,200 flight hours, with 600 of those hours during combat operations across three different aircraft.
In honor of Shah’s service and sacrifice, Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger has directed that American and Virginia state flags be lowered to half-staff at all state and local government properties.
Family background details emerged when Shah’s cousin spoke to NBC News, explaining that Shah was born in the United States after his father emigrated from Pakistan.
Federal authorities have launched a terrorism investigation into Thursday’s shooting incident, which left Shah dead and two other people wounded. The FBI confirmed they are leading the probe into the attack.
All three shooting victims had connections to the university, which maintains strong relationships with military institutions according to its official website. The person responsible for the shooting also died during the incident.
A federal judge in Boston has put a temporary halt to the Trump administration’s mandate requiring colleges and universities to submit detailed race-related admissions information by next week.
U.S. District Judge F. Dennis Saylor IV granted a temporary restraining order Friday following a lawsuit filed by 17 Democratic state attorneys general who challenged the new Education Department requirement.
The contested mandate would have forced schools receiving federal student aid funding to provide detailed admissions data broken down by race and gender of their student populations. Federal officials intended to use this information to monitor whether institutions are following the Supreme Court’s 2023 decision that eliminated affirmative action in college admissions.
Judge Saylor, nominated during the George W. Bush presidency, recognized that educational institutions across the country were facing a Wednesday deadline to submit the required information. He pushed back that deadline to March 25 to allow time for a full hearing on the states’ legal challenge and ensure an “orderly resolution of the issues.”
The Education Department has not yet provided a response to requests for comment on the court’s decision.
The disputed information would have been collected through the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System surveys, a data collection program that the Education Department’s National Center for Education Statistics has operated since 1986 to gather university information on topics including financial data, admissions processes, and student outcomes.
Trump ordered changes to the survey system in an August directive, citing insufficient data to determine whether race continues to influence admissions decisions following the Supreme Court ruling, particularly given what he called the “rampant use of ‘diversity statements’ and other overt and hidden racial proxies.”
Education Secretary Linda McMahon subsequently announced that higher education institutions would be required to submit undergraduate applicant and enrollment data separated by race and gender categories.
The Office of Management and Budget formalized these new data collection requirements in December, requesting information covering the 2025-2026 academic year plus the previous six years.
A federal judge in Rhode Island has ordered the restoration of collective bargaining rights for 320,000 Department of Veterans Affairs workers, dealing a significant blow to the Trump administration’s efforts to limit union activities across federal agencies.
U.S. District Judge Melissa DuBose made the ruling Friday in Providence, determining that the VA improperly terminated its union agreement in August as payback against the American Federation of Government Employees for opposing Trump administration labor policies.
The decision stands as one of the most important legal victories so far in multiple court challenges to Trump’s 2025 executive directive that eliminated collective bargaining rights for much of the federal workforce.
Judge DuBose sided with AFGE, which represents over 800,000 federal employees nationwide, finding that the Veterans Affairs department acted out of retaliation rather than legitimate policy concerns.
The VA had defended its actions by arguing that Trump correctly excluded the agency from union negotiations due to its national security responsibilities, specifically describing itself as “the primary backup” for military healthcare during wartime or national emergencies.
However, DuBose concluded that the VA failed to demonstrate that national security considerations actually drove the decision to terminate the union agreement, and she restored the contract while the union’s broader lawsuit continues.
“There is zero indication from the Defendants that the termination decision would have been made or implemented without the retaliatory motive,” DuBose wrote in her decision. The judge was appointed by former Democratic President Joe Biden.
VA officials have not yet responded to requests for comment. The department manages an extensive system of hospitals and medical centers serving veterans and employs more than 400,000 people, ranking among the federal government’s largest agencies.
AFGE President Everett Kelley stated that the VA targeted his union for retaliation because of its resistance to budget reductions and policy changes that the organization believes would negatively impact veteran services.
“Today’s ruling holds this administration accountable and makes clear: no one can retaliate against workers for standing up for their rights,” Kelley said in a statement.
Trump’s executive directive removed collective bargaining obligations from the VA and more than a dozen additional federal departments, including Justice, State, Defense, Treasury, and Health and Human Services.
The presidential order targets agencies that Trump says “have as a primary function intelligence, counterintelligence, investigative, or national security work.” This represents a major expansion of existing limitations that previously applied only to workers with specific national security duties, such as federal law enforcement officers.
At least three separate lawsuits have been filed challenging Trump’s directive, while unions have initiated numerous additional legal actions against individual agencies that have canceled their bargaining agreements. Last month, a federal appeals court in San Francisco denied a request by AFGE and other unions to halt Trump’s order while their case moves through the courts.
Drivers along the Delmarva coast should exercise extreme caution tonight and Tuesday morning as dense fog blankets the region, reducing visibility to just a quarter to half mile in some areas.
The National Weather Service issued a Dense Fog Advisory at 7:33 PM Monday for Delaware’s beach communities and several South Jersey coastal counties, including Eastern Monmouth, Cape May, Atlantic Coastal Cape May, Coastal Atlantic, and Coastal Ocean. The advisory remains in effect until 10:00 AM Tuesday.
The thick fog is creating hazardous driving conditions across popular coastal routes, with visibility severely limited throughout the overnight hours and early Tuesday morning commute.
Authorities urge motorists to slow down significantly, use headlights, and maintain extra distance between vehicles when traveling through affected areas. If visibility becomes too poor, drivers should consider pulling over safely and waiting for conditions to improve.
The fog is expected to gradually lift Tuesday morning as temperatures rise and atmospheric conditions change. Commuters should allow extra travel time and stay updated on current conditions.
This is a developing weather situation. TV Delmarva will continue monitoring conditions and provide updates as the fog advisory remains in effect through mid-morning Tuesday.
A Dense Fog Advisory is in effect for Delaware’s beaches and several South Jersey counties until 10 AM Tuesday morning, with visibility dropping to just one-quarter to one-half mile in some areas.
The National Weather Service issued the advisory at 7:33 PM Monday evening, warning residents in Delaware’s coastal areas and New Jersey’s Eastern Monmouth, Cape May, Atlantic Coastal Cape May, Coastal Atlantic, and Coastal Ocean counties to exercise extreme caution while traveling.
The thick fog is creating hazardous driving conditions throughout the region, significantly reducing visibility on major roadways and local streets. Motorists are strongly advised to slow down, use headlights, and maintain extra following distance between vehicles.
“Low visibility could make driving conditions hazardous,” the Weather Service warns. Drivers should also consider delaying non-essential travel until conditions improve.
The fog is expected to gradually lift Tuesday morning, with the advisory set to expire at 10 AM. However, patchy fog may persist in some areas even after the official advisory ends.
Residents should stay alert for changing conditions and monitor local weather updates throughout the night and early morning hours.
Northbound traffic on Interstate 495 is experiencing significant delays after a vehicle collision forced authorities to shut down two left lanes at the Christina River Bridge crossing.
According to Delaware Department of Transportation officials, the crash has blocked the left two travel lanes, creating a bottleneck for commuters traveling north through the area.
Drivers are advised to use caution when approaching the scene and allow extra time for their commute. Traffic is being directed around the accident site using the remaining open lanes.
DelDOT has not yet provided an estimated time for when the lanes will reopen. Motorists may want to consider using alternate routes to avoid the backup.
OWINGS MILLS, Md. — After spending years battling against the Baltimore Ravens as a member of the Cincinnati Bengals, Trey Hendrickson got an up-close look at the talent level in purple uniforms. Now he’s ready to join forces with those same players he once faced twice a year in AFC North matchups.
“I’ve seen a lot of purple at the Pro Bowls over the last four years,” Hendrickson said. “It’s something that I’m excited to play with those guys. I got to meet them and their families at those type of events, which what a blessing to be a part of that. You get to see the behind the mask. We’re all people at the end of the day. But a place like this — the standard of defense is very high.”
The Ravens officially welcomed Hendrickson during a Friday press conference after signing him to a four-year contract worth $112 million. He’ll team up with an already impressive Baltimore defensive unit featuring Kyle Hamilton in the defensive backfield and Roquan Smith leading the linebacker corps.
Baltimore’s pursuit of Hendrickson came after the team initially agreed to acquire Las Vegas Raiders pass rush specialist Maxx Crosby, only to see that deal fall apart. The Ravens then pivoted to Hendrickson to address their pass rush needs.
Hendrickson’s departure from Cincinnati closes the book on a five-year stint that was both highly productive and marked by tension. The defensive end posted 17.5 sacks in consecutive seasons during 2023 and 2024, but eventually sought a trade amid contract disagreements. A lengthy dispute resulted in a $14 million salary increase for his final campaign with the Bengals.
According to Hendrickson, remaining within the AFC North division didn’t heavily influence his choice, though his exit from Cincinnati came as little shock to observers.
“It’s exciting to start something fresh. I think that was overdue for me,” Hendrickson said. “My family probably took a lot of things more personally than I did, which is saying something. So, for everybody to just kind of get a fresh start and build on this opportunity, it starts day one. I’m excited to get to work. I’m excited to embrace this city, embrace this culture and build from the ground up.”
The Hendrickson signing became essential for Baltimore after the Crosby trade collapsed. While the Ravens have previously found ways to generate pressure without massive investments in edge rushers, that approach failed last season when the team managed just 30 sacks, ranking among the three lowest totals league-wide.
Baltimore’s defense has also struggled with protecting leads, an issue the organization hopes new coach Jesse Minter can address after replacing John Harbaugh in January.
“One of the things that stood out to me — since 2021, Trey is second in the NFL in fourth-quarter sacks,” Minter said. “When we talk about being able to have a closer mentality and finish games and dominate in the fourth quarter, Trey is the epitome of that with how he’s played the last four or five years.”
Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta indicated he expects a quiet weekend ahead, suggesting Baltimore may limit additional free agency activity. The team has seen several key contributors depart this week, including Pro Bowl center Tyler Linderbaum, leaving questions about an already questionable interior offensive line.
Baltimore did bring back guard John Simpson, who rejoins the Ravens following two seasons with the New York Jets. The team also added safety Jaylinn Hawkins and tight end Durham Smythe to their roster.
“John Simpson plays with an energy and a passion that I’m really excited about adding into the offensive line room,” Minter said. “He had a great season here in one of the most successful seasons in recent memory here in 2023. He is kind of a force multiplier from an energy (standpoint). It’s very contagious how he operates.”
Listen to the Evening Delmarva Farm Report Update — March 13, 2026
DELMARVA — Field work across Delmarva continued at a steady pace Friday afternoon as growers took advantage of dry conditions ahead of next week’s weather change. Most producers wrapped up fertilizer applications with equipment running in Kent and Sussex counties through the late afternoon hours. Soil temperatures are holding in the upper 40s to low 50s, right where they need to be for early prep work.
Markets
Corn futures closed mixed Friday with the May contract up 3 cents at $4.75 per bushel. July soybeans gained 8 cents, settling at $10.42. Wheat showed strength with the May contract adding 5 cents to close at $5.18. Locally, corn is moving at $4.50 in Dover while soybeans are fetching $9.90 at Seaford elevators.
Forecast
Friday evening finished with mostly sunny skies and temperatures around 51 degrees under south winds at 20 miles per hour. Tonight drops to 41 with mostly clear conditions. Saturday brings sunshine with highs near 54 and west winds 15 to 20 miles per hour.
By Sunday night conditions change as light rain moves in, setting up a stormy Monday with showers and thunderstorms likely. Temperatures Monday climb to 63 before a cold front drops the region back to the 40s Tuesday with a chance of rain and snow showers mixing in. Producers should plan field work accordingly through the weekend.
This article is based on the Delmarva Farm Report Update Evening Edition, March 13, 2026. Hosted by Tom Bradley.
ROME (AP) — Strong opposition has emerged from across Europe after organizers announced Russia would return to participate in the prestigious 2026 Venice Biennale contemporary art exhibition. The European Commission has threatened to cut funding while 22 European nations are calling for Moscow to be excluded once again due to its ongoing military conflict in Ukraine.
The controversy surrounding the world’s most significant and longest-running contemporary art exhibition has placed Italy’s Culture Ministry under intense scrutiny. This diplomatic crisis follows shortly after Italy watched the International Paralympic Committee permit Russian and Belarusian competitors to participate under their own national flags at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Paralympics.
Italian Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli is working to address the international backlash, expressing strong disagreement with the Biennale’s choice while recognizing that the governing foundation operates independently from government control and made this decision on its own regarding the 61st arts festival.
Moscow maintains a permanent, traditional pavilion within the Giardini exhibition space, and according to the art fair’s regulations, enjoys a simplified approval process for participation. However, Russia has been absent since the Ukraine conflict started: The Russian pavilion closed in 2022 when its artists pulled out following Moscow’s invasion. During the 2024 festival, Bolivia used the Russian pavilion space for its own display.
On March 4, the Venice Biennale Foundation revealed the participant list for its 2026 festival, scheduled to run from May 9 through November 22. The exhibition will feature 99 countries, with seven making their debut appearance.
Moscow’s comeback to the festival received no special attention from Biennale organizers, appearing simply within the standard list of participating nations with a display called “The Tree is Rooted in the Sky,” featuring approximately three dozen Russian artists.
Following growing criticism, Giuli terminated ministry representative Tamara Gregoretti from the Biennale board this week, claiming she failed to inform the ministry about Russia’s planned participation and had endorsed their inclusion.
Giuli has also initiated an inquiry to assess whether Russia’s involvement complies with European Union sanctions. He specifically requested that the Biennale immediately supply all documents, including communications with Moscow, regarding Russia’s plans for establishing and operating the pavilion during the exhibition.
During a Friday phone conversation with his Ukrainian counterpart Tetyana Berezhna, Giuli “emphasized the Italian government’s dedication to safeguarding Ukraine’s cultural identity, which has faced threats for more than four years due to the Russian invasion, and confirmed his personal and governmental commitment to rebuilding Ukraine’s cultural heritage,” according to the ministry.
Berezhna told Giuli that Russia’s participation was “unacceptable for Kiev and conflicts with the strong Ukrainian support maintained by the Italian government,” Giuli’s office reported.
Biennale Foundation president Pietrangelo Buttafuoco has stood behind the decision, characterizing it as a stance against censorship.
He revealed that this year’s festival will include two special exhibition areas dedicated to “dissident” artwork. He also referenced last year’s Venice Film Festival, which hosted the world debut of “The Wizard of the Kremlin,” a critical film starring Jude Law about Russian President Vladimir Putin’s ascent to power.
However, 22 European nations sent Buttafuoco a letter voicing their “deep concern” about Russia’s participation. They cautioned that Moscow might use this opportunity to “present an image of legitimacy and international acceptance that sharply contrasts with the reality of Russia’s continuing war against Ukraine and the devastation of Ukrainian cultural heritage, as well as European and international sanctions.”
The European Commission has criticized the Biennale’s decision and warned of withdrawing EU funding for the fair, which totals approximately 2 million euros across three years.
“If the Biennale Foundation moves forward with its decision to permit Russia’s participation, we will explore additional actions, including suspending or ending current EU funding to the Biennale Foundation,” stated Commissioners Henna Virkkunen and Glenn Micallef.
WASHINGTON — Richard Grenell, a veteran Republican foreign policy advisor who implemented sweeping reforms at the Kennedy Center that drove numerous performers away from the prestigious arts facility, is resigning from his position as president.
Former President Donald Trump revealed the leadership transition on Friday following initial coverage by Axios. Trump named Matt Floca, who currently oversees the Kennedy Center’s facility management, as Grenell’s replacement. Sources familiar with the situation, speaking on condition of anonymity about plans not yet made public, indicate the transitions will be completed during a board meeting set for Monday at the White House.
Grenell played a key role in Trump’s effort to completely transform the Kennedy Center after the Republican leader returned to the presidency. While Trump largely overlooked the venue during his initial presidency, he made it a centerpiece of his campaign against what he termed “woke” culture upon his return. Trump removed the Kennedy Center’s existing leadership and installed his own chosen board of trustees, who voted to rebrand the institution as the Trump Kennedy Center — a modification that experts and legislators argue requires congressional approval.
In a recent development, Trump’s name was physically installed on the building’s famous exterior.
The arts world responded with immediate and severe backlash, as major theatrical productions like “Hamilton” pulled their scheduled shows. Notable figures including actress Issa Rae and writer Louise Penny canceled their planned appearances, while advisors including musician Ben Folds and opera singer Renée Fleming stepped down from their roles.
The ongoing conflict between the U.S., Israel and Iran has disrupted global energy markets and supply chains, prompting the Trump administration to explore suspending requirements under a maritime law that’s been in place for more than 100 years.
Known as the Jones Act, this legislation mandates that cargo transported between American ports must travel aboard vessels flying U.S. flags. Originally enacted in 1920, the law was designed to safeguard America’s shipping industry, though critics have long argued it delays goods delivery and drives up costs, particularly for gasoline.
White House officials confirmed this week they’re examining the possibility of temporarily waiving Jones Act provisions as part of broader efforts to address surging oil prices and shipping disruptions caused by the war.
Officially called the Merchant Marine Act of 1920, this legislation was championed by Senator Wesley Jones from Washington state. Congress approved the measure to help restore America’s shipping capabilities after German submarines destroyed much of the nation’s merchant fleet during World War I.
The Jones Act establishes that vessels transporting goods and passengers between domestic ports must be constructed in America and owned by U.S. citizens, essentially barring foreign-flagged ships from participating in domestic commerce. These ships must also employ American crews.
According to the U.S. Maritime Administration, the law can be suspended for “interest of national defense” purposes through either the Homeland Security or Defense departments.
The legislation was also designed to guarantee America maintained its own merchant fleet during wartime. Some U.S. shipping companies, national security experts and labor unions have championed the law, but eliminating foreign competition has increased domestic cargo transportation expenses.
American-flagged vessels typically cost more to operate and construct compared to foreign alternatives. These elevated costs particularly impact states and territories dependent on maritime supply routes, including Hawaii and Puerto Rico.
Since the Iran war began, oil prices have experienced dramatic spikes and volatility as tanker traffic through the crucial Strait of Hormuz has essentially stopped and major Middle Eastern oil producers have reduced output. Commercial vessels carrying everything from medications to computer components have also faced delays at sea or direct attacks.
These disruptions are increasing costs for businesses and consumers globally. Crude oil now trades near $100 per barrel, climbing from approximately $70 before hostilities commenced. American drivers have already experienced pump price increases, with regular gasoline averaging around $3.63 per gallon on Friday according to AAA, representing a 69-cent jump from the previous month.
These developments have nations seeking additional supply sources and alternative shipping pathways. When asked Friday about potentially suspending the 1920s-era Jones Act, President Donald Trump responded, “we’ll take a look at everything.”
During a Fox News Radio interview, Trump described the Jones Act as a “restrictive act” while acknowledging it enjoys “tremendous support” in Congress. The president’s remarks followed White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt’s Thursday confirmation that the administration was exploring a temporary waiver to “ensure vital energy products and agricultural necessities are flowing freely to U.S. ports.”
Neither official provided a specific timeframe for any decision.
Numerous factors influence gasoline prices. Allowing foreign-flagged vessels access to domestic shipping routes might provide some relief by expanding transportation alternatives, but it wouldn’t represent a comprehensive solution.
The Center for American Progress projects that waiving the Jones Act would reduce East Coast gasoline prices by approximately three cents while potentially increasing Gulf Coast costs. The research organization stated Friday that such action “would also sideline American shipbuilders and workers and allow the oil industry to continue to profit from high prices while reducing transport costs.”
The United States has emerged as a leading crude oil producer, now exporting more petroleum than it imports. However, oil remains a globally traded commodity, and countries worldwide are pursuing additional measures to combat escalating prices.
Thursday evening, the Treasury Department announced another step to release Russian oil from U.S. sanctions related to its Ukraine conflict, issuing a one-month waiver license. This follows last week’s decision granting India temporary authorization to purchase Russian oil.
Earlier this week, the International Energy Agency committed to releasing 400 million barrels from member nations’ reserves, representing the largest emergency oil release in the organization’s history. While Trump previously questioned the need to access reserve oil, he confirmed Wednesday that the U.S. would withdraw 172 million barrels from its Strategic Petroleum Reserve over 120 days as part of the IEA initiative.
Analysts maintain this release will serve as a short-term solution. New supply takes time to reach consumers, and refineries purchase crude oil in advance, meaning higher price impacts could intensify if the conflict continues. Even with additional reserve withdrawals, they may be working with more expensive supply for an extended period.
ATLANTA — Georgia state senators on Friday questioned Nathan Wade, the former special prosecutor who handled the election interference case against President Donald Trump, focusing on his team’s communications with federal investigators. However, Wade’s frequent claims of not remembering specific details left lawmakers with few answers.
Wade testified before a subcommittee of the Special Committee on Investigations, established by the Republican-controlled state Senate in January 2024 to investigate alleged misconduct by Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis, a Democrat, regarding her Trump prosecution.
Despite multiple hearings featuring various witnesses, including a contentious December appearance by Willis herself, the committee has revealed little new information. Republicans have also expanded their investigation to include Democrat Stacey Abrams, though no public action has been taken on that front.
Willis secured an indictment against Trump and 18 co-defendants in August 2023, using Georgia’s anti-racketeering statute to allege their participation in a broad conspiracy to unlawfully reverse Trump’s narrow Georgia defeat. Four defendants subsequently entered guilty pleas through plea agreements.
The committee’s founding resolution centered on Wade’s appointment as special prosecutor, describing his romantic involvement with Willis as a “clear conflict of interest and a fraud upon the taxpayers” of both the county and state. A December 2024 appeals court ruling removed Willis from the case due to an “appearance of impropriety” stemming from their relationship, and a new prosecutor dropped the charges last November.
While senators questioned Wade about his appointment — including the timeline and selection process — his romantic relationship with Willis was not discussed. Wade’s opening statement suggested a prior agreement that personal relationships would remain off-limits.
Senator Greg Dolezal primarily focused on Wade’s billing records, particularly entries suggesting contact with the U.S. House committee investigating the January 6, 2021 Capitol attack and meetings with Justice Department officials. Wade consistently claimed inability to recall timing of trips or calls, meeting participants, or discussion topics.
Wade defended his team’s work, emphasizing that Willis led the investigation independently. “She led us, I led the team and we did the work,” Wade testified. “We didn’t get assistance, coordination, however you want to characterize it. No one held her hand and guided her through the process. This is her work.”
Following the hearing, Dolezal acknowledged not obtaining all desired information. “Look, I wish Mr. Wade had a better memory,” he told reporters, while appreciating Wade’s appearance and responses “to the best of his recollection.”
Dolezal expressed satisfaction with establishing that Wade’s team met with January 6 investigation personnel and contacted Justice Department officials, suggesting potential coordination in efforts to “get Trump.”
Wade’s attorney Andrew Evans dismissed conspiracy theories as “absolute fiction,” accusing Republican senators of using the committee to distract from unfavorable issues as midterm elections approach.
Four of the committee’s five Republicans, including Dolezal who is seeking lieutenant governor, are pursuing statewide offices in 2026. Bill Cowsert is running for attorney general, while Senators Blake Tillery and Steve Gooch are also seeking the Republican lieutenant governor nomination. Former committee member John Kennedy resigned to launch his own lieutenant governor campaign. Only Dolezal and Cowsert attended Friday’s subcommittee session.
The subcommittee also heard from Fulton County Deputy District Attorney Jeff DiSantis, who handles media relations for Willis’ office. He answered questions about Wade’s hiring, which he said he learned about after the decision was made, and the district attorney’s office’s media monitoring services.
Election authorities in California announced Friday they are examining allegations that ballot petition workers in San Francisco broke the law by paying individuals to sign petitions with fabricated identities.
A video that went viral on social media earlier this week captured a sign advertising “Sign petition for $5” with a queue of people lined up on the sidewalk. The footage shows a woman seated at a portable table who appears to be telling people what names and addresses to write on the petition forms. When asked by the person filming about the petition’s purpose, the woman simply responded, “Just sign it.”
The California secretary of state’s office confirmed in a written statement that officials were “aware of, and investigating, the matter.”
California’s ballot initiative process allows citizens to place measures before voters by collecting hundreds of thousands of valid signatures. While campaigns are permitted to compensate signature gatherers for each name they collect, this creates pressure to maximize the number of signatures obtained.
The video revealed that at least one petition was connected to a technology industry-supported ballot measure designed to counter a proposed tax on billionaires. The initiative receives funding from Building a Better California, an organization established by prominent business figures including Google co-founder Sergey Brin, who contributed $20 million.
Molly Weedn, speaking for the campaign, clarified that the signature collectors were not direct employees of their organization. She stated the campaign was working with authorities to disqualify any petitions containing fraudulent information.
“Under no circumstance do we tolerate this type of activity,” Weedn declared. “Our campaign took immediate action and campaign attorneys reported to authorities.”
Weedn added that election officials were contacted immediately after the video became public.
The video also showed another ballot petition backed by Building a Better California, this one aimed at blocking new taxes on retirement savings. Nathan Click, representing that campaign, emphasized they “does not tolerate fraudulent activity in any signature-gathering process.”
“As soon as we became aware of the activities in question, we demanded that our signature-gathering firm identify the petition circulator, reject any and all petitions submitted by this circulator,” Click stated.
Multiple petitions were visible on the table, though it remains uncertain whether additional campaigns were involved.
State election law prohibits offering monetary payments or other incentives in exchange for ballot measure signatures, according to the secretary of state’s office. All petition signatures undergo verification against voter registration databases, and those that fail to match are rejected.
“It is also a crime to circulate, sign and/or file those signed petitions with an election official any initiative petition that is known to include forged names,” the office explained.
A burst water main has prompted officials to close the right lane of eastbound Lancaster Pike at Barbara Road, creating traffic disruptions for commuters in the area.
Emergency crews are currently on scene addressing the infrastructure failure, which has impacted vehicle flow along the busy corridor.
Authorities are urging drivers to proceed with extra caution when traveling through the affected zone and to comply with instructions from personnel managing the incident.
The duration of the lane closure remains unclear as repair teams work to resolve the water system breach.
Delaware State Police have released a community alert regarding a homeless registered sex offender through their Sex Offender Apprehension and Registration Unit (SOAR).
Officials emphasize that the individual identified in this notice is not currently wanted for registration violations. Instead, this notification serves to inform the public about a registered sex offender who lacks a permanent address.
Community members who have knowledge of the listed person residing at any location are urged to contact authorities at (302) 739-5882. Residents may also share information anonymously through Delaware Crime Stoppers by calling (800) 847-3333.
Police note that this alert represents only one of several individuals currently classified as homeless sex offenders in the state. The complete roster of homeless registered sex offenders can be accessed through the Delaware Sex Offender Registry website.
The individual featured in this notification is Carrie Bowden, whose complete profile and additional details are available through the state’s online registry system.
A senior United Nations humanitarian leader is pressing for safe passage of aid shipments through the Strait of Hormuz as conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran disrupts the critical waterway.
Tom Fletcher, who serves as the U.N. under-secretary-general for humanitarian affairs and emergency relief coordinator, made the appeal Friday as Iran considers blocking the strategically important shipping lane.
“When routes close and costs surge, the help we can deliver shrinks – and the people who need it most are the ones who lose it first,” Fletcher said in a statement.
“So my message to the parties to the conflict and all those with influence over them is simple: humanitarian cargo must be allowed to pass safely through the Strait of Hormuz.”
The military confrontation began two weeks ago after American and Israeli forces launched attacks against Iran, resulting in the deaths of senior Iranian leadership, including the country’s supreme leader. The violence, which started February 28, has claimed hundreds of lives and expanded throughout the Persian Gulf area.
In response to the initial strikes, Iran launched counterattacks and placed approximately twelve naval mines within the strait.
According to Fletcher, vessel movement through the Strait of Hormuz has nearly stopped due to the escalating hostilities. He warned this disruption will increase costs and create barriers to transporting essential items such as medical supplies and food.
“I am speaking directly with key parties, pressing for humanitarian supplies to be allowed to keep moving unobstructed through the Strait,” he said.
WASHINGTON – A federal court has mandated that the Trump administration must maintain financial support for the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau without time limits, after determining that senior officials improperly used questionable legal justification to halt funding.
U.S. District Judge Edward Davila from California’s Northern District delivered the decision Friday, representing yet another judicial setback for President Trump’s approach to CFPB operations, which he has advocated for eliminating entirely. A Washington-based judge reached comparable findings in December.
CFPB representatives have not yet provided statements regarding the court decision. The consumer protection organization focuses on tackling financial industry issues including exploitative lending practices, unreasonable charges, and the inclusion of medical debt in credit evaluations.
During the administration’s initial period, agency operations were nearly completely halted while officials attempted widespread staff reductions.
The Trump administration refused to provide agency funding in 2025. Officials claimed in November that legal guidelines prevented them from using Federal Reserve funds to support the CFPB as Congress originally intended, citing the Fed’s financial losses.
Judge Davila determined that acting CFPB Director Russell Vought requested Justice Department legal guidance as part of a “transparent attempt” to eliminate the CFPB through misinterpretation of Federal Reserve finances and applicable laws – circumventing Congressional intentions to protect the CFPB “from this exact transparent display of partisanship.”
The judge clarified that while the CFPB faces a preliminary injunction in separate litigation, Friday’s decision ensures ongoing agency funding indefinitely.
Following court requirements, Vought, who simultaneously serves as Trump’s budget director, requested $145 million from the Federal Reserve in January to cover CFPB operational costs for one fiscal quarter, though he indicated his objection to the action.
Administration officials have criticized the CFPB for politically motivated enforcement actions and hampering business freedom, allegations that agency defenders and employees dispute. They argue that dismantling the CFPB benefits politically connected donors and business interests.
Consumer advocacy groups in San Jose, California initiated the legal action.
Investment conglomerate Berkshire Hathaway announced Friday that its board members have unanimously recommended shareholders vote against a proposal calling for detailed workforce management reporting across all company operations.
The recommendation came in a proxy filing ahead of Berkshire’s annual shareholder meeting scheduled for May 2 in Omaha, Nebraska. The proposed measure would have required the company to create comprehensive reports detailing how it oversees employee and human resources management throughout its various business units.
The same filing revealed that legendary investor Warren Buffett, who turned 95 and stepped away from his CEO role at year’s end, earned total compensation of $389,488 during 2025. This figure includes his standard annual salary of $100,000 along with additional costs for personal security services and home protection.
Drivers across the Delmarva Peninsula should prepare for dangerous conditions Tuesday morning as the National Weather Service has issued a Dense Fog Advisory from 2 AM until 10 AM.
Visibility will drop dramatically to just one-quarter to one-half mile in dense fog, creating hazardous driving conditions during the morning commute. The advisory affects multiple areas throughout our region, including New Castle and Kent counties in Delaware, Queen Anne’s and Caroline counties on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, plus surrounding areas in New Jersey and southeastern Pennsylvania.
‘Low visibility could make driving conditions hazardous,’ warns the National Weather Service Mount Holly office, which issued the advisory Monday evening.
If you must drive during these conditions, meteorologists strongly recommend slowing down, using your headlights, and maintaining plenty of distance between your vehicle and others on the road. Consider delaying non-essential travel until visibility improves.
The fog is expected to gradually lift throughout the morning, with conditions improving by 10 AM Tuesday. However, drivers should remain cautious even as visibility begins to clear.
Stay with TV Delmarva for the latest weather updates and traffic conditions throughout your Tuesday morning commute.
Federal authorities announced Friday that software company Adobe Inc. will pay $150 million and accept court oversight to settle claims that its subscription business practices broke federal consumer protection rules.
The Justice Department revealed that Adobe has reached the settlement agreement to resolve accusations that the company violated the Restore Online Shoppers’ Confidence Act through its subscription service operations.
Along with the substantial financial penalty, Adobe must also comply with an injunction as part of the resolution with federal regulators.
Motorists in Salisbury should prepare for significant traffic disruptions starting Monday morning as construction crews begin work on TidalHealth Salisbury’s hospital expansion project.
Salisbury’s Department of Infrastructure and Development has announced that construction workers will start the first phase of the Observation Unit expansion at 100 Carroll Street at 7 a.m. on March 16. Officials expect the initial construction phase to wrap up by April 4, assuming no unexpected complications arise.
The 17-day construction period will significantly impact local traffic patterns. West Vine Street will be completely shut down to vehicle traffic, while both West Vine Street and Patterson Road will experience lane restrictions in both directions. Pedestrians will also face sidewalk closures along West Vine Street during the construction window.
City officials are advising all travelers – whether driving, biking, or walking – to anticipate delays and plan alternative routes while the work is underway. The construction zone will require both partial lane closures and complete road shutdowns in the immediate project area.
City representatives expressed gratitude to local residents and visitors for their understanding during the construction period, noting that the temporary inconvenience will ultimately benefit the community through TidalHealth’s enhanced medical services.
Drivers should expect delays on a busy Newark roadway today as construction work forces a lane restriction on Route 72 northbound.
The Delaware Department of Transportation reports that one lane is blocked on South Chapel Street heading north between Brookhill Drive and Dawson Drive. The construction-related closure is scheduled to remain in effect until 3:00 PM today.
Motorists are advised to allow extra travel time when using this route and consider alternate paths if possible to avoid potential traffic backups in the area.
The University of Delaware women’s lacrosse squad is gearing up to welcome Mount St. Mary’s to Newark for a non-conference showdown on their home turf.
The Blue Hens will be looking to capitalize on the home field advantage as they square off against the Mountaineers in what promises to be an exciting matchup between the two programs.
After spending time on the road, the Delaware team will have the support of their home crowd as they take the field against Mount St. Mary’s in this non-league contest.
On Friday, President Donald Trump put his signature on two executive orders designed to make housing more affordable for Americans, according to White House officials.
The first order focuses on removing regulatory obstacles that slow down the construction of new homes and drive up building costs. The second directive addresses mortgage regulations, aiming to reduce loan costs and streamline the home financing process, based on information sheets provided by the White House.
The Associated Press was the first news organization to break the story about these housing-focused executive orders.
Next season will see the Ottawa Senators and Chicago Blackhawks travel overseas for two regular season contests in Germany, according to Friday’s announcement from the National Hockey League.
Düsseldorf’s PSD Bank Dome will serve as the venue for these NHL Global Series contests scheduled for December 18th and 20th, taking place just prior to the league’s traditional holiday hiatus.
These international matchups represent a collaborative effort between the NHL and the NHL Players’ Association to expand hockey’s reach in Germany, which ranks among Europe’s most densely populated nations. Germany’s national men’s hockey squad recently finished sixth during the Winter Olympics in Milan.
Leading that German roster is 24-year-old forward Tim Stützle, who currently paces Ottawa in scoring with 70 points through 64 contests this season, recording 30 goals and 40 assists.
“I think German hockey has been growing a lot and there are a lot of great players from there,” said Stützle, who hails from Viersen and represents one of seven German players currently active in the NHL.
“And now that (the NHL has) been committing to playing games there and supporting kids as well, it’s huge. Hopefully it gets more people to play hockey in Germany. It’s really exciting news.”
Chicago will feature Canadian sensation Connor Bedard, the 20-year-old forward who tops his squad with 35 assists and 62 total points.
“I think when we found out, the whole team was pretty fired up,” said Bedard. “It’s a great opportunity for us. Just spreading (the game) to other parts of the world and showing our skill set and what we do over here, we’re excited.”
Germany previously welcomed one NHL regular season contest in 2011 when Buffalo defeated Los Angeles 4-2 in Berlin. The Blackhawks also claimed a 3-1 victory over local club Eisbären Berlin during a 2019 exhibition match.
During 2023’s Global Series in Stockholm, Sweden, Stützle helped guide Ottawa to victories against both Detroit and Minnesota.
“From a team perspective, this is good for us, really, because we get to showcase one of our stars in Europe,” stated Senators president Cyril Leeder. “Hockey is a global game now. Of the team sports, maybe soccer and hockey probably (are) top two in the world. So you know, there are fans now that are following our team from Germany, from Sweden, all over the globe.”
Newark officials have deployed their inaugural automated speed enforcement camera on Hillside Road, working alongside vendor Elovate to implement the new traffic safety measure.
The camera deployment comes following approval of legislation at both the state and municipal levels that permits automated speed monitoring systems. This legislative action was prompted by persistent community complaints regarding excessive speeding in the area.
The new speed camera represents Newark’s first step into automated traffic enforcement technology as city leaders work to address ongoing traffic safety concerns raised by local residents.
GOMA, Congo — Both sides in Congo’s long-running conflict are pointing fingers at each other for breaking ceasefire terms designed to end decades of warfare and establish lasting peace in the war-torn eastern region.
The fragile peace agreement, along with a separate minerals accord that Congo signed with the Trump administration to give the U.S. access to the nation’s valuable mineral resources, now faces serious challenges following renewed drone attacks and ground fighting.
President Trump played a role in brokering peace negotiations between Congo and neighboring Rwanda, which has been viewed as an important behind-the-scenes participant in the conflict. Meanwhile, Qatar and other international partners have supported direct talks between Congo’s government and the M23 rebel movement.
However, both diplomatic efforts have failed to stop the violence.
This Tuesday, a drone attack that M23 fighters attribute to Congo’s military resulted in the death of a French United Nations worker in the strategic city of Goma. The incident occurred less than 30 days after another similar aerial strike killed the rebel group’s spokesperson and wounded multiple others.
Local residents are reporting ongoing battles between M23 forces and Congo’s army, sometimes with assistance from the regional Wazalendo militia. These clashes have forced thousands of people to flee their homes in recent weeks.
Speaking to The Associated Press, M23 spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka stated that his organization remains dedicated to peace initiatives provided Congo’s military “refrains from attacking our positions and assassinating our leaders, soldiers, and innocent civilians.”
Patrick Muyaya, a spokesman for Congo’s government, confirmed that authorities are looking into this week’s drone strike that claimed the life of the French aid worker, though he declined to provide details about other aerial attacks.
While Muyaya accused M23 of breaking ceasefire terms, he emphasized that the government wants to “reaffirm our commitment to respecting the ceasefire” and other negotiated agreements.
The Associated Press was unable to independently confirm events in the affected areas of the region. These attacks have made peace efforts more difficult in an area where mass burial sites have recently been discovered.
The ongoing warfare has created one of the globe’s most severe humanitarian emergencies, with no fewer than 7 million people forced from their homes in eastern Congo.
Even as peace negotiations continue, Congo’s military has been linked to at least 60 drone attacks in 2026, while rebels have been responsible for fewer than 5% of such strikes in the past year, according to research from the U.S.-based Armed Conflict Location & Event Data (ACLED), an organization that tracks global conflict data.
“You still have people losing their lives to this crisis, and you still have displacement,” said Christian Rumu, a senior campaigner with Amnesty International, noting that Congolese citizens “do not feel any positive change” from the peace agreements.
“Heavy artillery has been used on densely populated areas throughout the conflict since 2021, and we see that in the latest attack in Goma,” Rumu explained.
VILLA DEL ROSARIO, Colombia — Family members seeking the freedom of Colombian prisoners held in Venezuela faced crushing disappointment Friday when a high-level diplomatic meeting was unexpectedly scrapped.
Javier Giraldo had traveled to an international bridge connecting the two nations, planning to hold up a sign pleading for his father’s freedom during what was supposed to be a face-to-face meeting between Colombian President Gustavo Petro and Venezuelan acting President Delcy Rodríguez.
Instead, Giraldo’s hopes were shattered when both governments suddenly called off the summit Thursday night, citing unexpected circumstances without providing specific reasons.
This marks the third disappointment this year for Giraldo in his quest to free his father. Previous setbacks came after a U.S. military action in January that resulted in former President Nicolás Maduro’s capture, and again when Venezuela’s legislature approved an amnesty measure for mass prisoner releases.
Giraldo’s 70-year-old father, Javier Giraldo García, has been held for four years at El Rodeo III prison in Guatire, located about 22 miles southeast of Caracas. Despite being born in Colombia, the elder Giraldo had resided in Venezuela for 30 years before authorities arrested him in Táchira state on terrorism-related accusations, his son explained.
According to Colombia’s foreign ministry, diplomatic negotiations have led to the gradual release of Colombian detainees from Venezuelan facilities since last year. However, data from Foro Penal, a Venezuela-based prisoners’ rights group, indicates at least eight Colombians and 11 people with dual Colombian-Venezuelan citizenship remain imprisoned.
Family members of those still detained have organized occasional demonstrations.
Ninfa Rebolledo, who participated in Friday’s protest near the Atanasio Girardot Binational Bridge despite the meeting’s cancellation, shared that her son Albeiro Guevara remains optimistic about his upcoming release. She explained he has been incarcerated for more than six years on charges of “aggravated trafficking in transport” — accusations he firmly denies.
“He is under the impression that they were going to bring them over and hand them over right here at the international bridge,” said Rebolledo, who maintains phone contact with her son every two weeks.
Despite expectations, no prisoner exchange or unusual activity occurred at the international crossing between Norte de Santander and Venezuela’s Táchira state following the cancellation of what would have been Petro and Rodríguez’s first in-person encounter.
Both nations released a joint statement late Thursday promising the meeting would be rescheduled for a future date, though no additional specifics were provided.
RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) — While Hollywood stars may dominate the movie industry spotlight during events like Sunday’s Academy Awards ceremony, Brazilian performers typically begin their journey to fame in television studios rather than on movie sets.
Dating back to the 1960s, Brazil’s telenovelas produced by TV Globo have transformed from basic daily programming into a massive entertainment empire featuring 13 production facilities, three complete set communities, 122 editing suites, and attracting as many as 60 million viewers from Brazil’s 213 million population each week.
Numerous Brazilian performers featured in Academy Award-nominated productions — including “Central Station” from 1998, “I’m Still Here” from 2024, and this year’s four-category contender “The Secret Agent” — initially gained recognition through TV Globo programming. Stars such as Wagner Moura and Fernanda Torres built their national profiles through telenovela appearances.
By comparison, Brazil operates only approximately 3,500 cinema locations, primarily concentrated in metropolitan areas where American blockbusters dominate programming. This environment creates a cycle where television success opens doors to major film opportunities, which then leads back to popular soap opera roles, and eventually returns to cinema projects.
Moura, who headlines “The Secret Agent,” appeared in the telenovela “A Lua Me Disse” (The Moon told Me) two decades ago. Torres, featured in “I’m Still Here,” which earned Brazil its first best international feature Oscar, had already become a cherished performer through two prominent TV Globo comedy programs that audiences consider soap operas.
“Globo’s telenovelas are key for Brazil’s audiovisual production,” stated Amauri Soares, director of TV Globo and Globo Studios, describing them as “a continuous platform of creation and production of content.”
“‘The Secret Agent’ has actors and staffers who worked at Globo, who will work at Globo again and the film itself has Globo investment despite being independent,” Soares explained.
TV Globo airs three telenovelas concurrently from early evening through prime time hours. These productions originate from Rio de Janeiro facilities and typically continue for six-month periods, airing Monday through Saturday with crews exceeding 1,000 individuals. Final episodes of telenovelas become nationwide viewing occasions, with establishments like bars, restaurants and fitness centers broadcasting major installments.
The telenovela business demands flexibility. Since some episodes are written just days ahead based on viewership data, these programs enable audiences to indirectly influence storylines. Their financial influence is substantial: a remake of the successful “Vale Tudo” (Anything Goes) allegedly produced more than 200 million reais ($38 million) in advertising revenue — four times “The Secret Agent’s” worldwide box office earnings.
TV Globo annually brings in up to 70 new performers from theater, cinema and regional productions. According to Soares, they develop their abilities using advanced equipment and fresh methods for one year. Many then depart for different projects, while others remain with the network for additional soap operas and limited series.
Dira Paes, an experienced performer and regular TV Globo commentator during Oscar broadcasts, observes that Brazil’s soap opera and film sectors are becoming more connected, allowing professionals to transition between mediums for creative and financial opportunities. She recently starred in the popular telenovela “Pantanal” (Wetlands) and appeared in “Manas,” a movie that received praise from Julia Roberts and Sean Penn.
“Soap operas are not only about ratings, but also heart and affection. When you do it on prime-time, you experience the power of an entire nation watching you. When the public loves your character … it is a very special popularity,” Paes commented, referring to her role in “Tres Gracas” (Three Gracas), a telenovela filmed in Rio but depicting an impoverished São Paulo neighborhood.
Mauricio Stycer, a television culture author and critic, believes Brazil’s economic disparity strengthened free television networks like Globo in ways that diminished public interest in movies. He contends this situation resulted in “Brazilian cinema holding a grudge for not having the same reach of soap operas.”
Stycer noted that performers often face a difficult choice when offered telenovela roles.
“To be popular and have a sure income every month or to take risks in a career that involves theater and cinema? TV was always a safe haven for most actors,” he observed.
Although competing Brazilian television networks have attempted to challenge Globo’s telenovela dominance, few have succeeded. However, even TV Globo’s programming no longer maintains the commanding position it held through the early 2010s. Network leadership has recognized increasing competition from streaming platforms.
Nevertheless, “Globo is still Brazil’s biggest company for actors,” Stycer noted. “Up until the year 2000, Globo alone was responsible for about 50% of TV ratings in Brazil.”
Actor and director Lázaro Ramos initially joined telenovelas after launching his career in theater and film. He believes Brazilians have developed equal appreciation for both telenovelas and movies when they successfully capture the nation’s vibrant and sometimes somber character.
“Brazilians see themselves in telenovelas, more and more. Our acclaimed writers created many of them based on literature classics,” Ramos said. “They are an investment in a national voice through characters, language and esthetics that viewers greatly identify with.”
Ramos — a longtime friend of Moura — plans to attend the Academy Awards but will return to Brazil immediately afterward to resume work on his new telenovela, “A Nobreza do Amor” (Love’s Nobility).
For him, the capacity to move between theater, cinema and television keeps Brazilian actors financially stable.
“An American actor could get $10 million for a film. That’s not the Brazilian reality,” he said. “But telenovelas are not a lesser product; they are a product of the highest quality.”
WASHINGTON — Federal officials have dramatically cut the cost for Americans seeking to formally abandon their U.S. citizenship, reducing the fee by roughly 80% to $450.
Following extended court fights with multiple organizations advocating for Americans seeking to surrender their citizenship, the State Department released its final regulation Friday in the Federal Register, lowering the price from $2,350 to $450.
The updated fee, which became effective Friday, had been pledged in 2023 but never put into practice. The price now matches what the State Department initially charged when it began requiring payment for formal citizenship renunciation in 2010.
Giving up U.S. citizenship involves a complex and time-consuming procedure. Those seeking renunciation must confirm through numerous written and oral declarations to State Department consular officials that they fully comprehend the consequences of their decision before taking a formal renunciation oath. The department must then conduct its review.
Officials increased the fee from $450 to $2,350 in 2015 to address administrative costs as citizenship renunciations increased significantly, partly due to new tax reporting rules for Americans living overseas that frustrated many expatriates.
The steep price hike faced strong resistance from organizations like the France-based Association of Accidental Americans, which advocates for individuals primarily residing abroad whose American citizenship stems solely from being born on U.S. soil.
The organization pursued multiple legal challenges questioning the fee’s constitutionality, including an ongoing case arguing that citizenship renunciation should be completely free.
“The Association of Accidental Americans welcomes this decision, which acknowledges the necessity of making this fundamental right accessible to all,” its president, Fabien Lahagre, said in a statement. “This victory is the direct result of six years of relentless legal action and advocacy.”
During court proceedings, the association reported that since the 2023 announcement about the fee reduction, at least 8,755 Americans had paid the complete $2,350 to renounce their citizenship. State Department officials have not released total figures for Americans who have renounced their citizenship.
WASHINGTON — Federal environmental regulators announced Friday their intention to roll back air quality restrictions on ethylene oxide, a cancer-causing substance essential for cleaning medical devices, overturning stricter cancer risk protections established during the previous administration.
The Environmental Protection Agency expressed concerns that existing regulations “actively threaten” companies’ capacity to properly sterilize medical equipment and “jeopardize one of America’s only options for a secure domestic supply chain of essential medical equipment.”
While ethylene oxide serves an essential function in sanitizing life-saving medical instruments such as pacemakers and syringes, prolonged contact with the substance can lead to leukemia and additional cancer types in workers at medical sterilization plants and residents in surrounding areas.
EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin stated the recommended changes demonstrate the agency’s dedication to safeguarding public health while preserving a reliable domestic medical supply network.
“The Trump EPA is committed to ensuring life-saving medical devices remain available for the critical care of America’s children, elderly and all patients without unnecessary exposure to communities,” he said in a statement.
This announcement represents another action by the EPA under President Donald Trump to ease pollution regulations and reduce industry expenses. During February, the agency loosened mercury restrictions for coal-fired power plants and eliminated a scientific determination that formed the foundation for U.S. greenhouse gas regulation and climate change efforts.
A regulation completed in 2024 aimed to cut ethylene oxide releases by approximately 90% by focusing on nearly 90 commercial sterilization operations nationwide. The previous administration’s policy also mandated companies monitor airborne levels of the antimicrobial substance and verify their pollution control systems operate correctly.
The American Lung Association praised the 2024 regulation as a significant measure to shield public health from cancer risks associated with ethylene oxide releases. Individuals residing close to commercial sterilization operations face higher lifetime cancer risks, according to the organization.
Environmental justice supporters highlighted that numerous ethylene oxide facilities operate in minority neighborhoods where Black and Brown residents have faced exposure to the carcinogenic substance.
Ethylene oxide, or EtO, is a gas that sterilizes approximately half of all medical devices and helps ensure safety for certain spices and food items. The chemical cleans various items from catheters to syringes, pacemakers and plastic surgical garments. Short-term contact poses minimal risk, but long-term inhalation increases breast cancer and lymphoma chances, according to EPA findings.
Federal regulators initially designated ethylene oxide as a human carcinogen in 2016.
In 2022, the EPA outlined dangers for people living near medical sterilization plants. In Laredo, Texas, residents and activists worked to address contamination from a sterilization operation managed by Missouri-based Midwest Sterilization Corp. This facility was among 23 sterilizers nationwide that the EPA determined created risks for nearby communities.
Sterigenics, a leading sterilization company, closed a medical sterilization plant in a Chicago suburb following monitoring that detected emission increases in surrounding neighborhoods. The company later resolved multiple legal cases.
Scott Whitaker, president and CEO of the Advanced Medical Technology Association, emphasized that medical sterilizers deliver essential services and many devices cannot undergo sterilization through alternative methods.
“We appreciate the EPA’s efforts in listening to and understanding the importance of supplying safe, sterile medical technology without interruption while protecting employees and communities near sterilization facilities,” he said in an email.
A federal judge delivered a crushing defeat to the Justice Department on Friday, throwing out subpoenas targeting Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell and condemning the investigation as baseless harassment.
The probe centers on Powell’s congressional testimony last June regarding a $2.5 billion Federal Reserve building renovation project. The controversy has created political ripple effects in Washington, stalling Senate confirmation proceedings for Kevin Warsh, whom President Trump has nominated to succeed Powell when his tenure expires on May 15.
Judge James Boasberg issued a scathing rebuke of the government’s case, stating they have “produced essentially zero evidence to suspect Chair Powell of a crime.” The judge characterized the justifications for the subpoenas as so “thin and unsubstantiated” that they appeared designed solely to pressure Powell into cutting interest rates, which Trump has repeatedly advocated.
“There is abundant evidence that the subpoenas’ dominant (if not sole) purpose is to harass and pressure Powell either to yield to the President or to resign and make way for a Fed Chair who will,” Boasberg wrote in his decision.
The court’s decision prevents U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro, who authorized the subpoenas, from accessing Federal Reserve documents related to the building renovation. Pirro responded angrily to the ruling during a press conference, announcing plans to appeal.
Pirro criticized what she termed an “activist judge” for quashing the subpoenas, claiming the decision has “neutered the grand jury’s ability to investigate crime” and leaves Powell “bathed in immunity.”
“This is wrong and it is without legal authority,” she declared.
The investigation became public knowledge when Powell took the unusual step of announcing it in a video statement on January 11. This revelation prompted Senator Thom Tillis, a North Carolina Republican who serves on the Banking Committee, to halt consideration of Warsh’s nomination until the probe is abandoned.
Following Friday’s ruling, Tillis said the court decision validated his concerns about the investigation’s merit, calling it “weak and frivolous.” The senator has maintained his position of blocking all Federal Reserve nominations, including Warsh’s appointment as the next Fed chair, until authorities drop their criminal investigation of Powell.
“We all know how this is going to end and the D.C. U.S. Attorney’s Office should save itself further embarrassment and move on,” Tillis stated Friday. “Appealing the ruling will only delay the confirmation of Kevin Warsh as the next Fed Chair.”
A Wisconsin state representative has admitted guilt to misdemeanor disorderly conduct charges following a contentious dispute with Democratic colleagues over Hispanic heritage resolutions.
State Rep. Sylvia Ortiz-Velez, a Milwaukee Democrat, entered her guilty plea on Friday in Milwaukee County court, according to online records. Judge Paul Malloy sentenced her to pay $300 in fines and provide a DNA sample. The charge could have resulted in up to 90 days behind bars.
Following her sentencing, Ortiz-Velez released a statement saying she would pay the penalty and continue concentrating on constituent services rather than party disputes.
“My voting choices caused a rift that has been ugly and bitter,” she said. “My constituents did not send me to Madison to litigate internal caucus disputes or be distracted by the personal feuds — they sent me there to deliver results.”
Assembly Democratic Minority Leader Greta Neubauer’s office did not respond to requests for comment.
The criminal complaint reveals the conflict originated in August when Assembly Democrats were developing resolutions to celebrate Hispanic heritage and honor Hispanic veterans for September’s Hispanic Heritage Month observance.
Ortiz-Velez became upset, believing an unidentified colleague deliberately kept her out of the heritage resolution drafting process.
Court documents indicate she had received an invitation to participate in June but declined, though she later wanted involvement in writing the language. She reached out to news organizations claiming intentional exclusion from the resolution work. She also expressed frustration to the resolution’s author about being left out of a separate measure honoring Hispanic veterans, noting her deceased husband’s status as a Hispanic veteran.
Two additional unnamed legislators informed investigators that Ortiz-Velez threatened during separate phone calls to release “negative personal information” about the resolution author to media outlets and stated “they are going to do what I want them to do, or I’m going to x, y and z,” the complaint states.
When pressed for clarification, she made remarks about the resolution author’s private life and other legislators. The complaint described these comments as “indecent and tended to disrupt the good public order” without providing additional details.
Democratic leadership released a September statement claiming Ortiz-Velez had made comments about shooting three caucus members. This came one day after announcing her departure from the Democratic caucus.
In conversations with Wisconsin Right Now and the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Ortiz-Velez rejected claims she threatened colleagues. However, the Legislature’s human resources department temporarily prohibited her Capitol access for one day. A representative for Assembly Republican Speaker Robin Vos stated she should not have faced the ban.
Ortiz-Velez’s legal counsel, Michael Cernin, explained in a Friday phone interview that Assembly Democrats were already frustrated with his client before September due to her support for the 2025-27 state budget and new legislative maps created by Democratic Gov. Tony Evers in 2024. Democrats opposed the spending plan partly because they believed it inadequately funded public education and argued the state Supreme Court should have created the new legislative boundaries.
According to Cernin, Rep. Priscilla Prado, another Milwaukee Democrat, prevented Ortiz-Velez from participating in the Hispanic resolutions. Two unnamed lawmakers in the complaint alleged to investigators that Ortiz-Velez threatened to reveal unfavorable aspects of Prado’s personal life to media outlets.
“It’s incredibly petty, and Sylvia didn’t want any part of this,” Cernin said. “Sylvia truly wanted to spare Prado any sort of embarrassment on this.”
Prado’s Capitol office did not respond to Friday afternoon requests for comment.
President Donald Trump issued an executive order Friday targeting companies that deceive consumers with false ‘Made in America’ product labeling, according to White House officials.
The directive instructs the Federal Trade Commission chairman to make enforcement against deceptive origin labeling a top priority, focusing on manufacturers and retailers who illegally misrepresent where their products are actually made.
Under the new order, all federal agencies responsible for monitoring country-of-origin labeling must work alongside the FTC to develop updated regulations and provide uniform guidance on enforcement.
The action reflects the current administration’s focus on promoting domestic manufacturing and ensuring companies provide truthful information about how much of their products contain foreign versus American-made components.
Additionally, the executive order mandates that agencies handling federal procurement contracts must regularly check claims about American origins for products purchased by the government, White House officials announced.
Companies found violating these requirements will be reported to the Department of Justice for potential prosecution, the order specifies.
Following a challenging group stage that included some unexpected setbacks, the United States has reclaimed its position as the top choice to capture the World Baseball Classic title as elimination rounds commence Friday.
The Americans initially started the tournament with +140 championship odds, but those numbers dropped to +225 following an upset defeat to Italy, temporarily making the Dominican Republic the betting favorites at +175. In a twist of fate, Italy’s subsequent win over Mexico on Wednesday gave Team USA a lifeline to advance.
As single-elimination competition begins, the United States enters as overwhelming 4.5-run favorites against Canada on Friday, with moneyline odds of -800 at BetMGM by Friday afternoon. The quarterfinal action opens with the Dominican Republic also favored by 4.5 runs against South Korea.
Saturday’s doubleheader features Italy as slight -105 favorites over Puerto Rico, though no run line is currently available for that matchup. The final quarterfinal contest will see Japan favored by 1.5 runs over Venezuela.
Team USA has returned to championship favorite status at +125 odds and represents the sportsbook’s largest potential loss, attracting 37.8% of all bets placed and 51.2% of the total money wagered on the tournament winner. The Dominican Republic ranks second in betting action with 26.7% of bets and 25.2% of the money.
Japan follows with 18.0% of total wagers and 12.8% of the money, while superstar Shohei Ohtani leads the MVP betting market. Ohtani has drawn 16.8% of MVP bets and 17.6% of the money, causing his odds to improve significantly from +1100 to +500.
Current championship odds at BetMGM show USA (+125), Dominican Republic (+240), Japan (+375), Venezuela (+900), Puerto Rico (+1800), Italy (+2000), Canada (+5000), and Korea (+8000).
DraftKings offers similar rankings with Team USA at slightly longer +130 odds, followed by the Dominican Republic at +250 and Japan at +370.
Fierce weather systems swept through the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions Friday, leaving nearly 400,000 customers without electricity across six states, data from PowerOutage.us revealed.
Ohio experienced the most extensive power disruptions, with approximately 123,300 residents and businesses losing service. This figure represents roughly 2.3% of Ohio’s total customer base of about 5.4 million.
Within Ohio, an American Electric Power subsidiary suffered the largest impact, with roughly 40,000 customers experiencing blackouts. AEP serves approximately 1.5 million electricity users throughout the state.
Wisconsin ranked second in outage numbers with 81,100 customers affected, while Michigan followed closely with 75,100 power losses. Indiana reported 73,700 outages, Illinois saw 30,700 customers without service, and Pennsylvania recorded 12,600 disruptions.
The combined total of power outages reached 396,500 customers as the storm system moved through the region Friday.
Olympic champion Kaillie Humphries is dealing with intense online criticism following her decision to honor President Donald Trump with a prestigious Olympic award during a White House ceremony this week.
The 40-year-old bobsledder, who changed her competitive allegiance from Canada to the United States in 2019, presented Trump with the Order of Ikkos during Thursday’s White House event celebrating women. The award, established by the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee in 2008, takes its name from ancient Greece’s first documented Olympic coach and allows medal-winning American athletes to recognize individuals who played crucial roles in their achievements.
During an emotional presentation, Humphries specifically commended Trump’s stance on transgender participation in women’s athletics and his administration’s fertility treatment policies.
“I want to recognise the support and the impact you’ve had on women’s sports throughout the Olympic movement. Specifically, standing up to keep biological women in women’s sports, to keep the field of play safe and allow for fair competition,” said Humphries.
“Furthermore, because your policies are creating greater access to IVF, so families like mine can continue to grow as I look to expand my family again. I believe this actually makes you the first president in history to ever be awarded an Order of Ikkos. So, thank you.”
The president recently implemented an executive order in February 2025 prohibiting transgender girls and women from participating in female sports competitions. That same month, he also signed legislation expanding IVF accessibility while working to lower costs for the fertility procedure.
Following her formal remarks and photo opportunity with Trump, Humphries returned to express additional praise: “Isn’t he just the best? He’s the best.”
Trump appeared caught off guard by receiving the honor and replied: “I knew I liked her.”
Social media users quickly responded negatively once footage of the ceremony began spreading online. Critical comments included one X user stating “I’m embarrassed for Canada. You can keep her” and another writing “Thank goodness she doesn’t compete for Canada any longer.”
USA Bobsled/Skeleton has not responded to requests for comment regarding Humphries’ presentation or provided any statement on her behalf.
Humphries achieved Olympic glory representing Canada with gold medals in two-woman bobsled at the 2010 Vancouver and 2014 Sochi Games, plus a bronze at the 2018 Pyeongchang Olympics before her nationality switch. Competing for Team USA, she claimed the inaugural Olympic monobob gold medal at the 2022 Winter Games and added two more bronze medals at last month’s Milano Cortina Olympics.
A federal judge has halted the Justice Department’s criminal investigation into Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, ruling Friday that subpoenas targeting the Fed leader should be blocked.
Chief U.S. District Judge James Boasberg determined that prosecutors failed to provide adequate evidence of criminal wrongdoing in their investigation of Powell’s oversight of historic building renovations at Federal Reserve facilities.
The criminal probe, led by U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirro, centers on renovation projects at Fed headquarters buildings in Washington. Powell first revealed the existence of the Justice Department investigation on January 11.
In his ruling, Judge Boasberg stated that a “mountain of evidence” indicated the investigation’s true purpose was to force the Fed chair to reduce interest rates or step down from his position.
“The Government has produced essentially zero evidence to suspect Chair Powell of a crime; indeed, its justifications are so thin and unsubstantiated that the Court can only conclude that they are pretextual,” Boasberg wrote in his decision.
Powell has consistently characterized the investigation as an attack on Federal Reserve independence and part of former President Trump’s efforts to influence monetary policy decisions.
The Fed’s Board of Governors had filed a motion to block the subpoenas, which demanded details about the renovation projects and Powell’s scheduled July 2025 testimony to the Senate Banking Committee.
Prosecutor Pirro, who was appointed during the Trump administration, announced plans to challenge the judge’s decision. She told reporters that the ruling “has neutered the grand jury’s ability to investigate crime; as a result Jerome Powell today is now bathed in immunity.” Pirro maintained that her suspicions of legal violations justify continuing the case.
The investigation has created political complications on Capitol Hill. Republican Senator Thom Tillis has threatened to block any Federal Reserve nominations through his Banking Committee position as long as the probe continues, potentially stalling confirmation of Trump’s choice to replace Powell when his leadership term concludes in mid-May.
Drivers traveling on southbound Interstate 495 will encounter construction-related delays near the Route 141 overpass, where work crews have temporarily shut down the right lane.
According to Delaware Department of Transportation officials, the lane restriction will remain active until 3 AM as construction operations continue in the area.
Motorists are advised to allow extra travel time and exercise caution when passing through the work zone. Drivers should merge safely into the left lane before reaching the construction area.
Drivers across the Delmarva Peninsula should prepare for hazardous travel conditions as dense fog is expected to blanket the region overnight into Tuesday morning.
The National Weather Service has issued a Dense Fog Advisory effective from midnight tonight through 10:00 AM Tuesday for several areas, including Kent and inland Sussex counties in Delaware, Talbot County in Maryland, and parts of southern New Jersey.
Visibility could drop to just one quarter mile or less in the densest areas, creating dangerous driving conditions during the Tuesday morning commute. The fog is expected to be most problematic between midnight and mid-morning Tuesday.
Motorists are urged to exercise extreme caution if travel is necessary. The National Weather Service recommends slowing down, using headlights, and maintaining extra distance between vehicles. Consider delaying non-essential travel until conditions improve.
The Dense Fog Advisory is scheduled to expire at 10:00 AM Tuesday morning as warming temperatures and changing atmospheric conditions help lift the fog.
Stay with TV Delmarva for continued weather updates throughout the evening and Tuesday morning as we monitor conditions across the peninsula. Check our website and social media for the latest road conditions before heading out.
An Israeli emergency responder used his own body to protect a newborn infant during an Iranian missile warning that came just moments after the baby’s birth inside an ambulance on a southern Israel highway.
Magen David Adom paramedic Elad Pas recounted the harrowing experience, telling The Media Line: “I shielded the baby with my body.” The incident occurred when his medical team was rushing a 23-year-old expectant mother to the hospital as her labor intensified.
With contractions becoming more frequent and the hospital still far away, it became apparent the infant would arrive before they could reach medical facilities. “There was a very high probability the birth would happen immediately,” Pas remembered.
As Pas explained to The Media Line: “We were notified that there was a woman with contractions that were becoming urgent. We understood there was a very high probability that the birth was about to happen.” When his team arrived, another ambulance crew was already providing assistance, but it was clear there wasn’t enough time to transport the woman safely.
“We saw that she was really at the beginning of delivery,” Pas noted. “So we delivered the baby right there, in the ambulance.” The infant arrived safely and started crying as the medical team quickly cleaned and examined him while caring for his mother.
Within seconds, the circumstances changed drastically.
“Immediately after the baby came out, after we cleaned him a little and made sure everything was okay, the sirens started,” Pas described. Alert notifications appeared on the crew’s mobile devices, warning that an Iranian missile was targeting their area in southern Israel.
While Israeli emergency personnel follow established protocols during rocket and missile warnings, having both a newborn and a woman who had just delivered created an unusually challenging scenario inside the ambulance.
“In general, there are instructions for what to do when there are sirens,” Pas said. “If you are in the ambulance, if you are on the way to a call, or if you are treating someone at the scene. But here the situation was more complex.” Evacuating the patient from the vehicle was impossible due to her post-delivery condition.
“She had just given birth,” he explained. “It wasn’t possible to take her out.” Meanwhile, the infant was completely vulnerable and reliant on the medical team. “The baby is helpless. Completely dependent on you. Those are his first breaths in the world.”
The crew positioned their ambulance in what they determined was the safest available location. They quickly donned helmets and protective gear while securing the mother and her companion. Pas then picked up the newborn and used his body as a shield during the ongoing alert.
“I held the baby and covered him,” Pas said. “You instinctively protect him.”
Though the tense moments lasted only minutes, Pas was struck by the stark contrast between what should have been a joyful occasion and the reality of wartime danger.
“Birth is something very joyful,” he reflected. “Life is coming into the world.” His typical duties often involve the opposite scenario: responding to emergencies where people are critically wounded or ill and struggling to survive. “A lot of our work is dealing with people in very difficult situations,” he said. “When there is a birth, it’s something optimistic. It makes you smile.”
However, this delivery was overshadowed by the ongoing conflict.
“Suddenly it was very mixed,” Pas observed. “On one hand, a baby had just been born, something very happy. On the other hand, we are in a reality of war, and we are being bombarded.”
For Pas, his duty in that critical moment was unmistakable: safeguard the newborn until the threat subsided. The warning sirens eventually stopped, the immediate danger passed, and the ambulance resumed its journey to the hospital.
“It goes into the collection of moments you never forget,” he said, looking back on the experience. Emergency medical personnel frequently encounter the extremes of human existence, witnessing scenes of loss, survival, and occasionally new beginnings.
“Our work deals with extreme situations,” Pas explained. “People in very serious condition who need help.” In this instance, the threat didn’t stem from medical emergency or trauma, but from the surrounding warfare.
“It was something external,” he said. “Missiles falling.” During those critical moments, no medical intervention or procedure was needed. “There was nothing to treat,” Pas said. “Only to make sure the baby would not be hurt.”
The infant’s first moments of life occurred not in a sterile hospital delivery room, but inside an emergency vehicle parked roadside, cradled in the arms of a paramedic shielding him from potential enemy fire.
A ruptured water main has prompted authorities to shut down the right eastbound lane of Lancaster Pike where it intersects with Mary Ella Drive.
The lane closure is affecting traffic flow in the area as repair crews work to address the infrastructure failure. Drivers traveling eastbound on Lancaster Pike should anticipate delays and may want to seek alternative routes until the water main can be fixed and the roadway fully reopened.
No timeline has been provided for when the lane will reopen to normal traffic.
Motorists traveling on Andries Road should plan for potential delays as construction crews continue work that requires periodic lane restrictions.
The Delaware Department of Transportation reports that the section of Andries Road stretching from Red Mill Road to the cul de sac will experience intermittent lane closures throughout the day.
These temporary traffic restrictions are expected to remain in effect until 6 PM today as construction crews complete their work in the area.
Drivers are advised to allow extra travel time and exercise caution when passing through the construction zone.
The Trump administration has sparked controversy by creating promotional videos that blend actual combat footage from the Iran war with clips from blockbuster films, popular video games, and professional sports highlights.
These rapid-fire montages feature snippets from beloved entertainment franchises including “Braveheart,” “Superman,” “Top Gun,” “Breaking Bad,” and “Iron Man,” interwoven with declassified military imagery. One particularly striking video includes SpongeBob SquarePants asking “You wanna see me do it again?” between scenes of American airstrikes destroying buildings and vehicles. The administration captioned one explosive compilation “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue,” referencing Toby Keith’s patriotic anthem.
The White House social media team has incorporated cultural references that appeal to younger male audiences, drawing from gaming titles like Call of Duty, Grand Theft Auto, Mortal Kombat and Halo. Additional videos showcase NFL and college football hits alongside MLB home runs, with the sound of cracking bats mixed between explosion audio.
These productions feature intense soundtracks including Childish Gambino’s “Bonfire,” Miami XO’s “Bazooka” and AC/DC’s “Thunderstruck.” One White House post labeled the content “JUSTICE THE AMERICAN WAY,” adding flag and fire emojis.
The strategy appears designed to make warfare more cinematic and potentially boost public support for military action.
While politicians have long used popular music and cultural references in campaigns dating back to Bill Clinton’s use of Fleetwood Mac in 1992, no previous administration has created content explicitly connecting entertainment violence with actual battlefield footage to promote military engagement.
This “gamification” of warfare has drawn sharp criticism from multiple sources.
Actor Ben Stiller, whose 2008 film “Tropic Thunder” appeared in the videos, posted on X that he had “no interest in being part of your propaganda machine. War is not a movie.” Voice actor Steve Downes, who portrays the Halo video game character Master Chief, called the videos “disgusting and juvenile war porn.” Both demanded their content be removed, saying it was used without authorization. The NFL and MLB declined to comment on their footage being included.
Cardinal Blase J. Cupich, Chicago’s archbishop, issued strong condemnation of the administration’s approach, saying it sickened him to see real warfare with genuine casualties treated like gaming entertainment.
“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,” Cupich stated over the weekend. “But, in the end, we lose our humanity when we are thrilled by the destructive power of our military.”
When asked about accommodating artists who objected to unauthorized use of their work, the White House declined to respond directly.
“America’s heroic warfighters are meeting or surpassing all of their goals under Operation Epic Fury,” White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly responded. “The legacy media wants us to apologize for highlighting the United States Military’s incredible success, but the White House will continue showcasing the many examples of Iran’s ballistic missiles, production facilities, and dreams of owning a nuclear weapon being destroyed in real time.”
This isn’t the administration’s first venture into gaming culture. Previous posts have depicted Trump as the Master Chief character and as a Minecraft figure with the caption “America’s most pro-gamer president.”
Zia Haque, who directs the Baker Institute for Peace and Conflict Studies at Juniata College in Pennsylvania, views this as psychological warfare adapted for the digital era. “We live in a digital age, and I see this as a use of the space to propagate the message across the board,” he explained.
Some analysts suggest these videos might serve as military recruitment tools targeting gamers. The Pentagon has pursued gamer recruitment since 2002 with the release of “America’s Army” and continues sending recruiters to gaming conventions and esports events.
Trump’s core supporters include many young white men who consume gaming content, sports, and popular culture heavily, making them a natural audience for such material.
Retired Navy Commander Ray Deptula, who served 24 years before recently leaving the service, understands the appeal. He admits action movies motivated his own military service, so he recognizes why these videos might attract recruits.
However, Deptula warns of a significant disconnect.
“That’s not what your life is going to be like,” said Deptula, who authored the novel “A Dog Before a Soldier” about Revolutionary War military service. “Your life is going to be about hard work and humility.”
Jeff Fromm, who co-wrote “Marketing to Gen Z,” questions whether these videos will prove effective long-term.
Generation Z values organizational transparency and ethics highly, and Fromm doubts the current administration scores well in those areas among younger audiences.
Sometimes the entertainment-military crossover appears unintentional. Trump recently posted on Truth Social about defense contractors agreeing to “quadruple Production of the ‘Exquisite Class’ Weaponry.” While policy experts were confused, Final Fantasy XIV players recognized terminology from their game’s most powerful weapons. However, the president likely wasn’t advocating for production of the game’s Exquisite Wrathgrinder.
WASHINGTON — California Representative Kevin Kiley announced Monday he is abandoning his Republican Party membership and will continue serving in Congress as an independent, effective immediately.
The congressman, now in his second term, is confronting a difficult reelection campaign after California’s congressional map was redrawn. Last Friday, he declared his intention to seek reelection in a district that favors Democrats, choosing not to include any party designation alongside his name on the ballot.
On Monday, Kiley informed reporters he had requested the House clerk update the chamber’s official records to show his new independent status, while noting he plans to continue working with the Republican caucus to keep his committee positions.
“So I will be the sole independent member of the House of Representatives,” Kiley told Politico.
Following Kiley’s departure from the GOP, Republicans now hold a 217-214 advantage in the House, with one independent member. The most recent independent House member was Michigan’s Justin Amash, who left the Republican Party in 2019.
Kiley had been weighing several choices after his district’s borders underwent major changes last year. In recent weeks, he considered whether to challenge Republican colleague Tom McClintock in a safely Republican area or try his luck in a Democratic-favored district centered around Sacramento. He chose the second option and will compete in California’s 6th Congressional District.
Kiley’s situation illustrates how the redistricting battles that started in Texas, encouraged by President Donald Trump, and prompted Democratic retaliation in California, have forced some sitting lawmakers to fight to keep their political futures alive.
WASHINGTON – Federal environmental regulators are moving to relax restrictions on a cancer-causing chemical widely used to sterilize medical equipment, citing concerns that stricter rules could disrupt the supply of critical healthcare devices.
The Environmental Protection Agency announced Friday its intention to modify regulations governing ethylene oxide, a toxic gas essential for cleaning roughly half of all medical devices manufactured in the United States annually. The agency argues that tighter restrictions implemented during the Biden presidency in 2024 could interfere with manufacturers’ sterilization processes.
According to the EPA, the revised approach would maintain compliance with existing federal law while reducing regulatory burdens on companies that sterilize products ranging from heart stents to wound care supplies. The changes would also protect medical device supply chains and reduce industry costs.
Healthcare professionals, industry representatives, and Food and Drug Administration officials had raised objections to the more restrictive 2024 regulations. Those rules mandated additional risk assessments and required companies to install new monitoring equipment, ventilation systems, and containment structures.
Under the new proposal, medical device manufacturers would have options when dealing with facilities that emit more than 10 tons of ethylene oxide annually. Companies could choose between implementing new monitoring technology or making alternative modifications to ventilation systems in sterilization areas.
The EPA defended the changes in an official statement, saying: “These changes better reflect the complexity of facilities and give them the flexibility to work to use safe and effective equipment to sterilize medical tools and devices without compromising clean air for all Americans.”
The agency estimates the regulatory adjustments would generate approximately $43 million in annual savings across the industry.
Ethylene oxide, commonly abbreviated as EtO, appears as an invisible gas that effectively sterilizes equipment but releases harmful pollutants into the atmosphere. Medical research has established connections between prolonged exposure to the chemical and various cancers, particularly affecting individuals residing near manufacturing facilities that produce or utilize the substance.
The regulatory proposal will undergo public scrutiny through a hearing scheduled within approximately two weeks. Citizens and stakeholders will have 45 days to submit comments before federal officials finalize their decision.
The head coach of Iran’s women’s soccer team is pointing fingers at a state television host, claiming his on-air criticism pushed several of her players to seek refuge in Australia during the recent Asian Cup tournament.
Coach Marziyeh Jafari revealed Friday that harsh words from Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting presenter Mohammad Reza Shahbazi created a toxic environment that mentally affected her squad. The controversy erupted after the team chose to remain silent during Iran’s national anthem before facing South Korea in their opening match.
Shahbazi branded the players as “wartime traitors” during his broadcast, a label that came as the tournament began amid military tensions involving Iran, the U.S., and Israel that resulted in the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
In a now-deleted statement shared on Iran’s football federation’s Telegram account, Jafari explained: “Our girls were affected in the first match by the heavy atmosphere that had been created…”
“But the greater mistake was made by those who, at home, failed to understand that atmosphere and sounded the call to arms against the daughters of this land,” Jafari continued, directly addressing the broadcaster’s harsh words.
The coach emphasized the lasting impact of the controversy, stating: “What I have asked of the federation is to pursue the matter, because it affected our players psychologically, and we suffered the consequences. I am certain that if that atmosphere had not been created, not a single one of our players would have stayed in Australia.”
Australian authorities confirmed this week that five Iranian team members received humanitarian visas after requesting asylum during the tournament. Two additional players were granted protection on Wednesday, while one chose to return home to Iran.
Jafari described how Australian officials approached her players individually, saying: “Australian police called the players in several stages and sat down with them one-on-one to persuade them to stay, influenced by the political atmosphere that had arisen.”
The coach expressed relief that most of her team remained together, noting: “Fortunately, the majority of the team members responded negatively. Even Mohaddeseh Zolfi, who had responded positively, soon changed her mind and, God willing, will come to Iran with the team.”
Jafari also addressed speculation about other players, stating: “The rumours about Golnoosh Khosravi and Afsaneh Chatrenoor are also not true at all, and they are now with us in Malaysia and we will be leaving for Iran soon.”
Delaware transportation officials have announced several lane restrictions scheduled to begin this week at the busy I-95 and Route 896 interchange in New Castle County.
According to the Delaware Department of Transportation, drivers can expect daytime lane closures on northbound Interstate 95 from Monday through Thursday to accommodate truck access needs. Additionally, one lane of northbound I-95 will remain closed around the clock for ongoing traffic maintenance review.
Motorists should also prepare for daytime right lane restrictions where Route 896 meets Welsh Tract Road. These closures, running Sunday through Thursday, are necessary for sidewalk construction and curb ramp improvements in the area.
The transportation department has not specified how long these various closure schedules will remain in effect. Drivers are advised to plan alternate routes or allow extra travel time when navigating through these work zones.
WASHINGTON – The American economy experienced a more pronounced deceleration during the final three months of last year than federal officials initially calculated, according to updated data released Friday by the Commerce Department.
The Bureau of Economic Analysis announced that the nation’s gross domestic product expanded at just a 0.7% annualized rate during the fourth quarter, a substantial reduction from the 1.4% growth rate that was first reported. Financial experts surveyed by Reuters had anticipated the growth figure would remain unchanged at the original 1.4% estimate.
This represents a significant decline from the robust 4.4% expansion recorded during the third quarter of the year.
The downward adjustment stems from reduced estimates in several key economic sectors, including consumer expenditures and corporate capital investments. Additional factors contributing to the revision include lower government expenditures, particularly at the state and municipal level for infrastructure projects, along with decreased export activity. The unprecedented 43-day federal government closure that occurred last year also contributed to the dampened economic performance.
A critical indicator monitored by economic policymakers – final sales to private domestic purchases, which strips out government activity, international trade, and inventory changes – registered growth of 1.9%. This domestic demand measurement had originally been calculated at 2.4%, compared to the 2.9% rate achieved in the July through September period.
While analysts anticipate improved economic performance in the current quarter, the ongoing U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran has elevated oil costs and created uncertainty about future economic conditions.
Three Palestinians lost their lives in an Israeli airstrike in Gaza on Friday, with Palestinian medical officials confirming that two of the victims were 17 years old, as conflicts throughout the Middle East continue to intensify.
Over the past day, Israeli military operations have extended across Iran, Lebanon, Gaza, and the occupied West Bank territories.
Palestinian authorities reported that Israeli forces fatally shot two individuals in the West Bank city of Nablus on Thursday. Meanwhile, Lebanon’s Health Ministry announced Friday that the country’s death toll has climbed to 773.
Following almost two weeks of warfare, casualty figures have reached 2,000 deaths, with Iran bearing the heaviest losses, while millions of residents have been forced to flee their homes.
When contacted by Reuters, Israeli military representatives stated they had no knowledge of the Gaza airstrike.
In a separate Thursday statement, military officials claimed they had eliminated two people who allegedly tried to ram their vehicle into soldiers. The military has not yet provided evidence to support claims of the attempted ramming incident.
Although Israeli attacks on Gaza initially decreased when the conflict with Iran began, strike frequency has since increased. Israeli operations have resulted in 23 deaths in Gaza following the joint U.S.-Israeli strikes against Iran on February 28.
Despite a ceasefire that took effect in Gaza last October, sporadic violence has erupted repeatedly since that time.
Reuters previously reported that President Donald Trump’s Gaza peace initiative has been suspended since the Iran conflict commenced.
The West Bank has also experienced ongoing violence. Israeli military personnel and settlers have killed a minimum of eight Palestinians throughout the West Bank since the U.S.-Israeli Iran operations began.
Reuters has documented an increase in settler attacks during this period, coinciding with Israel’s implementation of widespread lockdown measures across much of the West Bank.
Tournament organizers have scrapped the College Basketball Invitational men’s basketball championship, calling off the 16-team competition that was slated for March 21-25.
Officials released a short announcement on X explaining the decision: “Due to circumstances beyond our control, the CBI will not be held this year.”
However, tournament organizers pledged to bring back the event, adding: “We will see you next year!”
The CBI ranks as the third-most prominent men’s postseason basketball competition, trailing the NCAA Tournament and NIT. The tournament has run annually since its 2008 debut, with the exception of 2020 when organizers suspended it due to the pandemic.
Before 2020, participating teams hosted games at their own venues throughout the entire tournament, including the final game. Starting in 2021, all tournament action moved to a single location in Daytona Beach, Florida.
Illinois State claimed the 2025 championship. Other schools that have captured titles since the tournament relocated to Florida include Seattle, Charlotte, UNC Wilmington and Pepperdine.
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump put his signature on two executive orders Friday, demonstrating his administration’s focus on tackling housing affordability challenges that resonate with voters as November’s midterm elections approach.
The first directive instructs federal agencies to cut housing-related regulatory obstacles and establish incentive programs encouraging best practices among state and local authorities, with the objective of simplifying the home construction process for builders. The second order targets mortgage-related regulatory requirements and aims to help smaller community banks expand their home lending capabilities.
A draft version of the order stated, “Layers of unnecessary regulatory barriers, slow permitting processes, and onerous mandates at all levels of government have delayed construction, restricted development, and driven up the costs of new housing. These constraints have made housing less affordable for many Americans.”
These executive directives — exclusively obtained by The Associated Press — demonstrate the Trump administration’s renewed policy focus on promoting homeownership opportunities. Housing costs have become a critical political issue affecting both Republican and Democratic lawmakers, who are working to develop legislation showing their responsiveness to concerns that first-time home purchases have become increasingly difficult for middle-income families.
The Senate approved comprehensive bipartisan housing legislation Thursday, which aims to modify policies for increased construction while limiting institutional ownership in residential development. The bill’s future in the House remains uncertain, though the White House expressed support for the measure in a March 2 statement.
Questions remain about how rapidly federal initiatives can stimulate new construction or substantially lower mortgage expenses, given that primary regulatory challenges in housing development stem from state and local policy decisions, while mortgage rates respond to financial market fluctuations.
Years of construction shortages have maintained elevated prices, while mortgage rates that surged following the pandemic have prevented many renters from purchasing homes and discouraged current owners from selling their properties.
Trump’s first executive order directs federal agencies to develop incentive programs accelerating permitting timelines for state and local authorities, including reducing “green” building requirements, minimizing design and construction mandates, and facilitating innovative building techniques.
The directive focuses significantly on federal environmental regulations, instructing the EPA and Army secretary to examine and revise stormwater, wetlands, and other water-related permitting standards to lower costs and improve home insurability.
The Commerce, Housing and Urban Development, and Transportation departments, alongside the Federal Housing Finance Agency, must eliminate regulations and modify programs that hinder residential development. Various federal agencies will also work to remove environmental and energy efficiency rules that might increase expenses and limit home construction.
White House officials indicated that Biden-era energy efficiency requirements in HUD and Agriculture department guidelines could increase housing construction costs by up to $9,000. These officials spoke anonymously to detail the orders before signing, noting that additional federal regulations would impose even greater costs on participants.
The Advisory Council on Historic Preservation will simplify its historic review guidance, while the federal government will work to align its New Markets Tax Credit program with Opportunity Zone tax incentives established during Trump’s initial presidency.
The order avoids changing state and local zoning regulations, as the administration prioritizes preserving suburban housing rather than increasing housing density.
White House officials explained that federal agencies can include housing regulation best practices as criteria for awarding discretionary grants to state and local governments. One best practice example would require local governments to approve building permits within 60 days. The administration views this order as providing long-term benefits for homebuilders and purchasers.
The second directive seeks to simplify mortgage procedures, instructing the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to modify mortgage guidelines enabling smaller banks to increase lending activities. The CFPB will update Home Mortgage Disclosure Act requirements to reduce regulatory burdens for mortgage acquisition, among other instructions.
The administration believes these mortgage regulation changes will increase the number of financial institutions competing to offer home loans, thereby reducing borrowing costs for buyers. The White House asserts that these modifications will maintain mortgage market financial safety and stability.
White House officials anticipate that prospective homebuyers could experience the effects of mortgage regulation changes within months.
Elevated home prices have become a significant concern for voters under 40 heading into this fall’s midterm elections.
According to the National Association of Realtors, the median price for existing homes sold in February reached $398,000. This figure represents nearly five times the median household income, compared to the historical benchmark of homes costing approximately three times household income.
The National Association of Realtors reported that the average 30-year mortgage rate in February was 6.05%, declining from 6.84% the previous year.
While reduced borrowing costs have improved monthly payment affordability, rates remain significantly higher than the sub-3% averages experienced in 2020 and 2021 when the economy struggled with coronavirus pandemic impacts.
Trump has primarily addressed home affordability challenges by directing government-controlled mortgage companies Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to purchase $200 billion in mortgage bonds.
He has also advocated for restricting financial institutions’ ability to purchase homes and implementing credit card interest rate caps, arguing both measures would facilitate home purchases.
However, the president has previously opposed dramatically increasing construction, suggesting such action could reduce home prices and existing owners’ net worth. This position requires him to balance maintaining price growth while expanding ownership opportunities for current renters.
“People that own their homes, we’re going to keep them wealthy,” Trump stated during his January Cabinet meeting. “We’re going to keep those prices up. We’re not going to destroy the value of their homes so that somebody that didn’t work very hard can buy a home.”
MOSCOW (AP) — Foreign websites remained inaccessible on mobile devices throughout central Moscow on Friday as internet restrictions continued to impact Russia’s capital for more than eight days, disrupting daily life for millions and causing severe economic damage to companies dependent on mobile connectivity.
Government officials claim these limitations serve as protective measures against potential Ukrainian drone strikes, though technology specialists believe the actions may be testing procedures for completely severing Russian citizens’ access to international internet if leadership chooses this path.
The sporadic service interruptions, previously documented across numerous Russian territories over recent months, have led some Moscow citizens to resurrect outdated communication devices including walkie-talkies, pagers and portable media equipment.
These connectivity disruptions represent one component of comprehensive government efforts to control internet access. Officials have implemented restrictive regulations and prohibited websites and platforms refusing to comply. Advanced technology has been developed to monitor and control online activity.
Following President Vladimir Putin’s military deployment to Ukraine in February 2022, the administration blocked prominent social media platforms including Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. In the previous year, Russia’s telecommunications regulator announced limitations on widely-used messaging applications WhatsApp and Telegram.
Simultaneously, officials have aggressively promoted a “national” messaging application named MAX, which opposition voices characterize as a monitoring instrument.
The mobile internet blackouts affecting Moscow, initially documented on March 5 in certain suburban areas, expanded into the city center during the current week. Numerous additional regions have experienced connectivity failures since May.
Throughout these interruptions, select government-endorsed Russian websites and digital services remained accessible through “white lists.” However, during this week’s mobile internet problems in Moscow, even approved government platforms, major banking institutions and ride-sharing applications ceased operating.
Companies with fixed broadband connections and residents with home internet service have remained unaffected.
Nevertheless, Moscow cafe, restaurant and retail establishment owners depending on mobile internet have experienced substantial financial damage as patrons cannot complete electronic payments. ATMs and parking payment systems requiring cellular internet connectivity stopped functioning.
Ride-sharing applications have provided customers alternative options to request transportation through telephone calls and cash payments.
At certain times, cellular phone service for voice calls was completely suspended alongside internet access.
During the week, Kremlin-controlled parliament members reported mobile internet was virtually nonexistent within the lower house facility situated mere hundreds of meters from Red Square.
Friday brought restored access to Russian websites and certain mobile applications in central Moscow, while foreign websites remained blocked in what some analysts interpreted as preparation exercises for complete internet isolation.
Business publication Kommersant released calculations earlier this week estimating Moscow businesses lost between 3 and 5 billion rubles (approximately $38 million to $63 million) during five days of service interruptions. Alternative assessments suggested significantly higher losses.
News outlets reported that as blackouts affected Moscow, retailers experienced rapid increases in demand for pagers, portable radios, landline telephones and media devices.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated Wednesday that the recent mobile internet shutdown in Moscow occurred in “strict conformity with the law” and would continue “as long as additional measures to ensure security of our citizens are necessary.”
Recently enacted legislation requires Russian internet service providers to disable mobile internet access when authorities determine security concerns necessitate such action.
When questioned about the timing of Moscow’s current shutdowns, Peskov explained that as Ukraine employs “increasingly sophisticated methods of attack, the more technologically advanced measures are needed to ensure public security.”
He indicated the government would examine methods to reimburse businesses for shutdown-related losses but provided no detailed plans.
OSLO – A Norwegian court has ordered a family of four to be held in police custody for up to four weeks following their alleged involvement in last Sunday’s attack on the United States embassy in Oslo, court officials announced Friday.
The suspects include a mother and her three adult sons, who face accusations of carrying out what authorities have labeled a “terror bombing” designed to inflict casualties or substantial property damage.
Sunday’s early morning detonation of a homemade explosive device struck the entrance area of the embassy’s consular services building, according to Norwegian officials. While the blast caused significant structural damage, no one was hurt in the incident.
Defense attorneys representing the accused have revealed that one of the sons has confessed to positioning the explosive device, while his mother and two brothers maintain their innocence in the attack.
Norwegian police apprehended all four suspects following the bombing incident at the diplomatic facility in Oslo.
Federal agricultural data shows turkey production gaining momentum as the industry moves into spring operations.
According to the latest USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service report, turkey eggs currently in incubators as of March 1st increased by 1 percent compared to the same period last year.
The February hatching numbers also demonstrate positive growth, with newly hatched turkey poults rising 3 percent from February of the previous year.
Additionally, the net placement of poults during February climbed 3 percent over last year’s figures, indicating continued expansion in turkey farming operations nationwide.
These statistics suggest the turkey industry is experiencing steady growth as producers prepare for the upcoming seasonal demand cycles.
Farmers across the country experienced a small boost in what they earned for their peanut harvests during the week that concluded on March 7th.
According to the latest agricultural pricing data, growers received an average of 24.2 cents for each pound of farmer stock peanuts they sold, representing a marginal increase of one-tenth of a cent compared to the prior week.
The weekly price update reflects the ongoing fluctuations in the agricultural commodity market that directly impact farming operations nationwide.
Recent agricultural statistics show that canola processing operations in North America have experienced a marginal uptick when compared to 2024 figures.
The data, which combines crushing activities from both the United States and Canada, indicates steady performance in the oilseed sector. Canola crushing is a key agricultural process that extracts oil and meal from the crop for various commercial uses.
This information reflects ongoing trends in North American grain and oilseed processing, providing industry stakeholders with current market indicators for planning and investment decisions.
American beekeepers experienced a challenging year in 2025, with nationwide honey production declining by 14 percent compared to previous levels, according to new federal agriculture data.
The production shortfall has translated directly to consumer wallets, as honey prices climbed 27 percent throughout 2025. The price increases reflect the reduced supply hitting grocery store shelves across the country.
Beekeeping operations also faced higher operational expenses, with the cost of purchasing queen bees reaching $22 per queen during 2025. Queen bees are essential for maintaining healthy hives and replacing colonies that don’t survive winter or other challenges.
The production decline continues ongoing concerns about bee populations and honey yields that have affected the agriculture industry in recent years. Bees play a crucial role not only in honey production but also in pollinating crops that feed the nation.
Extended security checkpoint delays stretching several hours at multiple American airports this week underscore potential complications when government funding lapses during peak spring vacation travel periods.
Houston’s Hobby Airport experienced the most severe disruptions, with security screening waits consistently exceeding three hours throughout Sunday and Monday. Travelers at other major hubs, including New Orleans and Atlanta facilities, also endured delays surpassing one hour.
The influx of millions of spring break travelers would challenge even fully operational airport systems. Combined with personnel shortages typically associated with government funding interruptions, certain airports are experiencing increased strain. However, the majority of aviation facilities have not encountered substantially extended security queues.
As Transportation Security Administration personnel continue working without compensation during this partial funding lapse, absenteeism becomes increasingly likely as employees seek additional employment to cover essential expenses such as fuel, childcare, and other financial obligations. Many workers may still be recovering financially from the 43-day funding interruption last fall, which marked the longest such period in U.S. history.
Johnny Jones, secretary-treasurer of the TSA union’s bargaining unit, indicated workers will miss their initial complete paychecks this weekend following the shutdown’s February 14 start date. He described workforce morale as having “taken a severe hit.”
“Over the last 15 months, TSA officers have went through three government shutdowns,” he told The Associated Press.
Jones, who serves as both union official and TSA agent, explained that recovering financially from the 43-day shutdown required months.
“I refilled my water buckets and now I’m starting to empty them again. Some people were not so fortunate to be able to refill their water buckets,” he said.
This ongoing shutdown exclusively impacts the Department of Homeland Security. Congressional Democrats have withheld department funding due to objections regarding immigration enforcement methods. Democratic representatives state DHS funding will remain blocked until new limitations are implemented on federal immigration activities following the fatal shootings of Alex Pretti and Renee Good in Minneapolis earlier this year.
Both TSA leadership and the Airlines for America trade organization immediately attributed extended security delays to Democratic lawmakers.
“This chaos is a direct result of Democrats and their refusal to fund DHS. These political stunts force patriotic TSA officers, who protect our skies from serious threats, to work without pay,” said Lauren Bis, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs, Department of Homeland Security. “These frontline heroes received only partial paychecks earlier this month and now face their first full missed paycheck, leading to financial hardship, absences, and crippling staffing shortages.”
Chris Sununu, president and CEO of the airlines trade group, renewed his appeal for Congress to resolve the shutdown.
“More than 2.7 million people cleared through TSA yesterday, but too many had to wait in extraordinarily long—and painfully slow—lines at checkpoints,” Sununu said in a written statement Monday. “It’s unacceptable to have wait times of 2 or 3 hours. And it’s unacceptable that TSA officers will have $0 in their paychecks this week.”
However, House Homeland Security Committee Democrats dismissed responsibility for TSA personnel working without compensation.
“FACTS: Democrats introduced a clean bill to fully fund TSA with no conditions. Republicans blocked it,” the Homeland Democrats group said on X. “Republicans would rather disrupt our travel than rein in ICE. It’s shameful.”
The nation’s most extensive security delays have occurred at Houston’s William P. Hobby Airport, where waiting periods have exceeded three hours. Sunday footage from New Orleans displayed security queues extending beyond the terminal into a parking structure, with peak wait times reaching 77 minutes.
Conditions at both locations had improved by Monday afternoon, though Hobby airport continued reporting two-hour security waits while officials advised travelers to arrive three to four hours before departure times. New Orleans wait times dropped to 10 minutes by late afternoon.
Additional complications may emerge when security shifts operate with insufficient screening personnel during busy periods.
Neither Houston airport authorities nor TSA responded to Monday inquiries regarding why Hobby airport experiences such pronounced delays during the shutdown. While Hobby remains smaller than George Bush Intercontinental Airport, which processes approximately three-quarters of Houston’s air passengers, Hobby still accommodated nearly 15 million travelers in 2024.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio delivered a strong message Monday that America will not accept nations using detained Americans as political bargaining chips, speaking at a ceremony dedicated to those wrongfully held overseas.
During the annual ceremony at the State Department raising the flag for American hostages and wrongful detainees, Rubio emphasized Washington’s commitment to bringing citizens home while warning foreign governments they will face consequences for such practices.
The Monday event pays tribute to Americans detained in foreign countries and honors families fighting for their loved ones’ freedom. This year’s ceremony took place on March 9, marking the 19th anniversary of Robert Levinson’s vanishing in Iran.
“I wish it was on a happier occasion, although we do have things to celebrate in terms of Americans that have been returned,” Rubio stated. “But also we remember those who have not returned.”
Levinson, a former FBI agent who vanished in Iran during 2007, was honored specifically during the flag-raising ceremony. His sons Dan and Doug Levinson were present as the flag was raised in dedication to their family.
FBI Deputy Director Christopher Raia emphasized how personally meaningful Levinson’s case remains for the agency. Levinson dedicated almost 30 years to American law enforcement, spending 22 of those years as an FBI special agent.
“Our evidence suggests that Bob died in captivity in Iran, and he is the longest held American hostage in US history,” Raia explained, adding that the FBI actively pursues any leads connected to his vanishing.
“Today, unfortunately, marks 19 years since his abduction,” Raia continued. “The urgency to uncover the facts of Bob’s disappearance has never been greater.”
Adam Boehler, serving as the U.S. special envoy for hostage affairs, reported that the current administration has ramped up operations to bring home Americans held in foreign countries. Boehler revealed that 175 detainees have gained freedom in recent years, with more than 100 being American citizens.
“We’ve brought 175 people home – over 100 Americans, others – allies in Israel, other places,” Boehler announced. “But we’re not going to stop. We’re not going to stop until all Americans are home.”
Boehler acknowledged President Donald Trump for prioritizing this issue as a key policy focus. He noted that Washington has started formally labeling nations that hold Americans for political advantage.
“Secretary Rubio… made it a clear priority,” Boehler explained. “In fact, he let Iran know that they are a State Sponsor of Wrongful Detention.”
Rubio connected the wrongful detention issue to America’s wider policy approach toward Tehran during his remarks. He characterized Iran as the globe’s most consistent state supporter of hostage-taking activities.
“The United States is currently engaged in an operation targeting one – the world’s leading hostage-taker, the world’s leading sponsor of terrorism – the regime in Iran,” Rubio declared.
He outlined the current U.S. military efforts as focused on eliminating Iran’s capacity to endanger regional stability through missile systems, drone technology, and maritime operations.
“The goals of this mission are clear,” Rubio explained. “It is to destroy the ability of this regime to launch missiles, both by destroying their missiles and their launchers; destroy the factories that make these missiles; and destroy their navy.”
Rubio also commended the efforts of various U.S. agencies working on hostage recovery operations, including the FBI, State Department, and National Security Council.
“Our mission is forward-looking,” Rubio concluded. “We believe in homecomings, we work for homecomings, and under the President’s leadership, we will not stop until every single unjustly detained American is brought home.”
Delaware State Police are searching for a suspect who held up a Wawa store in New Castle during the early morning hours on Friday.
Authorities responded to the convenience store at 1515 North Dupont Highway around 5:00 a.m. on March 13, 2026, after receiving reports of an armed robbery. According to investigators, a male suspect walked into the store and confronted an employee, ordering them to hand over money. After the worker hesitated, the man went around the counter and repeated his demands while pretending to have a weapon. The employee gave the suspect an unknown sum of cash before he escaped the scene. No injuries were reported during the incident. Police say the robber left in a dark-colored SUV that had been parked outside on North Dupont Highway.
Investigators from Delaware State Police Troop 2 Criminal Investigations Unit are handling the case and seeking public assistance. Anyone with information or who may have witnessed the robbery is urged to reach out to Detective J. Lucyk at (302) 365-8446. Tips can also be submitted through private Facebook messages to the Delaware State Police or by calling Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-847-3333.
Crime victims and witnesses needing support can access services through the Delaware State Police Victim Services Unit and Delaware Victim Center, which provides 24-hour assistance via their hotline at 1-800-VICTIM-1 (1-800-842-8461). Support is also available by emailing [email protected].
The University of Delaware football team now knows its complete 2026 schedule after Conference USA revealed the slate late Thursday evening from Newark.
The Fightin’ Blue Hens will play a total of 12 games during the upcoming season, combining their four previously confirmed non-conference matchups with eight newly announced Conference USA battles. Delaware will host four conference games at home while traveling for four others on the road.
As the reigning 68 Ventures Bowl champions from 2025, Delaware faces a challenging schedule that pits them against eight opponents who earned bowl game appearances last season.
The complete schedule details the Blue Hens’ path through their Conference USA campaign as they look to defend their bowl championship from the previous year.
The University of Delaware men’s lacrosse squad is set to make history this week as they travel to Richmond for their debut Atlantic 10 Conference game against the highly-ranked Spiders.
This matchup marks a significant milestone for the Blue Hens program as they begin their first season competing in the Atlantic 10 after recently joining the conference. Richmond enters the contest with impressive rankings, sitting at second place in multiple national polls.
The game represents a new chapter for Delaware lacrosse as they transition into one of the nation’s premier collegiate athletic conferences. The Blue Hens will look to make a strong first impression in their inaugural A-10 competition against a formidable Richmond team that has established itself as a national contender.
This historic contest will test Delaware’s readiness to compete at the Atlantic 10 level as they face off against one of the conference’s top programs on the road.
Israeli emergency responders treated 16 people for minor injuries Monday afternoon following a rocket barrage launched by Hezbollah that struck multiple locations across central Israel, according to medical officials and police reports.
The majority of those hurt were in the city of Ramle, where emergency medical service Magen David Adom reported treating 14 individuals after a rocket hit a daycare center. All victims in that incident were described as being in good condition by paramedics.
Two additional people sustained light injuries in the Mateh Yehuda Regional Council area from a separate rocket impact, Magen David Adom confirmed.
Law enforcement officials reported that one missile hit “an open area in the Mateh Yehuda [Regional Council] area,” and noted that “damage was caused to infrastructure.”
The Lebanese militant organization claimed responsibility for the attack, stating it had aimed at a communications facility located in the Haela Valley near Beit Shemesh. According to Hezbollah’s statement, the group fired a “barrage of precision missiles” targeting what it called a “satellite communications station.”
However, the targeted facility is actually a civilian operation run by European company SES, not a military installation.
First responders and law enforcement personnel remained on scene following the strikes to evaluate damage and assist with the aftermath, while medical personnel continued caring for those wounded in the rocket attacks.
Iran has appointed a new Supreme Leader following the reported death of longtime ruler Ali Khamenei in what officials describe as an Israeli assassination attempt. The Assembly of Experts selected 56-year-old Mojtaba Khamenei, son of the deceased leader, to head the Islamic Republic during its ongoing conflict with Israel and the United States.
The younger Khamenei, a mid-level religious figure with strong connections to Iran’s Revolutionary Guards Corps, has never served in an official government role before this appointment. His father led Iran for 36 of the Islamic Republic’s 47-year history, taking power after founder Ruhollah Khomeini.
The leadership transition occurs just days following an alleged Israeli attack that reportedly wounded the new Supreme Leader. Iranian state media referenced him as “Jaanbaz [injured war veteran] of Ramadan,” seemingly acknowledging his injuries from the current warfare. Tragically, his spouse and reportedly one of his children died on the initial day of what Iran calls the joint US-Israeli conflict.
According to Iranian state broadcasting, the new leader is fluent in English and has completed advanced training in psychology and psychoanalysis. The network also reported his studies include modern technology, military strategy, and security matters.
Ayatollah Mohsen Heidari informed state media that the Assembly of Experts gathered Sunday in Qom, with more than two-thirds of the 88-member religious body present to meet the required attendance for selecting a new supreme leader.
“Some of the members were not informed about the meeting and could not make it to the session even though they were in the city of Qom,” Heidari said.
According to Heidari, Khamenei secured approximately 85% of votes from attending members.
The selection process took place after a March 3 Israeli attack targeted the facility where the Assembly of Experts’ 88 religious leaders were scheduled to gather for choosing a successor.
President Donald Trump responded to the appointment within hours of its announcement, having previously expressed opposition to Khamenei taking control.
“He’s going to have to get approval from us,” Trump told ABC News on Sunday. “If he doesn’t get approval from us, he’s not going to last long. We want to make sure that we don’t have to go back every 10 years, when you don’t have a president like me that’s not going to do it.”
Tehran launched deadly attacks on critical infrastructure across the Gulf region Sunday, targeting Kuwait’s main airport and a water treatment facility in Bahrain as the conflict enters its second week.
Military officials confirmed that unmanned aircraft attacked fuel storage facilities at Kuwait’s international airport. The Kuwait News Agency stated that firefighters successfully contained the resulting blaze and reported no “significant injuries” from the airport strike.
However, Kuwait’s Interior Ministry announced that two border security personnel died “while performing their national duty,” though officials provided no additional details about how the deaths occurred.
The same wave of attacks also damaged a desalination facility in Bahrain, according to reports from the region.
Saudi Arabia experienced the deadliest incident when what civil defense officials described as a “military projectile” hit the Al-Kharj governorate south of Riyadh. The strike on the residential area killed two people – one from India and one from Bangladesh – while injuring 12 others.
These Sunday operations represent Tehran’s continued expansion of attacks on Gulf region infrastructure facilities.
Data compiled by AFP shows that 18 people have lost their lives in Gulf nations since the conflict began, with 10 of those being civilians.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian issued a warning Sunday that his country might intensify operations if regional governments permit their land to serve as launch points for strikes against Iran.
The Islamic Republic “will be forced to respond” against neighboring nations if their territory becomes a staging ground for attacks, he stated.
Just one day before, Pezeshkian had issued apologies to countries in the region that host American military installations for Iranian operations on their soil.
Leaders throughout the Gulf have maintained that their nations have not provided territory for launching operations against Iran. Prior to the outbreak of hostilities, these governments repeatedly declared they would prohibit such use of their land.
Sunday’s military actions occurred as Tehran maintains its offensive against Gulf targets while the wider regional conflict moves into its second week.
Drivers across the Delmarva Peninsula should prepare for hazardous travel conditions as dense fog is expected to blanket the region overnight into Tuesday morning.
The National Weather Service has issued a Dense Fog Advisory effective from midnight tonight through 10:00 AM Tuesday, warning that visibility could drop to just one quarter mile or less in some areas.
Locally, the advisory affects Kent County and Inland Sussex County in Delaware, along with Talbot County on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. The fog will also impact parts of New Jersey, including Western Monmouth, Atlantic, Cumberland, Ocean, and Southeastern Burlington Counties.
“Low visibility could make driving conditions hazardous,” warns the National Weather Service. Officials are urging motorists to take extra precautions if travel is necessary during the advisory period.
If you must drive in these conditions, safety experts recommend slowing down significantly, using your headlights, and maintaining extra distance between vehicles. Consider delaying non-essential travel until visibility improves.
The dense fog is expected to gradually lift Tuesday morning, with conditions improving by 10:00 AM. Stay with TV Delmarva for the latest weather updates and travel conditions throughout the night and tomorrow morning.
Every year, millions of viewers tune in to watch Hollywood’s biggest night, eagerly waiting to hear those famous words: ‘And the Oscar goes to…’ But have you ever wondered how the Academy Award statuette earned its beloved nickname?
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences made the ‘Oscar’ name official back in 1939, yet the true story behind this moniker continues to puzzle entertainment historians. While several theories exist about who first coined the term, none have been definitively confirmed.
Four persistent stories have emerged over the decades, each claiming to reveal the real source of the Oscar name. However, entertainment industry experts acknowledge that the actual origin may forever remain one of Hollywood’s most enduring mysteries.
The golden statuette has become synonymous with cinematic excellence, regardless of how it acquired its famous nickname. Whether we ever learn the truth about Oscar’s identity or not, the name has certainly secured its place in entertainment history.
A traffic crash has shut down two lanes on Interstate 95 northbound at the Route 1 northbound flyover, causing significant delays for commuters.
The Delaware Department of Transportation is reporting the lane closures due to the ongoing traffic incident. Drivers traveling through the area should anticipate extended travel times and may want to seek alternative routes.
Crews are currently working to clear the scene and restore normal traffic flow. No additional details about the nature of the incident or potential injuries have been released at this time.
This is a developing story and updates will be provided as more information becomes available from authorities.
Atlanta Falcons General Manager Ian Cunningham announced Friday that recently acquired quarterback Tua Tagovailoa will get the chance to battle for the team’s starting position, as Michael Penix Jr. continues his recovery from an ACL tear he sustained in November.
“For Tua coming in here, he knows he’s coming in to compete, just like Michael knows he’s coming in to compete. Quite frankly, not just those two at the quarterback position, but everybody’s coming in to compete,” Cunningham told reporters. “We’re excited to have Tua, but we’re excited to have all the players that we were able to get in this free agent class.”
According to Cunningham, the organization maintained open communication throughout the process, reaching out to Penix’s representative before finalizing Tagovailoa’s signing. New head coach Kevin Stefanski also had direct conversations with the young quarterback about the situation.
“You don’t want to blindside somebody,” Cunningham said. “We want to have open conversations and communication, and we feel like we did that in regards to Michael and Tua.”
The Falcons selected Penix in the 2024 draft, and he recorded 1,982 passing yards along with nine touchdown passes and three interceptions before his season ended with the ACL injury in November. Kirk Cousins took over at that point but was released by the team earlier this week.
Medical expectations suggest Penix will remain out of action through the beginning of the 2026 season, potentially creating an early window for Tagovailoa to demonstrate his capabilities.
Tagovailoa’s departure from Miami concludes a six-year tenure marked by both highs and lows. Despite earning a four-year, $212.4 million contract extension after leading the NFL in passing yards during 2023, his final two seasons proved challenging. The quarterback sustained his fourth documented concussion, experienced declining performance, and was benched for the team’s final three games in 2025. Miami will still owe him $54 million in 2026 due to his contract structure.
During his final season with the Dolphins, Tagovailoa completed passes for 2,660 yards, 20 touchdowns, and 15 interceptions.
As this year’s influenza season begins to fade, federal health authorities report disappointing news about vaccine performance, with effectiveness rates among the poorest seen in more than ten years.
Health officials point to a new variant that became the dominant strain during early winter months, which poorly matched the available vaccine formulation, resulting in a severe early wave of flu cases nationwide.
Data released Friday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows continued decreases in medical visits for flu-related symptoms through the previous week. The count of states experiencing high influenza activity fell to 16, with many located in a corridor extending from Colorado through Virginia.
“The winter respiratory virus season is slowly coming to a close, and we’re all very grateful for that,” said Dr. William Schaffner, a Vanderbilt University vaccine expert.
According to CDC findings released this week, this season’s immunizations provided approximately 25% to 30% protection against flu severe enough to require medical attention at doctors’ offices, clinics, or hospitals for adults. Vaccinated children showed roughly 40% reduced likelihood of needing medical treatment at healthcare facilities.
Health authorities typically consider flu vaccines successful when they achieve 40% to 60% effectiveness. Based on previous CDC studies, this season recorded among the lowest protection rates witnessed over the past twenty years.
Influenza cases spiked dramatically in late December, hitting certain regions particularly hard. New York City health departments characterized it as the most severe season experienced in two decades.
While relatively modest flu vaccination coverage contributed to the problem, specialists primarily attributed the situation to the emerging flu variant responsible for most infections.
This new variant falls under the A H3N2 category of influenza virus. The specific version, known as subclade K, appeared to transmit more readily, though it didn’t necessarily produce more serious symptoms.
This season’s available vaccine targeted a different H3N2 version, and the rapid spread of the new variant likely explains the reduced vaccine effectiveness, according to Schaffner.
CDC researchers calculate at least 27 million cases, 350,000 hospital admissions, and 22,000 deaths from influenza during this season so far. Comparable figures from the previous year showed at least 40 million illnesses, 520,000 hospitalizations, but similar death totals.
At least 101 children have died this season. Among those with known vaccination records, approximately 85% had not received complete flu immunization.
While flu vaccines may not prevent all illness, they can reduce severity and prevent deaths, making vaccination still valuable, Schaffner emphasized.
CDC information indicates adult vaccination rates increased slightly this season to 46.5%, following last year’s particularly harsh season that established a record for pediatric deaths this century.
Roughly 48% of American children received flu vaccination by late last month. This matches last year’s rate but represents a decline from the 52% vaccinated at the same time in 2024, CDC data shows.
Beginning in 2010, federal authorities recommended yearly flu shots for Americans six months and older. However, in January, the Trump administration discontinued universal flu shot recommendations for all children, stating decisions should rest with parents and family physicians.
Meanwhile, preparations for next winter’s flu season have already begun. Last month, the World Health Organization issued recommendations for virus strains to target in vaccines for the 2026-27 northern hemisphere flu season. The organization specified that vaccines should address subclade K. This week, a U.S. Food and Drug Administration advisory panel supported the WHO guidance.
The United States has announced a temporary suspension of certain sanctions targeting Russian oil shipments, a decision driven by worldwide worries about soaring crude prices caused by supply disruptions linked to Middle East conflicts.
This action, designed to calm nervous markets amid concerns about oil and gas supply interruptions from the Middle East, highlights how current conflicts have strengthened Russia’s capacity to generate revenue from energy sales – a crucial component of Moscow’s budget while it continues its military operations in Ukraine.
According to U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent’s announcement on social media platform X, American sanctions will be suspended for 30 days on Russian oil deliveries that were already loaded onto ships by Thursday. This decision provides hesitant buyers permission to purchase the oil without fear of violating U.S. sanctions regulations.
Previously, the Trump administration had provided a similar 30-day exemption to refineries operating in India.
Bessent described this as a “narrowly tailored, short-term measure” that represents President Donald Trump’s “decisive steps to promote stability in global energy markets” and to “keep prices low.”
The Treasury Secretary explained that permitting sales of stranded Russian oil would not generate additional revenue for Moscow since the Russian government had already collected taxes when the oil was initially extracted. Washington has imposed sanctions on Russia’s largest oil corporations, Lukoil and Rosneft, as part of initiatives to halt the Ukrainian conflict. Apart from the 30-day exception for oil currently at sea, these sanctions continue.
Kremlin representative Dmitry Peskov stated Friday that this decision will contribute to stabilizing worldwide energy markets, noting it was impossible to achieve stability “without significant volumes of Russian oil.”
However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy criticized the action, saying it “does not help peace.”
“This easing alone by the United States could provide Russia with about $10 billion for the war,” Zelenskyy stated. “It spends the money from energy sales on weapons, and all of this is then used against us.”
International benchmark Brent crude prices dropped 1.5% to $98.76 per barrel by 1300 GMT Friday following the announcement. This remains significantly higher than the $72.87 level where Brent was trading on February 27, before the current conflict began.
The ongoing fighting has severely restricted tanker movement through the Strait of Hormuz at the Persian Gulf entrance, a waterway that normally handles 20% of global oil supplies. This disruption has created a substantial energy crisis for the world economy and raised concerns about rising inflation globally.
“In the short term this slightly increases available supply on the global market, which helps contain the current spike in oil prices,” explained Simone Tagliapietra, an energy specialist at the Bruegel think tank in Brussels. “The impact on prices should therefore be modestly downward, or at least stabilizing.”
Industry analysts calculate that approximately 125 million barrels of Russian oil are currently being transported at sea. This amount represents five to six days of typical shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, or slightly more than one day’s worth of worldwide consumption, which totals about 101 million barrels daily.
Following President Vladimir Putin’s order for a comprehensive invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the European Union – previously Moscow’s largest oil customer – ceased purchasing Russian oil, and numerous Western buyers also avoided it.
The oil was then redirected to China and India, where it sold at reduced prices due to efforts by the U.S., EU, and Ukraine’s allies to establish a price ceiling on Russian oil enforced through shipping and insurance companies.
Eventually, Russia managed to circumvent this cap by assembling a fleet of older tankers with unclear ownership and insurance from nations that weren’t following the cap.
In addition to sanctions on Lukoil and Rosneft, Ukraine’s supporters penalized increasing numbers of individual ships in Russia’s “shadow fleet.” Chinese and Indian customers began demanding larger discounts to offset the risk of sanctions violations, the complications of hiding oil origins, or finding alternatives that avoided banks reluctant to process payments for sanctioned oil.
In December, Russia’s Urals blend was trading below $40 per barrel, approximately $25 less than Brent. This reduced the Kremlin’s oil income to its lowest point since the invasion began. Oil and gas exports typically contribute 20% to 30% of the federal budget.
Russian oil prices have increased alongside general oil market trends and now trade above $80 per barrel – improving Russia’s financial position if Strait of Hormuz disruptions persist and maintain high prices while Asian refineries seek replacements for unavailable Middle Eastern supplies.
Russia’s daily oil sales revenue during the Iran conflict has averaged 14% higher than February levels, according to the nonprofit Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air. Isaac Levi of CREA reports that Russia has been earning 510 million euros ($588 million) daily this month from oil and liquefied natural gas exports.
However, a substantial discount to Brent prices remains due to sanctions. The recent U.S. decision “likely narrows the Urals discount somewhat” by reducing sanctions risk, Tagliapietra noted. But since it’s limited, the U.S. action “does not fundamentally change the structure of longer-term Russian oil flows or sanctions pressure.”
Former Russian Central Bank official Sergei Aleksashenko said the move “will not be a very significant boost” to Russia’s budget because the oil would have found buyers regardless – particularly given the Strait of Hormuz disruptions.
The Trump administration may not have anticipated such a dramatic price increase or extended conflict, suggested Aleksashenko, who heads economics at the NEST Centre, established by exiled Russian businessman and opposition figure Mikhail Khodorkovsky.
With U.S. gasoline prices rising alongside oil costs, “the president should say something, that ‘I’m dealing with the problem,’” he explained. This includes the relief for India and the coordinated release of 400 million barrels from strategic oil reserves with other nations.
“In my view it’s more rhetoric and perception,” he concluded.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz revealed that Group of Seven democratic leaders discussed Russian oil with Trump this week and that “six members expressed a very clear view that this is not the right signal to send.”
KINGSTON, N.Y. — A retired New York State Trooper has been found guilty of manslaughter in the death of an 11-year-old girl during a deadly pursuit in December 2020.
Christopher Baldner was convicted Friday in his second trial for causing the crash that killed Monica Goods. According to prosecutors, Baldner struck the family’s SUV two times while traveling on the New York State Thruway, which caused the vehicle to roll over and crash. Baldner’s legal team maintained that the collision happened when the SUV moved in front of the trooper’s patrol car as he drove alongside during the chase.
In November, a jury cleared Baldner of murder and reckless endangerment but could not reach a decision on the second-degree manslaughter charge. Following the hung jury, Judge Bryan Rounds called a mistrial, leading to the second trial that started last month on the remaining charge.
During the recent proceedings, Assistant State Attorney General Jennifer Gashi argued that Baldner made the decision to “recklessly use his patrol car as a weapon” during the pursuit north of New York City. The defense, led by attorney Anthony Ricco, countered that Monica’s father, Tristin Goods, was the one who drove recklessly and caused his daughter’s death, the Daily Freeman reported.
The fatal incident began when Baldner stopped Tristin Goods for driving over the speed limit on the highway near Kingston on the evening of December 22, 2020. The Goods family, including Tristin, his wife, and their two daughters, were traveling north from New York City to spend time with relatives.
After Baldner and Goods got into a dispute, the trooper used pepper spray inside their vehicle. Goods then drove away, prompting Baldner to give chase.
The defense claimed that Goods hit Baldner’s patrol vehicle twice during the pursuit. A crash reconstruction specialist testifying for the defense said Goods lost control of the SUV when he oversteered following “a very minor impact,” according to the newspaper.
Baldner ended his career with the state police in 2022 after serving nearly two decades with the force.
Transportation Security Administration employees faced empty paychecks on Friday as the partial government shutdown stretched past the one-month mark, leaving airport security workers without their first full paycheck during the funding crisis.
The situation has created a stark contrast at airports nationwide, where travelers continue paying mandatory security fees with every ticket purchase while the very workers providing those security services labor without compensation.
At Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in Arlington, Virginia, passengers and staff moved through terminals on Friday as TSA officers continued their duties despite the financial hardship caused by the Department of Homeland Security funding lapse.
The ongoing shutdown has meant that while security fee revenue keeps flowing from airline passengers, the federal workers responsible for airport security operations have been left waiting for their paychecks as the political standoff drags on.
European Union member countries have initiated groundbreaking legislation aimed at prohibiting artificial intelligence systems from creating child sexual abuse imagery, marking the first major governmental action of its kind.
The proposal, announced Friday in Brussels, would expand the EU’s comprehensive artificial intelligence regulations that were enacted two years ago to specifically address this emerging threat.
The legislative push comes as government officials and regulatory agencies across Europe and Asia are taking action against sexually explicit material created by Grok, the AI chatbot developed by Elon Musk’s xAI company and deployed on the X platform. Authorities are particularly concerned about intimate deepfake images produced by the technology.
Currently, technology oversight bodies in the European Union, along with regulatory agencies in Britain, Ireland, and Spain, are conducting investigations into Grok’s capability to generate sexualized artificial intelligence deepfakes.
Before the proposed restrictions can become law, EU member nations must secure approval from the European Parliament. Parliamentary representatives are set to consider their own comparable measure during a scheduled vote on Wednesday.
The competing proposals represent the opening positions as both legislative bodies prepare for upcoming negotiations regarding the European Commission’s plan to modify certain aspects of the AI Act. While technology companies and some business interests have praised the potential changes, civil liberties organizations and privacy advocates have condemned the modifications as capitulating to major tech corporations.
Political observers expect the legislative process to continue for approximately one year before any new regulations take effect.
The Kansas City Current will begin their season without their star player, as 2025 National Women’s Soccer League MVP Temwa Chawinga remains sidelined due to an adductor injury that has kept her out since October.
Head coach Chris Armas addressed the situation with media on Friday, providing an update on the team’s top performer.
“She’s not available yet, but she’s getting closer,” Armas told reporters, though he wouldn’t specify when fans might see her return to action.
The injury occurred during Kansas City’s October 18th match against Houston Dash, which ended in a 1-0 defeat. Chawinga’s absence forced her to sit out the entire playoff run, contributing to the top-seeded Current’s surprising 2-1 elimination by eighth-seeded NJ/NY Gotham FC.
According to Armas, the team is taking a cautious approach with their MVP’s rehabilitation.
“We’re seeing her out on the training pitch these days, but it’s such a demanding season for these athletes, especially the demands that she puts into games. She’s getting close. We still are managing it the right way,” the coach explained.
The 27-year-old forward had a remarkable 2024 campaign, not only earning MVP honors but also capturing the Golden Boot award with 15 regular season goals. Her outstanding performance also earned her a spot on the league’s Best XI team.
Saturday’s home opener against Utah Royals will mark a milestone for Armas as well, as the former New York Red Bulls and Colorado Rapids manager makes his NWSL coaching debut. Before joining Major League Soccer, Armas led the women’s soccer program at Adelphi University, where he was also a student.
Ultimate Fighting Championship CEO Dana White has revealed plans to distribute 85,000 complimentary tickets for a massive outdoor viewing party accompanying their historic June 14 event at the White House.
The event, dubbed Freedom Fights 250, is expected to mark the first time a professional sporting competition has taken place at the presidential residence.
Speaking on the UFC’s YouTube Channel, White explained the logistics of the unprecedented setup. “The way that the White House is laid out, you’ve got the White House, you’ve got the South Lawn, and then there’s a road and then the Ellipse as a park that’s right there,” White said. “We’re going to be ticketing 85,000 people in the Ellipse. And the tickets are free, and we’ll announce how we’re going to be giving them away soon. But you should plan on going to Washington, D.C., for this event.”
White promised an extensive entertainment experience for spectators gathered in the park area. “There’s going to be all kinds of activations in the Ellipse. There’s going to be music, bands are going to be playing, and you can actually sit in the park and watch the fight on the screens, but you’ll actually see the whole setup. It’s right there. It will be a very unique, cool experience for fight fans,” he explained.
The announcement of Freedom Fights 250 came last August following White’s meeting with President Donald Trump at the White House. This sporting spectacle represents one of several events scheduled to commemorate America’s 250th anniversary celebration, with the fight date coinciding with Trump’s 80th birthday.
The main card will feature Alex Pereira and Ciryl Gane battling for the interim heavyweight championship. Should Pereira emerge victorious, he would make UFC history as the promotion’s first three-division titleholder.
Additionally, undisputed champion Ilia Topuria will square off against interim champion Justin Gaethje for the lightweight championship.
WASHINGTON – Multiple Republican lawmakers are facing intense criticism for social media posts that many view as targeting Muslim Americans, amid new data showing anti-Islamic incidents have reached unprecedented levels nationwide.
Alabama Senator Tommy Tuberville sparked outrage Thursday with a post on X that placed a photo of the September 11 attacks next to an image of New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani hosting a Ramadan iftar dinner at City Hall on March 8. The post included text reading “less than 25 years ago” and “The enemy is inside the gates.”
The controversial post targeted Mamdani, who made history as New York’s first Muslim mayor. Tuberville, who has a track record of anti-Muslim statements both online and in Senate proceedings, did not respond to requests for comment and later reinforced his position in additional social media posts.
The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) took the unprecedented step of adding Tuberville to its registry of anti-Muslim extremists – the first time the organization has placed a sitting U.S. senator on such a list.
The incidents occur as CAIR released new research this week showing Islamophobic events in 2025 have hit an all-time high. The rise in religious hatred extends beyond the Muslim community, with antisemitic attacks also climbing, including Thursday’s incident where a driver crashed a truck into a Detroit-area synagogue.
Tennessee Representative Andy Ogles generated widespread condemnation earlier this week with his X post stating, “Muslims don’t belong in American society. Pluralism is a lie.”
Rather than backing down, Ogles intensified his rhetoric, writing: “Muslims are unable to assimilate; they all have to go back.” He attached this message to coverage of federal terrorism charges against two individuals accused of detonating an improvised explosive device at an anti-Islam demonstration outside Mamdani’s residence. Officials say the suspects claimed inspiration from ISIS.
Ogles has repeatedly attacked Mamdani personally, calling him “little muhammad” and demanding he face “DEPORTATION” and “denaturalization proceedings” following his Democratic primary victory for New York City mayor.
Democratic lawmakers have responded with two censure motions against Ogles during the current congressional session. Michigan Representative Shri Thanedar filed the latest censure resolution Thursday, seeking Ogles’ removal from the House Homeland Security Committee.
“Congressman Ogles’ disgusting and bigoted words have no place anywhere in our country, let alone from a member of Congress. His words incite hatred against millions of Muslim Americans,” Thanedar stated.
House Speaker Mike Johnson declined to condemn Ogles’ statements when questioned by reporters earlier this week.
“The language that people use, it’s different language than what I would use, but I think that’s a serious issue,” Johnson said, referencing concerns about Islamic law being imposed in America.
Islamic law, or sharia, represents a collection of legal and moral guidelines interpreted differently across the Muslim faith. The concept of implementing sharia law in the United States lacks broad support among American Muslims and their community leaders.
CAIR Government Affairs Director Robert McCaw responded: “Ironically, the only people trying to impose their religion on America are those politicians who seek to ban Muslims from our nation, who try to force public school teachers to read the Bible to their students, and who demand that our nation go to war in the Middle East to fulfill their end times prophecies.”
Georgia Representative Andrew Clyde used the same Mamdani photograph as Tuberville in his Thursday X post, claiming Democrats “whine” about church-state separation regarding Christian imagery in government but “when it’s Islam, they welcome it.”
Texas Representative Chip Roy shared a Capitol building image with text reading “Protect America. Ban Sharia.”
Roy and fellow Texas Republican Keith Self established the Sharia Free Caucus, comprising nearly 50 legislators committed to prohibiting Islamic law and advancing bills like the “Preserving a Sharia-Free America Act.” Tuberville authored the Senate version of this legislation, which would block immigration benefits and authorize deportation for immigrants who promote implementing sharia in ways that conflict with U.S. law or constitutional protections.
Clyde, Ogles, Roy and Self did not respond to comment requests.
New York Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer characterized Tuberville’s statements as “mindless hate.” The 2020 U.S. Religion Census counted approximately 4.5 million Muslim Americans.
“Muslim Americans are cops, doctors, nurses, teachers, bankers, bricklayers, mothers, fathers, neighbors, mayors, and more,” Schumer posted on X.
A Dense Fog Advisory remains in effect for Delaware’s beaches and several coastal counties in southern New Jersey until 10:00 AM Tuesday morning, creating potentially hazardous driving conditions across the region.
The National Weather Service in Mount Holly issued the advisory Monday evening, warning that visibility has dropped to just one-quarter to one-half mile in dense fog. The advisory affects Delaware Beaches County along with Eastern Monmouth, Cape May, Atlantic Coastal Cape May, Coastal Atlantic, and Coastal Ocean counties in New Jersey.
Motorists traveling through these areas should exercise extreme caution during the morning commute. The significantly reduced visibility could make driving conditions dangerous, particularly on coastal roadways and bridges.
If you must drive, the National Weather Service recommends slowing down, using your headlights, and maintaining plenty of distance between vehicles. Consider delaying non-essential travel until conditions improve.
The fog advisory is expected to lift by 10:00 AM Tuesday as temperatures warm and atmospheric conditions change. Drivers should continue monitoring local conditions and weather updates throughout the morning.
This is a developing weather story. Stay with TV Delmarva for the latest updates on travel conditions across the peninsula.
Drivers across the Delmarva Peninsula should prepare for hazardous travel conditions as dense fog is expected to blanket the region from midnight tonight through 10 AM Tuesday morning.
The National Weather Service has issued a Dense Fog Advisory for multiple counties in our viewing area, warning that visibility could drop to just one quarter mile or less. In Delaware, Kent and inland Sussex counties are included in the advisory. Maryland’s Talbot County is also affected, along with several New Jersey counties including Western Monmouth, Atlantic, Cumberland, Ocean, and Southeastern Burlington.
The thick fog will create dangerous driving conditions during the overnight hours and Tuesday morning commute. Weather officials are urging motorists to take extra precautions if travel is necessary.
If you must drive during the advisory period, remember to slow down significantly, use your headlights, and maintain a safe following distance from other vehicles. Give yourself extra time to reach your destination safely.
The Dense Fog Advisory remains in effect until 10 AM Tuesday morning. Commuters should check current conditions before heading out and consider delaying non-essential travel until visibility improves.
Stay with TV Delmarva for the latest weather updates and traffic conditions throughout the advisory period.
Italy’s national baseball squad has emerged as the beloved underdog story of the World Baseball Classic, winning over fans with their unique blend of Italian culture and athletic determination.
The team has brought distinctive Italian charm to the tournament, featuring coffee culture rituals, traditional greetings, and group performances of songs by renowned tenor Andrea Bocelli. These cultural touches have made them fan favorites throughout the competition.
However, Team Italy’s goals extend far beyond simply entertaining crowds. The organization has set its sights on a much larger objective: establishing Italy as a legitimate baseball development center and talent pipeline.
Their approach combines the warmth and passion of Italian culture with serious athletic ambitions, creating a unique presence in international baseball competition.
Moscow has added Nina Khrushcheva, a 62-year-old American professor and descendant of a prominent Soviet leader, to its registry of individuals classified as ‘foreign agents’ on Friday.
Khrushcheva, who teaches at The New School university in New York, is the great-granddaughter of Nikita Khrushchev, who governed the Soviet Union from 1953 until his removal by the Politburo in 1964.
Despite Russia’s ongoing conflict with Ukraine that began in 2022, the academic has continued conducting research visits to the country.
When reached for comment, Khrushcheva expressed little shock at her inclusion on the list, which now encompasses 1,164 individuals and organizations including media figures, politicians, artists, and advocacy groups.
‘It would have been sloppy on their part not to do this sooner or later,’ she stated, noting it was premature to determine the real-world consequences of the designation.
The professor acknowledged the historical significance of her situation, referencing the current rehabilitation of Josef Stalin’s image in Russia.
‘There is certainly historical irony but not anything shocking. When Stalin is up, Khrushchev is down,’ she explained.
Her observation points to Stalin’s growing popularity in contemporary Russia, despite her great-grandfather’s historic 1956 Communist Party speech that condemned the dictator’s brutal policies. Russia recently commemorated the 70th anniversary of that pivotal address, reigniting discussions about both leaders’ historical impact.
Nikita Khrushchev notably transferred Crimea from Russian to Ukrainian control in 1954, a decision that President Vladimir Putin reversed through military annexation in 2014. The former Soviet leader also confronted President John F. Kennedy during the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis, bringing the world close to nuclear conflict.
According to TASS news agency, Russia’s Justice Ministry accused Nina Khrushcheva of spreading misleading information about Russian government actions and opposing what the Kremlin terms its ‘special military operation’ in Ukraine.
The ‘foreign agent’ classification imposes significant administrative burdens and financial limitations on those affected. Designated individuals must identify themselves with the label on all published content and social media communications.
While some government opponents embrace the designation as recognition of their dissent, others find it creates obstacles in their professional activities as fellow Russians often avoid association with labeled individuals.
A devastating drone attack on a marketplace in western Sudan has claimed 11 lives and left more than 20 people wounded, according to the French humanitarian organization Doctors Without Borders.
The deadly strike occurred March 12 at the Adikong market located near Sudan’s border with Chad. The attack ignited fuel storage areas, causing victims to suffer severe burns. Medical staff confirmed that 11 individuals died from their injuries in the blaze.
Doctors Without Borders reported treating 23 injured people at a hospital the organization supports in Adre, Chad. Among those hurt were seven children who required medical care following the attack.
This marks the second fatal drone assault in the area within less than 30 days, highlighting the escalating violence in the region. UN High Commissioner Volker Turk revealed Thursday that his office has documented reports of more than 200 civilian fatalities from drone attacks across Sudan since March 4.
The strikes have caused widespread destruction beyond the loss of life. “Many homes, schools, markets and health facilities were damaged or destroyed in the attacks,” Turk stated.
These aerial weapons have emerged as critical tools in the ongoing conflict between Sudan’s military forces and the Rapid Support Forces, a war that started in April 2023. The deployment of drones has enabled the RSF to counter the army’s initial advantage in air power during the early stages of the fighting.
HOUSTON – The ongoing conflict in Iran is driving California’s already steep fuel costs to extreme heights, with energy analysts warning that gas prices in the Golden State could reach an unprecedented $10 per gallon.
California’s unique fuel requirements and geographic isolation from other U.S. markets have made the state particularly vulnerable to supply disruptions. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz has blocked crucial energy shipments from Asia that California depends on heavily.
Energy economist Philip Verleger issued a stark warning about the situation. “The U.S. West Coast will become the poster child for the consequences of the attacks on Iran,” Verleger stated in his analysis, predicting that California motorists should prepare for both fuel shortages and prices that could exceed $10 per gallon.
The numbers paint a troubling picture for California drivers. Regular unleaded gasoline has jumped over 18% in the past month alone, reaching $5.42 per gallon on Friday – significantly above the national average of $3.63, according to AAA data. Aviation fuel costs at Los Angeles airports have climbed even more dramatically, surging 47% to approximately $3.85 per gallon since Middle Eastern hostilities began.
Verleger’s analysis suggests that West Coast states may need to slash gasoline and diesel consumption by 20% if fuel-exporting nations decide to restrict shipments to protect their domestic supplies.
California’s vulnerability stems from its transformation over recent years. Once among America’s leading oil-producing states, California has become increasingly dependent on imported crude oil and refined fuels as local refineries have either closed or switched to renewable fuel production.
The supply crisis has rippled across Asia, where refineries in China, Korea, and India have reduced operations due to Middle Eastern crude shortages. Some facilities have invoked force majeure clauses, legally allowing them to suspend deliveries during emergencies. Both China and Thailand have halted fuel exports entirely.
Import data reveals California’s heavy reliance on foreign fuel supplies. The West Coast brought in a record 128,000 barrels daily of motor gasoline and additives in the previous year, primarily from South Korea and India. Additionally, California imported roughly 54,000 barrels per day of jet fuel, with nearly one-third originating from South Korea.
Randy Hurburun from Energy Aspects explained the challenging outlook: Korean fuel imports are expected to cease temporarily, while neighboring Washington state lacks sufficient spare refining capacity to help fill the gap.
The crude oil supply situation is equally concerning. West Coast refineries typically import about 230,000 barrels daily from Middle Eastern sources, representing half of all Middle Eastern crude coming into the United States.
Kpler analyst Matt Smith outlined the predicament facing regional refineries. “All the crude that West Coast refiners import from the Middle East is at risk,” Smith explained, noting that facilities will be forced to purchase more expensive oil from Canadian or Latin American sources.
Major California refineries owned by Chevron in Richmond and El Segundo, along with Marathon Petroleum’s Los Angeles operation, have been the state’s primary crude importers. Marathon representatives confirmed they are fulfilling contractual commitments but declined to discuss sourcing strategies. Chevron similarly avoided operational details while stating their refineries continue serving regional customers.
Alternative crude sources remain limited due to strong Asian demand. Smith noted that Canadian oil availability is constrained to roughly 500,000 barrels by Trans Mountain Pipeline limitations and competition from Chinese buyers. Asian refineries are also competing for Latin American crude from Ecuador and Guyana.
“There is not a great deal of incremental supply available to U.S. West Coast refiners,” Smith emphasized.
Industry experts suggest West Coast refiners will maximize Alaskan North Slope crude usage, redistribute Canadian supplies, and potentially purchase Venezuelan oil despite shipping complications.
President Donald Trump is reportedly considering a temporary waiver of the Jones Act, which mandates that domestic crude shipments use U.S.-flagged vessels. This requirement increases costs for California refineries seeking Gulf Coast oil, and suspending it could provide some price relief.
S&P Global Energy’s Debnil Chowdhury summarized the global competition for available supplies: “All other regions are also needing barrels at this point due to a widespread panic of availability. There’s competition now for the barrels.”
Pittsburgh has bolstered its defensive backfield by securing cornerback Jamel Dean through a three-year agreement announced Friday.
While the Steelers kept contract details private, industry sources at Spotrac indicate the deal carries a value of $36.75 million, including $12 million in guaranteed money.
The 29-year-old defender leaves Tampa Bay after seven seasons, having been drafted by the Buccaneers in the third round back in 2019.
Dean delivered his strongest statistical performance last season, hauling in three interceptions with one returned 55 yards for a score. Across 14 starts, he recorded 46 tackles, registered one sack, defended nine passes, and forced two fumbles.
Throughout his professional career, Dean has appeared in 96 contests with 77 starts, accumulating 11 interceptions including two touchdown returns, 61 pass breakups, three forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries. His tackle total stands at 359.
The veteran defensive back brings postseason experience with 10 playoff appearances and earned a Super Bowl LV championship ring during his time with Tampa Bay.
